Hi Rob,
Thanks for your response.  Can you please give me an answer in regard to location of No 1 cylinder.
John

Hi,
I purchased an almost completely restored FC sedan a couple of years ago. I've finished off the restoration - Chrome, Rubber floor mats, some interior trim, sunvisor, Rear venetians and a host of minor mechanical and electrical items and now have a nice FC for club runs etc.
The one thing that annoys me though is getting rid of the tappet noise - at idle it is not too bad but at 1000 to 1500 rpm there is a distinct clatter in addition to the tappet noise.
I have had the rockers re-faced and the valve clearances have been done with engine hot and running to .008 inlet and .012 exhaust.  When the rockers were re-faced, we noticed some wear in a couple of bushes but thought it was not too bad.  The oil bleed in the central bush has been blocked to try to increase oil flow through the shafts and through rocker bushes.
However, given the annoyance factor, I am at the stage of pulling off the rocker gear and giving it a close check re clearances and replacing where necessary.  I have been told I may be wasting my time but the FC I had back in the late 60's was very quiet and I want to try getting the tappet noise reduced - my time, my money.
I haven't had to do much of this work in recent times so would welcome some helpful hints in addition to what I intend to do.

Dis-assemble rocker gear, clean all oil passages, measure shafts for wear, measure rocker bushes ID for wear, replace what appears to be worn and on reassembly, check and replace fibre washers at central bush.  Given that it may be difficult to procure new shafts and rocker bushes, I may get a used rocker assembly from a friend in my car club and interchange components to build a good rocker gear assembly.  Any comments?

Does anyone have any hints to make the job more a success?

Regarding valve timing (and ignition timing), I was taught that No 1 cylinder is at the front of the engine ie. closer to the radiator.  However, since having this FC, I have heard people quoting No 1 cylinder being closer to the flywheel.  What is correct?

For the initial setting of the valve clearances to enable the motor to run and take to running temperature before final adjustment, can someone give me a foolproof and simple procedure for the initial valve clearance settings?

A response on these questions would be much appreciated.

John   

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the information.
Yes, I was aware that the engine was not the original having been informed by the person from whom I purchased the vehicle.

John

Hi RET,

Body ID (from the compliance plate) is FC225-21348M
Chassis No is FC 43839M
Engine No is L486254

I was able to determine from "FC Holden ID Plate Decoder" that the vehicle was assembled during 1959 and the engine was manufactured in July 1958 but I was hoping to get a more accurate date on the vehicle assembly.

Thanks
John

Hi,

I am the proud owner of a fully restored 1958 FC Holden special sedan.  From the chassis number on the vehicle, is there means of finding out the date of manufacture.

John

Thanks Ken.  I hear what you say about keeping it original but for me the amber indicator lens modification is the way I want to go.  I have had comments from people immediately behind me, when travelling on a car club run, that the indicators are not easy to see.  Hence the preference to make the change.
John

Hi, I have recently purchased a fully restored 1958 FC Holden Special Sedan.  The vehicle has been restored as per original specs and hence the rear indicators are combined with the rear stop Lights ie the rear Brake lights flash.  The rear tail-light/brake light assembly is fitted with amber lenses for indicators and has globes with wiring but as I said previously, only the brake lights flash when indicators are on. I have seen on this forum that a discussion took place back in July 2005 where it was stated that it was a simple matter to modify wiring to make the indicators work from the lower amber lenses and globes but I could not find how this is done.  Can anyone supply with instructions or a diagram as I would like to make this modification.

Thanks

John

Wanted.  '59 FC Special Sedan restored to original specs. Show car quality finish.  Maroon/Ivory body colours with red/black upholstry would be a bonus.  Would prefer vehicle to be within 300 km of Brisbane but prepared to travel for right vehicle.  Please e-mail asking price, photos and details and extent of restoration.  Buyer located in Brisbane.  e-mail address johnrosanne@bigpond.com

Wanted.  '59 FC Stock sedan restored to original specs.  Show car condition.  Maroon/Ivory paint colours and red/black interior would be a bonus.  Preferred to be located within 300 km of Brisbane but would travel if right car.  Please e-mail with asking price, photos and details and extent of restoration.  Buyer's location Brisbane.  e-mail  johnrosanne@bigpond.com