Avanti rack and pinion

[Mangusta1969]

Alan and MrX,

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I was planning to change the dual nut setup to a cotter-pin/castellated nut setup, depending on whether or not the tie rod end is pre-drilled or is super-hard steel. The photos can be a little deceiving because of the weird photo angles and lack of familiar references. I'll get some measurements about the width of the Neon rack assembly as well as some clearance measurements; I didn't notice that the exhaust pipe was that close to the hydraulic line, but it might be. I'll report back.

The missing zerk fitting is already on the work list, but I think job One will still be to replace the OEM master cylinder with a 1969 Chrysler Newport/New Yorker dual reservoir M/C and to replace the old Stude rubber flex hoses with some braided stainless flex hoses in the front and rear.

BTW, my installation of some old, but gently used Koni adjustable shocks that were specifically valved in the 60s for the Avanti made a significant difference in better handling and anti-dive characteristics under hard braking. I would suggest that anyone needing shocks now strongly consider adapting some currently available Konis (for the 65 Corvette and the 1970s Camaros/Firebirds) to their Avanti.

[64Avanti]

The installation looks good but I would be worried about bump steer, the rack is too wide (inner ball joint to inner ball joint). Although the Studebaker setup looks like it has a lot of bump steer when it is jacked up at the front so that the suspension is in full rebound, in jounce it is not bad and that matters more. In smaller amounts of rebound of about 3-5 inches the rebound bump steer is also not too bad. You will not find an automotive rack that has the right dimensions as built. So a center tie rod mount rack is the best choice for a Studebaker with stock suspension.

Before jumping to the conclusion that the Studebaker steering is no good make sure that all of your suspension and steering parts are in good condition. The steering gearbox may be the hardest part to get into good condition.

Even newer cars with rack and pinion after 100K miles start to feel bad to me and need tie rods and ball joints replaced.

[Capttomb]

Mangusta, this is a fascinating thread. What ever happened? Did you make some measurements and a drawing? I am a recent Avanti owner, but a long term sports car guy (one owner Sunbeam Tiger). My Avanti is a basket case and needs everything, including a complete front end rebuild, so I'm wondering, "why not? ". All of my other vehicles, including both trucks have r&p steering and I am not a nut and bolt preservationist. Time marches on! You can email me at capttomb2@morrisbb.net .

[Mangusta1969]

Avanti Rack and Pinion Steering Conversion

Mangusta, this is a fascinating thread. What ever happened? Did you make some measurements and a drawing? I am a recent Avanti owner, but a long term sports car guy (one owner Sunbeam Tiger). My Avanti is a basket case and needs everything, including a complete front end rebuild, so I'm wondering, "why not? ". All of my other vehicles, including both trucks have r&p steering and I am not a nut and bolt preservationist. Time marches on! You can email me at capttomb2@morrisbb.net .

Capttomb, My Avanti has been laid up for a couple of years while I have been waiting for some more modern disk brake conversion hardware for it from a forum member.

My 63 Avanti is still a runner/possible daily driver but I have several other car projects in the queue. I would be happy to send you more detailed pix and measurements if you have specific questions. I don't think the Neon rack and pinion conversion adds much to performance for the 63 Avanti unless you are having some major issues with your Stude front end. Remember, my Neon R & P system is still using the Studebaker power steering pump.

My Avanti is currently stored on the upper position of a four post rack system so it would be easy for me to take some great pix of the Neon power rack and pinion conversion from underneath the car for you. Let me know if that would help you or send me some private emails to mangusta1969@att.net for specific questions and pix. Again, I bought my Avanti with this Neon R & P system already on it so I can't give you any technical details about the installation process. Meanwhile, keep that Tiger on the road! Were you aware that the Jensen factory in West Bromwich, UK was involved in the assembly/production of the Sunbeam Tigers?

regards,

Steve (Mangusta1969@att.net)