FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi All,
Just wondering who's making the trek across to WA next year for the nat's??

The Pryce clan are going and really looking forward to a great event.

Cheers,

Graham

I'm in ;D

As documented elsewhere, Dad and I are taking the Indian Pacific across to Perth (with car), and driving back. There are at least two other members doing the same at this stage. There is also a contingent from our club that are driving both ways.

I was listening to something on the radio the other night, and apparently there's a centenary celebration of Francis Birtle's first cross-country trip across Australia in March/April as well. By all accounts we won't be the oldest things on the road around that time - this bloke was restoring a 1918 Indian motorcycle to take part in that event.

Should be a grand adventure - I can't wait!

cheers
RET

That would be one slow and rough ride wanna hope you didnt have a headwind riding that indian.

The weddo's are coming.
Have had to have second thoughts about the fifth wheel trailer / caravan we were going to construct  >:( and are now considering exactly what RET and his Dad are doing - Train over, drive back

The Fred and clan are coming from townsville, Am thinking train but that does not count to miles travelled

Myself, Sonja and William would not miss it for quids.

At this stage I am driving both ways from Adelaide, Sonja and William might fly home though.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone for a great event.

Cheers Jim

Hi all, There is a convoy of 5 South Aussie cars driving over and driving back.  4 days to get there and 5 days back.  There are more SA members going their own way.  Bookings are made for the trip and now comes the FINAL COUNTDOWN.  And to think TASSIE is next - WHOOOWHOO.
PS Where did the last 2 years go?????   See you all there,  Luv HOTLIPS ;D ;D

Don't do what we did on the drive home from Orange.

We made sure we had eaten all our fruit, we weren't sneaking any plants or animals (or agricultural machinery) across the border. So we had nothing to worry about at the quarantine checkpoint at the SA / WA border crossing

UNTIL

While he was checking all the stuff in the back of the wagon the man said "You can't bring that across the border"
Couldn't figure out what was wrong ???

When we were in Broken Hill we had picked up a box to put all our souvenirs in
and hadn't realised it was a citrus fruit box   ::)

 8) 8) 8)

 8) 8) 8)

Maybe start a fc tree

Can you pleez tell mewhat part of WA the Nats are in , i'm hoping the South,thanks guys.  Gaz !

I think it's like the title says.......Perth

Yor a funny bugger Gaz,Perths a BIG place ! ???

Everything you need to know is on the Nationals website.

http://fefcholden.org.au/nats/Program_&_Venues ($2)

Regards
Alex

Hey Gaz

All the events will be in and around the centre of Perth CBD

The show & Shine is on the foreshore in front of the CBD next to the ferries and walking distance to the Perth shopping district..
If you google up Sureme court gardens perth it will show you how close to the centre of the city and river foreshore it is.

The HQ motel is 15 min from the CBD and the Games day is 5 min from the CBD

If you want to have a look down south you will need more time than will be available during the Nats...and accomodation down south during Easter is pretty steep and they have 3  day min stays

Have a look at the Nats link that Alex posted

Let me know if you want any more info or advice...or what to see and do down south only too happy to help

Cheers
Gary

  

Thanks mate,i'm bidding on a ebay car which finishes in 3hrs, he says heez in the south of WA,so that tells me nothing,i've msgd him to no avail,hence my silly Q/S,after all the driving ,whats a few more hrs hey!  Gaz ! ::)

Gaz
Cathys "Ugly Duckling" FE will be for sale after the Nats. and I'm looking for someone to drive it during the Nats.
Come over, cruise around the Nats in Cathys Car, Buy it and drive truck it home  ;D

 8) 8) 8)
surferboy

PS it's called UGLY for a very good reason
Its RUSTY and there's bits missing (they're on MY wagon  ;D) and some bits don't work
BUT it drives nicely
I use it as my daily driver while the wagon is being rebuilt

Thanks for the offer mate,sounds like the car and me have something in common.,looks like we will fly over after all,myself an a friend.Can we hire a car nearby,do you know where a pair of Melb Boys can bed down for a few days,C/Park,Motel,H/Boat,Caravan,Flat,P/Van,Bus, etc,lol.
Any contacts,ph/no's would be great.I'm not lazy i just have not got the patience to arrange things over the phone.Thanks, Gaz ! ??? PS[should a bring my b/smugglers]ha!ha! :o ;D :-*

We'll be at the Perth Nats. Can't wait to catch up with everyone!

We left home bound for Perth back in May 2011 and have already clocked up 13,000kms. Mind you, along the way we've popped into Cooktown in far north Queensland and Cockle Creek in far south Tasmania. Oh, and we don't actually pick up our FC wagon until next month. We'll be towing her across the Nullabor behind the Winnebago and then finishing our lap of Australia on the way home.

Which reminds me, better get that Nats entry form in!

G'day Hotlips

We have recalibrated (  ;) ) the infamous CLAP - O - METER that we are using for the TALENT (?) SHOW
I look forward to videotaping your act for the Nats DVD  ;D

What is your roadtrip plan ?
Would be interesting to see if other cars are on the road at the same time. It's cool cruising across the Nullabor in an FC on your own. It's cooler when theres two. So it's going to be WAAAAAY COOL with a convoy  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Will you be able to post a daily diary on the forum for us all to follow ?

 8) 8) 8)

Accommodation booked - Check.
Entry Form in - Check
Photo and 50 words sent - Check
Merchandise ordered - Check
Payment made - Check
FC preped - On going ..... but we're getting there.

We're going!!!  Driving there and back (Melbourne) in this.  Surfer boy can you please make sure I can park it at the Country Comfort  ..... Taaaaa!!!!

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/redmr2red/P1010515.jpg)

 ;D ;D I think the only talent we have with the SA crew coming over will be that we make it!!! 
Paul is the whiz with computers and hopefully will be able to do something on the forum each night of our stay. The trip has been booked (to and back), so getting there consists of:
Sunday 1st April - Adelaide to Port Pirie (to pick up another member)
Monday 2nd - Port Pirie to Ceduna
Tuesday 3rd - Ceduna to Madura
Wednesday 4th - Madura to Kalgoolie
Thursday 5th - Kalgoolie to Perth

Thursday to Monday AM NATS!!!

Cheers Hotlips ;) ;)

A few of us in the NSW FE-FC crowd are going to drive over.  Subject to confirmation, here's the planned itinerary:

Tues 27 March: Sydney - Nyngan
Wed 28 March: Nyngan - Broken Hill
Thur 29 March: Broken Hill - Quorn
Fri 30 March: Quorn - Ceduna
Sat 31 March: Ceduna - Eucla
Sun 1 April: Eucla - Fraser Range
Mon 2 April: Fraser Range - Kalgoorlie
Tue 3 April: Kalgoorlie (sightseeing, or repairs)
Wed 4 April: Kalgoorlie - Merredin
Thu 5 April: Merredin - Perth

The pace is deliberately slow in WA, as it allows a day or two "catch-up time" in case of major breakdowns.

Are there any other nutcases intrepid adventurers in Qld/ACT/Vic who are planning on driving over?

Rob

Hi Rob, thanks for putting this up, as I am hopless at forward planning road trips.

Is there any chance of including the mileages as it's looking like I will be tagging along with a minder

Also, are there accomodation options at these stop over points

Regards, Gary

Gary,

Here are the distances of each day's travel -

Sydney - Nyngan 570 km
Nyngan - Broken Hill 595 km
Broken Hill - Quorn 420 km
Quorn - Ceduna 500 km
Ceduna - Eucla 500 km
Eucla - Fraser Range 610
Fraser Range - Kalgoorlie 320 km
Kalgoorlie - Merredin 335 km
Merredin - Perth 260 km

In the larger towns accommodation will be easy to find, but I'll try to make bookings at Eucla and Fraser Range (at least) within a week or so.

I'll catch you at Motorfest, if you're going, and I'll pm you also.

Rob

Thanks for that Rob, looks like a reasonable pace for the old cars

See you at Motorfest

Cheers, Gary

So does this mean I should buy shares in a nullabour towing company   :D. Just kidding. I hope you all have a wonderful and enjoyable journey and have a safe trip and I look forward to the pics and stories for future inspiration.

what is the longest distance between fuel stops accross "the bore" need to know how many jerry cans to take

G,day Fred

I have travelled accross a couple of times in my FE Ute and have not carried any extra fuel...If you are worried then take a 10L container, however it should still be full by the time you get home. But it gives you pease of mind.

Cheers Gary

thanks gary, peace of mind MMMM driving 5600 klm in a fifty year old car.
fred

I remember when you said that it was too far to go to Orange Freddy!!!

Look at you now!!  ;D ;D ;D

yes Jason but everyone is so nice, I have to make the trip just to remind them I am a ' NORTH QUEENSLANDER'
 

Looks like some one is trophy hunting already ;D

Hi There,

As for travelling over the Nullarbor and how much fuel to carry, as FE-Ute says, for a grey motor there's plenty of stops without worrying about having to carry fuel, a 10 litre container will suffice for extra insurance, if it makes you feel safer..

However, if you need 95 RON Premium or 98 RON Ultimate for your red motor or V8, there's no guarantees past Ceduna until you get to Balladonia.  On a return journey once, we pulled into Cocklebiddy needing Premium, they had it in the tank in the ground, but the bowser pump wouldn't pull it out.  I was forced to buy a small amount of Regular to supplement the remaining fuel in the tank in order to get to Caiguna (60 odd Km) and hope they had some there.

On each trip across, I carried 2 x 10 litre containers of 98 RON Ultimate which I filled in Balladonia and used as I went across and refilled at first opportunity, but still got caught out once or twice.  You might label me a nervous nellie, but with the red motor in my car, I wouldn't set off without 20 litre of Premium or Ultimate in the boot for the off chance that you need it.

Good Luck!!

decisions decisions, do I take the 5600klm fastest route or the 5100klm shortest route

All right, I'll bite . . .

What's the 5100 km "short route"?

Townsville - Winton - Boulia - Alice Springs - Erldunda - Yulara - Laverton - Perth?

Rob

Well, I've sent the entry, organised my leave, but we're still too-ing & fro-ing about our travel itinerary. Hopefully that will be sorted this weekend & we can book some accomodation  :P

Only about 8 weeks now until we hit the road...... :)

REALLY looking forward to this trip!

Cheers,
Graham

for those that are interested the vic club have  seven FEs and FCs making the treck as a convoy leaving Melbourne onSunday 1st april staying at Port Wakfield Monday 2nd april to Ceduna Tuesday 3rd April to Cocklebiddy Wednesday 4th April to coolgardie and obviously Thursday 5th april to Perth . there are other cars coming  from victoria at different times . Bring it on all the best Simon Addison

fitted stereo on the weekend, now I have music to listen to. Instead of tappets.

hey Freddy, with 5600 km each way to travel, I hope you fitted a 10 stacker CD, or one of those i-something gadgets!  ;)

I heard you coming a mile away last time with the 6x9's in the back.  ;D

What have you done differently to the other one?

nothing much jason, took head unit and grill out of blue car, mounted into wagon with the gauges also. am making a makeshift console to house the speakers as I don't want to cut holes in door trims. Blue car has kick ass 137db sound system

Ok, Here's version 37  :-\ of our itinerary for travel to the Nat's. We've got some pretty long days ahead of us, but unfortunately don't have enough leave to make the trip easier.

Saturday March 31         Canberra to Mildura   
Sunday April 1               Mildura to Wudinna
Monday April 2              Wudinna to Border Village          (Sightseeing- Great Australian Bight)
Tuesday April 3              Border Village to Norseman
Wednesday April 4         Norseman to Hyden                   (Sightseeing- Wave Rock)
Thursday April 5             Hyden to Perth

On the return trip, we'll also have almost a day to spend in Kalgoorlie.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Cheers,

Graham

G'day Graham
Just looking at your plans...some long days there alright. However what else are you going to do but drive...

Anyhow just a suggestion..If you made Renmark on the first day...You wont sleep much the night before so you may as well start early. You also gain half an hour when crossing into SA

Then you will have similar klms the next day and make Streaky Bay.A really pretty spot to stay and see

Have a read of this thread and it covers travelling accross the nullabor in stock cars staying at Wuddina along the way

http://vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general08&thread=6310&page=1


Dont forget you will gain an extra hour when crossing into wa

There is a lot to see when doing the crossing so google up some of the towns and see what they offer..I have crossed 6 times (twice in my FE Ute) and still find new stuff to see

Cheers
Gary

So if I am travelling from north queesnland how many hours will I save? and will I look younger for it?

What about a contact / phone list for those that are travelling both ways or one way. I'm sure there will be enough spare parts between every one if needed.

 I don't mind being a contact point, although I will be "training" from Adelaide to Perth and driving back to Tassie.

It would be simple enough to plot travelers times, days and places to co-ordinate or organise help or drop off points. RAC is not always an option with old cars.

PM me if you would like to be on the contact list.


regards

Weddo

Hi,
Numbers for Nats looking good, as part of the 12 VIC entries we are driving this across the Nullabor and back:


(http://s11.postimage.org/nrxvj103j/WA_Ready.jpg) ($2)
(click on the image for a larger picture).

We are planning to leave Melbourne on 24th March in "Lily" and will take about 6 weeks for the whole return trip - really looking forward to it  :)

Backup plans are the VE SV6 Wagon & 16ft Poptop Caravan..... in case of any last minute dramas :-[, we are not going to miss out on going to WA.

Trevor & Chris

Only have a few people interested at the moment,

Let me know your contact details and travel itinerary if you want to and I will enter it on the system.

Send a PM

regards

Weddo

Are we there yet?  ;D

Only 32 sleeps until we leave Canberra!

Holidaying in Perth over Easter  so I'll be there for sure !!!

Cub camper is packed, car is serviced, fingers are crossed. Ready to start our journey next Friday.
fred

Don't forget...

For all the brave people driving their FE or FC across to Perth we would like you to fill out a travel map of your journey


http://www.fefcholden.org.au/nats/Driving_to_the_Nats

check the Nats website

Ta
surferboy

If this f@#king rain keeps up I may not get out of Townsville.

G'day Everyone

Bec and I left Canberra last Friday night and are currently driving between Wilcannia & Broken Hill. We'll have a couple of days camping in the Flinders Ranges before heading down to Port Augusta on Thursday night to meet up with Greg Pritchard, Dan Power and others.

Here's a photo taken in Nyngan yesterday of a red & white 1958 FC Sedan owned by a local bloke named Henry. We followed him into town and then he invited us over to his place to check out his EK Sedan. I've invited him along to join us all at the 2014 Nationals.

Safe travels everyone! Our number is 0437 HOLDEN if you wanna know where we are across the Nullabor.

Cheers, Tim Bec Erik & Oscar | Winnebago & White FC Wagon

(http://s17.postimage.org/suv8kko4b/0318_Henry_Red_White_FC_Nyngan_NSW.jpg) ($2)

We picked up our brand new trailer late Friday afternoon and left town a couple of minutes later...  so far the Winnebago has been towing the FC wagon well, averaging 80km/h using 19L/100. Not as economical as the FC wagon, which hasn't used any at all! We can't wait to catch up with you all in Perth or on the road. Even with our week headstart, most of you should catch and pass us before Perth.

Across the Nullabor, keep an eye out for some FC Holden/Holden Heaven stickers that I put up on some road signs at rest stops back in 2009 (knowing that the Nats were but three short years away)!

(http://s13.postimage.org/4anunl78z/0316_Better_Trailers_Canberra_ACT.jpg) ($2)

Don't know if you realise this Tim, but your stickers FADE! I've just replaced mine on my trailer, I wouldn't hold out much hope for yours if you put them up across the Nullabor!

Catch up before Perth!

Colin. ( FEarly model driver, much better than those late model FCraps)

Thanks for letting me know Col. The 2010 'red ute' stickers weren't as good as the 2009 'green sedan' version. The sticker on our wagon still looks great. I'm wondering if we'll be able to find this one that we put on a bin near the centre of the Great Australian Bight. There was also one on the 'Australia's Longest Straight Road' sign.

Looking forward to catching up with you and our fellow ACT convoy at Wave Rock WA.


(http://s16.postimage.org/jf6behssx/1216_campsite_graffiti_great_australian_bight_bush_camp_sa.jpg) ($2)

11 more sleeps until we leave town for the big trip. I'm excited! I suppose I should start to pack  ???

Tim, how did you break a strap?

See you all in Perth  :)

Townsville got hit by a mini cyclone last night we are fine, others arent so lucky. Highway is closed south so I am hopeing it open by Friday when we leave.

 ;D Hey Fred i'll be there FRIDAY give me a ring 0402713418.Gaz !

To many floods south, so we are going to go west to tannant creek, then south to uluru. do some tourist stuff then onto port augusta to hopefully see others heading over.
regards fred

WOW ...I am impressed Fred...thats a fair trip in your rig

I reken you will shit it in and have a great time...I am sure you will be rigged up for any minor misshaps
There is so much to see out there, just take plenty of pics along the way

Hope you have a great time , not too much water and a safe trip

See you in Perth

Cheers
Gary

YEAH and the speed limit in NT is 130 kph

Tassie team is on the boat Saturday !!!!!

See ya all in Perth.... and those on the train ... see ya in Adelaide


regards

Weddo

We are off tomorrow :) - Sat 24th, taking 13 days to make it to Perth, catching up with the VIC convoy at Merredin on Thursday 5th April for the final run into Perth.

Lester & Chris Hilli (Yellow & White FE Panal van with Glenview Quarry logos) are already well on the way, staying at Ceduna last night.

Trevor & Chris Black
Mob 0401 149 656

Good luck coming in via NT Fred, can't wait to catch up again in Perth!

We're in Port Augusta waiting to get a safety check done on our new trailer before we cross the Nullabor.

We broke a tie-down strap less than a couple of hours out of Canberra. It wore through where it was in contact with the sub-frame. There's now a NASCO nappy between the metal and new strap. All good since.

So far Greg Pritchard and Dan Power have caught and passed us. Look forward to seeing the next convoy in the rear mirror.

Cheers, Tim.


(http://s11.postimage.org/wmolzkzgv/0317_Broken_Strap_NSW.jpg) ($2)

New plan head south to mackay then who knows. roads closed everywhere up here

I strap mine through the lower control arm out near the stub axle so it can move around and so the strap doesnt move much.


Pete

We've made it easy for you to find Nats HQ on a highway full of Motels

Just look for the one with the Nationals balloon on the roof


(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/surferboyandcathy/2012%20Nats/sign1.jpg)

 8) 8) 8)

Bugger
I'm getting all confused now  :-\ (but thats not hard to do)
With all these convoys crossing the country I'm having problems figuring out who's who ?... who's with who ?.... who's using forum names ?.... who's using real names ?... who's driving what ? ....whos driving where ? ...who's on boats?..... who's on trains? ....whos on aeroplanes?.....Who's walking ? ....Who's on first or who's on second ??????????????????    ::)

 8) 8) 8)

Well, we're the first to leave from the ACT Club, but we're also the last.  And we're travelling by cars, but some of us are flying in.  One car has myself, Kathy and Maddy and the other car has Colin, David and Jodie.  But Jodie whose forum name is Beetroot did come in my car, and Maddy went in Colin's car and Colin's forum name is COLT.  Then Colin was in the other car, and David was driving Colin's car.  And then we had Colin driving his car, me driving my car and I'm GP, Jodie in the FE, Kathy in the FC and Maddy and David running behind taking photographs.  Oh, and then Baydon, Jamie and little Bella will arrive later but they don't have forum names. Oh but I forgot, we're actually the second to leave as our roaming ACT colleagues whose names are Tailshaft, Bek, Erik and Oscar, are probably almost in Perth because, strange as it may seem for Tim, he's apparently having mechanical issues, but not the FC.

Does that clear it up for you Surferboy!!!

What's on second :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Ken

No, What's on 3rd ,Why's on 2nd!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.
Hope to get there Friday,flying Tiger,just praying they can fly planes better than they play Football, :D :D :D