thx, all advice taken and will do.
regards
rick
PS. If I end up solving the mystery I will let you know. Will ring up original owners son again and check out his memory he was a teenager at the time on the farm. " maybe I just solved the mystery"
teenager + new car + farm + father not looking = one wrecked motor??

Harv/Haydn
Thanks for your comments, there is doubt on once around the clock or not cannot really verify, the son seems to think it is original mileage going on the rest of the car, very, very little rust and very straight with little wear and tear. The engine number is L385970, cleaned one of the pistons "7406476" when I did my own search the book say's FB pistons. So if I got it right ( which is rare for me) a different block, 20thou on the crankshaft missing, and FB pistons, Main bearings standard no markings. No ridge on the top of the bore after cleaning  rust rings, Crankshaft, bearings, bore and camshaft all look OK without marks. Will clean up completely and do "wear" test.
My guess motor taken out, bored and rebuilt replaced in car and not long after parked and left for 37 years ??, hard first 30,000 miles or around the clock once, judging by the rest of the car could be the former.
Plan A, replace conrod bearings "with 020", mains, rings to suit 7406476 pistons, replace camshaft gear with metal one, clean out all water and oil pump passages,get head checked and converted to ULP, new gaskets and cross fingers !!
Plan B , have not got one yet.
Rick

Hi all
Just opened up my grey motor of my FC wagon, "37+k mileage??". Measured bore and piston 3.05in 77.5mm. Conrod bearing 1.73in 44mm marking on bearing "020 Holden R08". question is what size should I order in both pistons and bearings. little confused as book says's 3.00in bore!!.
PS all pistons, cyl and head look in in near perfect order no marks or evidence of cracks just a little bit of carbon and rust, has been sitting for 37years
regards
rick

Hi All, couple more pics as promised. Still looking for members and visitors to this forum for unwanted or no longer wanted "specialty tools" for sale that I need to have for engine and overall restore. I have appreciated all the comments so far and will be doing the engine rebuild properly as per advice given . Thanks Rick

Hi Scott
Do understand where Haydn is coming from and will not take any risks with motor, I think mechanically parts are readily available what is more important is finding a car that has nearly zero rust, complete in every way, apart for front seat "Rat attack" trimming is near perfect, straight as a dye and so far no bog. Shame the pictures do not show the real beauty. But we just dragged it out of it's 37 year grave minutes earlier. Will post more if interested.
Regards
Rick

to all members and fellow early Holden enthusiasts, thanks for some valuable and priceless advice. Have taken it all in keep the info coming. Will try and post some pics and keep you up to date with progress. And "yes" Martyn I was so lucky. It was a find you would only dream about, so far with half panels and running gear off, only surface rust and about 25mm hole in passenger floor and battery cradle,
regards
rick

thanks for quick reply, did not give "unleaded" a thought will take on board what you said.
Regards
Rick

I have just pulled my my grey motor out of my FC wagon ( Barn find) the car is in amazing condition with near no rust and straight as!. The son who I brought it of said his father brought it brand new and rarely  drove it then parked it in the barn 37 years ago. When I got it home put battery in it disconnected fuel line motor wanted to start, but did not let it. Speedo says 37534 miles son says original . I tend to believe him.
Advice I am after while I have motor out should I dismantle completely and put new bearings, rings etc. I am not a mechanic but did a lot of work on grey motors during my speedway days in the 60's. Sure I can handle it. Where is the best place to buy parts?, ebay or club connections.
As this is a hobby does anybody out there have the special tools required for grey motors and FC in general they want to sell, I have a harmonic balance puller and tension wrench only.
I live in NSW central West 2810
Look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance
Rick

Thanks
Will check it out
Rick

Hi All
Finally got the motor out of my FC, and now stripping it down to see what needs doing. So if anybody has a Puller that is no longer needed or any other specialty grey motor tools that you want to sell  can you please PM me with price and postage ( central West NSW 2810)
Thanks in Advance
Rick

Thanks heaps but he was good enough to arrange for me to get one. So glad i joined this club that has great people around like yourself
thanks
rick

Hi all, just found out if i drop glass bowl from a height of approx 1 metre, it shatters into about 100 pcs. If anyone has a spare glass bowl i would love to get hold of it. i live in Grenfell 2810. Just let me know how much incl postage and how i can get the money to you
Thanks heaps
Rick

I am thinking of buying and using this kit for the nuts and bolts etc of my FC. The kit is Australian and the word i have been given is that it as good as commercially acquired treatment. What i am after is has anyone used this before or know of anyone who has and give me some advise b4 i buy.
I am reluctant to use commercial plating because of, possible loss of parts, i live in country NSW 2810, would have to mix all nuts and bolts into one bucket etc
hope to hear from you soon
regards
Rick

thanks guys, so simple an answer and it makes sense.
rick

hi all
Just curious, my 59 model ex Sydney assembled FC has no bonnet emblem and now that i have stripped it back to metal see no holes welded up. Can anyone put light on the reason why some have and some do not.
thanks in advance
rick

did you get my message re pdf,s
thanks
rick

would like a copy, how do you want payment.
thanks
rick

Hi Ian
Thanks, that's exactly what i am after, someone that does a good job, Lansvale is OK for me to deliver and P/U ( thanks for your offer to transport), nothing wrong with older guys, i am one of them. Would be happy if you can post contact numbers so that i can ring them
Thanks again
Rick

Hi All
Looking down the track, "budget wise" and recommendation. Have a FC wagon, Red and Black upholstery top embossed section still perfect, mice  got to the seat area in small places. Generally for age upholstery is not bad
Like to know rough costs to budget for ( both seats and doors), also i live in Central West NSW any recommendations???, will deliver to Sydney if needed
Thanks
Rick

Hi, just started a Fc restore and thinking ahead, how do i get a good lasting  look on all the nuts and bolts and protect them from rust apart from spraying. Thanks in advance
Rick