Avanti R2, 1963, refresh

[unimogjohn]

Still Friday. Just got another note from Greg re the Jenny's first flight. The pilot, Andrew King, sent this note to him and a movie clip.

"Greg, believe me, knowing you did the engine was one of the few reassuring things about today. Was pretty hyped up to fly a Jenny owned by a stranger."

The old girl really looks great in the air.

IMG_5014.mov

[unimogjohn]

Still Friday, PM. I am one of those guys that need "white noise" while I work. I really don't care what the noise is, but I lean towards the music of the 50's and 60s. The HDTV in the garage works well for streaming music, but its sound is rather meager. So today I purchased a sound bar with a smallish subwoofer. It is a Vizio 2.1 unit. It sounds great and tripled the volume over the TV's internal speakers. So now I am a happy boy. Going to mount the sound bar to the cart, but right now it is just resting on the top of the cart.

Took another load of stuff from the old garage to the new garage, and stacked it all in their new homes. I think I have all the filters moved. Here is the count.

20 for the Suburban and Trailblazer

6 for the Kubota tractor

19 for the Taurus SHO

9 for the Chev Van

3 for the Jaguar

3 for the Passat

and a whopping 24 for the Avanti

and I also seem to be well covered for oil also. Here is the oil table. Guess I better start changing some oil.

[SeventhSon]

John - do you have adequate broadband wayyyy out there in the country to stream music? I saw earlier where you had some sort of wireless transmitter on the house for your internet connection - where do you get your internet, and is it fast and reliable?

Edited August 15, 2015 by SeventhSon (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

Chris, yes, we have a local entrepreneur that provides "line of sight" broadband service. Not the greatest speed, 3 Mbps download, 1 upload. Adequate to stream, and is highly reliable.

Going to continue to move stuff into the garage. Today the welders are going to find a new home. And going to move over another big cabinet. Got to have a place for all the oil I have.

White Post Restorations in White Post, VA is going to have a big 75th Anniversary car show. A couple of us are thinking of going over to see the car or may register and drive the Jaguar over. This is on the 29th of August. I know that Greg and Dave Coco are going over too.

[packick]

Hey John et. al.:

 

I picked up my 2-post lift yesterday from the shipping depot.  Trailered it home with no problems (about 80 miles).  It took my neighbor and I about an hour to unload.  That puppy is heavy, 1500 lbs. as crated!  The lift is an Atlas PV-9P and is advertised as "Commercial Grade."  Here are a couple of pictures:

Edited August 18, 2015 by packick (see edit history)

[trimacar]

Big day today, moving an assemblage of early Wright airplanes, the most interesting and complete linear history of early Wright airplanes, ever.  I'm sure John will post pictures, the official pictures will appear in a future issue of Smithsonian Air and Space magazine.  John was there too, of course...

 

It will be hard to tell from pictures, the shear number of manhours, in both research and construction, of these replicated early Wright airplanes.  One has an original Wright engine, Number 33, others are either new casting or wood replicas.  Yes, wood replicas of entire engines.

 

Just as an example, the Wright Brothers taped two sash weights on the far wing spar, to offset the weight of the engine, which is mounted slightly off center to the other side.  Here's a picture of the "weights" taped to this airplane.

 

They aren't metal.  They're wood.  Seriously....

Edited August 18, 2015 by trimacar (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

Yes, we sure did have a great day at the Wright Experience. We had to move a total of six airplanes for their photo shoot. The day started at 7:30 AM and the last airplane was back in the hangar at 3:30. I think that we were all pooped by the end of the day. It was great hanging with David, Greg and the rest of the gang.

Here are the pics that I took. The airplanes tell a story of early flight, from the 1902 glider to the 1911 model EX "Vin Fizz".

Also are pics of the latest Jenny restoration.

[unimogjohn]

It is Wednesday, real early, up at 4 AM. Why? I have no idea, but we have a Greg report from yesterday's "Let move airplanes" event.

"Busy day today.

A photo shoot for Air & Space Magazine of Wright aircraft from our inventory. Faithful copies, the first time in history some of these models ever met.

An early start for final assembly and rollout, thank goodness for friends like Coco, the Feser's, Jon Battle, Thetan Ogle and his brother Rob, and of course the famous aviator Andrew King. Lots of heavy lifting, pushing and dragging aircraft some of which were wheeless and weigh in about nine hundred pounds. And ask Coco about moving the launch derrick around.

After playing "move the furniture" to suit the photographers, we got it all done and with rain threatening to close the show, we had them moved back in just as the showers hit.

Cast of machines:

1899 wing warping test kite

1902 Kitty Hawk glider

1909 Signal Corps Flyer on its launching dolly, track and catapult derrick

1910 Montgomery school machine

1911 Model B

1911 Model EX (Vin Fiz cross country replica)

1911 Orville's experimental Kitty Hawk glider.

My reward after a hard charging double-timing kinda day, the UPS guy unloaded my shipment of inner tubes for the REO. This evening was spent wrestling with a clincher tire. Sorry you missed it.

Our thanks to the borrowed help and the A&S crew."

=

Edited August 19, 2015 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

Still Wednesday, but PM. Fooled around in the garage for most of the day. Took several loads of stuff out to the new garage and put it in piles where at some point they will be organized. I also spent a few minutes and moved all oil products over to the shelving unit I brought over yesterday.

The propane folks are suppose to come over tomorrow and hook me up. They got confused with Keser and Feser and Keser got my Monday appointment. Oh well, glad it is still summer and not winter.

I also put the Jaguar up on the lift and removed the old tires. After the propane folks leave I will head on down to the local tire shop and have the new tires mounted.

I must say I had a great time in the garage today. I streamed "Phantom of the Opera" at Albert Hall. Turned the new sound bar up and just had a wonderful sing along while working and cleaning the Jaguar. I just love working now.

[unimogjohn]

It is Thursday, August 20th, early afternoon. Just got home from doing some oil shopping for the Jaguar's rear shock and steering box. Found the correct 10 wt hydraulic fluid at our local motorcycle shop; and was able to find the correct steering gear lube at the local auto parts store.

I doubt that the rear shocks have ever been serviced. I plan on draining them and putting in new fluid. I will top off the steering gear box. While the car is on the lift I will also change the rear end oil. I pulled the plug yesterday and a bit started to come out. At least I know that it is full. I will check the transmission oil also, it takes 30 wt motor oil.

I also dropped off the Jaguar's new rubber and had them mounted. Gave the old tires and tubes to Henry, our farmer neighbor. He has a 1937 Ford Coupe that needs them badly. Glad that someone is able to use them.

FedEx had already arrived and left me with two new wheel dollys. I have two, but needed two more so I can move the 23 McLaughlin Buick around in the new garage. I plan on moving the 1928 Buick into the third bay in the next few days. I want to clean out the house garage of everything automotive.

Early this morning the propane guys came by and installed the two 125 gallon tanks and hooked them up to the HVAC unit. We fired up the furnace to make sure that everything was working correctly. The 75,000 BTU's will certainly feel good this winter.

Oh, and we got 2.25 inches of rain last night, more on the way.

[keiser31]

I suggest that we exchange lives for a week so I can see all of the cool stuff that you have done, close up and personal. Color me jealous doesn't come anywhere near how I feel when I see your progress. Those tires look GREAT!

Edited August 20, 2015 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

Keiser, I guess it is finally "my time" to do something with my savings. And I hate rolling around on gravel.

And was looking around YouTube and found this video on the diesel engines. Pretty interesting.

[unimogjohn]

Just got hit with a huge, I mean HUGE, rain storm. Five inches in an hour and a half. Lots of steams flooded. Of course Alice had to go out in the middle of it to make a presentation on Master Gardening and guess what. The Trailblazer gave up the ghost. I rescued her and tried to start the TB, go go. Just cranked and tried to go, but then the entire dash went dead. I think that the key/ignition module in the steering column gave up. We will have it towed to the dealership tomorrow. Right now she is sitting on the side of the road about ten miles away. Oh well.

[unimogjohn]

It is Friday morning, August 21st. Heading off this morning to collect the Trailblazer with the open trailer with the winch. After doing some serious reading on the web, it seems like the ignition switch module in the steering column is the problem. So I ordered one last night, a $22 dollar item. Watched a YouTube video of its replacement, and it does not look that tough or difficult, just involved. So everything I planned on doing today will just have to wait a bit. Well, I do have a week until the Jaguar need to be at the White Post Restoration 75th Anniversary show. Should be able to get everything done by then.

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

 The new garage begins it's payback! Good luck, John.

 

  Five inches in an hour! Big boot nature was pouring water out of.

 

  Ben

[unimogjohn]

Ben, we had lots of flooding. Our creeks and steams overflowed, and some roads were made impassable. I did not hear of any significant damage locally.

Still Friday, but PM. Well, we picked up the Trailblazer this morning and hauled her home. Still the same problem as last night. Turn the key and nothing happens, and all the dash lights go out. Loading and hauling went fine. Sure glad that we have a 9,000 lb capacity winch for the trailer.

In the early PM I started working on the Jaguar. I changed the rear end oil and put in new stuff. The old oil did not look that bad, but I have no idea how long it has been in there.

With that done I cleaned up the top of the rear shocks to make sure that area was clean before I attempted to take out the oil filler screw. To my surprise, they both came out without a major war. I filled each to the top with fluid. They did not take much.

Since I was on a roll, I decided to take a look at the steering box. Surprise, surprise, it is filled with bearing grease, not oil. There is no way to remove the grease without rebuilding the unit so I decided to just mix the two and see what happens. It was low. Put in about a half pint. I will keep an eye on it for leaks.

Then decided to check the transmission. It has a dip stick that you access from inside the car by removing a cover. I was able to get the stick out from under the car. It was down about a pint so I pumped oil into it by feel from below. It looks to be leaking/seeping by the tail of the unit. Another thing to just keep an eye on.

Tomorrow I plan to grease all the fittings, do some minor cleaning and adjusting, and adjust the rear brakes. When that is all done I will use the pressure washer to clean the wheels and rims, and put them back on the car.

Upon inspection, the steering and suspension components seem to be pretty good. However, I do have a couple where I can see the rubber bushings are starting to go. Will have to look for a kit to do them all.

[SeventhSon]

That Trailblazer has a right many miles on her, eh John?

[unimogjohn]

Chris, I think about 180,000 semi-hard miles. How is your Avanti running? Might give us a report.

[unimogjohn]

It is Saturday, August 22nd. Up and headed to the Wright Experience hangar. Greg called and said they were moving an airplane back to the hangar at the Warrenton, VA airport. Was I in? Sure, might as well. Arrived at 8 AM and we loaded the plane into a semi. Inches to spare all the way around. We got it in and out of the truck without even a close call. The plane is now in its resting place. Here are the pics I took.

[unimogjohn]

Paul Rose and his family came to help this morning. They arrived in their 1968 Ford Galaxy XL convertible. Paul said that it has been in his family since he was five years old. Still all original except for a redo of the front seats.

Also at the hangar was a Austin Healy Sprite. A very nice example. I had a light blue Frog Eye Sprite my fist two years of college. That would of have been in 1965 and 66. Seems like only yesterday.

Edited August 22, 2015 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

Still Saturday, and I had a few hours to work on the Jaguar. I adjusted the rear brakes and gave it a lube job. Everything looks good under the car. I then pressure washed the tires and rims, and put them back on the car after some more cleaning to get all the marks off the rims and white walls. Looks pretty good with the her new shoes on.

In the mail today I also got a new welding helmet. I have one, but it is over ten years old, so figured I would be safe rather than sorry.

I also got the ignition module for the Trailblazer. Looks like I know what I will be doing tomorrow. I sure hope that it is the problem.

[SeventhSon]

Wow, those tires look great John! Looks like your lift is earning it's keep. You asked about my Avanti - she still runs like a champ. I took it out last Sunday, really drove her too far considering how hot the weather was. Wasn't really enjoyable toward the end of the ride - too hot. As I first left the storage unit I went into a gas station for a few gallons. A man coming out of the station was stopped in his tracks.

 

"Holy cow!", he exclaimed. "What is that - what a beautiful car!"

 

I told him what is was.

 

"Wow, that is some car - enjoy it!"

 

"Yep, it's a lot of fun," I said with a smile. It really kind of made my day - since I don't get to drive it around much I get bummed out about it and mope around. But then I get out in her and folks look at it, I get thumbs up, and then there was the gentleman at the gas station. So it makes me realize that I'm driving a piece of history and keeping the Studebaker story alive in a small way. Gives a sense of satisfaction.

 

And in other news I keep thinking about the hog trough replacement - I was just on the Classic Enterprises website studying what I'll be in for, starting with the cost. Maybe this winter....

 

I'll make an effort to dredge up the old "Avanti Rescue" thread and try to post something once in a while - thanks for inquiring about the old girl!

[unimogjohn]

Chris, yes, I think you should do a quick update on the blog. You have quite a following also. They probably think that you have either sold the Avanti or passed to the big junk yard in the sky.

Still Sunday. Got a short note from Joe. They got the lift post in their upright position. They still have to figure out the exact spot they are going to rest on. And looks like he is going to have to move or shield his propane infrared heater that is pretty close to the lift. Here is the pic he sent me. I am sure that he will post to the blog when he gets it all done.

I worked on the Trailblazer until it just got too hot. I have the truck outside on the open car trailer so it is sitting in full sun from 10 AM on. But as soon as the sun went down I ran out and finished removing all the shielding around the steering column and the ignition module. With some excess force I was able to get the harness plug out of the old module. Actually, I had to break the tab on the module to get the harness out. No loss as it is junk anyway. The new one slid right in and the key works just fine.

One thing surprised me. I disconnected the negative terminal and found quite of bit of corrosion on the terminal. I cleaned it up and hook up the battery to see if that was the non start problem. It was not.

Gave up as it is now too dark and besides I do not want to be disappointed all night long if this was not the problem. I will only take me a few minutes to hook up the battery and test it. If it starts then I will put back all the trim pieces and button her up. That should only take about thirty minutes or so. As you can see I did not remove any of the trim pieces, just left everything connected, but hanging loose. Worked just fine.

Edited August 24, 2015 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday, PM, August 24th. Sitting here in my favorite chair waiting for a big storm to pass thru. It is getting dark, and I head rumbling. Radar looks like the storm is making it over the mountains and heading towards us.

But this morning I worked on the Trailblazer. Hooked up the battery and turned the key. The dash lights lite up, a good sign, and then I turned the key all the way to start. NOTHING! Checked the battery and it is OK. Put on my code reader, the truck passed a checks.

Checked all the fuses. All OK. There is a starter relay so I will head in town tomorrow and pick one up. If it does not start then it look like I am going to have to take it to the Chev dealer in town. Oh, how I hate to do that.

So finished the detailing the Jaguar. All ready for the White Post Restoration Shop show on Saturday. Should be a huge event with 200 or more fancy cars coming.

[Guest Corvanti]

John, i've had a couple GM cars do the same or similar, a '92 Grand Am and a '99 Firebird. both turned out to be the ignition switch. the key would go in, turn, but would not start.

 

that might be something to check out. since it's a PITA to work on, at least for me, i farmed the repairs out to a trusted garage. around $350 each parts & labor. 

 

good luck!!!

[unimogjohn]

Kerry, I replaced it yesterday. The no dash lights went away, but still nothing when the key moved to the start position. The starter relay is only about $6 so will try that before I give up.

[unimogjohn]

It is Wednesday, August 26th, early PM. Spent the morning on the Trailblazer. Replaced the big relay. Nope, that was not it. I guess I now have a spare relay. So decided to put in another battery. Nope, that was not it. I looked at the gauges with the key in the run position and it show the ABS and service brake lights on. Since this happened in a big rain storm with lots of water on the road I am thinking now that water has gotten into some connection or actually shorted out some things. The starter does not do anything, no clicking, etc so it may be that the solenoid on the starter is fried. When I got to it, it did try to start, but would not catch. So I guess I am to the point where I have to take it to the dealer.

Also the Suburban threw a check engine light. Put the code reader on it. Says the MAF is out of range. I have some special cleaner and will spray the contacts and see if that fixes it.

But good news is that we have a report from Greg from the weekend. Here is his report.

"First thing in the morning isn't a good time for me to try to compose, but it's been busy here. Work and afterwork, not enough hours in the day. Guess that's summer.

Enclosed are some pics that have been languishing in my camera.

Last weekend's tour with the Model T group,

one of how I've been spending my evenings changing REO inner tubes (Greenfield Old Car Festival gaining on me),

and one of the low flying Paul Rose family in their 68 Ford Convertible.

Located some old stock "Made In USA" bearings for the 5054 Avanti,but no other progress on that front.

That is it for today."

=

[unimogjohn]

Wednesday PM update on the Trailblazer. Research a bunch and found out the the relay gets a signal from the PCM computer that says it is OK to run the starter. No signal, no starter. Jumped the circuit and the starter ran. So the PCM is suspect. Will take the connections off tomorrow and blow everything out. Will try to see of water got in.

Also took the Jaguar out to make sure the wheels were tight. The cat ran great and the new tires felt good. But I did not get it out of third gear. Steve called when I got home. He said he saw me, but he was going the other way so he did not have a chance "to light me up". Camaro Steve was in his unmarked patrol car.

Edited August 26, 2015 by unimogjohn (see edit history)

[unimogjohn]

It is Thursday, August 27th, PM. Well, now that I am 99.9% certain that my engine computer (PCM)is bad, I have taken it off the car. Found no water, dirt, etc under the sockets. However, I did notice that there was a reaction between the aluminum housing and the bolt holding one of the electrical modules on. The threads inside the PCM were corroded and ripped out when I loosened the connection. A galvanic reaction for sure. Anyway, I have sent it off to be repaired and upgraded. The cost will be around $200 including shipping both ways. On, and on the 99.9%, I really have no clue if this will work or not, but logic says it is the PCM.

And a farm story. I went up on the roof today to begin replacing a solar panel inverter. This is the fourth one that has gone kaput over the years. They are replaced under warranty, but I have to do the work. Well, I was on the roof and reached for one of the electrical connections and out flies about a dozen angry wasps. I moved quickly down the ladder and did not get stung. Alice brought home some spray stuff, and I squirted it around the module. Hope I got them or made them leave. We will know tonight.

[trimacar]

A few wasps have found me around my yard.

A wasp buzzing has the unique ability to make me move faster than I thought possible to vacate the area.

John, see you Saturday at the White Post event!

[unimogjohn]

Still Thursday, PM. The wasps are still hanging around. But there seems to be few of them. David, looking forward to the White Post Show. See you there.

And dumb me. I forgot to put up the electric windows on one side of the Trailblazer. With the "brains" gone I doubt they will work if I hook up the battery. I am sure I can figure out something to close off the interior if it starts to rain. I have a few magnets so I am sure I can hang something over the windows to protect the interior.

[trimacar]

Funny how you're getting rain, 40 miles away, we're dry as a bone here in Winchester, haven't seen rain for over two weeks...

[unimogjohn]

It is Sunday, August 30t, early PM. Yesterday we headed over the Blue Ridge Mountains to attend the While Post Restoration's 75th Anniversary Show.

We had a great time, but boy, did it get hot. But there were lots of great cars to help us keep our cool. Here are some of the cars. Someone said that there were 130 cars, another said 160, there were row upon row of cars so it was easily over 100.

We got to see Greg, David Coco and other friends so it was a fun day. The the 80 or so mile trip was great too. And the new tires on the Jaguar rode great too, even though I have not had them balanced yet.

I was surprise to not see any exotic cars that one would see at a concours.

[unimogjohn]

And we also took a tour of the White Post restoration shop area. Lots of stuff to see, and the place, although cluttered, was very clean. We were told that there are 15 full time employees. Greg told me that when he worked there in the 80s there were almost 40. Clearly the recession hurt them a bit, but now they are going full speed again. They are looking for talented folks in the metal and fabrication area as well as experienced trimmers.

[Roger Zimmermann]

From the frame and bumpers, I see that they have a Mark II in restoration. Certainly not a cheap proposition!

[unimogjohn]

Another Sunday report. This morning we dusted of the Jaguar and headed to our local "Cars and Coffee" event. Quite a few nice cars to include a 1937 Pierce Arrow that is all original. Here are the pics I took.

[unimogjohn]

Roger, you are correct. They have restored five and have four more to be restored. They are all limos and used to transport guests from the airport to the hotel. I think they said that each restoration is $400K. They have a lot of add-on to include additional air conditioners. The engines are also highly upgraded. It would not surprise me if parts of the cars are armored.

And Greg has a weekend report for us too.

"Busy weekend gone by already.

Saturday saw Barbara, Nathan and I at my old alma mater White Post Restorations where they were celebrating seventy-five years of operation. I had joined them when Billy was dipping his toes in the auto restoration field. I have been very fortunate to have found employment in career fields that fueled my restoration appetite. Fifteen years with WPR and hard to believe I'm working on twenty-five years since I was offered the opportunity to transition from the restoration of brass cars to brass airplanes.

WPR had a very nice display of automobiles previously restored there, including the Marriott 540K Merc cabriolet which I believe was finished in '83. These and over a hundred cars that turned out to help celebrate. A catered lunch for past employees and customers and lots of familiar faces made for a very nice time.

One special guest was my old friend and mentor Dave Plank. Dave turned my head to old cars early on with a ride in the backseat of his '23 Model T. I was hooked.

Afterward we stopped by Paul Rose's restoration shop. Nice visit. He was caught in the act of detailing his '23 Buick which will remain in unbelievable un-restored condition.

Then it was time to change gears for another celebration for Birthday girl Barbara. I had schemed to take her dancing at the Glen Echo Amusement Park. Although she guessed the surprise destination, she didn't foresee time spent riding their 1921 Merry go round.

Saturday's hard charging and late night did take its toll on us."

=

[Roger Zimmermann]

Roger, you are correct. They have restored five and have four more to be restored. They are all limos and used to transport guests from the airport to the hotel. I think they said that each restoration is $400K. They have a lot of add-on to include additional air conditioners.

 

John, you are mixing something. The limos are Chrysler/Imperial based, pictures 11 and 15 The Mark II they have in restoration can be seen at the pictures 2 (frame and engine) 6, 7 (the body at the RH), 12 and 13.

[trimacar]

That's correct, the Chryslers are limos, being done for a very wealthy person in the Middle East.  How wealthy?  He has his own airplane, I believe a 747, outfitted just to transport cars around the world.  He brings the cars into the US at Dulles Airport, where WPR picks them up.

 

The first one that WPR did, and sent back to that very hot area, the air conditioning couldn't keep up with the temperatures.  They redesigned the system, using two compressors and other modifications, so that it would work in the heat.

[unimogjohn]

It is Monday, PM, August 31st; and another really hot one. Almost 90 degrees and the humidity is way up there also. Spent the morning moving the 1923 McLaughlin Buick to its resting place for the next couple of months. Used the little roller shoes to help move it. I would declare them almost worthless. If you have all the little wheels going in one direction you can move it but no way if you have to have get them to move on their own. I end up using floor jacks and the tractor to shove it into place. What a pain.

But happiness happened. My propane dealer stopped by in his big white truck and filled up the two propane tanks. I am at about 77% for both of them, 150 gallons. So I am set for winter.

Anyway, now I have a spot for the 1928 Buick. So I put a little strap on her rear bumper and pulled her out of the house garage to the point where I could turn her around. Decided I better wait for Alice to come home and help pull her into the new garage. While waiting I did give her a bath. Looks much better now.

We used the little John Deere garden tractor for pulling, it quickly dug into the loose gravel in front of the garage. After several attempts and much cussing I got the Kubota and pushed on the rear spare tire assembly to get her in. That finally done, we have given up for the day.

This is the last big piece of junk from the house garage. Now I just need a couple of days to make it pretty again and move over the last bits. Getting close to being done.