FC PMG Van Resto Project

[Gman]

Its always scary rotating for the first time...



Was getting tired of the van 'malting' rust all over the floor, gave it a really good blast with air to get rid of all the loose stuff, should keep the shed floor a bit cleaner now (except for all the grinding to come :()

[Gman]

Got my shocks back from S G Leslie and sons, WOW they look like new... ;D ;D ;D

Turn around time was super fast, price was great also, about the same as a new set!!
If you want this job done, give these guys a ago, great job

[fe350chev]

They look good. They do come up great blasted too. Something a lot of people don't think of doing before sending the body off just so they are nice regardless. I really like the original character of your car. Sometimes I think I need an old rusty car ornament. I appreciate a cars survival story as much as when they are completed if you know what I mean.

[Gman]

Hello All,

It's been a long time since posting about the Van, a few things in life changed and work had stopped for a while but it is now full steam ahead!!

All chrome work is done (thanks Greg!) almost all cad/zinc plating is done, gearbox and diff are rebuilt, engine is at machinists (date correct type), generator and starter are rebuilt, front end is done, steering box is ready to build, scored a set of 5 almost NOS olympic airide tyres on original rims. There's heaps more I've forgotten.

I managed to purchase some NOS inner and outer sills which are making the rust repairs MUCH easier, I also found a NOS rear floor pan which helps too. I've been out in the bush harvesting wrecks for parts with my young bloke which we both really enjoy.

Anyhow, heaps of photos to follow (can anyone recommend a photo host?, photo bucket now wants money  :()

Heaps of questions for the gurus to follow.

Gareth.

[GMHwagoon]

Good to hear your at it again , give us a yell if you need anything , looking forward to the pics

     greg (fcwagoon)

[Gman]

Thanks Greg!




First time in daylight for years




Paint strip and bog removal on roof



Scored a set of correct unbroken front springs



Found out that there's a difference in bump stop holders on late/early model arms so had to swap that out (the RH arm was rusted beyond repair)



Sills be gone!!

[Gman]

For some reason it won't let me add anymore captions to the above pics?..


Anyhow, some questions I have -

What type of air filter housing should I have?

What oil cap should I have? Long or short trumpet?

Where can I get the inner trim panels for the cargo area?

What should the cargo floor be made of? Wood?

Is the top of the dash gloss or satin black?

[Errol62]

The short trumpet is EJ if I am right, so long one. Remind us the build date regarding the filter. I saw an FC oil bath one lying on the ground at my mates place this morning, though I doubt he would part with it, or anything much….

With the sill off the torque box sections at the front leaf spring mount look pretty good.


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[RET]

Paper element air cleaner came in around September 1959, so would depend on when your car was manufactured. But as always, The Good Book (the parts manual that is) has the definitive word.

If the chassis number on the inner guard is original, then if it's higher than the number shown below for the relevant suffix letter:

15518A
22002B
52826M
11764P
56061S

.. then your car had* a paper element air cleaner.

*Probably. The oil-bath was still sort of an option for applications in "very dusty environments". I'm not aware that it had an RPO code, but the details from your ID plate would be useful info.

The exact colour of the dash-top has been posted here before. It's Cinder Grey with a flattening agent added. See this thread: https://forum.fefcholden.club/index.php?topic=27325.0

cheers
RET

[Gman]

Righto thanks for the replys!

long trumpet oil cap it is then

Yes, the rear chassis is in very good condition.

FC46508M makes it oil bath filter correct?

[RET]

Yes, definitely originally oil bath.

cheers
RET

[Gman]

Thanks RET!

Has anybody got a ute/van fuel tank they'd part with?

[Errol62]

I wish! Been looking for one as well. They are common with FE FC wagon, as well as FB EK ute/van. I have an FB EK wagon one, which has a slightly different neck to cater for the finny rear.


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[Gman]

Righto, been hard at it, All brakes now fully reco (originals with stainless sleeves) and fitted up to the front and rear ends.

Both rear quarters have now been paint stripped and metal prepped. Started work on replacing/repairing the plenum vent.

Gearbox is rebuilt and detailed, Steering box is ready to assemble.

Pics to follow


Some more questions -

Steering column, gloss black like steering wheel or satin? same question for the honey pot

Anyone know where to get the headlining retaining strips that are spot welded inside the roof?

[my8thholden]

If Stinky doesn't see this and reply PM him , he will know about hood lining and he may have the lining material  ..Vern .

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

Anyone know where to get the headlining retaining strips that are spot welded inside the roof?

I've always known them as Alligator Strips, I don't think you can get them new. You'll probably need to scavenge some from a wreck.

[Gman]

Yep that's them, bummer, I've seen kit in the past for sandman vans but can't seem to find them now  :-\

Any thoughts on the steering column colour?

[Gman]

Some pics

[Errol62]

Steering column same as dash I reckon. Cinder grey satin.

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[GMHwagoon]

  
  Gareth

       look ups   Stickthis     its a company that has the metal strips