This is my 1975 Hillman Avenger Super.
(http://www.rpmphotography.co.nz/var/albums/MoPars-in-Gore-2012/IMG_9659.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010198.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/NZMF%20Casual%20HB/P1020707.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/Camp%20Adair/P1010217.jpg)
I brought this car early 2010 as my daily driver. Since I brought it I have been slowly customising the car to my tastes.
Before I brought this car I had been eye it up at a few car shows but the timing was never right. I saw it for sale at Galaxy of cars and at the MoPar nationals and since I had just become self employed I was looking for a new daily driver.
Discuss here. http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0 (http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0)
Here are some pictures from the night I went to pick it up. The photos after this are in chronological order so you can see all the work I have done on it in order.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000586.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000588.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000589.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000590.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000591.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000592.jpg)
When I brought it it had a stock 1500 with a down draught weber and Alpine exhaust manifold on it. It went okay for stock but it was pretty gutless so I knew that had to go. But more about that later.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000593.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000594.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000595.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000596.jpg)
My first project was a bit of an interior dress up. I am still not finished this as I have an Alpine dash to go in but that is on my to do list.
First thing I did was get rid of the steering wheel and gearknob.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000598.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000602.jpg)
After that I pulled up the ugly checkerboard they had on the floor. Once I pulled up the checkerboard I could see why they put it there in the first place. The carpets were completely rotted away. there was a few leaks which would have caused the carpets to get wet and rott. I guess the last owner just wanted to cover up the problem so I stripped out all the carpets and fixed all the leaks. I got a new set of carpets made for me by Autodec in Manakau and spent the weekend pulling out the old stuff and installing the new carpets.
When I first saw the state of the carpets I was really worried thinking I would have heaps of rust on the floor to deal with but as you can see it was sweet once I got the carpets out.
Drivers side front before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000605.jpg)
And after
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000607.jpg)
Passengers side before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000608.jpg)
After
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000611.jpg)
Passengers rear before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000615.jpg)
and after
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000620.jpg)
Drivers rear before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000613.jpg)
After
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000617.jpg)
Back section fully stripped
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000618.jpg)
This is the only solid bit of carpet I got out of the whole car. anything touching the floor was just sludge.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000619.jpg)
Mostly clean, ready for the new carpets. I did some more scrubbing after these photos just to get it spotless before installing the carpets.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000621.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000622.jpg)
Installed some underlay to help with the road noise.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000626.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000627.jpg)
Then came the new carpets. I had to modify them a bit to fit but all the joins are hidden by the center consoles so it looks mint when everything else is in.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000628.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000630.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000633.jpg)
At the same I expermented with different Avenger seats I had and after a bit of driving around I decided to go for the high back buckets because the low backs are pretty uncomfortable with the lack of shoulder support. At the same time I replaced the seatbelts and started my audio upgrade. I replaced the door cards which the old owner had cut up to put some crappy 4" speakers in. I went for some Pioneer TSD-1720 6.5" components with the woofer in the door and the tweeter in the dashboard. it has some old Pioneer 6x9" in the back which I will be replacing with some new Pioneer TSD-6902 speakers soon. I have just finished the second stage of my audio upgrade but I will post the photos of them later so it says in chronological order.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000734.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000735.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000952.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000953.jpg)
After sorting out the interior a bit I turned my focus to getting more power. I found the intake manifold new on Trademe for around $100 from aussie then the Dellorto DHLA40's were 2nd hand on Trademe for abour $500. also found a new fuel pump on Trademe.
Next thing was to search for a good block to built the engine on. I was looking for a 1600 Avenger Alpine engine because they have a dual timing chain, double vavle springs and a better head to start with.
I put a wanted ad in trademe looking for an Avenger engine. I got a few replies. the first was a standard 1600 from Hamilton for $200 which I passed on because the engine was pretty rough. Next offer was a pair of 1600 Alpine engines up north for $100 but they had been sitting outside for years so I passed on those.
Finally I got the offer I wanted. It turned out to be only a 1500 but I bored it out so it is the same bore as a 1600 but just a slightly shorter stroke which can be a good thing. The engine was out of a 1973 Avenger Alpine, the only year Alpines had a 1500. It was the guys fathers car and the engine had been rebuilt in 2000 then put in a garage in 2004. I got the engine for $100 for the block and head only.
I also brought some new headers and got them HPC coated. it was about $250 for the headers and about that again for the HPC coating but they look really great so they are worth it.
When I pulled the engine apart it was mint inside, you could still see the hone marks on the bore from the last rebuild and all the bearings were mint. Because I was building this as a performance engine I decided to replace all the internals even though they were pretty good already.
Carbs and intake manifold
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000885.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000888.jpg)
New fuel pump. see it's demise in later posts
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000955.jpg)
Shiney headers. they look soo cool. it is a real shame they are hidden by the carbs when they are in the car because they look awesome
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000956.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000957.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000958.jpg)
The new 1500 Alpine in it's old home in Wellington before it was pulled out and sent up to Auckland
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/v3257.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/v3259.jpg)
The new engine stripped and ready to start the rebuild
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1000999.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010001.jpg)
Okay now on to the fun stuff, the new engine.
It is a 1973 1500cc Avenger Alpine engine. It has all new lightened and balanced internals, polished crank etc. Heaps of work done on the head. custom ported and flowed with new valve guides and inserts. Custom cam made for the flow of the head. New GT double valve springs.
Carbs are dual DHLA40's on a modified manifold which has been port matched to the head and a set of modified headers.
It is pretty quick for a 1500, it loves the revs. pulls 7,000RPM with ease.
Any questions feel free to ask at http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0
Custom Kelford cams spec sheet
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030088.jpg)
Engine in the shop all ready to be swapped over
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010124.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010125.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010126.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010127.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010128.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010129.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010130.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010131.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010132.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010133.jpg)
Engine fitted in the car ready for its running in. I couldn't get the K&N's in time for the running in so I did my first 300km with no filters. sounded awesome
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010137.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010138.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010139.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010140.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010141.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010143.jpg)
After the running in with the K&N filters on. I have since removed that ugly cable going across the carbs and done some more engine bay clean up.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010144.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010147.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010148.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010152.jpg)
Avengers are known for breaking a few things after you increase the power of the engine. I learnt this on my race car but I thought I would be okay because I didn't think it was producing enough power to break stuff.
The funny thing is I was talking to one of my mates about how the standard fans flex and hit the radiator at high RPM and how we both had to switch to electric fans on our race cars, I told him I thought my road car would be fine without an electric fan then the next day on the way back from another mates place I heard this huge bang. Luckly I was literally at the corner of the road I live on so I coasted home and popped the bonnet water was pissing out of the radiator and I could see a missing blade. I walked back up the road and found the blade sitting in the middle of the road.
Also just before that happened I had the other weak link in the Avenger fail. The fuel pump. The shots below are it cracked after my 300KM running in. I replaced it with an electric fuel pump. I had the same thing happen on my race car but again I didn't think the little 1500 had enough power to do that to the fuel pump, it was brand new when I put it in, you can see pictures of it new further up the thread.
okay now for some pictures
Broken fuel pump
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010155.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010156.jpg)
Damaged radiator
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010163.jpg)
Broken fan
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010164.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010166.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010167.jpg)
Spare radiator
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010173.jpg)
Electric fan
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010176.jpg)
Thermostat control box
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010182.jpg)
Fan "on" light and manual override switch
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010186.jpg)
My speedo has never been very acurite and with replacing the dashboard soon I didn't want to fix it so I decided to get a fancy GPS speedo. It is really acurite and it has a programmable overspeed warning which is cool.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010185.jpg)
Next I got the bonnet repainted, It got some paint stripper or brake fuild dropped on it by my mechanic which ate through some of the paint so he resprayed the whole bonnet for me for free!! it is sort of a satin black, not quite a matt black but not a gloss black.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010189.jpg)
After that I was taking it down to a car show so I thought I would give it a good clean, when I was finished it looked soo good I figured I should go take some nice pictures of it.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010194.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010196.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010198.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010200.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010203.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010204.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010207.jpg)
Here is a quick sneak peek at my next project, an Alpine dash and instrument cluster.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010304.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010306.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010308.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010311.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1010312.jpg)
Next I went on to stage 2 of my audio upgrade. A kicker amp and sub with a new Pioneer head deck. I have also brought my rear speakers but they will go in over Xmas. I got really good deals all my audio gear from JB HiFi. for example I got the rear 6x9 Pioneer TSD-6902 speakers for $101.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1020962.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1020968.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1020983.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1020985.jpg)
Discuss here http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0
Some video of my 1975 Hillman Avenger that I previously posted under the Avenger you tube section.
A short video of the Avenger starting up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVjC4ZS1ltg
A longer one of the engine running, giving it a bit more revs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bax64htIGnQ
Going for a little drive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EojldShQkQ
Okay so I have started stockpiling parts for my upcoming projects.
I have decided to "borrow" some of the good parts off my race car and put them in to my '75. Namely the Volvo brakes and late model booster/master cylinder, Electronic dizzy and maybe some of the other suspension components.
I will also be doing my Sierra 5 speed gearbox conversion and installing an MSD 6AL.
Here are some pictures of my latest purchases.
MSD 6AL and MSD Blaster 2 coil.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030830.jpg)
Sierra 5 speed gearbox with homemade quickshift.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030770.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030771.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030773.jpg)
Discuss here (http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0)
Got my MSD and coil fitted. Still running on points at the moment because my electronic dizzy was no good.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030997.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030994.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1030999.jpg)
Okay guys, a quick update on my Avenger.
After much playing around trying to get the electronic dizzy going I have decided to give up on it and have gone back to running points which triggers the MSD 6AL and MSD Blaster 2 coil as pictures above. We did a lot of playing around on the electronic dizzy with the springs and weights and finally got it to looking right with a static timing of 8 degrees and a total of 32 degrees but there was a noticable drop in power so we gave up on it and went back to points.
I finally got the jets and chokes I have been waiting for so I could do my final tune. The engine is running so much better now. Tons more low end power with the smaller chokes installed. Pulls well from down low now. Before it would bog down at low RPM due to the chokes being too large and not enough airflow. Now they are perfect.
Here are the dyno figures after the final tune. You will see 2 lines. The top line is with the points dizzy and the bottom line is with the electronic dizzy. It got 78.1HP at the wheels which is would be a touch over 100HP at the flywheel. This is awesome because 100HP at the flywheel was my goal when I started this engine build and I am bloody stoked we got there. The Avenger Tiger was around 100HP at the flywheel so I am pretty much making the same sort of power as an Avenger Tiger.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040577.jpg)
Discuss here (http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=14.0)
Actually I just read that the Avenger Tiger made less power than I thought. It was 107HP gross at the flywheel but only 92.5HP net at the flywheel. And with my car being about 100BHP at the flywheel I am beating the Tiger by about 7HP at the flywheel!!!
Gross horsepower was measured at the crank with none of the accessories like alternator, water pump and air cleaners etc hooked up so they look much higher then the real horsepower. Net is still measured at the crank but with all the factory equipment installed. Then finally you have the rear wheel horsepower which is lower again because of transmission and tyre losses. They used to advertise the gross horsepower on cars to make them look more powerful but in real world numbers the Avenger Tiger would be about 71HP at the wheels. The bottom line in my HP graph was 70.1HP so that would be about what an Avenger Tiger would be compared to my final results which are the top line.
5 Speed gearbox in installed.
For more info read Avenga's 5 speed conversion project (http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=60.0)
Here is a couple of photos of the gearbox. Heaps more pictures on the 5 speed conversion thread.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040995.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040998.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050001.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050004.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050039.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050049.jpg)
Here are some photos of my front seats repaired.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040582.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050053.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050054.jpg)
I took my Avenger down to the panelbeaters yesterday to get it's respray done.
I have been really slack and keeping this thread up to date so I will repost all the bits and pieces from other threads in to this one.
First up was the brake upgrade & suspension upgrade. These are Volvo 4 pot calipers and BMW E30 rotors. I also swapped my race car suspension over to this car so I have adjustable Koni's all round and adjustable ride height and camber plates at the front.
This is the caliper all rebuilt and restored. All new pistons and seals etc.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8994.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9002.jpg)
Here they are bolted up to the E30 rotors. You can see some of the plumbing is done and you can see my custom struts along with the camber plate in the background.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/_MG_2663.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/_MG_2664.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/_MG_2666.jpg)
Next up was the wheels and tyre upgrade.
Got some custom Diamond Racing Wheels made for me. Took me 6 months to get them here after they took like 4 months to make them. They had trouble with the 4x108 stud pattern because it is not very common over there and because they are a pressed wheel they had to wait till they could get a press to do the centres.
They are 15x8 with a 4" backspace on the rear with 225/50/R15 Toyo Proxies T1R tyres, and 15x7 with a 4" backspace on the front with 205/50/R15 Toyo Proxies T1R tyres.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1160.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1156.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1154.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1159.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1167.jpg)
after that I did a little interior upgrade. Going from the old strip speedo to the round gauges of the Avenger Alpine. This cluster is actually out of an english Avenger GT so it uses Smiths gauges which are tons better than the NZ AC Delco ones.
I also swapped over to the Avenger Alpine dashboard and got it recovered.
Here are some photos of the new cluster. This was before I get it restored so now it looks like new. I replaced the glass on the temp gauge and repainted the damage to the rev counter
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1304.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1297.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1294.jpg)
Here are some shots of my new dash.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1316.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1314.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1313.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1306.jpg)
And here are some shots of the difference between AC Delco and Smiths.
The cluster on top is the NZ one and the one on the bottom is the UK Smiths ones.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1323.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1322.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1320.jpg)
And then the final bit is the exterior.
I brought some mould for a fiberglass bonnet, boot with spoiler and chin spoiler.
I also did a quad headlight conversion.
Here is a shot of it with the quad headlights and fiberglass bits. I haven't got the flares or big wheels on in this picture because they will require the body to be cut to make them fit
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_3135.jpg)
Here is a photoshop that one of my friends did to show what the finished car may look like.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/PhotoshopedAVENGER.jpg)
Here are some more shots of the fiberglass bits and some of the flares we tried. The front ones will stay but we are using some Capri ones for the rear.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4755.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4749.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_1443.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4694.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4693.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4690.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4685.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4683.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4678.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4676.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4673.jpg)
Hey guys.
Mega panelbeating photo dump!!!
So I went down to GT Refinishers to check out the progress on the Avenger. It is looking good, heaps less rust that I thought there would be, heaps of dodgey repairs by previous owners but the body is really good otherwise. Grant said the body looks really good.
The back wheels look huge now they are fitted and they will fill up the flares nicely. The fronts are a different story, they don't stick out past the factory guards so I have some spacers which I will use to mock up the wheels then I will get the offset changed from a 4" backspace to a 3" back space.
So let the flood of photos begin.
This is the rear wheel how it sits at the moment, they need to cut a bit more out, probably up to the blue line. I also need some harder springs but the ride height is looking really good.
This is how the flares will sit in the end
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4941.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4943.jpg)
This is how much they have cut so far, you can see the blue line which will be where the final cut will be.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4922.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4919.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4918.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4923.jpg)
Here are some little patches etc they have done
This one is by the back window
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4926.jpg)
This one is on the other side of the back window
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4927.jpg)
Top of the back window
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4928.jpg)
Front guard
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4930.jpg)
Around the front window
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4932.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4933.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4934.jpg)
Engine bay all stripped and all the holes welded up.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4936.jpg)
Battery is moved to the boot
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4937.jpg)
Bonnet latch is removed because I don't need it with the fibreglass bonnet
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4938.jpg)
Fancy pants adjustible front suspension, Ex-my rally car
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4939.jpg)
tail lights
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4944.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4945.jpg)
rear quarter, you can see a few rust holes that will be patched
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4920.jpg)
They also did patches on the other rear quarter plus most the doors and the front guard.
Latest progress shot, via the GT Refinishers facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Gtref
They are doing an awesome job. Can't wait to see it finished.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/178017_458302847538051_935181757_o.jpg)
I went down to GT Refinishers yesterday to see the progress in person.
It is looking very cool. The rear wheel look so wide now with the factory guards cut back. They are having to extend the rear flares a bit to get them to fit over the wheels.
Here are some more photos.
I love this shot looking down the side of the car, shows how wide the rear wheels are.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4974.jpg)
Passengers rear
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4949.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4962.jpg)
Drivers rear
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4963.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4966.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4970.jpg)
Rear guards cut ready for the flares. We cut all the way up to the bottom of the doors.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4973.jpg)
Rear passengers door
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4976.jpg)
Rear drivers door
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4977.jpg)
Still got the front to strip and paint.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_4979.jpg)
Latest progress shot from GT Refinishers.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/277883_463930520308617_451520134_o.jpg)
Went down to the panelbeaters to check on the progress. These will probably be the last shots before in gets painted. It is scheduled to be painted on Thursday. Just got some final blocking to do and the front flares.
Also went and brought all the rubbers for the Avenger.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6613.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6643.jpg)
I think the rear flare look great, they make it look really aggressive.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6637.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6632.jpg)
They made the lower section of the flare out of steel so it won't break if people kick it getting in and out of the car.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6646.jpg)
Here are some more shots of the rear spoiler now that it is in primer. I think it really suits the car now.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6615.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6639.jpg)
Engine bay is looking super tidy now. I am going to hide all the wires so it should look very clean when it is done.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6625.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6626.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6627.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6628.jpg)
Lots of rubbers, I got the door rubbers, boot seal, window chanel, inner and outer bottom window seals plus some rubbers for the tail lights for just under $400 all up from Reid and Twiname. Plus the front quarter lights from the UK.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6608.jpg)
I spent the night prepping and polishing my tail lights. I managed to find some NOS lenses awhile ago so I gave them a good polish also.
They came up really well. I polished the crap out of the refectors so they should be pretty bright.
My next job is to find some screws as they were all rusted and find a signwriter who can put a little black vinyl strip in the groove around the outside.
Then I can put them all back together and fit my new seals.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6675.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6652.jpg)
New Old Stock lenses. they have never been fitted to a car but they had lost their luster over the years of sitting, so I gave the a good polish.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6673.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6672.jpg)
Exciting day!! I got the first shots of the Avenger in colour from my panelbeaters. I will go down on Saturday and see it in person and take some more pics.
Also finished assembling my tail lights. I also have some brand new halogen front lights to go in. Thanks Ross!!
Here is a shot of the first base coat.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/616614_466751646693171_1705903667_o.jpg)
and here it is with the final clear coat.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/202358_466763623358640_424950994_o.jpg)
Here are the finished tail lights (minus the black strip)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6688.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6682.jpg)
Latest update from the panel beater (GT Refinishers http://www.facebook.com/Gtref)
Rear flares are painted. The colour looks amazing, can't wait to see it in person.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/416163_467128439988825_1896336206_o.jpg)
I went down to GT Refinishers today to check out the paint job on the Avenger. It looks amazing in person, the photos don't do it justice. The paint still needs to be buffed but it is looking unbelievably awesome at the moment. Grant said it has had over 200 hours spent on it so far.
It should be finished at GT Refinishers by next weekend, then it is back to Bygone Autos to get the engine etc back in.
Here are some better pictures of the paint job.
The rear spoiler looks amazing now that it is painted
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6695.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6714.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6708.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6707.jpg)
Close up of one of the flares painted
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6701.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6703.jpg)
Front fender minus the flare
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6709.jpg)
Engine bay looks great with the bonnet catch and battery removed.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6719.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6720.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6725.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6727.jpg)
New under seal under the guards
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6730.jpg)
There isn't much room in at the panelbeaters so I can't get a good side on shot so these rear shots will have to do.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6737.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6743.jpg)
Test fitting the front spoiler and flares at GT Refinishers (http://www.facebook.com/Gtref)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/256440_468603059841363_973467060_o.jpg)
Another progress shot from GT Refinishers.
Looking really awesome now that it is getting put back together.
I am going down the GT Refinishers tomorrow to get some more pics. Should be pretty much all back together by then. I am hoping to pick it up on Monday and take it back to Bygone Autos for the rest of the work.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/289049_469868809714788_387718230_o.jpg)
Another update.
Went down to GT Refinishers to check out the Avenger now that all the panel and paint is done. It looks amazing in real life. Pretty much bang on how I imagined it when I started, Grant and the guys at GT Refinishers have done an outstanding job making it a reality.
The front will come down a bit then we drop the engine back in, and I am going to increase the front track so the wheels fill the flares a bit better. I am very please with how the back is sitting, looks incredibly tough. I am going to be getting some harder springs but probably leave it at same height at the back.
All the rubbers are in the car, I will be getting some new tints after I get it back on the road.
Looks awesome now with the newly painted front grille and quarter bumpers
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6753.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6765.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6772.jpg)
The front wheel will come a little more forward and outwards as we adjust the castor and track.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6748.jpg)
The boot has been coated in POR15 then textured and sprayed black, those are all the old rubbers out of the car.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6774.jpg)
Spoiler looks great all painted up
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6782.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_6799.jpg)
Picked up my Avenger from GT Refinishers today. Back to Bygone Autos for the rest of the work.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8504.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8516.jpg)
Another update.
Spent the day down at Bygone Autos polishing all the chrome. Pretty happy with the results.
Tailpipe before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8521.jpg)
After cleaning with wet aluminium foil
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8523.jpg)
After polishing with Autosol
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8531.jpg)
Back bumper before
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8525.jpg)
After
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8542.jpg)
Front quarter bumper
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8527.jpg)
Grille and badge (need to repaint it)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8545.jpg)
Started to hide the loom under the fender.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8537.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8538.jpg)
Another quick update.
Brand new Diesel Alternator and custom made bracket, this will provide vacuum for my brakes, I found since I switched to the side draft dellortos I had weak breaking because it only ran off one runner. This should give me better vacuum and augment my 4 pot volvo/BMW brake setup
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8610.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8612.jpg)
Brakes are all plumbed up now with new hoses
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8613.jpg)
Engine and gearbox are back in, still heaps more to do.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8616.jpg)
Hi Guys.
Another update. Went down to Bygone today to continue work on getting Avenger ready. Today I polished all the rubber hoses and got the front and rear windows cleaned up and ready to go back in, removed the old rubbers, removed the old purple tint and scrapped off all the old silicon etc.
Other progress Bygone has made are the wiring is almost finished, they have also put in an oil return feed for the Alternator in the sump. They have also finished off the custom alternator bracket. They also welded up my broken seat.
Engine bay is starting to come together nicely.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8625.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8632.jpg)
Alternator bracket all finished.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8635.jpg)
Oil return feed for the Alternator
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8637.jpg)
My seat repaired waiting to have the old skin put back on.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8644.jpg)
It looks like someone modified my seats from a set of standard Avenger seats. You can see they just welded a hoop on the top of a standard Avenger seat. They looks factory with the skin on, so I wonder if they were done by the dealer.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8645.jpg)
Hi guys, another update.
New Dashboard and cluster is installed
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8938.jpg)
Still need to make up a center panel under the heater
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8941.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8934.jpg)
Custom catch cans are finished
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8949.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8956.jpg)
moved the vent on the rocker, I will probably be chrome plating the rocker cover.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8957.jpg)
Hidden radiator fan controller
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8962.jpg)
Another quick update.
Engine is pretty much all ready to go now. Also the rear parcel tray etc is finished and installed.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8965.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8968.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8974.jpg)
Another update.
The race is on to get my Avenger ready for my big trip down to the South Island for MoPars in Gore. So much stuff still to do and only 3 weeks left before I leave.
Finished off some of the last bits in the engine bay.
Custom made strut brace, modified from a BMW 318i.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8980_zpsf79338db.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8982_zpsc0233ba6.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8983_zps4713e2ec.jpg)
A little bonnet support for when I have my fibreglass bonnet open.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8992_zpsf67f069c.jpg)
Windows are back in.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8988_zps78fd4262.jpg)
Rear window with new parcel tray and C pillar cards.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8997_zpsc37e5262.jpg)
I reached a huge milestone yesterday. I brought my Avenger home, first time in over a year. I got my WoF Rego and cert yesterday so it is all road legal and back driving.
We reset the new odo so we are starting back at 0km, I have put about 50km on the clock so far.
Other news, got the stereo etc running, we mounted it in the glovebox so it is hidden. I will upload some photos of that later.
We had to lift the back a bit because it was rubbing but I will see if GT can take some more out of the guard then we will drop it back down.
She drives really well with the new rubber and suspension mods. I have only done some road town driving but I plan to fang it over the weekend to sort out any bugs.
With only just over a week to go before I go down to the South Island for MoPars in Gore. Still got a big list of things I want to do before I go. I have the tints going in on Tuesday, then I have just ordered a quick shift kit for the 5 speed sierra box so I have to install that before I go.
here are some pictures, I gave her her first wash since being painted, so shiny and pretty.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9030.jpg)
I love the way the wheels catch the light, I have some black wheel nuts for them which should look sweet.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9013.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9046.jpg)
heaps of mods listed on the cert plate.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9052.jpg)
A quick final update before my big road trip down to MoPars in Gore.
It has been a busy week getting everything finished in time, but I can finally say my car is finished (well as finished as a classic car can be, I bet I will be doing more crazy mods to it when I get back). I got the tint done by Car Folie, I went for their top of the line 3M tint. I also picked up the last bit of upholstery for Grant's Auto Upholstery. Just had enough time to get some 3M stoneguard applied so I don't get any stone chips on the way down. The signwritter came over to my place to do the stoneguard and didn't finish till 7:30pm (poor guy but super stoked that he could do it before I leave).
I also got a short shift gear lever installed on my Sierra gearbox, the gears are ridiculously close together now, it feels so racecar to drive now.
Spent today washing and polishing the Avenger, got 1 day left to pack then I leave on Tuesday, can't wait.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9124.jpg)
Finished my custom badges. I have named my Avenger as an "Avenger Panther". I figured it was no longer the "Avenger Super" it started out life as, and it is not an "Avenger Tiger" Replica. I decided to keep with the Tiger theme and create the worlds only "Avenger Panther". Had the Avenger Panther badges watercut out of 3mm stainless.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9127.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9119.jpg)
Polished up the strut brace. Came out really well.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9144.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9146.jpg)
The stereo is hidden in the glovebox.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9147.jpg)
New center console and clock.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9155.jpg)
Sorry for that lack of updates.
She is all finished and back up on the road so I have been doing tons of driving. Drove down to the bottom of the South Island for MoPars in Gore, then Turangi for the NZ MoPar Forum casual. I did around 5,000km in 3 weeks, she didn't skip a beat.
In other news, I took it out to the Dyno today out at West Auckland Engine Reconditioners. 86.8HP @ 6100RPM and 82.8lb-ft @ 5200RPM. Not bad for a little 1500.
Anyway here are some photos from my trips and a video of the dyno run
(http://www.rpmphotography.co.nz/var/albums/MoPars-in-Gore-2012/IMG_9659.jpg)
(http://www.rpmphotography.co.nz/var/albums/NZMF-Casual-2012/IMG_0436.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=984EqYJx0Uw
Hi guys.
It's been a long time between updates. Been out heaps enjoying the Avenger.
I have just been working on one of the final mods which will be ready in time for my annual trip down to the South Island.
As the Avenger has a pretty tiny tank, I figured it would be nice to make a bigger tank to put in the boot.
Here are some CAD shots of the design. It works out to just over 75L before we put in the fuel cell foam.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/tankcolour_zpsda544cf6.png)
And here is it once it has been fabricated. It sits on a custom built frame and also has a sump and pick on the bottom.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0335_zpsc4696f7f.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0336_zpsc2033eca.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0337_zps977c7293.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0341_zps2d9167c6.jpg)
The big tank is all installed and ready to rock.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0346_zps7a09859e.jpg)
Breather and sender etc
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0348_zps78fd01ce.jpg)
Sump and fuel line
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0350_zpscb674eac.jpg)
Fuel Safe filler (It says Racing on it so that adds at least 5hp)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0356_zps24eb6f56.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0358_zpsf29f9fb3.jpg)
Fuel gauge is mounted in the glovebox below the stereo.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_0365_zpsfc56c301.jpg)
A bit of bad news.
On the way back from the South Island the engine in the Avenger went boom.
I was hoping it was just a blown head gasket but after we got the head off we found that it had melted one of the pistons.
Looks like one of the carbs got blocked then the engine ran lean. I had this same thing happen to my race car down the back straight at Pukekohe.
I need to replace the pistons and rings etc, clean up the bore and get rid of all the melted piston. after that I need to crack test the block and rebuild the rest of the engine.
It will be out of action until after xmas.
Finally got my Avenger back on the road after rebuilding the engine.
Just fitted a new Avenger Auto triple core radiator and a new throttle cable setup.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9677_zps61b5f014.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_9677_zps61b5f014.jpg.html)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_9680_zpsb0353444.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_9680_zpsb0353444.jpg.html)
Hey guys.
I am going on a 15 day track-day tour of all of the race tracks in the South Island of New Zealand in my Avenger. I used to race back in the day so I have raced at most of the North Island tracks but I have never been to any of the South Island tracks.
We are starting the trip by meeting at Hampton Downs race track. We aren't doing a track day of this track as part of the tour, but this is my local track so I have raced there before.
(https://hamptondowns.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/08/xhd-international-circuit-map-1024x724.jpg.pagespeed.ic.JKQEGCUNr_.webp)
After that we drive down the North Island and catch the ferry across to the South Island. We are then driving all the way down the west coast, stopping off at the glaciers and the Milford Sound, then to the very bottom of the South Island for our first track day at Teretonga Park, in Invercargill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teretonga_Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teretonga_Park)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Teretonga_Circuit_track_map.svg)
After that we head up to our second track day at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell. This is New Zealand's newest track and it is massive, 4.1km with 22 corners. It was designed by drawing inspiration from some of the world's most famous race tracks, so it is really varied. I have wanted to race here ever since it was built.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlands_Motorsport_Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlands_Motorsport_Park)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/81/Highlands_Motorsport_Park_%28Full_Course%29.png)
Our third track day is at Timaru International Motor Raceway (A.K.A Levels Raceway) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timaru_International_Motor_Raceway (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timaru_International_Motor_Raceway)
(http://www.southcanterburycarclub.org.nz/images/circuitmap.gif)
And then our final track day is at Mike Pero Motorsport Park (A.K.A Ruapuna Speedway) in Christchurch. It a bit of a tricky track because you need to brake for Flexopass corner while you are going around that bend on the straight
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pero_Motorsport_Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pero_Motorsport_Park)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Powerbuilt_Raceway_at_Ruapuna_Park_%28longest_layout%29.svg/1432px-Powerbuilt_Raceway_at_Ruapuna_Park_%28longest_layout%29.svg.png)
After that we are cruising back up to the ferry then back up the North Island.
It really is a once in a lifetime trip. This will be my 6th time driving my old classic cars down to the South Island but it will be my first time on any of the tracks down there is I am really looking forward to some real world racing.
Here is a full itinerary and maps of the trip
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1465052036955297.1073741835.424707237656454&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1465052036955297.1073741835.424707237656454&type=3)
As practise I downloaded all the tracks in Assetto Corsa and I have been practising in a Ford Escort in VR, which is the closest I can get to my Avenger.
If any of you guys live at any of our overnight stays then give me a yell and we can catch up
Some videos from day 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dqP4AsVrRM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dqP4AsVrRM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P2-bSjpyu0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P2-bSjpyu0)
Did the first track day at Teretonga today.
Awesome track. Had a real blast. I'll post some videos when I get home.
Here are some lap times.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/Image-1%201_zpsziefasyl.png) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/Image-1%201_zpsziefasyl.png.html)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/Image-1%20Medium_zps2oisqifb.png) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/Image-1%20Medium_zps2oisqifb.png.html)
Finished my second track day at Highlands Motorsport Park.
Really amazing track! really long at around 4km with 22 corners, it is not a very fast track but it is really technical. I was even popping up on to three wheels coming under the bridge.
I am really glad that I practised this in VR because it is confusing as anything. Heaps of people struggled with knowing which way to go but as I had practised it so much then it translated pretty well. I improved by about 4 seconds from my first session to my last session.
It is NZ's newest track and it is really flash. Had so much fun. I have a couple more days of driving, and then the last two track days.
Here are some times
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_5343%20Medium_zps0dirjvu0.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_5343%20Medium_zps0dirjvu0.jpg.html)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_5345%20Medium_zps6pwchynq.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_5345%20Medium_zps6pwchynq.jpg.html)
A couple of videos from the last 2 track days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSFFiQX5gDM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSFFiQX5gDM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32e5ufEsbzM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32e5ufEsbzM)
I have made it back from my epic road trip around New Zealand.
It was a truly awesome trip. 4,807km, 15 days, 4 track days, stopped in at another 2 tracks on the way to watch other racing.
After racing on all the tracks, I would say that Ruapuna was my favourite to race at, because it suited my car the best, but Highlands was the one that I was most looking forward to, just because it is such an amazing track.
My car went almost perfectly, snapped a throttle spring at Highlands (I run dual throttle springs for just such a event)
Cracked my alternator front housing at Levels, duct tape and cable ties couldn't quite fix it but I got a new one out on a sub 60 courier and was up and racing for the afternoon sessions.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_5390_zpsqknv56z0.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_5390_zpsqknv56z0.jpg.html)
I also broke my steering wheel on the last session at Ruapuna, lucky it was the last track. With no power steering, my arms were killing me by the end of the track days.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_5399_zps5iay4ecr.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_5399_zps5iay4ecr.jpg.html)
But other than those small problems the car went really well, not bad for a 43 year old car.
Some lap times for the last 2 track days.
Timaru (Levels)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5424_zpsoprd9pdh.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5424_zpsoprd9pdh.jpg.html)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5425_zpsxijqdhmr.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5425_zpsxijqdhmr.jpg.html)
Ruapuna
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5427_zpsg71ppcch.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5427_zpsg71ppcch.jpg.html)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5428_zps3knpuf7u.jpg) (http://s871.photobucket.com/user/avenga76/media/1975%20avenger/IMG_E5428_zps3knpuf7u.jpg.html)
And some videos of the final two tracks
Timaru (Levels)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8XQc237ZvI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8XQc237ZvI)
Ruapuna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSis94A6O8Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSis94A6O8Y)