Discuss my 1975 Avenger here
Hey have you had your Avenger on the dyno? be interesting to know what increase in hp you got
It's such a nice looking car, the Hillmans look better than the Chryslers I think
Thanks. I am pretty happy with the way it looks, sounds and goes. Those who have seen it in person or gone for a drive in it will know what I mean. I need to do a you tube video or something of it because it does sound as good as it looks.
I haven't had it dyno'd yet because I am waiting on some jets and chokes for the Dellortos to get them tuned properly. I plan to take it drag racing next month so that will be interesting. The old owner could do 20 second 1/4 miles.
I used to be a fan of the Chryslers but I think that is just because I owned one for so long. Now I have both I have to say the Hillman is much better looking.
god Id hate tyo think what hp I have atw in my 1300. probably about 9
If you still made stock power 1300's make 58HP at the flywheel with all the accessories like water pump and air cleaner take off. So I would say on a dyno it would get around 40HP at the wheels.
to be completly honest I would have thought yours would be making more power than 100hp but obviously not lol
although I suppose a factory 1500 puts out 65-70odd? so pushing it up to 100hp is no mean feat
I am happy with 100HP I think any more than that out of an avenger engine needs race cams etc.
here are the Avenger 1500 specs.
1500 standard= 63HP
1500GT/TC/Alpine= 75HP
1500 Tiger=92HP
My 1500= 100HP
It does drive like it has more power but remember old cars don't have huge HP like modern turbo cars do. My Charger is only 203HP stock. I took that to the same dyno last year and only got 116.2!!!! from a 265hemi!! which is 4.3L so for a little 1500 to make over 2/3 what a 4300 makes then that is pretty awesome.
If you work out power to weight ratio the Avenger is better than the Charger
Avenger
Power at Flywheel (BHP) : 100
Weight without Driver (KG) : 850
Power to Weight Ratio (BHP Per Ton) : 119.54
Charger
Power at Flywheel (BHP) : 144
Weight without Driver (KG) : 1352
Power to Weight Ratio (BHP Per Ton) : 108.22
Here are the 2 dyno runs to compare.
Avenger
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040577.jpg)
Charger
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1972%20Charger/P1040580.jpg)
what rpm did the avenger peak at?
78.1 @ 6000RPM
The end of the line is at about 6250RPM. It goes up to 7,000 but there isn't much point testing it after it starts dropping off. It holds the power really well between 6250 and 7000RPM and the drop off is pretty gradual.
thats quite low/usable considering, was thinking it would peak at 7+ making it a right prick
Yeah it is very usable, it's peak is 100RPM lower than the tigers peak power and because the top is so flat you get maximum power for ages which is awesome. It is 71.5HP (92.5HP @ flywheel) at 5,000RPM so you get 70+ horsepower at wheels for 2,000RPM.
71.5HP (92.5HP @ flywheel) is also the Tigers peak power so I develop the same power as a Tiger would 1,100 RPM lower and exceed it's power for 2,000RPM and peaking with ~10% more power than the Tiger.
Pretty cool when you look at it that way.
Also that little bump at 100KPH is cool. you can feel it when you are cruising on the road. happens at 3,500RPM and you feel a little boost when the cam and carbs really start to kick in.
is that a tuning issue? it actually drops power then takes off again, surely you would want to iron that out so it pulls all the way through the rev range?
how much did it cost you to get your uphoslstery fixed? i wanna get mine done before it gets out of hand, what did you say it was called? plastic welding or something?
Cost about $120 from memory for both seats.
They replaced the side panels and vinyl welded the small rips then dyed it to match. They look really good.
I have got the same guy doing my new dashboard, just went and had a look at progress today, it is looking good.
thats pretty cheap. i think ill price up that tear in my drivers seat to be fixed, its not too bad but i wana get it done before it gets worse, its the only part of my uphosltery that isnt immaculate, so should get onto that soon
If it is a big tear then they will need to replace the panel which is dirt cheap.
if you look at my before and afters you can see both side panels were replaced plus new foam etc. Vinyl welding was used on the little tiny cuts like the one you can see on the base of the seat in the first shot.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1040582.jpg)
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/P1050053.jpg)
its pretty much medium. sort out my paint first. got a new door from aaron so i dont have to panel the other one, and the new one is blue so i wont bother doing the interior of it i dont think. so gonna try that paint out on the door this weekend to decide if ill need a clearcoat or not
any news on the work?
Yeah, the engine is coming out later this week then it is off the the panelbeaters.
It will be away for about a month, then it will be putting everything back together.
Can't wait.
so thats it then all done wheels on body work finished and interior all done,did you choose what decals your going with in the end?
Yeah, once I get it all back it will have the big wheels and all the alpine dash etc.
I have some more little interior projects to do after that. I will be replacing the 6x9's in the back and making a new parcel tray, I also have a new centre console to go in and I want to move the stereo up to below the heater, like it is on the Alpines. I don't have the mounting plate like the Alpine had, so hopefully I can find one, if not I will have to make something.
Don't think I am going to have any decals on it. It will be the same colour with a black bonnet and black rear section of the spoiler.
i will have a look in the alpine im getting next weekend and see if there is one in that doubt i will be using it...look forward to seeing the end product :)
Sweet, That would be awesome if you could have a look.
I can't wait.
Depending on how things go, I am thinking of maybe taking the Avenger down to the South Island instead of the Charger, so if I do I will see if I can swing out your way.
cool that would be great yes now we are in our own place its all good there will be plenty of avengers for you to look at
Cool. I will let you know my travel plans closer to October.
Good Job !!
Thanks Thomas, and welcome to the forum.
gunna look pretty staunch!
does it pulse hard bro?
hehe
haha. Yeah it pulses pretty damn hard :P
It is starting to look really tough.
Thank you Avenga by cons I have a concern for customizing my profile and also to post and upload photos?
Thank you for your welcome!
hi avenga i noticed in the gallery that you have a cool looking rear fiberglass spoiler ,who makes them , wher do i get one , and how much is it, specially made for the avenger or is it for something else modifyed to fit
rich
Great a treat to see!
I love this kind of rehabilitation
Quote from: Thomsler on July 21, 2012, 06:09:29 AM
Thank you Avenga by cons I have a concern for customizing my profile and also to post and upload photos?
Thank you for your welcome!
Hi Thomas.
Here is a little guide on how to post photos to the forum. http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=24.0 It is pretty easy to do, see if you can follow that guide, if you have any problems just PM me and I will help you out.
For the profile picture, you need to resize your picture down to 150x150 or smaller, then you can upload it in your profile section. If you have trouble with this then email me your photo at richard@avenger.co.nz and I will put the photo on your profile for you.
Quote from: Thomsler on July 21, 2012, 09:22:23 AM
Great a treat to see!
I love this kind of rehabilitation
Thanks! I have also moved your post to the Gallery discussion thread as per the Members Gallery rules http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=12.0 It just makes it easier for new member to follow build threads.
Quote from: richt on July 21, 2012, 07:41:21 AM
hi avenga i noticed in the gallery that you have a cool looking rear fiberglass spoiler ,who makes them , wher do i get one , and how much is it, specially made for the avenger or is it for something else modifyed to fit
rich
Thanks. all the fibreglass is custom made. I have all the moulds for the boot (with spoiler), bonnet, chin spoiler and flares. I get them made at a local place who builds fibreglass kit cars (Lotus 7 type cars). The boot spoiler was moulded from an Avenger bonnet and modified LJ Torana spoiler. As I said I have all the moulds so I can reproduce as many as I want ut shipping to the UK would be killer.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3246/2285537538_927d2f3594_b.jpg)
When I see the made work, I am really admiring, even if it is my job!
I cannot refrain from thinking when I see your Avenger in 3/4 of face, in my 180 it is a small sister in fact!!
I saw all the joints that you bought it is little as mine everything is tired, us we have a counter for cars former(ancient) in 200 km from our home and I can again have the joints of doors, which had also risen on the SIMCA;
On the other hand the foam(moss) of insulation that you put under the new carpet, it is what as material(subject)??
Attractive work!
is it a similar colour to your last paint job? and are you going to keep the bonnet black? i nearly went metallic but i changed my mind
We colour matched it from the old paint. Then we managed to find the old formula and convert that in to the modern paint system. It should be pretty close to how the paint looked when it was new.
Bonnet will still be satin black, because avenger+black bonnet=cool :P
haha whatevvvver you say. should be ready to have an avenger meet then?
Gotta paint your bonnet first Kiera, otherwise you'll be the odd one out...LOL
thats y i got an avenger, to be different :) so i might keep it as is. Seems like more of a mid-life crisis event haha
haha. So you are the subculture inside the subculture, Too cool to be cool :P
I agree, I think the black bonnet thing is a bit of a guy thing, and I like your Avenger without the black bonnet. Suits the wheels etc.
Those front flares look good Rich, was wondering about them as they weren't in the previous pre-paint photos.
Unusual to fit them after painting the body...hope that masking tape doesn't lift the clear coat!!
Thanks
Long story. They order the front flares a while ago but instead of sending them up the guy who made them waited till he was coming up to Auckland to drop them off. They are universal flares made by a guy down in Hamilton, not my usual fibreglass guy.
pretty sure the paint is 2 pack so it will be super tough and they will be using low grip tape no doubt.
ooooohhhh man thats going to look good lookin forward to seeing it in the flesh,all coming together now how long before you take possesion.
man thats going to be a big cheque to write :P
oh and the alpine i have has the panel you were looking for if jokers isnt of any use to you,mine is cracked to just a little one on the bottom.
Thanks.
It should be finished at the panelbeaters by the weekend. Then I will pick it up and take it to Bygone Autos to get the engine back in, then I need to do some other mods. I have probably got about another months worth of work to do on it before she hits the streets.
That would be cool if I could get that panel off you. I will be installing the new dash when I get it back to Bygone next week so I will need the panel soon or else I will have to fabricate something.
PM me your bank account details and how much you want for it.
At the moment I am well on track to have it ready for my South Island trip.
car is looking fantastic,on your quarter bumpers have you planned to close them off with a piece on the end welded on it means getting them rechromed but would finish them off ala tiger?
i have the panel for the dash out ready to go havent had a chance to post it yet will get it off soon as i can.
on your plates can you give them a flash of satin or matt black and repolish the numbers and letters to freshen them up?
its going to look really good when finished well done on your vision and comittment....
Thanks
I was thinking of closing off the quarter bumpers but I couldn't work out what the Tigers had. Most the "Tigers" I see on the Internet have them open like mine are at the moment. I would be interested in seeing what a real original tiger bumper looks like, you can never tell on the Internet what is original and what is a replacement.
Sweet, thanks for getting me that panel. I will be starting the put everything back together now so it will be good timing.
The plate has pretty good paint on it so I might just give it a polish up. Need to do the tail pipe so I will do it at the same time.
that looks absolutly awsome mate ,hard as nails , i would never have thought an avenger shell would suit arch,s but your body kit is the business ;D ;D
rich
Thanks.
It was a huge risk doing the big flared arches and big wheels. For months I was unsure if we would be able to pull off the look or not. It wasn't until I saw the flares on and primered that I knew we have done it.
I think it looks super tough and that was the look I was going for, that is always the first comment people make about it.
Since I posted your V8 Avenger photos on the MoPar forum I am getting so much pressure to put a V8 in mine. I think the body kit would suit a V8.
lol nothing like a bit of peer pressure eh
if you do use something odd-ball like a Rover or summit like that, and auto!
A rover V8 is the most common. I have seen 4 or 5 Avengers with Rovers in them.
Also my mechanic, Mal from Bygone Autos in an expert in Rover V8's so I would probably go with the rover.
This is what Mal races.
(http://www.rpmphotography.co.nz/var/albums/Leadfoot-Festival-2012/IMG_7352.jpg)
Yeah I'd go with a Rover V8 if petrol was cheap!!
You can't beat the sound of a V8 automatic.
On the subject of auto's...wonder if anyone has fitted a Sierra 4 speed auto with overdrive in an Avenger?
Would make a great around town car and also good on the motorway.
of course something Hemi would be more fitting aye :P
Hemi V8's are very big. I don't think there is any way you would be able to squeeze a big block hemi in there. You would have to stick to a small block, 318, 340 or 360. If you was going to go MoPar V8 I would go for the 340, E55 spec.
C'mon Richard...get rid of that pussy tailpipe and put something manly on!!
haha, a dumpy isn't my style. You know me and my Avenger, [Tui Ad]It's all about subtlety, Yeah right [/Tui Ad] :P
Yeah those fat feet are real subtle Rich...LOL
Totally!! You can hardly notice them :P
yeah i agree with oldschool that tail pipe has to go it doesnt match the hard as nails look , if your gonna v8 it preferably small block then the rover , i measured big block 440,s and hemis up they dont call them elephant motors for no reason you will need to space frame the front end to get one in they are just too big . there is a much cheaper and easier engine to fit of v configuration that was hillman /chrysler developed and trialed in avengers but never fitted for sale , i dont know if you get it over there though, i was gonna fit one to an avenger once i tried it in the engine bay and it was a perfect fit , a guy in our asoc club has one in sunbeam, its the prv v6 that was designed and produced for the chrysler 180 then shelved cause of our 1973 fuel crises it later saw life in the talbot tagora <rwd>, peugeot 504 and 604ranges<rwd>, renault 30 ,25 <fwd> and volvo 760 range<rwd> it has good power and torque and would be good on fuel too its all alloy so good for handling too
cheers rich
or maybe that's just how the seats were made?
like ya say they look factory
They look factory from the outside once the skin is on, but I think they would have done a better job of the welding if it was factory.
i think youve got some special seats there mate if you google images plymouth cricket youll spot all the avenger based 71-73 cars all have the same high back seats as yours, in the uk we only got low back seats . like you say you probably got a factory/dealer special order car, i also notice your cars front panel is of the cricket/export variety with the extra slot next to your bumper bar slot only certain uk models got this for example early two drs.
omg im turning into a anorak as i type
rich
Yeah I had always thought they were modelled after the plymouth cricket seats. They even have the Plymouth logo on the head rest.
Now that you mention it, that extra bumper bar slot is a bit wierd. I had a quick look at other members Avenges and they were mostly normal, the only one I found which was like mine was Ross's old Scarlett.
Your engine bay looks fantastic Rich, but the heater Z pipe spoils it. Will you be getting it plated?
New plated ones are on eBay...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Avenger-Tiger-Talbot-Sunbeam-Ti-Heater-Pipe-/271039899198?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f1b3ca63e
I know. They cleaned it so it does look a lot better but I was thinking the exact some thing when I saw it.
I will see if I can get it plated at the same time as the rocker.
squirt some silver rattle can at it :P job done!
Yeah that worked on my Alpine ...I'm sure the freshly painted rocker cover helped sell it...lol
Yeah it used to be just painted.
I just thought maybe chrome would look better now that I have the shiny tanks and air filters etc.
This was how it looked painted.
(http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab274/avenga76/1975%20avenger/IMG_8625.jpg)
My race car has a chrome rocker so this is what it will look like.
(http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/5/228054105_full.jpg)
Very beautiful realizations on your Avenger, but surprised by the product used for the chromium of front bumpers and back??
With what product?? And if you have a photo to send me of this magic product in Email, I am interested to find it to make return my bumpers for some very good state but all rotted visually....
Thanks.
The chrome restoration in a 2 step process.
1st step.
Clean the bumper with Aluminuim foil and water.
Tear off a strip of Aluminium foil can crush it in to a loose ball. Have a bucket of water handy and dunk the foil in the water then use it to scrub the chrome.
This will remove most of the rust and dirt on the chrome. It works because the aluminium is harder than the rust and dirt but not hard enough to scratch the chrome.
Make sure you use heaps of water.
Step 2
Once the chrome is looking pretty clean it is time to polish it. I use a German product called Autosol. Use a cloth and apply a thin layer of Autosol over the chrome. Do a small section at a time, with the cloth rub the Autosol in to the chrome for a few minutes. After that wait and let it sit for a few minutes, you will see it haze over. After a few minutes grab a new clean cloth and buff the chrome to a bright finish.
Products used
Aluminum foil
(http://ionehellobeautiful.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/tin-foil_3651.jpg)
Crushed into a ball like this
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Aluminium.jpg)
Autosol
(http://40.76.my/Malaysia/autosol-metal-aluminum-chrome-plastic-polish-1201-13-tylerstreet78%401.jpg)
Polishing clothes
(http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/TWL-B2C-Site/TWL-B2C/en_NZ/product/enlarged/9323461001685_e.jpg)
Thank you for details, I am going to control a tube " of autosol " and to put your technique in action on my bumpers!!
Openly brilliant!! Thank you again!!
Hi Richard,
Great and quick progress so far! Loving the clean cut engine bay!
Just wondering who you use for LVV Certification?
Cheers,
Totally sick! WOW.
Engine bay looking sharp geezer!
not sure if I woulda kept the MSD out in the open / kinda looks out of place
[oops lol was wondering why my own post was showing in 'newposts']
keep comments to the discuss page! lol (I like to pop a link at the top of each project page so ppl can find it easy
Quote from: The_Jims on September 17, 2012, 05:24:03 PM
Hi Richard,
Great and quick progress so far! Loving the clean cut engine bay!
Just wondering who you use for LVV Certification?
Cheers,
Thanks. I was going to use one of my friends but we ran out of time and I was overseas so Mal got Neil from Fraser cars to do my cert.
Quote from: JoKer on September 28, 2012, 08:21:49 AM
Engine bay looking sharp geezer!
not sure if I woulda kept the MSD out in the open / kinda looks out of place
Thanks. I have always been a big fan of leaving the MSD out in the open, it is a very muscle car thing to do. I used to have it hidden on my Charger but I like it better exposed.
It is a "Go faster" bit, and my engine bay is all about showing off all the aftermarket bits like the carbs, strut brace and MSD. People are often surprised that I run an MSD so it adds to the wow factor and immediate visual impact of the engine bay.
(http://image.popularhotrodding.com/f/16491320+w750+st0/0906phr_08_z+1969_chevy_camaro_489+engine_top.jpg)
(http://www.v8.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Plymouth-Barracuda-5.jpg)
(http://www.v8.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Dodge-Challenger-1970-eng.jpg)
Quote from: JoKer on September 28, 2012, 09:37:52 AM
[oops lol was wondering why my own post was showing in 'newposts']
keep comments to the discuss page! lol (I like to pop a link at the top of each project page so ppl can find it easy
Yup, I moved your post, you rule breaker!!
It is a good idea with the link to the discussion page. I used to do it in my early post but I guess I got a bit lazy.
congrats on a job well done and for getting it done in time,god only knows how many times i have said something will get done by such and such a date for it to come and go without getting said job done.
car looks amazing so shiney your heart will be broke cleaning it all the way to gore and back.
good luck on the trip have a great time and look forward to seeing the panther on your way back up.
safe journey
Thanks. Nothing like a good deadline to get the heart pumping. Reminds me of a Douglas Adams quote "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."
Yeah the paintwork is really shiny, I just spent the day washing and polishing so hopefully it stays clean for a few KM's at least.
Really looking forward to catching up. I will be interested to see what you think of the Panther on person and how it stacks up against a Tiger. I have decided to come up the west coast on my way up to Motueka so that should be a really good drive.
I will PM you closer to the date and arrange meeting times etc. Sam wanted to checkout the Panther also.
Saw this in person today : Pictures don't do it justice!
Hey Jared. It was cool to catch up with you again.
Got to the ferry in time. I am now in Blenheim. The Panther tour of NZ is going well. I am going to stop off and see heaps of Avenger forum members on the way which will be awesome.
The Avenger is going really well. I had to lift the back up a bit on tuesday before I left because the rear flares would scrape with a full tank of gas and all my luggage. Getting tons of people asking me about the car and what it is.
Speaking of ferrys Richard...I've found the ideal bonnet emblem for your Panther...HAHA
http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=524315645
Hi, Quick question about your steering wheel guessing its a 320mm is it nice to use (eg: not to small). not sure weather to get a 320mm or 350mm steering wheel. Thanks
Yup, it is a 320mm wheel.
I'm a big guy so the little wheel works well for me, it isn't overly hard to turn, maybe a bit heavy but I prefer heavy steering to light steering.
I've driven Richard's car and have found the steering a little heavy under 150 km/h so a 350mm wheel might be better for you...LOL
Thanks for that i will go with a 350mm wheel i think
That's bad news about engine Richard hope the damage isn't to much if you need anything let me know.
Well I went down to check on the progress today and it isn't as bad as we first thought. It doesn't look like it will need a rebore so it looks like it will just need a new set of pistons and away she goes.