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Have a look at http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10454&hilit=Rusty+EK.s+Ute - this was an EK ute in worse condition and now see the finished product.

Anything is possible.

Thanks Strop, great project!

Hi D&S
The fe looks the better prospect a shame that it was sold the fc should be cut up and the fe restored.

Ken is right regarding the amount of work entailed but you siad you had some skills and if you like a challenge then jump in maybe.

If you know of a good sheetmetal shop you can get some bits made up or make them yourself as I did in my EK ute.

As I said good luck with the search and keep us updated as you go through the journey.

Regards
Neil

Thanks for the encouragement Neil. I am up for a challenge, I'm the type of bloke who will DIY where possible to save a bit of money. The real bad ute has also been sold - to a panel beater for a garden ornament. I'll have to get the word out to farmers I know that I'm looking for a ute.

Hi Ben
I suppose the saying is "nothing is unsaveable" BUT that one looks pretty bad mate.
I picked up another fb ek Ute body a little while ago that has no real floors but looks way better than the one in the photo, I put it in the yard as yard art, it is saveable but I didn't want to go that deep myself.
The sills and things aren't too bad but if it has broken its back like old Utes can do then I think they are too far gone.
You would have to get it up off the ground and have a look underneath and see how bad it is.
Looks like there is a fe ute behind it in the last picture, is that maybe a better prospect?

Good luck with your search Ben
Regards
Neil

Thanks again Neil. I didn't inspect the other ute much as it was already sold, however it appears much better. The headlight surrounds look good:


The left side looks straight but still has a lot of rust in front of the back wheel:



Underneath looks a bit scary. Is that the chassis rail with all the holes in it, just behind the fuel filler pipe? I assume you'd have to fabricate a new section yourself, has anyone on this site done this? What about the rear floor around the fuel tank, would that be another custom fabrication?

Another idea- does it have to be a ute?  Utes are very hard to get without major rust because of the life they have endured. It's much easier to find a sedan or wagon with a reasonable body.

Ken

Thanks Ken,

Yes it has to be a ute. I want something to take the missus to church on Sunday and the pigs to town on Monday.

Gday Ben,


There is an FC Wagon for sale in Bega that may suit you, click on the link below:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/fc-holden-station-wagon-1958/173396720797?hash=item285f3ffc9d:g:3YoAAOSwh8NbPyTp

Cheers, Graeme

Wouldn't mind, but really wanna do a ute. I would like an FC sedan or wagon or an EK sedan for my second project, but that's a distant dream at the moment.

The one behind it is much better, but already sold. I'm told its going to get cut up for parts. >:(

Thanks Neil,

Pressure wash, spit and polish new motor and she's all go.   ;D

In all seriousness, could that ute be resurrected? I assume that the dints would come out ok. The sill coming away from the side worries me, how would you get it all to line up. I didn't look underneath, but if the chassis rails had rust in them can it be fixed?

I'm in NSW and looking for something under $1000 if possible. I figure that the so called 'Barn Finds' are still gonna need rust panels, a re-spray, re-upholstering, engine rebuild and re-chroming to make a show car so why pay a premium. Happy to be rebuked on that comment though. On the other hand a wreck is going to need a lot of parts sourced. I'd be happy to pour money and labour in over time, rather than a big amount up front.

As far as skill level, I'm always repairing old farm machinery so my mechanical and welding skills are quite reasonable and I have developed patience and like learning new skills.

Looking for any remarks on the ute above and on a project in general.

Cheers,
Ben

I'm looking for an FE or FC ute as a project to work on with my son. I think this one is too far gone.
It has a massive dint in the roof, the silk and floor pan are a few inches too low

There is a big dint in the tray

and it's missing a few minor parts, like headlights, engine, transmission, rear axle, bonnet and grill.