FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi all, here are some photos of my new project I've just aquired. It's in reasonably good condition but has a bit of rust in the subframe and lower doors. The interior is very good with original rubber floor mats and an excellent headlining. It has been sitting in a shed for the last 17 years but with a bit of petrol down the carby throat it started and ran no problems. Can't keep a good grey down!.This will be a total rebuild project and I will keep you all posted on it's progress. The other FC in the last photo is my current runabout. :) :)(http://)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo001.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo002.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo003.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo004.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo005.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo006.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/IMG_0050.jpg)

Great score and with a rare NASCO heater as well. Can you take some detail photos of the heater and controls for us? I'm sure Alex can use the pics in the AOTW column.

Regards   Ken

Real nice has the seller got any more ?? That is one clean FC to begin a project with. .......FC427.........

Thanks Ken, didn't realise the heater was an FC one, I thought it may have been out of a later model.Here are some photo's. It is complete with demister hoses and has an opening above the controls for the radio which I found in the boot. The controls are missing one knob but should be easy enough to make one up. Cheers, Dave.(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater006.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater005.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater004.jpg)

Car looks like a very nice score....congrats.
The runabout looks sweet too.
Thanks for the pics of the heater. I have added them to the relevant accessory thread.
Here is some more details about this accessory.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/FEFC%20instr/Heaterz3.jpg)
Regards
Alex

Thanks for the photos, and the vehicle ID Dave, I have a photo album full of accessories and have none of this particular one. Sorry to be a pain, but can you take a photo of the facia panel from a bit further back including the speaker grille and one of the fitting where the hose goes through near the radiator.

If your feeling really generous, would you be able to get a helper to hold the radio in in place and take a photo as well - I know the last one is asking a lot, but you can only ask can't you. :) :)

Thanks Ken

Nice project, looks good.

Nice heater pics, it's got me thinking of making a fresh air intake using an EFI throttle body and cold air induction piping!

Would that be considered “retrotech”? lol


Does the other control operate a heater tap?

Cheers

Ed

Ed, that's correct. The original heater tap for this unit was not a really good design and extremely hard to get in working condition. Interested to see if Dave is lucky enough to have the tap as well.

Ken

I had a look but there is no heater tap. I have taken some more photos. The radio that was in the boot was too big to fit in the opening ,must have come out of another model. I fitted a radio I had sitting on a shelf for the photo. Hope this all helps, Dave(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater022.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater023.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater024.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater028.jpg)Ken, I assume this the hole you were talking about, no fittings unfortunately. When I first saw it I thought what idiot cut a hole there for what reason?. Now I know!(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/nascoheater.jpg)

hi that a nice old girl you pay much for her

Great pickup Dave...

Looks like you've almost got a matching set!!

Love the heater..... that'll come in handy down South :P

Cheers
Les...

Nice pickup, Love your daily driver. Have you made much of a start yet on your new project?

Just aquick update on the                                     3+
                                                                                 

Oopps a couple of keys stuck on the keyboard, I'll try again. I have stripped most of the body and found rust as per photos. The motor and gearbox is now out and the next step is to get the front and rear ends off and make up a rotisserie. will post more photos as the project progresses. Have a deadline of April 2010 - The Nats! Orange here I come!. Cheers for now Dave aka Jack (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo023.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo022.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo017.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo016.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo025.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo019.jpg)

Nice project car, rust in all the usual places i see, are you keeping the original colour scheme,

The rust will keep you out of mischief between now and the Nats in Orange.  ;)

I look forward to seeing the finished project in 2010. In the meantime you keep posting pictures and keeping us updated and we will give all the encouragement we can :D :D

Jack n Chris
hope to see your project soon... In the mean time, watching here closely!
all the best
jack n rita

Thanks for the encouragement guys, Pedro I am looking at a 2 tone metallic paint job as it will be a modified project ( Ecotec V6, auto disc brakes etc ) I am keeping my other FC as my stockie. Will keep you all updated. Cheers, Jack. ps, Hi Jack n Rita look forward to catching up soon.

Nice car Jack. Its a shame you're going to change the colours. IMHO Teal over Cambridge Blue is one of the smartest combos available on an FC and I wouldn't change it for a boring me too metallic combo, but then I wouldn't modify a car as original as that, with those great accessories either, but hey, its your car.

Cheers
John ;)

John, I agonised long and hard over whether to keep it stock or modify. In the end I decided that as it wasn,t strictly original I decided to go modified. It had been repainted at one stage and been fitted with seat belts and also had an EK motor in it. It will still be original on the ouside and I am looking at retaining the original heater, dash and radio. I wanted to have an original looking car with the comfort and power of a modern car. Hope this explains everything, Cheers for now, Jack

Hi all, just a bit of an update on the progress of my rebuild. The rotisserie has been made up and fitted to the shell. Tried it out today and it spins quite easily. I used two engine stands and four jockey wheels to make it. The next step is to send it off to the soda blasters and then to the spray painters to have a coat of primer to stop surface rust while I carry out the repairs and mods to the body. Luckily the soda blasters and spray painters are next door to each other so that makes it easier.here are some pics of the rotisserie in action. Will post more pics when I get it back from the blasters. Cheers for now ,Jack.(http://)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie006.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie005.jpg[/IMG [IMG]http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie004.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie003.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie002.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/ontherotisserie001.jpg)

Nice job Jack.A brace between the two ends of your rotisserie is a must if you haven't already done this since the photos.Otherwise is can "escape" when you pull the locking pins out and it also takes the load off the pivot points.Cheers,Jamie.

Thanks for the tip Jamie. I haven't braced it as yet but I will do before I start moving it about. Removed the rear springs and brake line today, much easier with the car in this position. Hope to get it off to the blasters on my next RDO. Cheers, Jack

Looking good, Jack!

cheers jack

It's been a while but I finally got the FC back from the soda blasters. Picked it up and then took it straight to the local carwash to wash all the soda residue off it. I then went for a drive down the highway to blow dry it. Got back home and it decided to bucket down with rain before I could get it off the trailer! These things are meant to test us!!!.Later the sun came out again so I managed to get it dry enough to take some photos. There were no real surprises rust wise and only a couple of previous repairs as seen in the photos. When it is fully dried out I will put a coat of etch primer on it and then get stuck into the rust repairs. Cheers for now ,Jack.(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2002.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2001.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2003.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2004.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2005.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/tylerat2007.jpg)

That looks relatively clean.
A nice place to start......have fun.
Regards
Alex

Love the colour of your rides,, my favorite to...

G'day,Well FC for me,do i spy some serious home brewing going on in the corner of your garage?That's my second favorite hobby next to my car,have gone over to kegging my beer now,too much hassle bottling the stuff.
                                           Cheers Rusty

You got it right Rusty, been brewing my own for about 6 yrs now and have got it down to a fine art.The bottling's not so bad as I get my better half to help. ;D Now if I could just get her to help with FC, Mmmm ;) ;)

Just a quick update on my project's progress. Have deoxidined the whole shell and given it a coat of etch primer. Looks better already!.Have cut the rust out of the passenger side floor and removed part of the outer sill to enable repairs to the bottom of the door pillar. This next part will test me as I have no idea what it should look like. I am assuming that the pillar extends right down to the bottom lip of the inner and outer sills. Maybe someone can help me out with a photo of this section, it would be greatly appreciated. I have some new inner and outer sills coming and I intend to replace both outer sills but just the ends of the inner sills where there is some pinhole rust. Here are some photos of the work so far. Cheers for now, Jack.(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2001.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2002.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2006.jpg)

Here you go Jack,I rebuilt these from scratch as they were a lot like yours.Hope this helps.PM me if you need more photos.Cheers,Jamie.
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa281/ttv6fc/Picture865.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa281/ttv6fc/Picture860.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa281/ttv6fc/Picture889.jpg)
(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa281/ttv6fc/Picture886.jpg)
Note:these pics are from both sides....

Jack, Jamie's photos are quite good but don't show the area behind the outer sill very well. If you look at your last photo and imagine the curved section at the right coming right down to the base of the sill - gradually diminishing to nothing. Then imagine the piece of metal in Jamie's last photo underneath the sill extended to match up with this downward sloping piece. This is maybe hard to imagine but what in effect happens is the the base of the inner sill is a sealed section under the sill panel which extends right to the bottom of the sill panel. The outer sill is then attached on top.

Sorry I don't have any pictures - all the times I've done this I've never thought to take pictures of it

Ken

Thanks Jamie and Ken. I think I've got the idea now. Looks like the hardest part may be getting the the bolthole for the front subframe in the right position and at the right angle. I'll post some pics as I go which may benefit the next restorer. Cheers for now, Jack

Jack,when I rebuilt these sections I made sure I left the inside bolt hole piece in place so that the alignment didn't change.The other advantage I had was that the piece of square tube inside this section was still intact so I could lay the new steel on the outside then just redrill the hole.As I mentioned,I have more photos if you want them.Cheers,Jamie.

Yes - very important to get the hole in the right place. Your inner sill looks quite bad and ensuring you get the bolt hole right is essential and can be quite time consuming. First take lots of pics, do measurements and mark datum points. Replace or repair the inner sill with the subframe in place until you at least get sections tacked in place. If the inner sill is completely replaced then redrill the hole through the subframe leg.
Replace the box section and drill making sure that the hole is perpendicular to the inner sill and matches up well with original measurements to the hole in the outer sill.
Once the outer section of the A pillar base has been reconstructed then you can drill through from the inside so that all the holes line up.
Then it is a matter of lining up the outer sill hole when you install it.
This whole process can involve quite a few installations and removals of the front subframe to make sure that all is right before all the final welding is done.

Jamie was very wise in his rebuild to leave as much as possible of the original inner sill and crush tube in place as possible. But if it rusted away there is not much you can do but replace it.

Ken

Thanks for the info Ken, you have been a great help. I have been taking photos and I have cleaned the existing inner sill up and found that only the front 8 inches need replacing which will make it easier to maintain the correct bolt hole position. I will mark a few reference points on the existing inner sill to work from. Cheers, Jack

Isn't it amazing that when you get a project car that only has rust in "the usual places" it always turns out to be in "the usual unseen, hard to get at and hard to repair places".  ???
Keep up the good work Jack the project looks great.

regards
Weddo

Isn't it amazing that when you get the car apart and sandblasted all the faults show themselves. It never looks as bad when it is all together.

Best of luck, Jack. Take plenty of photo's please as I will be following your thread with plenty of interest as I have done with Jamie's as my next project will require a similiar treatment.

Keith
F4+
 ;)

Thanks for the encouragement Weddo and Keith. The car is an ex Tassie car which might explain the rust in the all the hidden places  ;D ;D ;D Cheers, Jack

Well I've done a bit more today making up new sill end. I used an offcut of a Rares inner sill and as you will see from the photos with a bit of grinder and welding work I was able to get it to look something like the original. The crush box section was made from 2 pieces of the under floor subframe I cut out earlier. I have tack welded it in position for the moment and as you can see from the last photo I have put a brace between the two subframe mounting points to maintain the correct distance until the floor and the outer sill is back in. I wont drill the mounting hole in the new piece until I put the subframe back on. Cheers for now, Jack    (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2009.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2011.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2012.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2015.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2016.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effie2018.jpg)

Well done Jack, Looks good. Once you trial fit the subframe you will be able to lock in place and then add the bottom of the A pillar.

Ken

Gidday all, here's another update. finished off the A pillar today. Started by adding extra bracing on the iside of the inner sill.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo001-1.jpg)
Then I made up the end pieces for the A pillar
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo002-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo004-1.jpg)
I then roughly bent a piece of sheetmetal to the right shape and spot welded it to the crush box first as it is important that the panel sits flat against it.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo005-1.jpg)
I then shaped and welded the outer edges a bit at a time to get the right shape
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo006-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo007-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo008.jpg)
Then finally a coat of primer and it is ready for some rust proofing and then fitment of the outer sill. Unitl next time, cheers for now, Jack 
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effietwo009.jpg)

Hello all, well with Xmas and New Year out of the way it's time to get back on the important things - FC's!. I have finished the floor pans and now have a rust free floor.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress013.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress014.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress016.jpg)
Next step was fitting a new underfloor subframe. I had these made up to the original sizeout of gal as the rares ones were too wide for the chassis kit.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress015.jpg)
Next I reconstructed the bottom of the drivers side A pillar.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress006.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress007.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress008.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress009.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress012.jpg)
After that I fitted anchor plates for the seatbelt retractors by cutting a slit in the bottom of the B pillars, sliding the plate in and then welding it to the pillar thru 2 pre drilled holes. Once in place the slit can then be welded up again.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress020.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress022.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress023.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress026.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress028.jpg)
Sorry about the blurry photo's, they must have been "before stubby" photos.The next step was a bit of bracing under the B pillar ,a coat of rust proofing and then I tacked the outer sill into place. The next step will be to temporarily rehang the doors into place to make sure the sills line up ok and the gap between the doors and the sill is even, a bit of a pain but worth it in the long run. Well better go and search for the doors in the side shed, ( probably right at the back as usual!) Cheers for now Jack

Oops, forgot to add the last few photos so here they are.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress030.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress031.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress032.jpg)

Gday Jack, great pics mate.
Gotta hand it to ya, ya good at what ya do.
Looking good.
Brad

Well done Jack,this all looks so familiar.... ;)

Hi Dave ..Great job..Why is everyone calling you Jack????????????/ Cheers Mark

Gidday Mark, long time no see. My real name is David but my nick name is Jack and has been since I was about 5. Apparently my uncle used to call me little Jack Davey when I was an ankle biter and the name stuck.Now 90% of people I know call me Jack and 10% David (mainly work!) so to avoid too much confusion on the forum and around the traps I've stuck with Jack. I hope thats not too confusing! ;D ;D ;D

Good on you Jack, for having a go, well done. I look forward to watching your progress

I use to love this site.

Looking GOOD, Jack! Check your email n pm's re AHD - hope to catch you both soon.

cheers jack

Hi all, just another short update. Not too much progress of late due to work, social engagements etc. When I ground back the lead loading to weld the outer sill in place I discovered rust beneath the lead. This is something to keep in mind if you have your car soda blasted as it does not remove the lead loading and there could be all sorts of nasties lurking beneath it.Will keep you all posted on further updates. Cheers for now, Jack(http://)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress003.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress005-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress006-1.jpg)

looking good Jack, are they repro sills that you have fitted?

Yes they are rares sills, the passenger side one was ok as shown in the pics but the drivers side was a poor repro. I have another one on the way from Qld from another supplier. Will see if this one is better. Cheers, Jack

The ones I bought from Rares were the same,not bad on the passenger side and terrible on the drivers side.The excuse I got,(this is a very old die they are using and it costs a lot of money to make a new one  ??? Like they haven't made enough money to cover the cost of one new die?Still cheaper than NOS and easier to get.Spent a lot of time trying to straighten mine out.The sills from Queensland are only the straight parts though are they not?Don't have the ends on them?

the ones from qld are straight no ends turned over
regards mal

Hello all, another update on my project. I found the outer sills from Qld were much better with more defined edges so I fitted them to both sides and used the ends off the rares ones. I have also fitted the crs transmission tunnel and chassis strenghtening kit. The next step is the replacement of the lower rear quarter panels. I have some being sent from Retro Rods Custom Sheetmetal in Qld which is another supplier of rust repair sections. You can find them here http://www.retrorods.net.au/ Til the next update, Cheers for now, Jack
     (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress005-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress003-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress025-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress024.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress011-1.jpg[/I[IMG]http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress008-1.jpg)MG]

For some reason some of the photos didn't arrive so here goes again, Jack
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/d[IMG]http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress008-1.jpg)mbrowne/effiesprogress011-1.jpg[/IMG]

One more time !(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress011-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress008-1.jpg)

Looking Good Jack,

You must be pleased with your progress so far. Do you think that you will make it to Orange?

Regards

Keith

He bloody better have it ready for Orange!
(it's not as much fun, travelling in one car only)

cheers jack

I could be pushing peas uphill with the proverbial rake but I will give it my best shot!. If not I've still got the trusty stockie to cruise to Orange in, might have to get some well padded seat covers though! Cheers Jack  ps. if not Orange then definately Perth in 2012

We'll be real happy to drive up to Orange with you n Chris in your stockie, no probs, BUT, we would all have a bit more fun if you can get 'the project' on the road by then!
Get the rake out; start pushing them peas uphill flat out!

cheers jack

Time for another update, although not much progress has been made. I have replaced both lower rear 1/4 panels and inside beaver panels. I have also managed to fit all the seatbelt anchor plates including the one in the upper pillor. I cut out the bucket seat mounts from my donor commodore and grafted them to the FC floor. I had to make up a box section and lower the floor under the seats to get them to sit low enough. next job is the fuel tank and after that the front subframe. With daylight saving and warmer weather I'm hoping to make a bit more progress over the coming months. Cheers for now, Jack. (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress007-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress006-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress009-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress053.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress027.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress028-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress030-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress038.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress044.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress045.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress047.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress048.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress055.jpg)

Looking good, Jack

that radiator I told you about is HR - HZ 6 cyl auto; it's yours if you can use it

cheers, jack

(and thanks for the roast!)

Thanks Jack, sounds like it will do the job. I've now got an excuse to visit!. Catch up soon, Cheers, Jack.

Jack,

Some good progress shots there, keep up the good work and I will see you in Orange

Keith

Neat bit of engineering work on those seat mounts Jack.
                                  Pedro

Another quick update ( why are we always hurrying these days? ) I have put the framework in for the fuel tank and done a trial fit, looks like it's made for an FC. Just need to get a new filler inlet fitted and have the old one blocked off. Also got my diff assy and springs back. Had the diff shortened to give me a track of 1435mm and had the springs retempered and an xtra leaf fitted. This should lower the car by 1 inch at the back. May have to lower it more but wont really know until it's all back on it's wheels.Also coated the back half of the underside with chassis black. So glad to have finally got pass the rust repair stage and starting to put some parts back on. Hope to get the rear end all back together over Xmas, just waiting on some bumpstops. Until the next update Merry Xmas and cheers, Jack(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress008-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress009-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress010.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress012-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress017.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress018.jpg)

G'day Jack, the old girl's coming together nicely now, just a couple of questions as I'm thinking about having a go at doing my diff myself, is 1435mm from axle face to axle face and is that a standard size that all commodore diffs are cut down to, also I see you're going to have another problem that i haven't come to yet, there's no room for the exhaust between the springs and the fuel tank, had any thoughts on that ???, the only thing i can come up with(apart from side pipes) is to go through the springs though i don't know if that's legal.
                      Pedro

Hi Pedro, the 1435 measurement is from axle face to axle face. The guy who did the job used the short axle out of the commo diff and an axle out of a Chev to get the right measurement so I could use commo wheels. I was told that if you do it as described here on the forum you end up shortening the diff by 200mm which would make it shorter than the standard FC diff and then might require tubbing and/or deep dish rims.As I am trying to retain VS commo running gear and 4 wheel disc brakes I had to go the way I went. It also keeps the engineer happy as it all matches up. As for the exhaust, you're right, the engineer said no to pipe through the springs but as the fuel tank is only protruding 100mm below the boot floor on the left side , there is enough room for an exhaust providing I fit a heat shield between the exhaust pipe and the fuel tank. I will find out for you what model Chev axle was used. I hope to get it all fitted together over Chrissy and will post some more photos. Cheers for now, Jack

Thanks Jack, sounds like i might have to look into the diff a bit more yet as mine is VL and drum brake, the measurement will be very handy as i can set up the wheels where they need to go and then check between them, my fuel tank problem is not going to be resolved as easy as yours though, I welded in the VL boot floor and slung the tank underneath same as the Commodore so i could keep my spare wheel well (wagon), i might have to look for a smaller tank if i can't go through the springs.
                                Pedro

Just an update to let you all know I'm still alive and slowly working on the FC even with a bung shoulder!. I had to redo the back support on the rotisserie as it was starting to look a bit proppy. Even painted it to make it look professional ;D The rear end is in as well as the fuel tank. I painted the fuel tank and the rear floor pan with Por 15, this stuff is magic to use, very pleased. The next step is to set up the hand brake, I tried the VR Commo one but it is too bulky and would probably foul the tailshaft. I will have to have a look around the wreckers and see if I can find something a little smaller, any suggestions welcome. Well that's all for now , Cheers, Jack (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress027-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress029-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress028-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress026-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress038-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress040-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress043.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress047-1.jpg) Fitted restrictor to FC filler neck and adapted it to Commo tank. (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress046.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress041.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress039.jpg)

Jack,

You have some excellent progress shots there, good to see it all coming along nicely. Are you going to the Nationals, if so are you taking your other FC?

Keith

Hello Keith, yes I will be going to the nationals in the stockie. I have just finished adding a bit of extra foam between the springs and the vinyl on the drivers side of the bench seat so hopefully I'll get there with my posterior in better condition than it was at Mt Gambier ;D Looking forward to catching up with you all at Orange. Cheers, Jack

Nice work Jack.There is some excellent progress there.Keep up the photos.Jamie. 8)

Great stuff, Jack!  :)

This one wont make it to Orange, but so what - I'm sure the trusty old stocky will get you there

with class, style and dignity  8)

Will catch up with you and Chris either on the way up, or at Orange. (a bit worried about our accommodation, though - it seems some real noisy ferals have booked in next door to us...)

cheers, jack

Well, after some inspiration from Orange and some improvement from my shoulder I was able to do a bit more on the FC this week. I have fitted a handbrake out of an Hyundai Excel which matched up well with the standard VS commy cable. Plenty of clearance for the tailshaft too. The next step will be to get the subframe cleaned up, repaired and fitted. Will keep you posted, Cheers for now, Jack .  (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress050-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress053-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress052.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress054.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress055-1.jpg)

And your update would be where Jack? Although you do have the excuse of recovering from your shoulder op so I'll cut you a little slack...... for now!  :D 

Was good to meet you at Orange!  :D

Jack, I apologise for introducing you to Kathi at the Nats; sorry mate, now you're on her 'hit list' too!  ::)

(ps  about time you and Chris visited Port Fairy to check out that radiator  ;))

cheers, jack

Don't stress Jack, I don't mind being on Kathi's hit list, sometimes you need that little kick up the bum to get motivated again! ;D ;D As for the visit it's a bit hard at the moment as Chris is flat out at work and can't get a day off and we will probably need 3 days to visit: 1 to look at radiator, 1 to drink beer and discuss radiator and 1 more day to recover.  ;D ;D ;D. We will get there though! Cheers Jack

A full day to look at a radiator?  :o  You really need to get a life Jack!  ::)  :D

Makes sense if you're drinking beer while looking at the radiator ;) ;D ;D
            Pedro

Thank you, Pedro; at least you understand how important it is to do these things properly...
Jack; looking forward to discussing these very important matters with you and Chris in a sensible and fitting manner  ;)

However, the drinking of the amber fluid was only mentioned when referring to the planned events for the 2nd day!  ;D I would have also thought that a hair of the dog that bit you would be on the agenda for the 3rd day - but - that was not mentioned either!  ::) ;D

 

I thought it wise not to mention the amber fluid requirements for the 1st and 3rd days in case people thought I was a cronic torturer of the liver! ;D ;D ;D, Jack

Ok guys here's the update you have all been waiting for. I have been working on the front subframe and brought these sections off ebay
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress024-1.jpg)
I removed the sections from the subframe and found this
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress021.jpg)
repaired rusted sections on apron
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress029-3.jpg)
Welded in new sections
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress030-2.jpg)
Had the subframe sandblasted and found some small sections of rust which need to be repaired
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress039-1.jpg)
Looking forward to bolting the subframe back on and seeing if it all lines up with the repaired bottoms of the A pillars. Well that's my up date for now , see Kathi it's all good. ;D ;D ;D. Cheers for now, Jack

Looking good Jack, those new sub frame sections look a lot better than the old repairs.
                            Pedro

Thanks Pedro, I brought the sections of an Ebay store called Early Holden Spares and Repairs. He is located in Brisbane. and has a large variety of bits for all cars. They may seem a bit pricey at $280 but well worth it as he has put a lot of work into them and they fit perfectly. Here's a pic of the inside of the side sections which have gussets and tapped plates for the bumper bar and sway bar mounts.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress025-2.jpg)
Cheers, Jack

Jack,

Great work, good to see!  Those repair sections really look good. Seem to fit great too.

Keith

Well it's been a long time between drinks but I finally got around to my latest update!. I have refitted the subframe with some difficultly. I found the wishbones had spread apart from welding in the new sections on the front of the subframe, but with the help of a length of threaded rod I managed to get them to line up.(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress002-1.jpg)
Next up I fitted the VS booster and master cylinder which with a little bit of modification lined up well with the original brake pedal.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress011-2.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress013-1.jpg)
I also fitted the accelerator pedal and cable out of a VP commodore which only needed the top of the bracket removed to make it fit.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress014-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress013-1.jpg)
Next I fitted a VP wiper motor and made up an connecting arm to enable it to be used with the standard FC wiper arms. This took days of trial and error to get the wipers to move in sync!
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress010-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress009-3.jpg)
The next job will be to fit the Pat Gardner front end which will be interesting to say the least!.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress018-1.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress019.jpg)
Well that's all for now ,will keep you posted , Cheers Jack

And it's about time Jack!  >:(  ;) :D

That Pat Gardner sub frame looks the goods. Has anyone else used one?
What axles, discs and callipers are you going to use Jack?


regards
Weddo

Gidday Weddo, I am going to use VS Commo axles and brakes, they should bolt straight up. Also using VS power steering rack which should also bolt straight up with shortened tie rods. Hope to pick up all the parts in the next few days so will let you know how they go. Hi Kathi, yes it's been a while but like a good wine these things take time! :D ;D Cheers Jack

Hi Jack,

Great to see that you have been making progress on your car. It seems to be coming along nicely. The Pat Gardner front end looks a treat!

Keith

Hi Jack,

Have got the Pat Gardener front end as well, and the biggest problem that I have had is getting tools in to tighten up the bolts to the subframe... The holes to let the tools into the frame don't line up... let me know how you go... I haven't had a proper go at it since moving to Melbourne.

Looking good though mate.
Cheers
JB

Gidday JB , I haven't got around to fitting the front end yet, still setting it up with VS knuckles and discs. Had to take a bit out of the lower backing plates to clear the lower ball joints and now looks like I may have to machine the inside edge of the discs for the same reason. I am using all VS gear. Did you have this trouble with yours?. As for the front end mounting bolts it looks like a universal coupling for the socket set may be needed. Will see how I go. Cheers for now, Jack

I haven't put any discs on it yet, but am using all VT components, I have the calipers on there and thats it for transport. What rubbers are you planning on using, I haven't bought them yet, was looking at a noelathane type product.

Throw some photos up when you are done.

Cheers,
JB

JB, I couldn't find anybody that could supply neothane rubbers so I am using the rares kit. You need the kit for mounting HR frontend into FC. I think the part no is FE4KA. The outrigger rubber seems a bit sloppy but hopefully it will clamp up ok. I will post some photos when I get to that stage. There is a local guy who has fitted this frontend to an HR so I hope to catch up with him soon and find out what discs, rubbers ect he used. Will keep you informed, cheers, Jack.

Well I got the frontend in ok, fitted quite well actually. I brought some blank rackends from Burson's ,shortened them and had threads cut on them. Had to get them done on a CNC lathe as the metal is too hard for normal dies. Fitted the power steering rack and the steering column I had modified by Rod's Racks. Had an intermediate shaft made up using a VL top and a VS bottom. As you can see from the photos it all came together quite nicely. The steering wheel ends up about 100mm closer to the dash. JB , to bolt the front end up you need new bolts 5 inches long and use the original long spacers, don't use the short ones. I managed to bolt it up ok using a standard socket and a short swivel extension. The next step is to get all the brake and fuel lines fitted while it's still on the rotisserie and then try the motor and gearbox for size. Will keep you posted, cheers for now, Jack.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress132.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress133.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress137.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress130.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress138.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress129.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress134.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress139.jpg)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress135.jpg)

Looking good.


front end looks great i purchased mine today was going to have a go at my own the the whole enginnering proccess scared me so i just bit the bullet and ordered one.

i also ordered a 322mm rotor and calliper kit off a mob in qld.

I am going to run a manual VL rack as i like my steering a bit on the heavier side.

You would think for the money you would get a modified set of tie rod ends.

Love your colum keep going its a credit to you.
Keeps us all enthusiastic and wanting to work on our cars.

Pete

That does look great Jack,

I am hoping to have the ute home next week to start on it again.

Where did you get the intermediate shaft made? I also have to get the column shortened a little as well.

When I get it here I will show some photos as well.

Cheers
JB

Hi JB, I made the intermediate shaft out of a VL shaft and a VS shaft. I removed the VL top from the damper and fitted it to the VS shaft after removing the VS top coupling. I then cut the shaft to length and got a local engineering firm to sleeve, pin and weld the joint. Hope this makes sense. you can see the sleeved joint in the 5th picture. Cheers ,jack

I like it, I like it very much!

Jack,

Great work, it's coming together very well!

Keith

Nice work Jack,all these photos will help to make my next one easier... ;) Jamie.

Hi all, well with Xmas out of the way I have been getting stuck into the car. Have had the fuel and brake lines done and fitted the motor. It all went quite well apart from the right side extractors, I had to cut the bottom off them to get them in. I will get that side custom made further down the track. I think the extractors were made for use with a HR frontend. The engine wiring loom has been connected up and now I've got the job of shortening the wires to the ECU, that should keep me out of mischief for a while! I intend to get all the mechanicals and wiring done before I move back on to the bodywork. Til the next update, Cheers, Jack.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress083.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress078.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress077.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress077.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress082.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress081.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress079.jpg)

Looking good now Jack, another step closer to having it back on the road!

Keep up the good work ;)

Keith

I wouldn't shorten them, the electronic ignition has a standby system that looks for pulse fed back via the earth lead from the module mounted on the engine (brief description, you can read how it works in the manual) you may upset that, I'd coil up the excess around around the inside of the dash.  Cheers Keith

Looks like you are having the wiring fun that I have ben having. I have been using heat shrink, shortening the wires, overlapping in a finger join style and then wrapping the joining in the same wire before soldering. No dry joints that way.

Have fun
Cheers
JB

Hmmm,pulse sent back from earth lead?Yes I know current flows from earth to positive but where does a pulse originate if coming from earth???  ???

Hello JB, what I did was remove one pin at a time from the connectors ,shorten the wire then resolder it back on the pin and re-insert it into the connector. This way you have no joins in the wiring .Cheers ,Jack

Really starting to look the goods now, Jack  8)
Can we assume the blue on the engine cover will be one of the body colours?
Regards to you and Chris
cheers, jack n rita

Hi Jack, hope you and Rita are both well, I haven't seen you on the forum for a while. The engine cover is a GMH blue engine enamel. It's not one of the body covers but any blue is a good blue hey! Must get down to pick up that radiator soon as you can see I am getting close to fitting it. Hopefully in the next month when things quieten down a bit at work. Cheers for now, Jack n Chris

Jack,
Radiator is still in the shed waiting for you, there's beer in the fridge and a spare room  :)
All's well  this end (except for the FC, but that's another sad story  :'()
Looking forward to catching up with you and Chris soon.
cheers, jack

Looking flash Jack, everything fits well and looks neat and tidy, wish I'd gone down the V6 road myself now.
                   Pedro

Deep down no you dont.
It will smoke a V6


LOL

Weel I must admeet I do like the idea of that part Sen'or ;D ;D
           Pedro

Hi guys, time for another update. Nearly all the mechanical work has been done, radiator fitted ( thanks Jack ), most of the wiring has been done, just a few loose ends to tie up , ( like JB I'm giving the wiring part a rest!). Have just trailered the car to the exhaust place to get the extractors and exhaust sorted. Moving house next week so it will be much easier to move the shed stuff without the car in it! Won't have much time to do any work on it for the next couple of weeks so it was a good chance to get the exhaust done. Cheers, Jack.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress084.jpg)
Back on it's wheels (not the wheels I'm using just some old wheels off the donor car)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress085.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress089.jpg)
VT floor shift fitted (mongrel of a job, had to cut a fair bit of the tunnel away!)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress086.jpg)
Computer fitted and wiring shortened.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress087.jpg)
Battery fitted in boot using original battery tray.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress091.jpg)
Radiator and power steering reservoir fitted.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress090.jpg)

Is looking very good.
Moving sux slow everything down so good luck.

Looking Great Jack!

Good to see that it is coming together well!. Sorry to hear that you have to slow down some as you have to move house, hopefully the new house will have a bigger and better garage!

Keep us posted after the move

Keith

Thanks guys, yes I am moving to a place with a bigger garage - I'm gaining an extra 3 metres of floor space. It will be nice to be able to walk around the car normally instead of crablike! ;D ;D. The only downside is setting all the shelving and equipment up again, but it could be a good chance for a cleanout. Jack

Hi Jack... Not easy to say for a pilot..  ;D ;D

Just had a look all the way through your project again, doing great work all of the way through.

Thought I would bump it to the top again to get some more motivation into you for more photos of where you are at with the build.

What paint did you use for the tank and the inside of the car? Did you use POR15???

Also sent you a PM

Cheers
JB

Hi Jase, yes that's POR15 I used on the tank and floor, comes up a treat ,you just brush it on and it looks like it's been sprayed! Now I've got my shed all sorted I'll get some progress shots up, thanks, I needed that little bit of motivation. ;D ;D Cheers, Jack

Hi Guys, been a while since the last update but there's not much to show when in the rewiring phase. Finally got most of the wiring done. Used some 6 pin plugs and sockets for the dash so that it can be unplugged and removed easily. Fitted an Autometer speedo which fitted perfectly in the original hole and it's in Mph so it doesn't look out of place. Put some fuel and water in it last nite and fired it up, it ran great after the initial puff of smoke from the oil I'd put down the cylinders to keep them lubricated. I've driven it up and down the driveway a few times and all seems to work ok, the power steering is as light as! , the brakes work well too. The final step of the wiring is to run the wires to the headlights and horn. I have fitted 2 fuse panels, one on the battery side and one on the ignition side and I have mounted them on spring loaded kitchen cupboard hinges so they swing down for fuse changing then swing back up under the dash. Works a treat!  Next on the list is to get the doors, bonnet, guards and boot soda blasted and primed and put back on the car. Then it will be all systems go for the painting stage. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Til next time, Cheers, Jack.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress093.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress094.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress095.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress097.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress098.jpg)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/effiesprogress101.jpg)

Jack what radiator have you fitted  ??? ??? ??? ???....FC427......

Mark, it looks like something he found in someones shed and modified to suit...  ;) ;D

And I thought it looked like a HQ radiator  ::) ::) ??? ??? Thanks for that Jack  :P :P....FC427.....

Only 160 MPH.......!!!! :D

Nah - it's sitting on 8 already so only 152mph!  ;)

Nice work Jack... I still want to come and have a look. Probably when I go to Geelong for some parts.

Cheers JB

Mark, if it's the one I think it is, you're right on the money...

(used to have a real good one of them in the shed somewhere  ;))

Jack, is there something you're NOT telling us about re the V6??

Great work; looking forward to seeing it! Catch you at Camperdown.

cheers, jack

Gidday Jack, yes you are right it is a HQ radiator someone found in a shed on the sth west coast of Vic. ;D ;D Had to swap the inlet and outlet over to the opposite sides. JB any time you want to drop in just give me a call. I thought I'd go for the 160 MPH speedo in just case I found myself going down a steep hill with a tail wind ;) Been busy on " household chores" today so haven't had a chance to do much on the car ( apart from giving it the obligatory startup ). Til next time, Jack

Hehehe..and with the 300HP of Nitrous Go Baby Go button pressed... ;D All jokes aside,great work Jack,looks awesome. 8)

Just looked at my last post and could not believe it was back in August last year, where does the time go?. Since my last post I have reskinned the 4 doors and primed and rubbed and primed and rubbed and painted and rubbed and buffed and polished. So glad I'm finally over that stage, now I know why paint jobs are so expensive!. I am now starting to put it all back together. Should have my wheels next week, I will post a photo when they are on. Hope to have it on the road by next spring after 5 long years. Til next time, cheers, Jack
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress001-1.jpg)
Rust found in doors after blasting.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress009-4.jpg)
Also rust in inner skins
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress004-2.jpg)
inner skin repaired
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress006-4.jpg)
outer skin fitted
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress007-3.jpg)
back on car
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress036.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress038-3.jpg)
After painting

Thats beautiful. Hope your right about next spring.

Rgds Wayne b

Looking great, Jack  :) :) :)

The blue and silver is going to be stunning with the chrome back on  8)

Catch up with you soon for a cool drink and a closer look  ;)

cheers, jack

G,day Jack, looking good, just checked out your post again from page one and you've come a long way mate, I've watched as you've built the old girl but you forget all the details, looking at the whole thing from the start you can see how much work/time and effort you've put in.
                                 Pedro

Hi all, sorry about the delay with the update, but I've just been slack with my computer work! The wheels are on and fit well apart from some rubbing on the front guards. I have tapped the lip up but still rub, may have to raise the front a little. I have fitted struts to the boot lid and they work well. I am starting to get some of the bling back on it, have got all my chrome back , just waiting on the stainless. Dropped the seats off to the upholsterers today so it's all starting to come together. Here are a couple of photos , will post some more when I get the rest of the bling back on. Cheers for now, Jack.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress040-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress041-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress042-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress043-1.jpg)

what a great idea Jack with the boot struts


great work mate...what an inspiration and such a sweet looking car...nice paint colour combo and job

and the mags just shine and top the look off...

looking forward to seeing more as time and work goes on

FE 4 ME

Looking very flash indeed Jack. it is going to look great with the rest of the trim in place.

Dean.

Jack, great progress; looking VERY sweet!

(and it's a pity your 'computer work' lags so far behind your build...  more pics ya slack bastard!!  ;))

cheers, jack

Jack.... can you shed a bit of info on the boot struts ? ie. what's the length ? and major mods to get them to fit ???

once again a great idea


FE 4 ME

Guys,

My father in law owns gas strut recharge, so if you can tell me the size and pressure on the struts, I should be able to get them real cheap for anyone interested.

Pinky.

Im guessing the struts are VT bonnet.

Hi all, the gas struts are from repco part no RGS14689 the pressure is 240nm. I just attached them to the boot lid using 6mm rivnuts and attached to the existing spring brackets by a ball end which you will have to purchase separately. They hold the boot up easily but take a firm downward pressure to close. Hope this helps, cheers, Jack

Thankx Jack for shedding some more light ( in detail...thankx ) on the boot struts... they look a treat

FE 4 ME

Hi all, here a few more photos of the recent progress. All the chrome work and stainless is back on. I've taken the front doors off again to fit the door rubbers and to give easier access for fitting the headling. I am waiting on some windlace from the states. I found that Caddy Reproductions make a 3/8ths diam windlace which is close to the size of FC one. I tried some half inch windlace but it looked ungainly. While I've been waiting I knocked up a console and covered in vinyl, looks ok, just need to get a couple of gauges and a stereo into it. Got the windscreen washers working using Rover jets. Fitted some warning lights that I got from UK to the dash for high beam, handbrake and engine warning.  Will post some more photos when the windlace arrives and I get some trim back in. Cheers for now, Jack
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress051-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress044-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress052-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress047-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress046-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress045-1.jpg)

The warning lights look very period. The console also looks the part. Well done..

Regards

Wayne b

Jack

All is looking very swish.

Would you have any further photos of the console.

I am trying to sort through an option for my own build.

The one you have built looks quite good.

Cheers

Craig D

Here are some more photos Craig. I built it out of plywood and covered with high density foam and then with vinyl that was left over from the interior trim. It was a bit of mucking about to get the right profile to follow the tunnel but worked out in the end. The stainless panels will house some gauges and a stereo. Hope this helps, Jack
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress053-2.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress054-1.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress056.jpg)

Daleys can supply windlace in the correct size, only plain colours though, a shipment is due in the enext few weeks. www.daleys.com.au

hi all, here is the latest update, the project is nearly finished, work has been a bit quiet lately so I have been able to do heaps on the car.The only things left to do are to sort out the ride height,  repair the steering wheel, and get the boot to seal a bit better.. After getting everything back on I found the rear end was 20mm higher on the passenger side. I am going to have that side spring retempered. Also found the steering wheel a bit low and hitting on my leg when braking. Had the column modified by Rodsracks . He made it collapsible and shortened it 4 inches. Has anyone else had this problem?. May have to do away with the standard wheel and fit a sports wheel.  Here are some pics of the end result.

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress058.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress057.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress061.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress060.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress063.jpg)

Its a work of art mate, very nice!!

Looking very nice  :)

You should be well pleased with the result

Cheers Stewy   8)

Well done Jack, another one just about ready for the road. You have done a fantastic job, the car looks great and the interior is sensational, looks like you will be driving it before to long.
Regards Jim

Jack

Congrats on the a fantstic result.

Not too far to get it on the road now.

Thanks

Craig D

Lookin the goods mate, nice to see it all together

Gary

Looks awesome Jack,well done. 8)

It is looking real sweet Jack.  Most of the hard work is now behind you.

Keith

Congratulations Jack, the car has come up really nicely.

Dean.

Hats off mate - you have done a majic job of the old girl

Time to enjoy the rewards!!

Whoops :-[, maybe I should have checked your post before I made that comment on Craigs, looks like you're already done Jack, she looks shit hot mate, love the colours.
                     Pedro

Just looking at my old posts and realised I haven't updated it since last August, how slack am I! The car was finished in Dec and registered a week before Xmas. The only thing I had to do to pass the engineering was to move the top rear seatbelt mounts from the C pillar to the rear parcel shelf. Have done some 1000 miles in her so far and the only problem I had was with the cooling. Had to remove the single thermo fan and replace it with twin shrouded fans. All ok now. It is a pleasure to drive and goes and stops well. here are some final Photos(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/finishedfc005.jpg) ($2)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/042.jpg) ($2)(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/dmbrowne/Effiesprogress064.jpg) ($2)

I've been honoured to drive this car; it's MORE than a pleasure to drive, and it goes, stops and handles much better than just 'well'...

Goodonya Jack!!

It looks like a great combination.
Wish it were mine.
Congrats.
Regards
Alex

Beautiful looking car Jack,well done on your build.Now time to enjoy it! ;)

Well done Jack. Now enjoy. Brett

yes its very nice indeed..


Pete

Looks great  8)

Good one Jack, she looks great, been a bit quiet around here without your sense of humour, how's the new house going.
               Pedro

Jack that is one nice ride. As Alex wish it were mine. Have fun cruising.
Cheers,
Graham

Just catching up on cars I lost track of due to new house turmoil and I really love the colour scheme. So vibrant. I bet you miss all the joys of a build  :D Hope you enjoy it!

Looks great Jack! Well done! I noticed that you have the plates off your other FC on this one now, What are your plans for the other one?

Keith

Hello Keith, I sold the stocky some time ago to finance the finishing of the new one. I kept the plates as they were personal plates ( the rego no of my original FC back in the 70's ). Hope to catch up in Tassie, Cheers, Jack

I think I had this in the wrong spot Jack. Back in its rightful place now in the completed section.

Cheers.
JB

This car looks awesome, I love it!

The old dragways reminds me of my childhood watching the older teenagers put them on anything that moved with a holden badge.

I wouldn't change a thing,let me know if you ever want to sell it. I would drop everything and be over in a flash! ;D :o

Cheers,

Craig

Saw this car today, Jack remove the car cover and gave me a personal viewing, and is better then the pictures.  This car is beautiful and Jack has produce one hell of a car.  Thanks for the parts Jack..   another inspiring person I have meet.

Yes please ,post detail images of heater ,have just obtained heater core for my FC ,5/8'' hose connections ,want to see how/where they fitted ,I will need on/off water control any ideas on where ill get one of those  ???? thx

(https://s10.postimg.org/b01sqys5x/image.jpg) ($2)

This is a genuine heater tap for FE FC. Excellent condition. Could even be NOS as there are no marks on the hex where it would be done up or undone.

I want $45 plus postage for it.

Ken