FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi all - due to overwhelming popular demand  ::) (thanks Stinky, Hewart and CustomFC) here is a little history on my car.

My dad's Uncle Stan was visiting his brother at work one day (Woodville GMH) and fell in love with the yet-to-be-released FE's.  He immediately ordered a black one and didn't care that he had to wait until November 1956 to get it. He only really drove it from his home in Prospect to the North Adelaide pub (and I remember as a kid my dad pointing it out there on many occasions).

In October 1983, when he couldn't drive anymore, he told dad he wanted to sell it to someone who would look after it. Dad suggested I get it as my first "non-share with my older sister" car - so for $200 I got a one owner black with red trim FE Special Sedan with 68,142 mile on the odo (yes, I think he lived at the pub!).

This shot was taken just after I got it - the paint looked like a blackboard from years of oxidisation.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FEOct83.jpg)

After a concerted effort it looked pretty good. I'd only polished the driver's half of the car when dad took it up to show his Uncle Stan - he brought him out to see the "blackboard" passenger side and he was carrying on about how happy he was that I was looking after it.  The he went round to the driver side and just about had a heart attack!  :o

Here's another shot in December 1983 a little while after the whole car had been polished.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FEDec83.jpg)
 
The car was my daily driver but I used to pop it into a couple of shows to help support my club at the time (ACE's Street Machines).  Here it is at the 6th SMASA Show n Shine in 1986.  And, I stand corrected from an earlier comment in another thread - the car behind it is actually Ian Hazels' FC Wagon he built for his girlfriend.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FE002.jpg)

The following shot is of me with a few if the ACE's members at the end of the 9th SMASA Show n Shine in 1989.  The two on the left are Steve and Deb - Steve did the body and paint on my car - great metal man. Out of the 4 to the right of the photo, sadly the 3 guys are no longer with us.  Serge (with the mo) had a heart attack a couple of years, Barry (to Serge's right) died from complications of an epileptic fit and Sean (far right) was killed in a horrific truck accident the Friday night before the 10th Show n Shine.  He and Robyn (along side of him) were due to be married in 2 weeks.  Not surprisingly she dropped off the scene as she couldn't bear to be reminded of him. So, lesson here is - live life to the fullest! Oh and the car behind us is the two tone blue V6 that the ex and I had.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/AcesFC89.jpg)

Anyway, I'm exceeding my limit for this post sooooo - see below.  8)

The story continues.....

The car was fully rebuilt just before Xmas 1989.  Paint and panel was done by by Steve from ACES as mentioned above and Wayne and Jeff's Trim Shop built me a beautiful new bright red stocky trim. I stripped the car ready for panel work and and re-assembled it, re-rung a spare engine and re-built the twin Strombergs for it (yes I have broken fingernails working on my car :'( ). It was finished Boxing Day 1989 and driven to Canberra the next day for the Summernats as I was judging there (cars that is - not a wet jock competition!). 

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FENov92.jpg)

The shot above was taken on 1/11/92 when John (aka Van Helsing) and I used it as our wedding car.  I'll see if I can search out a shot of us with the car - in the matching wedding dress I made!

In winter 2001 we were working on the brakes and fitting the 14" HT rims and whitewalls.  Came out into the shed one day after a heavy rain and this is what we found - a roof tile had cracked and the roof above the FE got filled with water - insulation and plaster can only hold water for so long. So, lucky lucky me, I got a free gold pearl overlay on the front half of the car.  I can still see those lovely little gold specks today - despite a lot of effort to polish them out :(. 
 
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FE01.jpg) 

That's the 65 Fastback we had at the time in the background - bought a finished one cos we were working on the 58 and didn't need another project. Absolutely beautiful car - my friend Ron oversaw the build of it for one of his mates and then it sat there unused for a couple of years. Luckily for us Ronny convinced him it would go to a good home if he wanted to sell it - absolute perfection but that's what everyone expects of him.  ;D

Next shot is the day dad picked up "his" Monaro.  We desperately needed a new daily driver and were undecided if we should be conservative and go for base line Commodore or bite the bullet and spend the $ on a Monaro.  Dad insisted we find out what discount we could get for a Monaro using his GMH Gold card - well you see the result! It was a great day, dad got a hoot out of driving it to Victor Harbour (he was 79 at the time and was starting to go downhill from head and neck cancer so it was great to see him have a ball) We hired him a Porsche for his 80th - we knew he wouldn't be around much longer so we wanted to give him a real buzz. I know where I got the car bug from - I always said I was my father's second son (before the sex change of course!) :'(   

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FENov02.jpg)
 
And it continues .....

........

Almost 25 years down the track I still have it with no intention of selling it.  The original motor has been rebuilt and refitted so, yes, it is a matching number car.  It has gradually evolved to a look where I am pretty happy with it – my Venetians are back in it now, my Diamond Dot radio has been re-installed and I love my flippers and whitewalls. 

I don’t have too many shots of “NosFEratu” -  I just drive it and enjoy it and don’t generally think about taking photos of it.  As of Sunday it has just under 134,000 mile on the clock – obviously I don’t drink as much as my dad’s Uncle Stan.

I am very humbled (and I’m not kidding) that a couple of you guys have been interested enough in my car to take some shots of it when you have spotted it out and about.  If I’m lucky, maybe Stinky and Hewart could post the photos that they have of my car on this thread for me – it would be much appreciated.  But in the meantime I will make an effort and take a few more shots myself.

I am so very glad my dad's Uncle Stan had the vision (and patience) to order a black one.  I have definitely benefited from his decision - I absolutely love the combination and would never think of changing it.  You can't beat it - but I could be a little biased.  Grin

I will also see about getting some photos and a few words up about our FE Windowless Van and “Project 58” in the future. 

Thanks again for your interest Stinky, Hewart and CustomFC.   

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/NosFEratuside.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_0416.jpg)

And lastly, in honour of the guys from United Street Machiners that always used to try and "steal" my car whenever they could - this one's for you - the "Mafia Staff Car" is still cruisin'. Get the sunnies out guys!  8)   

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_0415.jpg)

Happy now Stinky?   :-*

Thanks soooooooo much for "outing" me and, in doing so, making me lost for words - Van Helsing will tell you that's a very rare thing ;)   

NosFEratu  8)

NosFEratu
Great looking car, your Uncle would be proud to see that it is still on the road and lloking do fine.

Thanks for the story and photo's

Cheers Jim

Great story and a great car.
My late Grandfathers first ever car he bought brand new was also a black FE, Wished it was still in the family
ken

Thanks for taking the time to write the story of your car and yourself. The car's got quite a history, and you've penned a great read.

Good stuff.

cheers
RET

Thanks Jim, Ken and Ret  ;D

Plenty more stories - but maybe later.

I'd like to think my Uncle would be happy.  At least I knew my dad was - he used to love coming out cruisin' with us.  8)

Pity your Grandad's black FE is not in your hands Ken - but then I'd have some "competition" wouldn't I - and we can't have that now can we? No, seriously it is nice to say you are the 2nd owner and that your dad's uncle bought it from new.

All of our cars are special for some reason or another - we need to get out there and show them off and enjoy them!  And by showing off in my case - I mean driving it 8)

Thanks again for your interest - it's appreciated.  ;D

Kathi (aka NosFEratu  8))

Thanks Kathi, great story. These ol gals and guys all have stories, I think that what makes interesting. The fact that the ones around now have lived this long is enough.

Cheers
John

Great read and pictures Kathi.

As requested, photos of your car from the carpark of the Angle Park Track at the 2005 Hot Rod Show.

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/stinky456/20051105%20Hot%20Rod%20Show/HotRodShow036.jpg)

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/stinky456/20051105%20Hot%20Rod%20Show/HotRodShow034.jpg)

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/stinky456/20051105%20Hot%20Rod%20Show/HotRodShow031.jpg)

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/stinky456/20051105%20Hot%20Rod%20Show/HotRodShow030.jpg)

Hey Kathi,

Great stories and history, I'm enjoying the read.
Cheers

Ed

Hey Kathi,

Not just Stinky, Hewart, and CustomFC interested in your car...

What a great story.

Cheers
Jason.

I've got agree - a great story and a great looking car.  I hope to see it in the flesh (or should that be chrome) one day.

Cheers
David

Great looking car and very interesting story.Do you have any shots of the interior, and do you know what red it is? Thanks for sharing with us. Wish we would have seen you both at the Nats in Mount Gambier.
Cheers,
Graham

Great story and a great car Kathi..... thanks for posting your yarn!

Keep those stories coming too!!

As requested, here are the pics I posted before. I can't take the credit for them though as I didn't take 'em..... I just found them out there on the WWW one day ;D

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k101/rayjon2006/Tanunda08cruiseon054.jpg)

(http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k101/rayjon2006/Tanunda08cruiseon053.jpg)

Looking forward to seeing the car in the flesh one day!

Cheers
Les...

Thanks for the looooong version of the story of your car.
As everyone has said, 'great read'.
It sounds like you are a colourful character, must be making up for the all black car.  ;D
What is your photo collection like. You must have been around some pretty cool cars a few years back.
Keep the contributions coming.
Regards
Alex

ps. did I miss the dancing girl pics??  :D

Wow – where do I start ?  Thanks to you all for your positive comments. 

Stinky & Les – thanks for obliging and popping up the photos for me.  Most appreciated.   

David & Les – NosFEratu is (to me anyway) a “10 footer” and an “after dusk” beast – that’s why it gets driven a lot and not shown.  That combined with my former “show car life” and I doubt you will ever see it officially at a show – unless it’s in the car park. But please feel free to contact us if you are over here anytime.

Ed & Jason– thanks for your comments and I’m glad you have enjoyed my little story.  Another will come with the Van’s photos when they get taken and posted. 

John – thanks too for your comments and remember – it’s not how fast you go it’s how you look when you go fast! My dream Bug?  1937 Atlantic Coupe – oohyeah!

Graham – It was Fall Red but when Wayne and Jeff re-trimmed it back in 1989 I picked a bit brighter red to “lift it” a little.  What was that, I could have sworn I heard cries of “blasphemer” in the background!  On that thought, I must admit I would just about kill to get an original swirl headlining again! 

And we actually were at the Nats - it was great to see all the cars.  We did a day trip in the Monaro aka the Batmobile (old United Street Machiner’s speak cos it’s the car that has a job to do and it does it!).  My body’s not the best these days – all those years of dancing and gymnastics have taken a toll on it - as much I would have liked to have had it in the car park, NoSFEratu is not really the best car to do a day trip to Mt Gambier.

And finally to Alex - photo collection is not what it could be. When you finally "escape" some situations you don't always just leave a human behind - a lot of other posessions can also go by the way side.  You sometimes have to put parts of your life on hold and slowly rebuild it. :'(

So, yes, while I have been involved with some marvellous people and their great cars in the past - my photo collection is in my head along with many wonderful memories.   

Always cherish what you have & yes I am still known as colourful  character!   ;D     

Thanks again to you all for your support – I glad you like my baby. 

Kathi

and Alex - no you didn't miss any dancing photos!   ;D

So I forgot to mention that it was my 24th wedding anniversary yesterday.  I waited with baited breath and experienced shivers of anticipation for the whole day wondering what I would get.  So, did I get

Flowers?     no
Chocolates?      no
Jewellry?        no
Did I even get a card?     no - absolutley nothing! 








No wonder I left the b@sta@rd all those years ago!  :-*

NoSFEratu  8) 

Now on a lighter note - Here's the dress I made to match the FE for my wedding to John 1/11/92. 

Now John has bought/made me some great anniversary presents - he built me a beadblaster for our 10th wedding anniversary - I understood, it's tin - that's the traditional 10 year gift! I was stoked  ;D but none of the women at work could really quite understand my enthusiasm  ???

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FE1.jpg)

Hi Kathi,

What a great story of you and your car. It adds such a personal touch when it has been in the one family for so long and there is heaps of memories that go with such a car. thankyou so much for sharing your memories with us and I look forward to reading more of your special memories.

Keith (aka EffCee)

Hi Keith, 

Thanks so much for your comments - they are most appreciated.

Kathi   8)

Hi all

Thought I'd better do some shots of the interior before my radio gets taken out and sent for its conversion to AM/FM/IPOD.  Please appreciate it was trimmed in December 1989 and has done a lot of cruisin' since then.  8)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/BackDoorIn.jpg)

My trimmer told me the other day that the vinyl is Jaguar Red - it is a red red - no black or orange tone to it when you actually see it. Thanks to some tips from a few of you I am starting to research "original style" headlining fabric ready for a future rebuild - it's not really, nor will it ever be, a resto but I miss that old headlining!  :'( 

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FrontSeat.jpg)

A note of thanks to a few people  :-* I have been very fortunate to be given a few special (to me anyway) items for my car many years ago.  Wayne Pagel and Craig Adams (Qld) gave me a beautiful white foxtail that flew proudly for many years until it finally fell apart.  Paul Edwards (ex SMASA Treasurer) had an FC before he built his resto 67 Camaro - he gave me the radio and venetians as he wanted them to go to a good home/car.  And last but not least, I am extremely honoured that Victor Pace (of Ford Zephyr fame) found a NOS horn button at a swap meet and bought it for me as a present - those of you that know Victor can get back up off floor now. :o  Not only did he openly look for and then actually buy a Holden part, when Joe was working at Rare Spares, Victor rummaged through the rubbish bin and rescued a whole heap of NOS FE grille surrounds and uprights, bumper sections and a few other bits and pieces. So many memories ......

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/DiamondDot.jpg)

And I can't leave you without a little story - I was honoured (actually quite shocked) even more by Victor when he at the last ACES/USM Two State Run (1989) threw me the keys to his "Zodiac" ute and told me to take him cruisin' - how could I resist that offer! Driving with layers of newspaper underfoot to protect the car mats that were there to protect the carpet was quite amusing.  What was even more amusing though was the look on all the USM guy's faces when they realised Victor wasn't driving!  :o

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Mutley.jpg)

Keep on Cruisin'
Kathi  8)

that is quite a stunning interior Kathi, even considering it is nearly 20 years on.
and an equally impresive car :D :D

nicely done
dean

Thanks Dean

Your compliments are appreciated! 

Kathi  8)

Kathi, I'm floored.  :o

What a stunning car. And it still looks good after so many years!

Kind regards,

Josh

Thanks Josh

I'm the first to admit that it's taken some effort to keep it looking respectable.

Aaah .... It would be nice to look almost the same as I did some 20 years ago!   ;)

Kathi

Hi Kathi,
That is one very impressive interior. Thanks again for posting the shots. You obviously look after the old girl very well she is a credit to you.
Cheers,
Graham

Hi Graham

Thanks - hope the shots help you out.

And by the way.... about "her" being a credit to me ... um ... that would be "he" - didn't you see the phallic symbol on the bonnet ?  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Kathi  8)

Hi Kathi,

What a car...the interior just blows me away especially when you consider it was done nearly 20 years ago. The rest of the car just looks so magnificent. I look forward to one day meeting you and seeing the car in person.

Keith

Thanks Keith

Wayne & Jeff's Trim Shop did a fantastic job on it.  I'm really happy with it - the Jaguar Red really "pops" against the black & chrome.  :o

You might not see NosFEratu unless you come to South Oz, but John and I plan on being in a number of interstate car show car parks when the 58 is done.  It's also having a "Wayne and Jeff" interior - the boys already rebuilt a trial seat 2 times before I was happy with how it looked and felt. (yep I can be a little bit fussy!)

Thanks again - and I'm glad you think NosFEratu has aged well.

Kathi  8)

Kathie is the two tone Blue FC with the V6 still around? I remember seeing it at the 1989 90 or 91 Wagga street machine Nationals and it was when I had started building GOA350. A mate of mine Steve Mason built his FC similar to that FC. I think the guys name was Steve Dobson. Could you confirm any of this.
Cheers Scott

Hi Scott

I was once known, in a former show car life, as Kathi Dobson. 

The V6FC was sold about 6 months after I left Steve - last time I saw it was mid 1990 and that was after it was sold.  Since then it has pretty well fallen off the face of the earth.

If you or Steve (as in Mason) has a photo with its rego number in it I might be able to track down where it is.  I didn't take too many photos with me when I left and my "memory for detail powers" that are usually used for evil purposes is a little fuzzy from around that time in my life for obvious reasons. 

John and I were chatting with Steve Mason at the Mt Gambier FE FC Nats - I was immediately drawn to his car cos I thought it might have been the old one!

Kathi  8)

G'day Kathi, what a pitty i didn't get to catch up with you and compare notes about the old times. I reckon we met at some stage along the way. Anyway maybe some other day. If you don't know my car its the Vanilla Peach Chev powered FE, number plates GOA350.
                Cheers Scott Mckenzie

Hi Scott

Sorry I didn't "reply" sooner - we only just got back from a trip to Melbourne. We saw your post when we very quickly popped into an Internet Cafe.

Yes, we have noticed your car on this forum and also at Mt Gambier, it stands out because of its subtle colour.   ;)

It is possible we have met, especially if you had anything to do with USM, ASMF and a huge range of car shows in the early to late 80's. I haven't kept up with too many people since I dropped off the scene in early 1990 but John and I are always in the background somewhere.

I must admit it was fun having a good chin-wag with Steve Mason at Mt Gambier about the "old days".  Yes, pity we didn't meet there too I'm sure there would have been a lot more memories being re-lived. Who knows, maybe John and I might become a little more in the foreground at some stage - may be not though!  ;D

Kathi  8)

this looks really nice i like the black paint with the red rims an white walls and the venetions loook sweet

Thanks GMH-057!  ;D 

As you could probably tell I'm a little attached to it. It's our 25th anniversary in October and I'm giong to buy it an eternity ring - a red and black pearl steering wheel!   :D

I'll post some updated interior pics later.   

Kathi  8)

Great pics and story of a stunning car Kathi!I can only hope my black FC comes up half as good as your FE... :o

Hi Kathi,

I absolutely love pearl steering wheels. I have never seen one in red and black and am looking forward to seeing it. Please make sure you post a picture when you get it done. I intend to get a light blue/dark blue one done for mine, but just want to get it on the road first.

Keith

 ;D
Hi Kathi,

That is one flash looking car. That's one flash looking wedding photo. As a matter it's a flash story / history. Not many have such a detailed history of a car. Congratulations it's a good read and thanks.

Cheers Rusty

I think I'm starting to see a recurring theme here :-\. Your favourite colour isn't black by any chance Kathi? ;D
You gotta love that car.

Rusty
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the read.  And you can rest assured that its history will continue to a long time in the future!  No intention of letting go of it in a hurry – as they say “first on, last off”  :D

Jamie
Thanks for the compliment.  I’m sure yours will look great – you can’t beat black with red.  May you enjoy many years of being pee’d off with it looking dirty as soon as you have washed it just like I have! Aaaah but on the road after dusk, wet with rain or on an overcast day – absolutely magnificent with all the chrome!   ::)

Keith
Take a look on PearlCraft's site – some beautiful wheels there.  http://www.pearlcraft.com.au/
NosFEratu’s eternity ring will be plain black through the middle section, pearl red top and bottom and 4 silver spacers between the black and red sections.  They have one on their site in the reverse colours with both the red and black in pearl.  We had planned to visit them when we were in Melb recently but they’d just moved from Warragul to Bega (little too far for a day trip from Melb) so….. guess where we are going in October?  I know it could be done remotely but I want to make sure the red picked is just right!  Yay – pearl steering wheel road trip!  Then I just have to try and be patient!  :-\

Rabittoh
My favourite colour is Purple !   ;D  Just love my car in it’s original black and red and wouldn't ever consider painting or trimming it any other way!  8)

Kathi  8)

Purples nice !!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

sorry kathi i just had to throw that in 8)

dean

Sorry Kathi,
just saw that your wedding dress seemed black, which matched the car.

Yes, Smithy Purple's nice!   ;)

And before we get it from Phantom too - yes Phantom, Purple's nice!  :D

Rabbitoh - Don't worry, you're not colour blind - it's definitely black. I wanted something to match my car - black, "chrome" and classy! So purple got pushed to one side for the day! :D

Kathi  8)

Hi Kathi,

what an amazing story and an absolutely gorgeous car! Wow - how proud you must be to be able to drive some thing like that around! Great too that it was originally from a family member and you have been able to keep it in the family all these years.

Your right about the black, just stunning. Oh and loved the wedding dress too!  :)

cheers
Sandra

Thanks Sandra

I'll admit it - I'm a car nut! Always have been and always will be! And I will be holding onto that little baby for as long as I possibly can!  8) 

And thanks for the compliment re my wedding dress - I drafted a couple of patterns together to make sure I got the exact look I was after!  No different to building a car really, if you want something a little different it just takes a little bit of time to think through the issues and work out how to get the effect you want - also helped that my mum was a great teacher in the dressmaking stakes!  ;D   

May you thoroughly enjoy your new found independence on the forum!

Kathi  8)

 ;D . thanks Kathi.

Hi Kathi,

Just a question regarding your tyres.

I remember reading that they are Coker whitewalls?

The reason that I ask is that I may be purchasing a new project car soon (not Holden, but still GM), that needs a set of whitewalls. A mate of mine informed me that the Cokers are prone to get flatspots if they sit for to long on the car without being driven often.

He recommended Firestones, as per his 38 Ford - which are pretty expensive when compared to Cokers.

Have you had any trouble with yours?

Cheers,

Ol_Girl_58

Hi Ol_Girl_58

I bought my 1st set of Coker 195 x 14’s over 7 years ago.  The only reason NosFEratu is onto it’s 2nd set is because I donated my originals to the FE windowless van when we got it in August 07 - I couldn't handle driving around on chromies :P

Since we got the 1st set, my car did it’s usual reasonably heavy weekend cruizin’ with a bit of a layoff in the real bad weather (vacuum wipers and the solar heating doesn’t work real well in winter).  Since March 06 I’ve had a very painful left shoulder injury so the layoff increased significantly – sometimes up to 6 months.  But having said that, I have never experienced any flat spots or issues of any other kind with them at all.  Unlike the Sears white lines that I had before the Cokers – they seemed to be a magnet for nails etc. and I was constantly getting flats.  :(

Coker does recommend a high pressure level (about 35psi) - we’ve kept that and have had no problems at all.  Maybe that’s the problem that some have had, they may not have kept them inflated to the recommended levels and might have suffered the consequences – I don’t know!  Mine have been great! 

I got both sets from Antique Auto Tyres - they were very quick on the delivery and I was super happy with their service and prices.  I think transportation prices to South Australia was only $14 per tyre and they were here within 2 days! 

I would not hesitate, not even for a moment, to highly recommend Cokers to anyone!  :D

And I wish I was on commission!

Kathi    8)

Kathi Aren't the Coker's a rag tyre????? or am I wrong ........FC427.......

Hi FC427

Definitely steel belted radials!  ;D

Kathi  8)

Thanks for the heads-up, Kathi.

If the new project arrives home, it will be getting a set of Cokers.

Cheers,

Josh

(Ol_Girl_58)

Hi Josh

I'll be surprised if you are disappointed - post us some shots when you get it and it gets it's new shoes!

Kathi  8)

"Coker Tire's - it's all about the tire"     

Hi Kathi,

I have been beating my head against a brick wall trying to work out how you come up with the name for your car, Ultimately after conceding defeat I resorted to Googling it and surprise surpise suprise, Phantom of the Night, or Vampire. Very Good. Took me ages to work on that. Love the name. ;)

Keith

Hey Kathi,
                   Your forum name has been bugging me for ages but in my my mind I had been thinking of Nos (new old stock) FE, could not figure out ratu. :P

I did not google anything it until this post by Keith. Clever. :)

Look here.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6185283610506001721

Cheers  M

Hee hee  :D

"NosFEratu - creature of the night"

So named as it usually comes out after dusk, is always lurking in the background and is a beast to drive!    :D

Kathi  8)

And yes, I forgot to mention, we also have a copy of the 1922 silent movie too!   :D 

Mystery solved now Keith and Mike - a very big smiley face each  ;D  ;D for your research efforts!     

Kathi  8)

i always knew, just didnt say ;) ;) ;) ;)

Well aren't you smart! ;D ;D ;D

Kathi  8)

Is that the car or the owner???????:  :o :oYou have referred to your Husband John as Van Helsing, who is the hunter of the the Vampire or Creature of the Night. ;D ;D

 He doesn't chase you after dusk now, does he? ;) ;)

Aaaah, now you've looked back over some earlier threads!   ;D

NosFEratu - interchangeable for car and owner, but usually refers to car! 

Van Helsing - also interchangeable.  Bit of joke about having an FE Van and also about the way that John attempts to control both me and my car!  ;)

Forgot to mention that NosFEratu is not only a beast to drive but you can be physically drained afterwards. FE = F'n Effort!

And as far as Van Helsing being the one who overpowers NosFEratu, well I literally drained the life from the Van back in January - it's now having an engine transplant!  Damn those early warning lights that come on after you pull over cos it "just didn't feel quite right"  :(  Oh well, it happens! Story to come when I pull my finger out and post some shots of the van.

Glad you're enjoying your research project Keith!   You're definitely getting the drift of it all!   :D

Kathi  8)

Kathi,

Have you been holding out on us...... ;) Not having posted pics of your van and wanting weekly updates from Pedro and Smithy..... Maybe it is time to return the pressure and get you to post some photos...... Pedro......Smithy...... ;D ;D ;D

OK OK Keith, but we haven't publicly declared a deadline!  :P

The usual, had/have to to do a few things around the house - you all know what that's like - before we can/could start finding both garages so we can do some more work on the van.  ;D ;D

Will get some shots up once we find the van again - it just ain't sitting real good without any weight in the front though!  :-[

Kathi  8)

Somehow i missed those last few replys, didn't know you had a van too, what colour are you going to paint project 58 not beige i hope ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D
                         Pedro F4

Hi Pedro

Project '58 will be Mazda RX8 Yellow with white flash and a black leather interior!  I think it should look ok!  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4  ;)

You weren't wrong about being able to find it in the car park, it should definately stand out, at least it won't be boring and bland ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D
                  Pedro F4

As the owner of a beige coloured car, Cuban Beige to be specific, nicely offset by Russett Brown, I hereby record I do not like the turn that this post is taking and could shortly become offended if I keep reading such nonsense as "boring and bland".  "Classy and era-appropriate" are descriptions that spring to mind IMHO.

Watching you all very carefully and ready to take offense,
Still clutchless and off the road,
David

Ridgey-didge, I wasn't trying to offend anybody with a light coloured car, just making a comment on Kathis taste in painting the car such a bright colour, as there are no smiley faces or anything in your reply i take it you are being serious, if you have been following our antics you will know we very rarely take things seriously and love to take the mickey out of each other and anyone else that wants to get involved( even moderators ) ::), as to your reply it's lucky you didn't make any spelling mistakes, that could have easily come out as " still crutchless and off the road" ;) ;D ;D
                                                    Pedro F4

Gotcha ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Seriously straight faced,
David

Pedro, David

Now come on boys - let's play nice!  :D  But don't forget to live life - it's far too short!  ;)

But yes Pedro, Project 58 should stand out in a car park so I can find it when I do the grocery shopping! And I must admit it is a little different too!

And David, as I always say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  If we all had the   same taste the world would be boring!

Kathi  8)
F4  ;)

Kathi

The biggest problem with project 58 will be stopping people form drooling all over it. You will have to borrow Busta from Dean to look after it for you. ;)

I haven't had a chance to jump on today and am just catching up with what is going on.  :-[

Ridgey Didge, I have sent you a PM re your crutch clutch

Keith
F4 ;)

Thanks Keith

It will be nice when it hits the road - it's been (and still is) a long wait. Popping up to see progress on it next weekend and try to hurry Trevor along! I keep reminding him I'm getting older and I don't want to risk scratching my zimmerframe down it's side until after its had some good miles on it!   ;D

And Busta would definitely be made to wear booties even if the trim isn't "diet concious low fat" (light) cream!  :D

Anyway, I guess at some stage I should post some shots - but... will get some up of the little van first!   ;)   

Kathi  8)
F4  ;)

So, are you all ready for read? grab a bew of your choice and sit back cos I have little story to tell you all! And no, no pictures until the end post!  :P

December 1984 – fellow club member “thinks” he saw a windowless van down the side of house.  NosFEratu and I go hunting the next day and sure enough under a mass of rambling roses I spot a very sad and dejected little van.  I didn’t bother checking it over too much I just went straight to the door and asked if they would sell it but I only had $375 (OK I lied - I actually had $400 but knew I’d need $25 for a trailer!).   ;)

It was her son’s car, it had been there for years and she was keen to get rid of it.  She rang him at work convinced him to take my offer and I quickly gave her a deposit before I raced home to mum and dad’s!  I never knew parents could be so happy that their youngest had bought a wreck!  Dad swung into action and in no time he had a car trailer hooked up to the back of his Hi-Ace and we were off.  ;D

What a sight - me emptying the entire contents of a can of fly spray in cabin before I dared get climb in.  Dad backing the trailer and hooking up the winch and my mum, what a champion - cramped in between the driver’s side and the fence fighting off the rambling roses getting down and dirty using a foot pump to get air in the tyres so we could move it to it’s new home!  :D

Early 1990 and no progress on the van.  When I left my ex I wasn’t in a position to take it with me so reluctantly I had to leave it behind.  :'(  He sold it about six months down the track and the last I’d heard was that it had been on sold again to Brownie and it had gone up in flames in his shed fire along with my Norman Supercharger I’d sold him in 1992 so John and I could afford to get married (yes, he’s worth it!).  :)

Anyway, the financial situation got a little better over the years and John and I were always on the lookout for a van but we always seemed to miss out.  But we knew one day we’d get one!   :)

And it continues ......

August 16 2007.  Usual drive to work but when we passed Collectable Classics we spotted a van that was not there the day before.  Not fair – I had a meeting all day and it was one of the most anxious days of my life!  :-\  I desperately wanted that van – I had to have it!  John went down at lunch time with strict instructions “as long as the back half is OK I don’t care about the rest of it!”.  He checked it wasn’t sold, walked quickly around it, asked how much and gave the guy a deposit!   August 18 2007 we picked it up and drove it home, “borrowed” the wheels from NosFEratu and had heaps of fun - it went like an absolute bomb!  ;D

January 5 2008.  The ’58’s on the trailer to go to Monash for panel and paint, the van is loaded up with parts and off we go.  All is going well, I’m feeling on top of the world until I pass the street where I’d bought my van in ‘ 84 and I slowly start crying as I’m nearing my parent’s cemetery – all I could think about was how proud they would be to know that I finally got a van again! And I know my dad would have loved seeing the batmobile towing the ’58 with the little van bring up the rear!  :'(

2 hours into the trip something doesn’t feel right, I spot shade, drop it down a gear and start pulling over.  Naturally that’s when the early warning lights come to life!  An extremely slow leak in the radiator had taken it’s toll – so slow we didn’t even realise it had a leak!  There was no way it was going any further – the temperature was now 43 but I wasn’t leaving the van behind. I sent John up to Monash to deliver the ’58 and when he got back 4 hours later we loaded up the van and went home.  I really hate hot weather but strangely it didn’t feel that hot and I had an extreme calmness over me the entire time – I knew I had to stay there and “protect” the car and parts.  I was not leaving it behind.  :(

As a result of this day's events, our plans to redo the van’s entire mechanicals got brought forward – we are now also giving the interior a mini-makeover at the same time.  I’ll post some shots of all of that in due course but needless to say the only things that will be left from how we bought it a year ago will be body, paint, dash and carpet.

Now for a nice little ending to the story.  We meet up with Brownie at “Cruise On Tanunda” in late January this year and he starts talking about NosFEratu and we mention that we’d finally got a van. He says if it was us that bought the one from Collectable Classics then we’d bought my old van back again!  He told us the entire history of what happened to it in between 1990 and 2007 and said he’d sold it just before the fire in his garage!  He couldn’t stop himself from grinning and I tell you, my whole face hurt for days afterwards!  Absolutely unbelievable – I still find it hard to believe I have my little van back after all these years!   ;D ;D ;D ;D

So, at very moment that I realised it was mine - what went through my mind?  Memories of the ex – no, none at all, he didn’t even rate.  The wonderful memories firmly entrenched in my head are of my very excited parents the day I bought it.  And my most favourite memory? My mum, pre the ravages of alzheimers, battling with rambling roses to pump up the tyres of an old wreck just to help her daughter realise a dream of owning a little van.   :)  No wonder there was that gut feel something in me that made sure that I couldn’t leave it behind again!

Hope I haven’t bored you all!  Yes, I love my cars and yes, I can be a little emotional about them – but can’t we all? And do I care if the little van is not “perfect” in some people’s eyes?  No, not at all – the memories it evokes and the grin it makes on my face takes away any feelings of disappointment that I might ever have about it!    ;)

Anyway here’s a side shot taken late last year. Shots of the interior mini-makeover and mechanical major makeover will come in a little while!  :)

Kathi  8)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_0453.jpg)

very nice indeed kathi. cant wait till you get it done. ;D ;D ;D

some things are just meant to be 8) 8)

the fly spray part remided me of a friend of a mate of mine pick up a V8 HZ which had just been left in a property, still in original condition. he drove it onto the trailer then dumped it in his backyard straight away. this is where we came in, all car doors and boot open him running around the yard jumping up and down on invisible things shouting and swearing, 3 empty cans of bagon on the grass and another 2 ready to go.

i have never in my life seen so many huntsman spiders. :o :o :o at times you could swear the ground was moving. you could even hear the big buggers falling from the car. and me being the hero i am i stood on the back porch and had a beer ;D
i dont know how he even managed to get the thing onto a trailer, he said one run out but it didnt fase him.
his tone certainly changed after he started spraying :D :D :D :D


now back to you Kathi ;)

Nice van Kathi, maybe you should turn it into an FC and give it some class :P :P ;) :D :D :D
                                  Pedro

Pedro,
anyone who would make such a ludicrous suggestion as yours is either,
a) a fruit loop, or b) having a laugh.
I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and going with b) ;D
R.

Great yarn Kathi!!
Very nice looking van too!! I love the colour and wheel combo!
Lucky it wasn't destroyed in the fire!!
Good luck with the tidy up, and I can't wait to see more pics!!

Cheers

Looks pretty COOOOL Kathi the She Devil in you must be satisfied with this one .......FC427......

Pedro,
anyone who would make such a ludicrous suggestion as yours is either,
a) a fruit loop, or b) having a laugh.
I am giving you the benefit of the doubt and going with b)
R.
How about a & b ;) :D :D, Quote from Edgar Allen Poe " there is pleasure sure in being mad, that none but madmen know"
Actually i was just out fishing, looks like i used the right bait, ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D, didn't even get a nibble from the evil one though ;)
                          Pedro

An FC man who knows the Classics :o.
You are are indeed a rare 'un Pedro ;)

Kathi,

What a great story, some things are just meant to be. Van Helsing looks nice, even it if it did borrow NosFEratu's shoes and socks

Keith
F4+
 ;)

Thanks for all your comments guys.  :D

Yep, I’m pretty happy with it – still can’t keep the grin off my face.  ;D

I still find it a little hard to believe that it’s the one I found so long ago - especially after all the stories about it getting one helluva flame job and being a total write off!  Little did we realise at the time that it was Brownie’s FJ van that went up in flames - we never really spoke in detail about the fire whenever we caught up with him him cos we knew he was (understandably) pretty upset at losing a number of his cars.  :(

NosFEratu officially “handed down” his shoes and socks to the "young one" after John surprised me with new rims and whitewalls for my birthday last year.  He certainly knows the way to my heart!   :-*  The Cokers will be transferred to new red rims to match the changed stud patterns due to the rebuild.  The flippers will stay so it will still have the same look when it’s all done.  ;)

And Rabbitoh, about Pedro……… he’s definitely one of a kind! And thank goodness for that – I don’t think any of us could cope with too many more like him!   ::) 

And I’m soooooo sorry to disappoint you Pedro!   :P :P :P :D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Hey Kathi
Cool story.
It would seem that that lil' van was always YOURS, just had a few caretakers inbetween stints in your garage.
The van looks great and anyone here would love to own it, warts and all.
Now I am going to ask the question about the thing that you have been skirting.......What is THE 58 that you keep mentioning?......Chev? Vette? Cusso? Opel????
Regards
Alex

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  ;)

 :D
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/AprilChassis156.jpg)

Kathi, love the story, hope all goes well with the van. My apologies for being a warts & all Holden nut, unable to tell the difference between yank chassis, but I presume that is a 58 Chev chassis?
Colin.

Does this help Colin?  ;)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/58-2.jpg)

Niiiiiice!!
One of my favourite cars of all time.
Thanks for sharing.
Now let's see more.
Regards
Alex

Alex, glad you like the little van and Colin, thanks for your wishes for the van's rebuild. :D  About the 58 - it's a little O/T but here goes!  Sorry, we’re not real big on taking photos!   

The story is pretty short – November 1995.  We'd both just finished fulltime uni (surviving on $12k/year with a mortgage) and, had just got graduate level jobs so, for a long time and even then, we couldn't even contemplate playing cars. 
As much as we think so much alike it was weird cos we’d never mentioned that we both loved early vettes - I think we just "knew".  John had seen it in the paper for a month and only mentioned it when a mate was around. All hell broke loose – he almost got divorced there and then!  It was a basket case at a price we thought we could borrow and still survive. We didn’t want a perfect example cos we knew we would only chop it up! So took a very big gamble.

Progress has been slow because of no money, heavy work schedules or more recently, family.  In really doesn’t matter how long it took to get to here except it would've been nice for dad to have seen it finished but.......   

Like all of our cars, this will be driven.  We would have liked to have it at the 2009 Melbourne Hot Rod Show – in the car park of course – but unless we can get Trevor to pull his finger out with the body and paint I don’t think that will happen.

So not too many more photos but I will give you a run down if anyone is interested!

While it’s a 58 (that was actually built late November 57) it will look more like a 59 as we're cleaning up the body a lot by removing the bonnet and boot badges, cowl vent, rear and front bumperettes , plain bonnet (not having the washboard louvres) and no boot straps.  So body wise it will be as clean as possible with most vertical lines removed so it gives it a lower wider stance from front and rear.  The height you see it at is what it will be (and it’s legal – bags are for groceries!).  Wheels are 17x7 and 17x8 Billet Specialty Legacies and, amongst some other custom fiberglass work we’ve done we had to put mini-tubs in it to take the 8's cos the factory sports wheel option was, wait for it, 5.5's.    :o :o Impressive huh! And that was definitely the maximum you could fit in there without modifying the chassis too much!

John did the left to right conversion, all the chassis mods and he’ll start building the motor in the next couple of months – after the van is done.  It’s got a HT front end, Commodore rack and pinion and 4 link rear end with Watts linkage and Bilstein coilovers. He hand built the extractors and exhaust system from mandrel bends. It has a 9” with Moser 31 spline axles and 3.5 gears.  It’ll run a Turbo 700R behind the 383 with Airflow Research Heads, Hilborn Injection converted to EFI (all under the standard bonnet) and a Crane Roller Cam.  Motor will be dressed up with 60’s Cal Custom 9 fin rocker covers. It will be running air cos we’ve got a hard top for it! (my mother's day present from the cat one year!)  The aim is to get a 60’s street/race car look to the engine bay – no anodizing or braided hoses at all!  Most of the dress up bits will be beadblasted and not highly polished.  We should get about 450bhp out of it – just right for cruisin!

Interior is black leather with VK commodore seats that, after a lot of work, look very original “corvette” now! The rest of the interior and trim (not that there’s much trim in one of these) will also have a very original feel to it and, to most people that don’t know early vettes, they will think it is a very nice stocky with shiny wheels.  A lot of hard work has been done in an effort to make this thing look factory!  Hopefully no mods will look out of place – we’ve done heaps of research and had lots of “talk time” about it. 

Colour = RX8 yellow with an extremely crisp white cove.  Ya gotta have ‘em two tone!  And, we have the number plate “RED-058” just to upset all those people who keep telling us that we have to paint it red! My comment is always the same to them “You wanna pay for the paint job and we’ll do it any colour you want!”  We chose the wheels because they are reminiscent of the Halibrands that were around in the 60’s but we will, at a later stage, get some nice whitewalls and hubbies so the majority of the general public will think it’s a stocky!

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/58-1.jpg)

So yep, I have 3 of my favourite cars – my FE, a little van and a 58!  The only other cars I'd really like are a Cobra Daytona Coupe, a D Type and a 33 Lo HiBoy – I can dream can’t I?

And no, no more surprises in our garage unless I can "barn find" a Cobra Daytona Coupe somewhere and then sell my soul to get it!  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Like I said not too many photos - but here's a few more.  Set up motor.
 
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/AprilChassis131.jpg)

This one might help with "scale".  This shot is actually a little distorted due to the angle, but the top of the vette's windscreen is pretty well level with the bottom of the FE's .  Overall height with the hard top on is around 1150mm - but who's measuring?  8)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/58-3.jpg)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Don't know why the message didn't come through last time ???, try again.

Nah, it was from a fictional book i read called "Poe must die", while it was an excellent read it definately wasn't one of the classics, just noticed your avatar, FE-king of cars, lucky it wasn't an FU model ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D

Kathi you've finally come out of the closet with your non holden project, If you are going to be driving a bright yellow BANANA instead of a black car does this mean your personality will change to a bright bubbly one too, or will you stay as the evil memory for detail powered, fearsome tongued leader of the henchmen we've all come to fear and respect ::) :D :D, Nosferatu is going to get jealous :'(, of course you know what this means, now the boot is now on the other foot and we are going to expect two updates each sunday or the henchmen will be summoned >:(, ah a good opportunity for another story.

Paul where are you, it's time you started writing again i'm running out of ideas, are you still in Italy or are you back in France, how's the unusual meat diet going :o.
                       Pedro

ah the cats outa the bag now Kathi....


vans great, nosferatu is great and the vette is fantastic

looks like a great selection of toys you both have.
big congratulations to John, yourself and PAW Performance ;)


still reckon purple ;D ;D ;D ;D

really looking forward to catching up with you guys soon

dean

Kathi,

I too love Cobra's particularly the Daytona's. I don't know if you have read the story about the Daytona that had been missing for some thirty years before it finally turned up but here is a link to the story and the photo's.

Just imagine finding one like this......

http://www.nvsaac.com/gallery/missing_daytona_coupe.htm ($2)

Unforunately thay are all accounted for now.... To own one means you must have very deep pockets filled with lots of money :-[ :'( :'(

Keith
F4+
 ;)

Pedro – don’t tell me you hadn’t noticed the split personality already?   >:(  :)  >:(  :)  >:( As it’ll be a while yet before the vette hits the road there is plenty more time for the evil one  >:( to keep suppressing the nice one :).  Updates on the vette would get boring – it’d be a continual stream of “hassled Trevor again” interspersed with “went on a road trip to see progress”.  ::) And in relation to the FE – it’s number 1 and has a very secure place in the garage and my heart!  As they say, first on - last off!   8)

Dean – thanks.  While it will be great to catch up you on our way through, you should be very, very afraid if that car is not running by the time we get there!  >:( >:( :D

Keith – yeah, I wish! :-[ They’ve been making replicas in NZ for a little while now, and despite numerous thoughts and discussions, we know there’s only so much garage space, time and (more importantly) money!  :'( Maybe I should start buying lotto tickets!  :)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Hey Kathi, did NosFEratu get her eternity ring yet ???, been expecting pics since thurs.
                             Pedro

Now Pedro, you know that should read his eternity ring!  ;)

I believe it was going to be posted on Tuesday so, being from a regional area, it'll probably get here early next week so unfortunately it means I can't pick it up until Thursday night next week!  :-\ 

But when it does get here - photos will be posted as soon as possible!  :D 

John says that while he's proud of me for demonstrating patience he admits he's deliberately not mentioning it at the moment!  ::)

Kathi

I had a look at the pearlcraft site. They do wonderful work but I would be an originals type - so where he has restored old ones to new in the original blacks and creams etc. I really can see the skill. The pearloid doesn't do it for me except maybe in a black and white setting - some of the colours are too much - but thats my opinion.


 8)

Just saw the pics of the 58 corvette = drool , i'm a bit of a purist when it comes to classic muscle like that, original as possible except for wheels and a bit of performance bling.

NEXT THURSDAY :o, I thought you meant this thursday, glad I'm not John ;),


How do you tell if your car is male or female, hope mine is a girl or it will think i'm gay after all the sweet talk I've been giving it. ;D ;D
                                        Pedro

Hi Paul - I think you really have to "pick" what style of car they go on so you don't do the car's theme an injustice. And yes, I agree some of the colours can be a tad southern european (no offence to anyone!). I'm pretty sure that I'll be happy with mine and that it will "add" to my car!  :-[  If not, it'll be a major anticlimax after 20+ years of dreaming about one!  :'(

Hi Nick - I appreciate your sentiments re originality.  But our aim is to drive it as much as possible and the thought of a V8 capable of doing 150mph in something with suspension that's not even on par with an FJ is a little scary!  You'll find most early vette owners may cruise in them but don't drive them regularly because of their shocking handling. But each to their own and this baby will not be a show car, trailered or kept tucked away in a shed - it will be driven and driven hard!  ;D

And Pedro - how many times do I have to remind you of the phallic symbol on the bonnet??  ::)

Kathi

Kathi, i'm all for making it a safer vehicle, i just like those beautiful lines kept original as you have done.
 Was it a 6 or V8 from the factory ?

Hi Nick

The only vette's with a 6 were '53 & '54.  All from '55 onwards were V8's - although there were "supposed" to be some 6's in '55 but, to the best of our knowledge, no-one seems to have been able to find one!  Ours was a 283, twin four barrel with powerglide. 

We definitely had no intention of spoiling it's overall styling as that's what attracts us to the C1's too - although a few little things have "fallen off" it in the rebuild.  We've updated the suspension and mechanicals cos wanted to feel safe, and at the same time enjoy, driving it as we believe that's where you get your greatest return on investment with any car.

Kathi

And besides, I get to dirve it next June if it's ready....  ::)

But it has to be yellow!!


 8)

I'd be just happy to cruise with them.......Oh.....There's no backseat.... :-X :-[ :-X

 ::) ::)

Keith
F4+
 ;)

Hi Paul - No problems Paul - if it's running next June and your'e here you're quite welcome to sit in the (original) driver's seat and dream!  :P  But.... you might want to check the definition of dirve!  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dirve :o :o :o Um... Is your car male too?  :D

Hi Keith - that's called the boot!  C1's have them - unlike the late model stuff!   :D

Kathi

I'll be more likely to give it some wellie than give it so dirve!!  ;D

 8)

And if I could just get John to flip the hinges around so that it opens "dickie seat style" I'll have no problems haulin' my fat rear end into the boot........

 ;D

No.......

 :-X

I didn't think so :-[ :-X

Keith
F4+
 ;)

 ::)  You two are nuts!  ::)

Rita and I are sticking to using pizza for bait in our attempts to hook a ride   ;) ;) ;D

MMMMM---Pizza :) :) :)


I think my car must have gone through a mid life crisis and had an enlargement, the bonnet has holes for a smaller EK hood ornament but was fitted with a larger FC one when i got it :D :D.
sounds like you're going to have to stretch that vette to fit us all in Kathi ::) :D :D
                              Pedro F4+

It was 25 years ago in October that I got my FE....... so, being of the FEmale persuasion, I figure the only way to commemorate a silver anniversary is to buy an eternity ring!  ;)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Leftshot.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/fronton.jpg)

The red flips in it's depth and intensity and the tint over the black means you only see a hint of pearl in very bright light!  :D

I can highly recommend Wayne and Lee at Pearlcraft - absolutely wonderful people to deal with and a quality product too!

My FE is now how I always dreamt that it should be!   :D

Kathi

WOO HOO, ;D ;D ;D ;D

Now isn't that one very sexy eternity ring, I see "Albert" managed to get the wheel on without marking or scratching it. I can tell because there is no blood spatters over the dash ;D ;D

At least now you have something "purty" to hang on to while dealing with the beast's acceleration ;)

Keith

F4+
 ;)

Looks great Kathi.What was the cost?
Cheers,
Graham

Don't like a lot of those wheels but that is one colour combo that I do like - you have my approval!!  ;D


 8)

Thanks guys, to say I'm pretty happy with it is a bit of an understatement!   ;D 

And Paul, thanks, I feel so much better now!  ::)  ;) 

Rim restoration and pearling was $640 - money well spent as far as I'm concerned!  :D

Kathi     

WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO  8) 8) ;D ;D ;D ;D

looking very sweet indeed Kathi, they did a great job.
is it still the same size ?

its a shame though,
with Nosferatu's oversions to daylight
the wheels true beauty will never be seen  :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

or does this mean you may venture out during the day a little more frequently 8) 8) 8) 8)


and very happy to hear John survived the fitting.

cheers
dean

Hi Dean - I told those rumour-mongers you were still alive!  :D

Still the same size but it ended up a winky bit "fatter" due to the process. I briefly considered getting it reduced by 1" but I didn't want to change my “25 year driving position” (yet!  ;) ) :D

Kathi

Looks great Kathi, & who knows with a bit fatter "winky", it may be time to try some new positions  :o ::) ;D.

dean.

Tastefully done, as usual Batgirl 8) 8) 8), Blood red and black what more could a creature of the night ask for.
                              Pedro

Dean, thanks.... and er, I figure the slight increase in size will just enhance the experience! ::)  :D 
And thanks Pedro!  :D

It's funny, everytime I sneak a peek it looks so "right" to me that I almost can't think what it looked like before! :D   

Kathi

The work they do at Pearlcraft is always spot on and yours looks really cool it's almost a shame to handle it  ;D ;D but then .......FC427......

Hi all

Long time between posts.  Here's what John's been up to lately with the little van.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/4.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/14.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/12.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/21.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/10.jpg)


Oh yeah  :-[ if you look on pg73 of the March edition of Australian Classic Car or pg81 of the latest Cruzin (May) there's a little advert for pearl steering wheels that I quite like! :-[  :)

Looks nice and strong, good work there, keep at it John

 ;D ummmm, kathy looks nice................

have you got any daughters that are rich, can cook and look after an fine young man like me??????

 :-[ ;D ;D ;D Sorry mate - no kids!  But there's plenty of young girls out there that are very interested in cars.  I'm not so sure about the rich, can cook and look after a fine young man like yourself criteria though!  ;) :D

Kathi

Cat got your tongue Kathi, or could it be something to do with your post count ;) ;D ;D.
                                                          Pedro

You may have something there Pedro, the "Iron maiden" is quiet. ;D

Dean.

   you're naughty, Pedro    ;D

   you better say your prayers  ;)

I could say one for Kathi, "Now i lay me down to sleep, I pray to Stinky my post count to keep." ;D ;D
                                     Pedro

      ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Don't panic lads - she can't hold here breath forever...  ;)

After all, what woman can?  ;D


P.  8)

Come on Kathi you must have done enough 666 time come back from the dark side we need enlightening   ::):D ::).......FC427.......

how about we shit-can black FE's with red interiors?
or Hollywood flippers...?        maybe fox tails, even...
what about them wanky bloody pearl steering wheels -
that's SURE to work!

 ;)

Maybe she is crook... has anyone of the fab 4 thought about calling her??

Unusual that she is not here.

She's out there, watching, waiting ..................

Yep, calling her a criminal might evoke a response!

As Stinky said, she's out there lurking......     be afraid  :-[ :-\  be very bloody afraid

post number 667 should be a good one

No she's still pm'ing, I'd say we just haven't said anything tempting enough to make it worth while losing her post count,

  :o :o :o

If Jacks comments don't get a reaction I don't know what will, maybe if we start putting crap on corvettes too, or cats, "mangy flea bitten critters" anyone know any good cat jokes ;) ;D ;D.
                                            Pedro

I believe that I read that there is a new forum member by the name of NosFEratoo. Coincidence? I think not.

Rebirth...

 8)

Just checked the members section and there is no NosFEratoo registered, the plot thickens ???, her file said she was on around 1pm today though so, either we didn't bother her enough to reply :P, she has disowned us :'( or she's on her way to your place Jack :o ;D ;D
                                           Pedro

   Jeez, Pedro... I never thought of that possibility!   :o :o :o



    see ya, I gotta go....

Well Kathy I see you are online... so whats the deal???

Is Pedro dead or what???

Someone has silenced the instigator what will be the repercussions ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? first there were 4 then 3 then 2 and now ??? ???

Hi all

Firstly, might I say how sweet it is that some have been concerned about my absence from posting to the forum lately – to those who expressed their concern, I thank you!  :)

It also appears that some believe I am so obsessed with all things evil that I would not make any posts past 666 – so much so that there seems to have been “sightings” of a NosFEratoo having registered on the forum!  Conspiracy theory?  I’d be more inclined to say overactive imaginations!  ::) ::)

There will be no threats of violence towards the few who tried in vain to bait me by making derogatory comments about my little black car with it’s lovely red interior, its simple yet stylish hubcaps, my first choice of aerial adornment and my precious pearl steering wheel.  They even thought that comment about vettes, my ability to hold my breath and making belittling comments about my beautiful kittens might be enough to make me increase my count in a fit of anger.  Tsk tsk tsk – Pedro and Jack, you boys should know me well enough not to leave Coker whitewalls off the list of things I cherish! Oh and perhaps John should get a mention in there too!  You should also know that FE owners are a dignified lot who do not appear to have the inFEriority complexes that some FC owners have that causes them to seek attention by mocking others.

Yes, I have posted count number 667!  Do I care? No!  :D As a peace loving person I’m not phased by personal taunts and will not retaliate with words or physical actions – the most powerful action to take is that of in-action.  In closing, I have this simple comment for Pedro and Jack - I am yet to finalise the “2009 list”.  See?  No major repercussions - or, are there?  :)

Now onto the more positive part of this so-called momentous post but sorry only 1 photo.  Progress has been a little stop and start on the van in the last few months but here’s a run down of what’s happened lately:

• Retractable Seat Belts mounted to B-pillar and floor 
• Standard steering column now 2” shorter - cut into 4 sections, shortened and re-welded. Auto change mechanism now inside cabin – can change gears on T700 from column.
• Tao Denso mounted with tubes running to “Ed’s” demister vents.  Bulkhead fittings on firewall for hoses. Hard lines run in cabin for windscreen washers.
• Series of brackets welded to inside of driver side inner guard to hold new wiring loom and re-routed starter cable (battery still in standard position).
• Extractors started – passenger side 99% complete, driver side 20%.  2 into 1 collectors are 100% complete.
• Firewall mods are 99% complete – engine bay needs a tidy up once motor is out.
• Majority of chrome-work completed – rest gets picked up in 2 weeks
• Been sourcing/collecting heaps of parts lately – wiring looms, brake boosters, 2 speed wipers, alternator brackets, bilsteins, water pump, stainless steel scuff plates as well as a multitude of little bits and pieces locally and O/S.

Major stuff between now and November:

• Disassemble front end, tidy up engine bay – paint the lot
• Rebuild motor – paint
• Put everything back together so it runs!
• Stage 1 of upholstery completed – bench seat, door trims and front carpet.
• Drive it to Bright!

Oh yeah – bought the van an Eternity Ring.  I can’t have it think that I forgot I first bought it 25 years ago this Xmas now can I?

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/vanwheel2.jpg)

Kathi

;D That's why I kept quiet

You ain't just a pretty face are you?  ;D

some would say I am not even that  :P

Lucky I didn't say anything then....
 ;)

I don't know, first i get into trouble for being too nice now I'm in trouble for not being nice enough, one day I'll get it right ;) ;D ;D, Kathi you know we didn't mean a single word of what we said it was all just a bit of fun trying to get you to reply, at the risk of sounding too sucky I'd like to say(and I'm sure others who have taken the time to get to know you will agree) we respect the fact that you have managed to be accepted into this male dominated world of cars, and the fact you can give as good as you get when it comes to stirring each other, also between you and John your knowledge of FE/FC's would leave most of us for dead, please accept my humble apology, now can i get put back on the christmas pudding list ::) ;D ;D
                  Pedro

It never ceases to amaze me how “sucky” some people will be to make “the list”!   ;)

Now get off the forum and into the shed so we can all have some good “me me la la” sessions at Orange!  :D  And don't make me ask for updates in your thread!  ;)

 :D :D, After our latest effort i think Jack and i had better have our pud. analyzed before we eat it ;D ;D

Just on my way to the shed now had a few chores to do first.
                                Pedro

Um, Kathi, could you pretty please elaborate on the minimum acceptable level of "suckiness" necessary to ensure one is re-instated or retained on "the list"?

thanking you in anticipation,
yours sincerely
jack

And just how long have you been married Jack?  Surely you know the minimum acceptable level by now! :D

Anyway, time to take my own advice and get off the forum and out into the shed so we can get closer to Bright.  :D

looks like I'd better apologise on my own behalf (thanks anyhow, Pedro) -

Kathi, I apologise for forgetting the Croker whitewalls, and it wont happen again ...

(how am I going so far in the 'suckiness' dept.??)

cheers jack

Digging yourself in deeper there Jack, you got the name wrong  :P

 ::) ::) He is getting old though Stinky! Maybe it's a Freudian Slip!  :D

OK - I'll forgive you this time round Jack on the presumption that you're suffering from old timer's and didn't actually realise what you were doing!  :-*

Don't worry Jack "it's only the depth that varies" :D

yeah, well the mis-spelling had the desired effect  ;)

and JOD34N, you sure got that right!

Kathi, you must be right about the 'old-timers'...   (I got a letter in the mail today with a 'Seniors Card' in it. Seems I'm an officially endorsed card-carrying fair-dinkum 'old (sheilas front bum)'...)

now all I've got to do is learn how to behave like one  ;) ;)

Dropped in to say howdy doody to Dave and Ben Crispin today and had a dejavu moment as we turned the corner. :o  Needless to say I went home picked up the FE and popped back for some happy snaps. It's another one family car - original owner's grand son has it now and it's in for a very quick mini makeover ready for his daughter's wedding next month.  After that it'll be stripped right down and fully restored and, knowing Dave's work, I definitely won't wanna park mine next to it after he's done with it!  :-\ :D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/TWINS9.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/TWINS12.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/TWINS8.jpg)

Nice one Kathi, amazing the difference some better wheels, a polish and a dead critter hanging off the aerial can make ;D ;D.
                 Pedro

Great pics Kathi!! They look really good next to each other...
All that's missing is the bride... ;)

Cheers, Les...

   definitely custard on your snails, Pedro   ::)

Kathi,

The photo's make you car look absolutely outstanding, I can't wait to see NosFEratu in the flesh one day

Keith

Thanks guys but, trust me, I had to take the pictures now before Dave is finished with it! ;D  It's quite  down at the moment and looks better in the photo than it actually is - overcast days are a black car's best friend  ;)

Steve (my friend who did FE) now works for Crispin so it will have super straight panels and when they're covered in a dripping wet black Crispin paint job it'll be a real stunner.  :o Yep, I gotta admit, I'm a little bit jealous - but - I know mine still looks quite respectable for a 20 year old resto.  :)

Woohoo pipes back from being ceramic coated!  ;D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/pipes1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/pipes2.jpg)

More twists and turns than the Great Ocean Road!

More 'art' than 'craft' (and no shortage of craft, either)

Great effort, John. Looking forward to seeing them for real; they'll surely brighten up me day  ;) ;D

Oh Woohoo

What a work of art, geez John, I'd hate to see what you can do when you aren't pressed for time :o :o :o

They look absolutely stunning. :)

Keith

Nice bit of craftsmanship there John, extra pudding for you tonight ;D ;D
                                             Pedro

Yeah, slack with the updates!  :D  So here's a bit of a condensed one from the last few weeks! 

11 days ago
Action shot!  More fireworks to follow if it doesn't make it to Bright!  ;D
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/fireworks.jpg)

6 days ago
Cabin floor and firewall seam sealed & painted & top of dash painted - since then, Dynamat has been installed on cabin floor, upright behind seat and on the firewall to just under where the wiper motor bolts in. Cargo area floor and wooden board painted
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/floor.jpg)

Firewall and Y-frames finished and back together
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/bay1.jpg)

Front end with rack mocked up
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/rack2.jpg)

Brake lines started and front end bolted in
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/bay2.jpg)

Set to minimum ride height - 38mm bump stop clearance
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/susp2.jpg)

Zero degrees camber & 3 degrees positive caster with only 2 shims
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/susp1.jpg)

Today
Brake lines completed as well as hard fuel line run
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/lines-1.jpg)

Dash re-painted and carpeting - firewall and behind seat upright now have "soft" carpet glued over it all.  Underlay laid and carpet 80% fitted - to be finished off later this week after it's settled 
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Trim1.jpg)

No pics but gauges have been pulled apart and "refreshed" with new paint and/or stickers applied.  Glove box and gauge panel also re-painted. Final bits of chrome picked up, pipes ceramic coated (see above) and engine was given a birthday at Chris Milton Engine Development. John rebuilt the engine today and it's being painted as I type.  And..... while I was twiddling my thumbs two weeks ago, the Batmobile has had a complete interior scrub and the paint was clayed, fine cut and waxed - not to mention transforming 7.5kg of dried fruit into Xmas puddings!

Will it make it to Bright? Not sure, but we do know that if we do, the interior contingency plan will be utilised (ripping the seat and door trims out of NosFEratu!) But in absolute worst case scenario, at least the Batmobile looks good at the moment!  ;D 

Must go now, the "garage" is calling!  :D

Tired (but happy) Kathi

great looking build Kathi and John.

Nice pipes!

Cheers

Ed

Kathi is it registered  ??? and engineered  ??? Looking real good but don't beat your self up [or John ] if you miss Bright this year, 10 days is not a lot of time to get it ready when you are doing  a detailed job like this  .......".Miss Bright" ;D ;D  that could be you  ??? ???.......FC427......

hey FC427, I made a very similar comment to Kathi and John last week...

Whilst I did get a satisfactory answer, I suspect the effect was just like 'waving the red flag in front of the bull'!   ;D ;D ;D

(and I reckon there's still a fair chance I'll have to change my name to 'thomas_fc' when I get home from Bright...)   ;) ;)

cheers, jack

It has registration and meets SA's guidelines for the changes/vehicle mods to earlies.  The steering's been improved from what was there so we might need an engineer's OK on that but that shouldn't be a problem given it's only got about 2mm bumpsteer through out the entire range.

And making it to Bright - admittedly, it's a big ask but we're happy with progress to date.  If we don't make it we'll go and enjoy ourselves anyway! ;D  

Don't you worry, we'll do the best we can to get there Jack!  But if we do make it - there will definitely be a spare on board! ;D (sorry Leon!)  ;D

Toro's Toro's   :o :o :o Sorry Kathi  Jack planted the seed that made me doit .....Looks like I won't be going to Orange now ::) ::) .....FC427......

Good to have a little motivation to keep us going though (like seeing Jack eat humble pie!).   ;)  :-*

But, I gotta tell ya, the most stressful thing to date was me breaking two nails! :'( :'( ;D   

hey hold up a sec there, Kathi - I will only have to eat half the bloody pie; isn't me mate FC427
going to share with me??

Hey, I might end up eating it all myself yet!   ;D ;D ;D

I will start polishing the silverware ......FC427.....

Yeah, well if that happens, Kathi, we'll just get Rita to provide the humble (home-made pizza) pie...

Sorry; delete the above!   :-X :-X :-X

(that would only be an incentive NOT to get the van to Bright  ;D)

And FC427, you only need to polish the silverware for you and me - I've seen Kathi eat (home-made pizza) pie; and she sure as hell doesn't need the silverware; it'd just slow her down  ;D ;D ;D

LMAO at Jack's comments.  ;D ;D ;D

You go girl, you and John pull some magic out of those fingertips and get it finished, at least then the broken fingernails will have been worth it, you can buff 'em up while John Drives to Bright! ;)

Keith

MMMMMMM humble pie, if it's as good as Kathi's christmas pud i don't mind sharing with you Jack ;D, the little vans coming along nicely 8), wish i was closer I'd come round and give you a hand, we'll all be counting down the next few days with you.
     Pedro

Firstly, I would like to categorically state that the "list" is complete and any comments made now or in teh near future will not influence the "list" in any way, shape or form - unless it's to strike a name off it!  :-* ;D

There are around 120 combined John and Kathi "van hours" left before we're scheduled to leave - and we know they'll go quick!  :-\

But thanks for everyone's support so far - it's appreciated.  :)   

Will see ya at bright kathi wont have a car this year but will have the whole family there from wednesday on wards
regards fatboy

Will be good to meet you Fatboy - hopefully we'll be recognisable by our car!  :-\  :D

AND we will expect updates each and every day .......Now get to Johns side an assist ... ;D ;D ;D.......FC427......

Geez! I'm not even that demanding!  ;) ;D  I'll compromise and report on major milestones as we progress!  :)

so doesn't that mean we will get updates every day?  ???  ;D

Well, I don't know about every day -all depends on your definition of a major milestone!

Last night - had trouble making the sump fit with the new “replacement” oil pump and pick up - and yes we'd make sure we ordered the correct one! After at least half an hour of trying to find out why it wouldn’t fit, including “massaging” the sump, repositioning the pick up angle etc (it'd be really handy to have see through sumps sometimes) we figured something was really up the creek.  So we searched out the original (naturally it had been stored in that "safe" place) and saw immediately that the new pick up was a completely different shape and size. So after a good checking over and clean up, the old pick up is fitted to the new pump and the sump fits perfectly (after it was "massaged" back to the original shape again!)

Other than that little challenge, a number of small things were sanded down and painted/touched up, timing done and it's cover on and painted and the sump was stripped, positioned and and painted. Probably a few other things too but the memory for detail is starting to fail a little due to long days!

Let's hope tonight runs a little smoother. Goal for tonight is to have the trans, motor and pipes in. 

And what are you going to do in your spare time ??? ???.....

I hope that all goes well, good luck with it

Keith

Soooooo the engine came without an oil filter adaptor when we bought it.  Naturally the one we bought is the wrong size - so - goal for tonight has not been achieved!   Hey, it happens! :)  Will be onto the guy we got the motor from tomorrow and as he's advertising that he's got a used one in stock (coincidence?). Still smiling though!  :)

Minor hiccup; what's life without the odd little challenge?  :)

Great to see the daily updates are still coming in um, daily! (this despite threats to the contrary)  ;D

I know it's a bloody big ask at the end of a long day, but any chance of a picher or 2 with tonites update?

(but only if it doesn't keep you out of the cot too long, kiddo!  ;) ;) ;))

Didn't you ever watch Sesame Street - it's called an "imagination"!   ;D

If there is time to log on here and chat, there is time to get more done on the van and so stop wasting valuable time doing something useful  ::)

We can all wait until its done......

8)

Ahem Mr Paul in Ireland! The only thing I can do while I'm at work is to "let my fingers do the walking" to chase down bits and then take longer lunch breaks to go and get them! Sooooo I'm being quite productive actually!  ;D

'Sesame Street"??  ??? ???    WTF is that?

If it's some sort of television show; the answer's NO

- they didn't even have TV when I was a kid

(geez, you'll be wanting to ring me up on one of them new-fangled wipod thingies to abuse me next... )

Surely you're not saying that you are as disorganised as those on Sesame Street ??? ???

Or is that you have to pull John's strings harder and faster to get the job done on time ??? ???

I remember my kids watching Sesame Street, didn't ever see Big Bird or Kermit trying to get an FE finished before the weekend......

Keith

my Sesame Sesame Street reference was about Jack wanting pictures - and if you'd paid proper attention to Sesame Street you would remember that they always used to encourage children to use their "imagination". Shame on you!  ::) :D  And besides Jack, a picture of two bleary eyed disappointed people would not be a pretty sight.  :-[

And ATM, making it is highly dependent upon being able to source an original oil filter adaptor - as no others will fit. :) The guy is scouring his warehouses and only time will tell.  As much as we'd both love to drive it there we won't do anything to compromise the safety of the car and our (and anyone else on the road's) safety. 

I'm very much a realist and I've told John I'm happy to be hear "no longer feasible". I don't want him to resent the experience and I know we'll enjoy Bright regardless of which car we are there in. Not about to polish up my silverware just yet though. :) 

Well I'm not retracting my bets just yet. The odds may have lengthened a little, but that will just make the win tastier  ;D

But I do have a contingency plan (with help from the LotO) and that is to take a large helping of special home-made humble pie to Bright...
This has just gotta be a good idea, given that whatever eventuates, SOMEONE will be eating pie!
(And FC427; if both you and the little van make it to Bright, I'll happily share the pie with you; ya gotta be there though, cant post it up to you - this pie doesn't keep very well, eh Kathi?)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 Jack I would love to share Humble Pie, I have acquired a taste for it  :D but I gave up on getting my Rod to Bright a couple of week ago ....next year ......FC427......

And the van will see your rod there next year too!  :'(  But we'll definitely be there in the Batmobile.  :D

Finally got the oil filter adapter and guess what?  It has an obscure filter thread size.  So until we find a 5/8 - 18 thread sized oil filter that's smaller in external diameter than a Ryco Z8 we can't progress with the motor.  Soooooo......

I've already had some Tangy Lemon Cheescake as my chosen serve of humble pie! mmm, yummy  ;D

Victorian Hot Rod Show Car Park - here we come!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Mind you it might be with the van sporting a custom made oil filter adapter with a more common thread combination! ;) :D

And right now, we're both looking forward to some decent sleep! Thanks for your support guys - it's definitely appreciated.  :)

Would you not just finish everything else and come back to the filter if you get the right thread? Or do you stop the whole build for a filter?  :o
 :D

The build is definitely not stopping - we are just being realistic in knowing that the Bright deadline is unlikely to be met. :)  We'll keep on building but without that one little bit of steel the engine can't be started!

After scouring the internet last night we've found and just ordered a similar adaptor with a more common oil filter thread size - we're definitely not taking our bat and ball and walking away from the build. If we're real lucky the adaptor will arrive in Australia just after Bright has finished!  ::) ;D

Well Kathi,I'm bloody disappointed, but not nearly as much as you and John must be  :'(
I was really looking forward to checking out the van at Bright. Bloody Murphyed again....
Ah well, you two sure gave it the big red-hot go, but circumstances beyond your control are, well,  just that!
 On a 'brighter' ( :P) note - we'll still catch up at Bright, you can eat humble pie, and if you desperately feel the need to cut laps in an FE, I mean REALLY DESPERATELY, you could lower yourselves by taking a ride in a cruddy old FC sedan (make sure you bring adequate disguises; you sure as hell wouldn't want anyone to recognise ya, and you'd have to wear rose-colored glasses so as not to be nauseated by the grey upholstery  ;) and it lacks 'arse of dead vermin' on the aerial; geez, it hasn't even GOT an aerial!)
And even if it didn't make it to Bright, this whole episode has certainly hurried the build of the van right along!!  :) :)
And, I'll still get to check it out - just a little later than planned; but it no doubt will be in a far more completed state  :) :) :) 8) 8) 8)

So, all is not lost; the birds are still singing, the sun is still shining, it's all still good
See you at Bright!

cheers, jack

So, all is not lost; the birds are still singing, the sun is still shining, it's all still good
See you at Bright!

cheers, jack
[/quote]
  See you at Bright With your apatite....... ;D ;D ;D  The Poet.......

Actually, I'm quite looking forward to a serve of Rita's "Humble Pie" ;D  See you guys there! 

We've always had the attitude that it would have been nice but it wouldn't be the end of the world it if didn't make it - there's always more events to go to!  Thanks again and we'll see you guys there!  ;D 

Latest update - remember I mentioned a custom made oil adapter? Well, we have one now - John worked out that a -8 AN bulkhead fitting had 3/4 UNF threads which was perfect for what we needed.  All he did was pull it out of the spare parts bin and screw it into the block! Next piece of the puzzle was to find a filter to fit the required boss and seal size - we are now using a Z68 Toyota Corolla Oil Filter! Thank god for the Ryco site!  ;D

Still won't make it to Bright but it's progressing.  The current plan is to now fire it up mid week but until then here's a couple of quick shots before it goes in the car.

But first we'll show you what it used to look like! (http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sick/sick0021.gif) ($2)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Eeek.jpg)

Not any more!  ;D ;D ;D
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Eng1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Eng2.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Eng3.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Eng4.jpg)

Hmmmm, slight improvement...     ::)

Might look better with a van  wrapped around it...   ;)

   jack

ps   why did you have to put those pics up here; now I'm really, really pissed off it's not
      gonna make it to Bright. Bloody teaser  ::) ::) ::)

Looks great ... hmmm  baby Chev .....FC427.....

That's real perty Kathi....Almost too good to hide away in an engine bay.

How nice is that little donk, sure looks the goods :D :D

I can't wait to see it in the engine bay

Keith

That looks great Kathi, love the choice of colour matched with the alloy and chrome, if the rest of the van is going to come up as good as that i can't wait for the pics.
                                       Pedro

All of that Pedro, plus it's 'era - matched'  8)
You can see why I'm so disappointed it wont make it to Bright, but hey, 'all good and cool things come to he who waits...'
and I'm (reluctantly) waiting

Jack - 2010 Regional Internats?

Same place as last year but maybe at Easter? Sneak preview before Orange?


 8)

You're waiting Jack?  ::)  We hope it will be a fun and reliable car we can use as a parts fetcher and to go for a cruise and stop somewhere for pizza - even if the pizza joint is 670ks away! ;) ;D

Good news, Kathi - the pizza joint I assume you're referring to is closer than you think!
Probably more like 570ks from your place... (they do bed n brekkie too!)

Another step closer - engine and trans went in tonight. Will only do a few bits and pieces more and get stuck back into after Bright.  ;D 

And for those with an eye for detail - yes, the rocker cover breather's on the left this time - we're tired ATM and it's only on there for a little bit of bling for the photos! Tired but happy BTW!  ;D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/in1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/in2.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/in3.jpg)

hmmmmm, yummy  8)

much tastier than humble pie  ;)

Kathi, John,

this build is looking very nice...

I like it alot.

Cheers

Ed

 Beautiful, very much how i envisioned my Buick V6 will look once done.

Thanks

Kathi is after a traditional look and the parts selection has been critical in achieving this.  Funny thing is we were looking for a Buick V6 to start with but couldnt find a suitable one and then stumble across the Chev V6.

The good part about this set up is that it is exactly the same engine placement required for Chev V8 with  rear mounted rack so I have learnt a lot in the process. 

Anyway I better get back in the garage so we can finish it.

John

Kathi & John, don't know if you have seen this site....might have some useful info.

http://www.marineandstreetmotorsport.com/marineandstreet/?cat=1

Dean.

Dean

Thanks.  This is the place where we bought the engine a couple of years ago.  He has another site called six banger doing similar things.

regards

John

Yeah I know - been super slack in the updates stakes.  Fired up no dramas a couple of weeks ago but had a hold up on the bearing a mate was machining up for the column so we're just now in the process of painting it before fitting it all back in and, hopefully, it'll be fully steerable soon.  Here's a few happy snaps to keep some punters off my back!  :D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1916.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1921.jpg)

See Jack - there's not quite enough room for a Jason Recliner with the foot rest fully extended in front of the motor anymore!  ::) ;D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1919.jpg)

Gear change for the T700.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1915.jpg)

And a taste of trim to come!  ;D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1922.jpg)

Great work a credit to you both  but that imitation dead animal gracing the interior Hmmmm  :-\ :-\ :-\........FC427.......

Thanks Mark and, ah, no aerial for dead vermin so the alternative is .........  ;D ;D

yeah, but note that the van has no aerial...

the dead animal just had to get a run somewhere

shit; 1 minute and 4 seconds too late!

Who is standing in a workshop in thongs eh? tsk tsk.... OH&S where areyou?? lol...

Management has duly noted that their main worker was not wearing his official samurai safety shoes today.  Said worker requested permission not to wear his socks with his thongs today because of the heat and the nature of the work required to be performed which included prepping the steering column for paint, painting said steering column and identifying placings of PRND321.  His assistant (and OHS&W rep) followed suit with their footwear due to their work schedule comprising the removal of old door rubber adhesive and the cleaning and conditioning of door rubbers ready for re-gluing. Management would also like to advise that at the time of the photo it was an official work break and, as such, any risk of injury was minimal. I trust this will satisfy any questions the OHS&W auditor may have.  :)

Noted - and just remember that we don't miss much!!  ;)

 8)

I must have been busy when the pics were posted of your progress on the van, credit to you both, it looks great
Cheers, Gary

Kathi and John,

Pure bloody brilliance, looks like it isn't too far off taking it for a lap around the block ;D

steering column, brakes sort the wiring and fit the dash, drop the bonnet on and away you go ;D ;D

Well done guys, in all honesty, as Zulu has said, it looks great and is a credit to both of you.

Keith

I need more pictures and information on your steering column conversion im about to start mine on monday as my lokar cable linkage kit has arrived at the motor trimmers
regards fatboy

geez, Kathi...  you've mislead and deceived us for a long time, but we're on to you now.

come on; own up - in the real world you're a bloody politician, aren't you?!!

Jack have to agree with you looks like a hole lot of nothing wrapped up to look like a policy ready to feed to the unsuspecting general public as a new law   ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ....FC427.....

Thanks for your comments guys, they're appreciated.  Paul, management will ensure that worker's safety is foremost at all times!  :D And Mark and Jack, I'm not sure whether I should be offended or proud of your comments! ;)

Fatboy - we took the most difficult route in having rear mounted rack & pinion and the 4 speed auto and the change mechanism needed to be pulled into the cabin.  So a conversion that doesn't need this would be a lot easier. We started off with an EK auto column because we wanted to retain an old style/factory look to the cabin (yeah yeah we know about the zebra trim!  :D).  The centre of the original detent plate was replaced with a plain piece of steel which was filed with new detents to suit a T700. The lever which bolts to the gear change tube was cut and shut to provide the right ratio to the lever used on the T700. The indicator plate has had all markings removed and new markings will be put on there to show PRND321. Watch out for yankee column kits as they cater for LHD configuration and therefore the lever and/or bracket on the trans will need to be modified. The column itself has been cut into 4 sections and shortened some 6 inches to get the automatic change inside the cabin.  The overall column is 2" shorter than a standard FE column but this is a personal choice - we're also running an FE steering wheel to maintain an original look. We used a 57 Chev neutral switch. Best way to set it all up is to have the column in the vice and the trans on the floor next to it. It's not hard to do - just requires a few hours. Now it's finished it looks almost original but sadly disguises the thought and time behind it! Hope this helps.  :) 

Ill be using a eh auto column lokar cable kit but at this time im not putting the rear mounted rack in saving it for the ek and fc ute that im building.Will probably have more questions monday night after i attempt fate
regards fatboy

(Mark; there's the proof; she's definitely a politician...  only a bloody politician could even think about being proud to be a politician...  ::))

So we now know that her agenda is just to control the mas :-X quiet a different portfolio is emerging other than that of the quiet unassuming  person driving and old FE 225 and lurking in the darkness  ;) ;) What is installed for us next  ??? ??? ??? .....Jack

(pssst, Mark; I'm led to believe that she's refusing to put the van in the show'n'shine at Orange...
now, given that most people will be engrossed with all the cars on the arena, and that there will probably be very few people lurking around the car-park, could it be that those of us who unwittingly seek out the van in the car-park will be lured into its darkened and mysterious interior, only to emerge in a zombie-like state; totally brainwashed, or worse still, never to be seen again!
geez, I'm not so sure I want to go to Orange now, and if I do, I'm staying in the middle of crowds, and equipping myself with ear-plugs, a silver cross and a wooden stake - I strongly suggest you do likewise
as we're now probably marked men, Mark!)

Garlic!! Don't forget the garlic!!  ;)

I watched two seasons of Buffy in action so I feel pretty safe in the day time anyhow ....but the creature of the night can be very resourceful so I'm taking along some holly water and Wild Turkey if the Holly water doesn't work at least the pain will be less if I am in a inebriated state  ::) ::) ::) ::) Jack be afraid be very Afraid  :o :o our day are numbered .......FC427........

mmmmm stake (sic) with lots of garlic - I like nothing better!  (http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/evilgrin/evilgrin0041.gif) ($2)

right... cancel the garlic stake  :-\
Mark, you could be on to something with the Wild Turkey; I'm reasonably sure nothing alcoholic passes her lips, so if we stay pissed, we might be safe  ;D
then again, given her propensity for adorning her cars with the arse-end of dead vermin and hide of  faux zebra, she may well be inclined to add to the decor of the van with turkey feathers  ???
(so I think I'll stick to rum)

(so I think I'll stick to rum)


[/quote]
Aarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

ok, so..... do I tell you that I can devour plates full of rum balls!  ::) :D

Bit of an update before I go back out - more boring but necessary stuff like more removal of old glue and cleaning and refresh of rubbers today, new PRND321 markings on indicator, steering column fitted up, column connected to rack (yay! we have steering with less than 3 turns lock to lock) and the cable to auto trans will be laid under the carpet soon so we may even have gears tonight.  But...... we just had a trial fit of the steering wheel  ;D 

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1926.jpg)

Looks real cool, Kathi; I'm dieing to see it!

Mark, you mean "Aarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, me hearties!"  don't you?



(yeah, I know parrots aren't black and white, but it's the best I could do...)

And a bottle of rum Aarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr   (http://[img][img width=600 height=450]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2057.jpg)/img][/img](http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2057.jpg)img](http://[img width=600 height=450]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2058.jpg)/img](http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2058.jpg)/img]
......FC427........

Not the ones that Rita makes; you'd more than likely have stability issues after just ONE plate  ;D

Mark, love 'the capt'ns cabin'; specially the shiplap-style planking on the bulkhead; very naughtycal, but the cash register (?) on the bar for the stowage of pieces of eight is a bit of a worry!

Jack this is my parrot  ;D I will bring along my leg irons and shackles in case there is a mutiny at Orange we have charted a course and we will feed them to the sharks Aarrrrr
(http://[img][img width=600 height=450]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2059.jpg)/img(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2059.jpg)[/img]
(http://[img[img width=600 height=450]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2060.jpg)(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2060.jpg)/img][/img]
(http://[img][img width=600 height=450]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2061.jpg)(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2061.jpg)img][/img]

woo hoo we have changing gears!  ;D 

Didn't all FE vans have a factory option of T700 column change?  ;) ;D

And obviously Jack and Mark have been hitting the rum already!  ::) :D

Great to see that the column shift is in place and working ;D ;D Gotta be happy with that

So it goes and steers, next the stops ;) :D

Keith

Hi kathi hope you have taken some pictures of the prindle so i can get my head around what i have to do
regards fatboy

Keith - stops?  What's that and why would you want to?  ;D

Sorry Fatboy - we're the type that think about taking photos after the event! We actually only took a shot of the column to show Keith what had happened to the one we got off him!  The column's in the car now so we can't get any good shots of it. :-\  That's assuming though that you wanted photos of the gate.  If you're interested in the PRNDL321 indicator it was a no-brainer - we buffed the letters off an EK one and replaced them with reverse stickers. Re the gate - after the levers and cable were connected to column and trans the trans was moved to each gear position and the gate was filed to match.

Thats what i thought i had to do re filing the gates its teaming with rain here at the moment so might have a play this afternoon
regards fatboy

G'day Kathi, hadn't noticed your update, the little van is looking great 8) 8) 8) 8) 8), I didn't realise how close it was to being finished or how good a job you and John were doing (not enough progress pics), I see the dead animal theme has also been expanded to include the interior now ;).
                               Pedro

Thanks Pedro - the only thing stopping the progress now is the T700 column change........ John's so stoked that he's constantly playing with it - the column change that is!  ;) :D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

If my wagon was that close to being finished I'd be out there playing with it all the time too. :o ;D ;D
        Pedro

Hey Kathi

Steering wheel looks fab. :o :o

How did the resto on it?

Cheers

Craig

Gidday Kathi

Let me write that question again  ??? ???

Who did the resto on the Steering Wheel?

Regards

Craig

Hi Craig

Yeah, we're pretty happy with it!  ;D

PearlCraft Steering Wheels in Bega, NSW.  http://www.pearlcraft.com.au/ 

They did a fantastic job on the two wheels for our cars.  These days I'd say around $650 - $700 if your steering wheel is in reasonable condition.  A little more if it's pretty bad and needs a lot of work done before it can be pearled.  Not cheap - but - you see it, and feel it, every time you hop in the car. 

IMHO - worth every cent!  :D

Kathi 

yeah yeah I know - slack on the updates.  Should be having first test run on the weekend  :-\  :)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Bay1-1.jpg)

And just for those that I know can't get enough of the zebra!
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Trim1-1.jpg)

Looking good under the bonnet Kathi and John 8), maybe you should have done the zebra orange and black to go with the theme ;), and it would also hide the sick better when Jack and i get in there at Orange  ;) ;D ;D
                 Pedro

A pair of pink fluffy dice would be perfect to finish off according to my eldest daughter....

Progress looks great Kathi and John.

How many Zebras were slaughtered for that interior?

I used a similar brake booster set up to that.. very effective.

Cheers

Ed

John & Kathi the van looks great. Hope the test run goes without a hitch & looking forward to seeing the van at Orange.

Dean.

Looking good Kathi & John
                                  I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh and catching up.

Thanks guys - but Paul, pink fluffy dice?  OMG how gauche!  ::)  ;) :D

Ed - HK bracket, LH Torana booster, HZ Master all courtesy of U-Pull-It.... one of the cheapest things on the car! Around $30  ;) :D

well, a lot can happen in a week! just look at all the posts on the forum this last week and I feel bad for not having made comment on too many - so if anyone thinks they've been snubbed by me, please accept my apologies.  :-*

So, the little van was set to run last Saturday night - shook like a wet puppy tryin' to dry itself when it started up and then purred like our cat getting a tummy rub!  Popped it into gear for the "in the garage limited movement test" - nothing!   :-\ Spent Sunday and Monday (public holiday here) checking, double checking and triple checking absolutely everything.  Consulted a good friend who's a mechanic and according to him it should've worked just fine - oil was being sucked up and down so it proved the torque converter was working and there was pressure but it just wouldn't engage.  John took Wednesday off to get it to the trans guys to see if they could work it out.  Well, it appears that when the trans was imported from the US some 10+ years ago it was "fitted" with a Buick converter which, while they do fit, they're not a perfect match.  So the convertor has been modified for a new input shaft and we picked it up last night so.......... it's first test drive was last night - and - it was over 20k from Blackwood to Woodcroft in peak hour traffic!  :D  Had a second test drive this afternoon and it's getting better with each little tweak.  Booked in to get the exhaust completed on Monday and then few more good test drives before Orange.  :D

But, now for the worst part of the whole adventure this last week








I broke two nails on the van so they've all been cut off!   :'(

Great to see that the little van is finally up and running. I can't wait to catch with you both again, not many more sleeps now until Orange ;)

Keith

OH NO, not the achilles nails!!!!!!!!! ;D

Dean.

careful dean,
you dont know who you messing with here.
kathi has some remarkable powers and a desire to adorn her vehicles with sections of deceased fauna ;D ;D ;D

Nice work John It should purr on the open road  ;D Kathi let me now express my sympathy for your pain in loosing a much loved nail or two  :( .....FC427...

Thank you Dean for warning Dean of his potentially fatal mistake in making light of a FEmale breaking a nail!  ;)

Thank you Mark - I appreciate your show of sympathy.  :-* The worst part is that I'd just treated myself to 3 new nail polishes cos they were looking so good!  Now I won't even have good paint on my nails at Nationals to make up for the van's!  :-[ :D

my pleasure kathi, its the least i can do for a FC owner ;)
and re the nails for the nats, im sure with jonny boy's skills he could knock up a nice stainless steel set for you ;D ;D

on second thoughts, in the interest of public safety ( namely jack, myself, keith, mark and the others cowering in wait of the henchmen)
its probably not such a good idea ;D ;D :-*

 ::) ::) ::) I hope John rushed you straight inside and made you a nice cup of tea to help with the trauma Kathi ::) :D :D
              Pedro

Thanks Pedro, I'm OK now. It's bound to happen - nails and cars are not a good combination at times (very handy for some things though - like masking fine edges, cleaning in tight areas etc).  I'd rather have the car progressing and, especially, driveable than a nice set of (real) nails anyday!  :D 

A strengthened glovebox insert and lid are back in/on now, stereo's been mounted in there and a small amount of wiring is all that's required before we'll have music for the trip!

Kathi 

Deano, you were right.

I don't know how Kathi organised it to poor down rain whilst I was under the car doing up the uni joint, thought I was going to stay dry till the wall of water came across the concrete, then all I could think was "the nails, the nails, I taunted the nails" :D

Oh well, you live & learn ;D.

Dean.

hello,
Who made the extractors for you??

They made the extractors themselves - nice to be able to do stuff like that!

Paul's on the money - John built them.

Well, not much more we can do now, some things we're super happy with while others leave a little to be desired but they will stay just as they are for the short term (paint and body= long term).  Trim is yet to be fully completed (I hear they've upped the security at the Zoo) - we've got temporary boards and carpet in the cargo area that'll be replaced when a full headlining goes in at a later stage. But overall, the interior is comfy, serviceable and just a little bit different - exactly what we were after.  :)

On the whole........ John and I are very happy to have the little van back on the road (warts and all) and are looking forward to enjoying it as much as we can.

Kathi 

All sounds great, Kathi!  :)

(please dont wax the the new trim  ;) rawhide just wouldn't have the same effect  ;))

Jack Is that a Raw Hide after the wax  ??? ??? ??? ???.......Fc427......

Do they have Zebras in Brasil ???

not any more, well not with stripes anyway.
just a lot of hairless horses ;) ;)

So this is what waxed Zebra looks like?  ;) 

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/TRIM1-2.jpg)

Been busy since Orange and in amongst a general clean up we've finally painted the garage floor.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/IMG_1986.jpg)

Beautiful day today so we took off to Victor Harbour for a pub lunch and ended up taking a few shots of the little van while we were there! It's drives well and is super comfy on nice long drives and what's even better is that it's also functional - we can load up the back with swap meet treasures or fill it full of plants to refurbish the garden.  IMHO it's great little van cos it's exactly how I always dreamed it would be! I couldn't be happier!  ;D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Van2-1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/VAN6.jpg)

Floor looks very nice, so does the van. mmmmm................... zebra, wonder what they taste like?

Just needs a higher roof line  :P
Looks great Kathi a credit to you both, love the interior.

ditto; that van is very 'mmmmmmmmmm'

incidentally, what is that poor forlorn neglected and apparently-forgotten black thing in the background of the garage pic?  ;)

Yes looks fantastic. A lot of hard work. I like the idea of a van , however have to get my first project done.

Regards

Wayne

thanks guys - it's great to have it on the road again in an (almost all) new and improved form. And Jack, about that little black thing - it's definitely not forgotten!  :D

Pity about the old bloke in the back ground Kathi

(http://s4.postimage.org/Q_vor.jpg) ($2)

A really nice van and a great build though.

Regards

Weddo

 ;D ;D ;D I remember you taking that shot too!  ;D ;D ;D  Thanks Weddo!  :D

Very tastefull Kathi, much better than the zebra, poor old Nosferatu does look a bit forlorn in the background though.
            Pedro

Kathi,

I can see that John has had a big clean up in his garage, all ready for that next project?

Keith

Kathi it's just not fair how come you have so much [ FE, Little Van, Big clean workshop, Zeb and a vett] and I have so little  ??? ??? ??? :'( :'(.......FC427.....

I agree, Mark, it's just not fair. How come you and I haven't got a shed full of such desirable cars??
Geez, we'd both be happy with just a cool ute and an even cooler hotrod, wouldn't we?  ;)

Jack that dirty old work Ute and an old F##D , doesn't even the scales  ::) ::) ::).......FC427......

but you forgot the Batmobile Mark!  :D  We've actually got very little when compared to some but we're very selective and won't buy something just cos it's a bargain. We don't buy or sell often.

Our cars may not be desirable to everyone but we like them - there's always a couple of cars/rods on the wish list but there's only so much time and money to go around. The main thing is to enjoy whatever you have and make the most of it.  :)   

And yes, it was great to go out into the garage the other day and not trip over anything! While it's not as grand as some people's, we do appreciate having a garage.  The workshop area is really only 6m x 6m and it houses all the tools, equipment and the most current project.

And BTW, Zebby lives inside the house with the two spoilt brats cats! :D 

Kathi

I love the interior of the little van, Kathi!

Seeing it on the car rather than just the small sample really transforms the fabric, I reckon. It's French fabric, isn't it? Don't let those cats in the van! Maybe you could put a cardboard box in the back?  :)

So what happens now? Poor NosFEratu gets put into the corner for a while?  :-[

~ Josh

Thanks Josh - yeah, we're stoked with it and it'll be even better once we get the full black headlining and rear sides done in it too!  And it matches the pearl steering wheel so well!  ;D

It's a French vinyl that is fire resistant and super heavy duty (50,000 rub factor).  It's freaky cos it feels like satin but it has a microscopic pile to to it. I knew the second I saw it that we'd be using it for the tuck n roll! It looks fantastic when the sun hits it or when the interior light comes on at night!  It actually has a similar pearlescent effect to that of the original headlining material but with a tiger type stripe through it. :D 

And the cats came home from cat prison in it after Orange (in their carry cage though!)  ;D

The little van will be a workhorse and take us on interstate trips for the time being. NosFEratu will always be number 1 and will continue to cruise the streets of Adelaide after dusk and on overcast days with dead vermin hanging from it until ............     

This old thing
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FC427/IMG_2041.jpg)

Yeah but the number plate would have to be "CruelT" if it was in my garage wouldn't it?  ;D

Kathi it's taken a while but your training is nearly complete grasshopper ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.......FC427........

Kathi,

Have you got a stock fuel tank in the little van?

~ Josh

Hi Josh

Yes, it's standard size ATM but we may change it in the future.

Kathi

Hi Kathi,

Great thread! You've got two very nice cars there. Love the story behind the sedan and the van is sweet.
Thanks for taking the time to post.

Sam

Thank you Sam. :D

Sooooo long time no post - anyway, I'm a little at odds over this post...... while I'm excited I do feel it's a bit "Look at Moi!"  :-\

It's absolutely no secret that I love my Pearlcraft Steering Wheels.  I hadn't been to their site for a couple of months and went there yesterday and noticed they'd upgraded it completely. So, I'm sitting there thinking to myself, wow I really like the start up of the new web site, the new logo looked so stylish and elegant and I really liked the way the old brochures came across the screen and then........ I just about fell off my chair - mine pops up as the home page photo! 

I'm totally lost for words - out of all the beautiful wheels they've made for some absolutely massively mega dollar US based rods and customs - they used a little old classic Aussie steering wheel on their home page! And it's mine!  :-X  :)   

http://www.pearlcraft.com.au/

That's because they know class when they see it.

Mike

Thank you Mike!  :)

Well done Kathi  :) :) :) I had my wheel done by pearlcraft and if anyone is looking for this type of thing I really can not recomend them highly enough. I've had a couple of wheels pearled over the years and while they might not be the cheapest they really are the best     Dave

Hi Kathi,

Not only your wheel on the front cover but the van in the gallery section also!!!! how cool is that, well done they look excellent.


Regards

Weddo

How cool is that - x2!

 ;D

There is some realy nice wheels there the willys ute with the fc steering wheel is real neat and congratulations kathi you must be tickled pink

                                                          Cheers Damo58

Thanks Dave, Josh, Weddo and Damo.   

When we were up there, Wayne and Lee said that they did a lot of FE FC wheels for US cars - they're apparently very popular over there.  So, if we ever have a shortage here we might have to start checking US E-Bay!  :D

I must admit it's a nice little boost as I keep thinking my car is a bit tired but when something like that happens it makes you realise that perhaps it's holding it's 21 year old re-build quite well.  It's also given me the incentive to clean up the engine bay to make it look a little bit more pretty than it currently does - under the hood is definitely it's most neglected area! :-\  :)

Mine too ::)

You absolute @#$&^s

That web page for Pearlcraft is way cool.  I keep on replaying that opening page simply because it sounds & looks so good.


BTW,

Kathi,

Well done on being 'chosen' for the cover and two of the content cars.

 ;D ;D Thanks Spinner  ;D ;D  I didn't even realise it had sound!  :o  I always have it on mute! (no comments you lot! ::)) But you're absolutely right - the old crackling tuning-in of the music great! :D 

So, having been admonished on EffCee’s thread for the lack of my own updates, here goes……

It would seem that every 10-11 years a review is undertaken on the condition of my mechanicals.  Some minor fixes were undertaken at the most recent review but my expert says replacement of my suspension components is definitely required in the future.  So…. now that I’ve given you the update on my knees I guess I should let you know what’s happening with the FE.  :D

Warning – restorers may want to stop reading now!  

Many will know my body is falling apart and that I no longer get as much enjoyment out of driving my car due to the pain I suffer afterwards.  So, in order for me to continue driving and enjoying my car the plan (for the last 10 years at least) has always been to update the mechanicals and change it to an automatic. 

On February 14th work began – yes - some may deem it the 21st Century St Valentine’s Day Massacre.  Less than a week later, NosFEratu’s vital organs were donated to a worthy “transplant recipient”.  Please note that the recipient’s parents had to pass an extensive screening process to ensure it was the right match and that there would be no rejection issues.  To save its parents from being pestered for updates by the unforgiving masses I will only divulge that it is a male FE.  ;)
 
Anyway, when completed, NosFEratu will have a nice little red motor, column shift auto, HR front end and Centura diff.  From the outside it will look no different and, interior wise, it will only be a larger trans tunnel and the EK auto indicator for the column shift. 

And nup, nothing exciting to see photo wise yet! 

Happy little chappies now?  ;D

oh.....

'little' and 'red' eh? 

a 149 perhaps??  ;) ;D

NosFEratu, your post back in May 16, 2010.  What did you paint the garage floor with?

Red

I reckon it will be a 'red' motor, but not of the GMH variety.


Regards,

Ol_Girl_58

Hi Red

Can't remember the brand but it was a polyurethane two pack paint from Paint Supplies here in Adelaide.  Cost about $500 to do 72 square metres and we applied it with a paint roller in two stages.  Impervious to all liquids that have fallen on it so far and very easy to sweep dirt up off in comparison to cement!

Kathi

Nothin' much to see here (literally). A couple of shots of an almost empty engine bay and an underside that both still need a little more cleaning before the angle grinder gets a work out. Given the paint is just over 21 years old it's holding up pretty good. Apologies for the shadow in one of the photos - the butler did it!  :D

And I'm also happy to say that the floor and Y-frames are all in good nick and still no signs of rust after 55 years - gotta be happy with that!  :D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/allgone1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/allgone3.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/allgone4.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/allgone2.jpg)

Hey hang on a sec there, Kathi....

I'm sure I spotted one tiny speck of dirt on the underside in that 2nd pic...  ::) ;) ;)

Kathi, we need a close up of the rsd thing wrapped in plastic in the background please :P.

Dean.

You really want a picture of my trans Dean?  ???   :)

And noted Jack - I'll make sure I clean that bit just before the angle grinder goes into the floor! ::)

I sent Maco some shots of the horn button he transformed into a bonnet badge for the FE and he suggested that I pop the shots up here for all to see. So........ if you don't like them blame Maco  ;)

A little introduction to them - my 21 year old niece (Taygan Bassi) has just finished a Degree in Visual Arts (Photography) and last week she moved to Melbourne after being accepted into the prestigious Fashion/Commercial Photography degree at RMIT.  She's won several awards over the years for her photos but she's never taken any of cars and has always wanted to do some shots of my FE (why settle for anything less!).  So, after being lectured about the best time to photograph black cars is at dusk (naturally) here's her first attempt at "cars" - and, yes, Maco's emblem stands out quite well in them.  :)

The last shot is her friend Emily's first ever "modelling" shoot - now while I think she looks quite cute she is blocking the real star of the photo! And I know you'll all agree with me!   ;) ;D   

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FEsky.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/FEwharf.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Emily.jpg)

And remember, if you don't like them - blame Maco!  :D

Nice Bumpers  ::)

What car ??? ??? was there a car in that photo  ??? ??? absolutely stunning how can I get the girls up to Sydney to do a photo shoot with my T  ??? ??? ???
Taygen is a very tallanted girl ......FC427.....

geez, Dean; I thought you said you wanted a close-up of her transmission?  ??? ;)

or did he mean Tranny?  :o ;D

again, ha ha for varying reasons!  ;)  :D  and Stinky, Emily is the real deal...... unlike Kristii  ;)

And if anyone is looking for an alternative photoshoot (car or otherwise) for any occasion contact Taygan through her business StrayCat Photographics

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stray-Cat-Photographics/100025710733
or
http://www.straycatphotographics.com.au/

She's sure to come up with something a little different for you at a price I'm sure you'll be happy with.  And yes, she can organise models if you really want some female blocking your car in the photo  :)

OK biased advert finished.  ;D

Did you notice the moon eyes on the grille???
 i didnt either the wife did..  LOL

Taygan and Emily looked at the shots later and suddenly realised why I insisted she stand in a certain spot - NosFEratu was getting a real "eye full"  ;D It is a male car after all!  ;) 

We also did some of her stroking his phallic symbol - but - being a family oriented forum you won't being seeing them here! :o :D

OH yeah...what I'd give to be a FE headlight right now...... ;D ;D ;D...

Hi Kathi,

Hows the heart transplant coming along?? looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Dean.

Seaking of updates ??? ??? ???
      Pedro

I will second that motion  :o :o :o come on Kathi let us see let us see ......FC427......

Kathi, there's NO WAY you can get up Pedro for progress reports without doing the same yourself, is there?  ;) ;D

see you both next weekend  :)

OK OK long time between updates.  A lot of things have happened in the last year.  My suspension components were, after 12 years, finally replaced.  A lot of pre and post replacement preparation has now got the ride feeling almost normal.  They’re getting better the more they’re used but I don’t think the passenger side will ever feel quite as smooth and solid as the driver side so, the decision to convert the FE to an automatic was definitely a wise choice.  :) Again, enough about my knees……

Before anything else I want to acknowledge the wonderful support John has given me, especially leading up to and since my replacements.  :-* :-* :-* On top of all this he’s making sure my car ends up exactly how I’ve always wanted it – and, boy, do I like to give him challenges! Now........

John swears this is a red motor and it would fit in my engine bay without too much trouble! 

I dunno, but I think he might have been fibbing to me!  ??? ???

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/EngineBay1.jpg)

Trust the butler , its a lovely red colour and every one knows anything red goes faster ;)

Well done Kathi

regards

Weddo

Weddo, somehow I doubt the lovely red colour was chosen because 'red goes faster...'

More likely it was in the interests of correct colour co-ordination.

(you know how fussy some females can be with the 'does this look good with this' business. Grey obviously didn't match well, and I suspect that the only motor the poor Butler had laying around gathering dust in the shed that was the correct match colour-wise was the one pictured above. The fact that it will produce about 5 times the HP of the tired old Grey is entirely coincidental...  ;D ;D ;D)

That looks purdy  ;D & great to here the knees are getting better as well Kathi.

Dean.

Well..... it does fit and it is red so maybe I should trust him  :D 
And yeah, I reckon it's pretty too!  ;D

Couple more shots of progress to date.

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/frontend1-2.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/frontend2-1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Gearbox1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Tunnel1.jpg)

And I've still got my original steering column and gear shift so I've still got 3 on the tree (do I have to count the other 1?) :D

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/gears2.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/Gears1.jpg)

And he even reckoned a '56 GM radiator would still fit nicely....... and again, he was right! :D And the bonus is that cos we can use the original hose I can afford to buy the rattle can of black paint for the radiator! :)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/radiator1.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/radiator2.jpg)

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/radiator3.jpg)

Very cool Kathi.

Looks fabulous.

Regards

Wayne b

lookin mighty cool Kathi.  :o

Pedro; I reckon you're fair game now...   ;) ;D

Sure does; but just wait til you get a good pic of the exhaust manifolds - them's REAL purdy!!

That looks,real sweet Kathi (and John).Have you set a date to have it finished.I'll be looking for it at next years Cruise On in the Barossa.Hopefully I'll be parked next to it (or at least parked in the main street somewhere)!!.Was good to see you guys the other day.How did you go with the windscreen?

No way I could top that Jack, that's one sweet looking "engine" 8) 8), the butlers outdone himself this time.
               Pedro

thanks guys  :D 

Jamie, as much as we have a "would be nice" date in mind, we both know it'll be done when it's done!  :)

I distinctly remember my last cruise in it on the eve of destruction, the day before the 21st century St Valentine's Day Massacre...... I'll admit it - it was a tad emotional drive home listening to American Grafitti (the first ever tape I played in my FE).  The waterworks really started when the last official cruising track was "Green Onions" (my all time favourite FE cruise music)...... and when I was waiting for John to move the cars it went onto "Only You" which made it worse and then as I was driving it into the "den of iniquity/work area" it started onto "Goodnight Sweetheart"   :'( :'(   I mean, seriously, how can a reasonably rational female be so fricking emotional over a chunk of metal?   ???

Anyway, pulling into the garage it was nice to have my little rocket red motor sitting there with its late 50's cal custom rocker covers and retro air cleaner and (yes Jack) my gorgeous exhaust manifolds.  Seeing it again the next day when everything started to get ripped out actually made the emotions of the previous day fade cos I knew it was time for a new beginning.  :) 

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/4-1.jpg)

"My My those green onions are hanging all over the studio" One of my all time favourite songs from one of my all time favourite movies 8) 8), Don't stress over your build Kathi it's in capable hands and once you get to drive NosFEratu with the new "RED" engine you'll never look back, and think how much easier it'll be on your knees :)
                Pedro

Yep, Pedro - it'll be a hell of a lot easier on her knees, but her rear tyres will wonder WTF has happened to their lives! ;D ;D

(and I trust the Butler has included a strengthened radio aerial in the modifications list...  ;))

Since we got over the house and knee renovations (not in that order of priority) progress has resumed.  Making the "red" fit like GM had fitted it and looking period correct requires a bit different approach. However, once I stopped worrying about cutting up a one family owned matching number treasure I was alright.

The designer instructions are it has to leave the shed looking just it went in. We brought the late 50s early 60s cal custom rocker covers over from the US about ten years ago and now we have the perfect project. I couldn't believe it when the rocker covers came back from the polisher.  Yes the white walls may not last quite as long and fox tails don't like going over 60mph so we may have an issue.

As Kathi said it will still has "three on the tree".  I notice the photos included how I have made the T700 work through the original FE column shift.  I hope this helps anyone who would like to have four speed auto through the column with a rack and pinion.  The parts for the conversion are not exotic or that expensive but there are a "few" hours making it work.  If you have a little bit of patience, are handy with file and welder you should be fine.  The only bit of EK auto column is the chrome indicator and even that is not necessary so you can leave those columns to EK owners and use the money to buy a cable and lever.

John (alias Albert the butler). 

That looks UNREAL Kathi & John, you've outdone yourselves. Old NosFEratu won't know what hit it.

Dean.

                                                 ???

 ???  ???

OK then; I'll try the direct approach...

Any update available??

 :-*

Not at the moment. Work has been hectic & weekends have focused on revamping the garden & spending a lot of time over bubbling pots - you got a problem with that Jack?  ;) mid October should see a return to ' normality'

correct answer Jack!  :D

LMAO

Good to see that Jack has been trained well!

NOT well trained, Keith; just love good pudding...  ;D

You suckhole Jack!  ;D  :-*

Sorry but still no progress.  2012 vintage is complete, we had a week off for a trip to Victoria and since we've been back we're still working on the revamp of the front yard - yep it's big!  :)

Got a new diff to go into the van before Bright and then work should resume on the FE. 

Almost forgot, been getting in a few last bits in for the rebuild. My new hubcaps have arrived and John
ordered me a new set of white walls for my birthday present! Yay! Happy girl! :D

hmmmm.....

Given your penchant for the hubcaps on both the car and van, I'd just have to assume that the new ones are of the same type...

Different rims???

Or are the old ones damaged/out of shape etc and liable to to fly off into the scenery when more than 70 hp is transmitted through them?  ;D

When you're on a good thing, stick to it my dear Jack!  ;D

But I am a female and, as such, it's my prerogative to change my mind.  ;)

That is, unless I don't want to or........ I have a choice.  Oh oh "choice" that's a bad thing for a female who's also happens to be a Libran!   :-\ :D

:'(
Sounds familiar at my place

Isn't it a womans right to have as many "shoes" as she wants??  ::) ::)

Here's wishing a 2013 cruise in the rebuild!!  ;D

Would definitely be nice Paul - we celebrate 30 years together this October!  :)

Ahem, need i say more ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
     Pedro

Don't worry Pedro, someone's going to be working on it full time soon, we'll have at least 2 updates per day I reckon  ;)

No updates at the moment but can confirm that there should be progress some time after 12 July. It's on "the list"  ;D 

Until then though, we have a new daily driver........

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/Badkitti666/BRZ3.jpg) ($2)

Colour matched sharkfin antenna and stealth indicator globes get put on/in tomorrow. Just waiting on springs and camber kit to lower it 1" all round - just enough to close the gap a little but still remain legal. Must admit it's a fun little car to drive - definitely a lot of bang for your buck!  :) 

Forgive my ignorance, I can see its a Subaru but what is it?

Poor NosFEratu, feeling sad and neglected deteriorating away in the back of the garage while you and Alfred cruise the countryside lavishing your time and affection on the new Batmobile, so sad,  :'( :'(  ::)  :D :D
    Pedro

yep; the poor old thing.....     must be feeling gutted...  :'(

But it's not black?

NES304 - it's a Subaru BRZ..... put another badge on it and slightly different cosmetics and it suddenly becomes a Toyota 86 (both made in the Subaru factory).  The "twins" were jointly awarded 2012 Car of the Year. Lotta fun, it goes round bends at top speed like it's on rails  :o but also very easy to drive in peak hour traffic.  :)

David - one black car in the family is enough!  :P  :D

Pedro and Jack - it's definitely gutted!  ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Yep definitely, all ready for the new "red" engine.
           Pedro

Haha,my 03 Rodeo goes round bends at top speed like it's on rails too...GUARD RAILS that is....

AHEM, no updates since May,  ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
   Pedro

love it, Pedro  ;D ;D ;D        'attack is the best method of defence'  ;D

 

Pfft, you two are on your own!

Take your time K & J ;)

Well, Pedro; maybe Stinky is right and we are out of order... maybe the new Kitchen Bitch is finding home duties more onerous than anticipated...

maybe there is little time left in the day after cooking and washing dishes to work on the black thing...


(said in the interests of pudding... - Christmas isn't that far away)

Not always the smartest (or safest) though mate, no threats yet though so either maybe she's going to come out with a super update to blow us all away.  ;D ;D
Don't know how Alfred is going with it but i know all about the housework taking up time, by the time i do the dishes, the washing, vacuuming, feed the chooks, clean up the place and slip into town for some groceries a fair chunk of my day is gone, it's lucky i don't work every day or nothing would get done on the wagon. ::)


Sprung a leak there Stinky  :P :P ;D
   Pedro

The fitting of the 'red' motor is coming along very nicely.  However this has been a very hectic and life changing year for me (Alfred).  There has been a lot of catching up with the house, shed, garden and cars.  I am just about to start on Kathi's car again.  The engineering solutions are either planned or completed and it should be on the rotisserie soon to finish off the underside.  Eg Jack will be happy to know that we have installed a 1957 Chev spare wheel well in the boot so the matching 15" whitewall will fit.

I am sure Kathi will give you an update when appropriate.  Probably after I finish off cooking all those Christmas puddings for those on the "list".  Please note the other car is coming along and I have to do some work on the big yellow motor ready for its return.

If any of you would like to help me redo the front and rear garden as well as put up a new shed I am sure it would appreciated.

Alfred.

Knowing just how pedantic you and Kathi are re matching spare wheels, I just naturally assumed something like this would be high on the agenda, so it comes as no surprise at all...   ;) :) :)

"big YELLOW motor"??   ???

(geez, a 'vette with a Cat diesel... cant wait to see that ::)  ;D  ;))

John I can't help you in a physical manner but I will help you in motivational way and ask for updates  ::) ::) and happy 21st look after our girl  :D :D :D.....FC427

Thanks for the motivation guys - I was wondering if I needed to make up any more pudding mixes for the Butler to boil while I'm at work earning money to keep him in the manner he's accustomed to for spending on cars!  :P

was this finished, or moved to a new thread?

Hi Leviakl

It is still under construction but we have other priorities at the moment.  I don't get on here much these days. I may see if I can find the time to put an update up at some stage. Hope you are enjoying the forum - there is a lot of valuable information on here and a lot of people who will be more than happy to help you with any questions you may have about FE and FCs.

Cheers, Kathi