FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Have you got a "Nasco Broomstick"?  Not game to stick your head into the boot?  Read on...

Members of the FE-FC HCC of NSW have designed a new "adjustable boot spring post".  These were once commonly sold in spares shops (although never a GM-H replacement part TTBOMK), to repair broken or fatigued boot spring posts.

The other benefit of the adjustable springs is that the special spring tensioning tool is not required, and boot springs can be refitted without risk of losing skin or a finger.

Most of these original style adjustables are fairly unattractive, with a large bolt head showing through the boot strut pressing.  The design philosophy of this new unit was to produce something that would be as inconspicuous as possible.  Once in place, with a lick of paint, these bolts should be almost indistinguishable from the original post pressing.

The bolt and nut are made of Grade 5 hi-tensile steel, and the kit includes matched star washers (not shown).  Note that this is not a standard coach-head bolt that has been cut down, but a custom manufactured item.  The prototype has been fitted for several months in one of the members' vehicles, and has proved quite successful.  The kit will fit FE-EK sedans, including early FE models with 1/2" springs.

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSC01967.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSC01968.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSC01969.jpg)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSC01970.jpg)
Various images of the unit, showing the special bolt and narrow nut.

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/Photo0065.jpg)
Unit fitted to a car, prior to painting.

Price for a kit (pair of bolts, nuts, washers and fitting instructions) should be approximately $35, and a bulk order price for clubs will be available.  Of course, volume dictates the cost price, so we are gauging interest via the forum.

Let us know what you think.  Would you buy one or two sets of these at the indicated price?

We expect these to be available within a month or so of confirming quantities.

[ Edit: bolt/nut are hi-tensile, not hardened as previously written ]

Very neat unit, RET, and a good price.

Might I suggest drilling the end of the bolt so a washer and cotter pin can be placed over the spring to stop it sliding iff - which could be real scarry  :o

I'll advertise them in the SA club newsletter (we don't have many who have internet access).

Martin

(I've got a set of the not-so-pretty ones)

Martin,

This was suggested by someone in our club as well, and we may end up doing it.

The original adjustable had this, but the factory fixed pin did not, and the consensus was that it really wasn't necessary.  It could be that the split pin was as much about stopping the legs of the bolt from flaring as locking the spring in place.  The original ones were only mild steel, generally.

Thanks for the feedback, it is appreciated.  I can supply some higher res photos of the prototype for club magazines, too.  Send me an email if you want them.

cheers
RET

 8)
Ret

I think they are a great idea, and yes, at that price, I would put a set in "DAD56H" (Who, incidently appeared in the latest issue of "Just Holden" mag in the article on the" All Holden Day" 06) just to save the fingers.

Cheers Rusty

Guys,

Thanks everyone who responded in the poll.

The first batch of boot spring posts are ready, so if you were one of the people who were after a set, send me a private message and we can take it from here.

First in, best dressed.  Or best sprung, as it were  ;D

cheers
RET

To those who were after a set of these posts, I have them available again.  (The first batch sold out in a bit over a week).

Send me an email or PM to order your set.  As previously mentioned, the kit contains a pair of pins, star washers, nuts and fitting instructions.  Price is $35, plus $5 p&p (they're quite heavy).

Looking forward to hearing from you.

cheers
RET

I have only a few of these kits left.  Send me a PM or an email if you're interested in a set.

cheers
RET

Just giving this thread a bounce, as I should have a new batch of these next week. Send me a PM if you're interested in a set.

cheers
RET

I've just recently installed one new post. It works well and is easy to adjust.
However, it was very hard to get the old post out as it didn't break as suggested.
I felt the post was too short as the spring hung over it a little, and the thread length
could be 5mm longer too. (There was a 6mm spacer welded on the "chassis" so I had
to file it down to fit the new nut) I made a brass bush to take up the slack between the
12.5mm post and 16mm hole in the rod. (works well) My original post was 16mm
in diameter not 12.5 like the new one. I have a late 59 model.

I may explain this in more detail later.

ITB

I'm glad you got the pin in and with any luck that will be the last cracked scone from a falling boot-lid you suffer ;)

The 'spacer' you refer to is part of the pin, and had the original pin broken off as it usually does, this would have come away with it. Take that out of the equation, and the pin is more than long enough.

Here is one of the replacement pins alongside the one that came out of my FE:
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSCF1699.jpg)

(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/ret56fe/other/DSCF1698.jpg)

The blue-coloured area is the dome that shows from inside the boot. 1 Pic = 1000 Words and all that.

By the way, I now have these available. Send me a PM if you'd like a set.

cheers
RET

Hi Richard

Would you be able to bring 2 sets to grey pride plus a poster for me.

Much appreciated

Kind regards

Julius

A new batch of these pins has been made, so I have plenty for anyone wishing to purchase a set.

Unfortunately the production costs have steadily risen over the last few years, and I've had to adjust the price accordingly.

A kit with 2 adjustable pins, nuts and washers, plus fitting instructions is now $40 plus $6 postage.

Thanks for your support.

cheers
RET

Hi Richard, is there any chance of getting a pair sent to me?

Absolutely. Check your PMs ;)

I have quite a few sets if anyone else is interested.

RET

I am intersted in the adjustable boot spring posts if you are still producing them. How much do they cost now? Do you have any pictures of the spring and what is your contact number? Pommy 0417849513.

I've run out of these at the moment, but am looking into getting some more made. Watch this space for availability....

You'll have to have your own spring(s), this device replaces the post that the spring goes onto.

Thanks for the interest.

cheers
RET

Just an update - I expect to have stock of these again within a fortnight, so I'm in a position to accept orders now and will ship them as soon as they are available.

Unfortunately the cost of manufacture has gone up, so the price of the kit will be $44 plus $6 postage.

Send me a PM to discuss banking details etc.

Thanks for your interest.

The pins are now back in stock, please send me a PM to order a set.

Thanls Ret pm sent

Hi Ret, what a great invention!

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Greg.

PM sent.

Steve

Thanks to Greg and Ret, done all done ..... eight hours later ....  :oops:  I think I could do it in two hours now I know the right steps.

Step one ... grind the back off the broken lug almost flat to the support. ........  I drilled through from the inside for hours and used many drill bits. The drill spun out of my hands a few times  :cry:  Ouch!  It took ages stepping up through the sizes and burning bits. I then went to Bunnings and purchased three very expensive dtill bits in high tensile. With a bit of cut compound on the tip, this worked well. After drilling, I found out the thread on the new spring bolt was not long enough  :roll:  :oops:  So then I ground the back of the old Lug as per step one ...  :D

Step two, drill the hole for the bolt to go through. The biggest drill bit I purchased was a 1/2" The thread needs a slightly bigger hole.

Then it is easy from there to adjust the spring tension with a long Hex Key and a 7/8 thin spanner. This is a great method as you don't need a spring tool and this avoids looking fingers.

I believe FE-FC original lugs are easier to remove. I will find out when I tackle the FC 215 this weekend  :o

Steve

Before

(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Brokenbootspringpins3.jpg)


(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Brokenbootspringpins2.jpg)


After


(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Holden%20EK%20225%20Snowcrest/HoldenEKWhiteGrenadierRedBoot2.jpg)


(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Holden%20EK%20225%20Snowcrest/HoldenEKWhiteGrenadierRedBoot1.jpg)


(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Holden%20EK%20225%20Snowcrest/HoldenEKWhiteGrenadierRedBoot3.jpg)


Without nasco broom handle .....

(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u106/SteveJ_04/Holden%20EK%20225%20Snowcrest/HoldenEKWhiteGrenadierRedBoot4.jpg)

Hi Steve,

Where abouts in Penrith are you, maybe I can help when you attack the next one.

Cheers
John

G'day Steve,
You just clamp a set of vice grips horizontally on the lug and bend it back and forth and break it out of the panel...no drilling or grinding ;)
ACE  8)

Hi John, I am in Abel Street. Ret came out on Saturday. Thanks for your offer of assistance. The FC is at home in Armidale, unless you want to pop up there, I will have to find another job for you.  ;)

Steve

Hi Ace, I tried that and that's why I thought FE-FC's may be a little weaker. I even tried to chisel them off without luck  ???

Steve

G'day Steve,
I've done the same to a EK and don't recall it being any more difficult ???

ACE 8)

I will sure be trying that again on the next one  :-[

While I was doing it, I thought it can't be this hard  >:(

Thanks for your help Ace, :)

Steve

Hey Steve,

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble. I've seen them spot-welded (presumably after they've broken), and obviously in that case they won't come out without a fight.

I can only hope the FC proves a little more straightforward... :-\

RET

Howdy RET, had a fiddle with the FC yesterday. The original pin is on one side and one half broken off. The other side had the big ugly bolt, so only one to snap off :) Unfortunately, I left the two new pins at the warehouse  :-[

Steve

Hi Steve,

Give me a call when you are back in Penrith.

Cheers
John

Ret, any more left or coming soon?

Hi black57,

The last set went about a week ago. A new batch is being made at the moment, should have them before Christmas, hopefully.

cheers
RET

Hi Ret, you can put me down for a set as well.
Thanks, Jim

Awesome. Im up for some. Just let me know how to pay etc. Pm if you like.

Pink.

I have sets of these boot pins in stock and available now. Send me a PM if you'd like to order a set or two.

cheers
RET

  Hi RET are these still available?

 cheers
 Scott

I do have a small number of these pins currently available. $48/set, PM me to arrange.

Got mine rhet.. willput themin after Christmas .. they look good

Hi Ret. Been a while, but are there any left?
I bought some years ago and now I'm finally ready to put them in they are nowhere to be found...

Sure, I’ll PM you banking details etc.

I have a small number of bootpin kits available.

$68 including postage (they're quite heavy, and pickup at club meetings etc obviously out of the question at the moment)

PM me if you'd like a set.

Hi guys can some one tell me Sherri can purchase adjustable boot spring posts go my fb
Cheers Rocco

They’re the same as FC, RET will be able to sell you a set.

Ken

Hi Rocco,

Check your messages here ($2) for my banking details and instructions etc.

cheers
RET

Hi guys. Are these still available?

Yes they are available, sent a message to RET on the forum, cheers John