Air dams on Avantis

[Laemmle]

Page 63 of the current issue of Avanti contains an article by Carl Doughty concerning attaching a Saturn air dam to the bottom of the radiator on an Avanti.
Today I purchased the part in question plus four special springs that are utilized on Saturn autos.
Has anyone actually attached one of these on an Avanti? How exactly is it done?...The springs are about four inches in length...which would allow the dam to hang under the radiator instead of being flush to the radiators lip.

Suggestions?

[jlmccuan]

This might help.

http://www.studebaker-info.org/tech/Avcool/airdam.html

[Laemmle]

Not exactly what I need, anyone else have experience with this?

[64V-K7]

I don't know what you are referring to when you mention springs. The airdam on my web page gets fastened to the lower radiator core support, using standard hardware, that you have to supply.



Bob Johnstone

[sbca96]

http://www.aoai.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=441&hl=air+dam

Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: 97 Z28 T-56 6-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[Laemmle]

Thanks Tom!

I purchased the smaller version, and I will install asap....

quote:Originally posted by sbca96

http://www.aoai.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=441&hl=air+dam

Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: 97 Z28 T-56 6-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires

[Karl]

I did one for the Twin. Was full with of the car about 3 1/2" to 4" wide. followed the conture of the front valance.

63 Twin Supercharged Avanti
64 Avanti R3w/NOS
88LSC Avanti 350 Supercharged w/NOS

[Laemmle]

The dealer gave me four springs p/n 21030793 Rad-Spring.

quote:Originally posted by 55Prez


I don't know what you are referring to when you mention springs. The airdam on my web page gets fastened to the lower radiator core support, using standard hardware, that you have to supply.



Bob Johnstone

[Lenny R2]

I installed the saturn air dam on my 64 Avanti.You mount it
under the radiator support.I put a piece of one inch aluminum
flat stock on each end to keep the end from bending.The springs
you are talking about are for a newer saturn.I had a 97 saturn
wagon that had the air dam with springs.They are for those
curbs in the parking lot to make the air dam fold up.

Lenny

[Laemmle]

Is the flat steel a must?

What nuts and bolts did you utilize?....too bad I could not use something like a toggle bolt...as the valley of the rad support is not exactly easy to get a nut into and later hold with a wrench while tightening the bolt.

[Lenny R2]

I removed the grill on my Avanti to install the air dam.
I used 1/4x1 stainless bolts&nuts bolts facing down nuts under
neath.I boltet the flat stock on each end so it wouldnt flex.
not sure it was neccesary.

Lenny

[Laemmle]

Are you saying I have to remove the wire mesh filler that covers the air scoop? I thought the dam gets bolted directly to the bottom of the radiator frame? My car is a '64. It would seem you bolted the dam to the actual fiberglass scoop opening...



[quote]Originally posted by Lenny R2

I removed the grill on my Avanti to install the air dam.
I used 1/4x1 stainless bolts&nuts bolts facing down nuts under
neath.I boltet the flat stock on each end so it wouldnt flex.
not sure it was neccesary.

Lenny
[/
quote]

[64V-K7]

I can't remember if you have to remove the grille, it may make it easier to install the bolts.Have you looked at this?

http://www.studebaker-info.org/tech/Avcool/AIRDAM3.JPG

Bob Johnstone

[Laemmle]

Yes I have.....but I see no need for the additional metal piece. Also I do not know if I am to bolt the dam to the actual bottom of the radiator support, or to the fiberglass valance that surrounds the air scoop......which in turn is covered by the wire grill on my '64?

quote:Originally posted by 55Prez

I can't remember if you have to remove the grille, it may make it easier to install the bolts.Have you looked at this?

http://www.studebaker-info.org/tech/Avcool/AIRDAM3.JPG

Bob Johnstone

[64V-K7]

The function of the airdam is to create a low pressure area behind the radiator, to induce more airflow, while moving. The bottom edge of the core support is the best location to enable this. That's what the instruction sheet spells out. It says nothing about the bottom of the fibreglass valence..

The airdam is wider than the core support. The reason for the stiffener, is to extend the rigid base of the core support, so the airdam doesn't flap in the breeze. If you bought Saturn part #21031161 and don't want to add the brace, then you'll have to cut down the end wings, which will diminish the function...

Bob Johnstone