FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I have decided that to do my wagon to the standards i wanted is going to take years to afford ( as well as finishing renovations on the house), so rather than waste all that driving time, i'm going to do a Wayne Swan and take an axe to my budget, first to go is the sandblasting, at the moment i have a bit of spare time on my hands and my labour is free so i am going to do everything exept the hoodlining myself, there was a post a while back where someone was using paint stripper and clingwrap, i've had a look but haven't been able to remember which one it was, if anyone remembers could they please point me in the right direction.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild007.jpg

Try this one
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild007.jpg)

Pedro all the Cling wrap does is stop the paint stripper drying out so it works better and uses less ,and remember the clean and strip wheels are a great way to get rid of any rust staining or stubborn paint and very cost effective  .........FC427........

hey pedro good to see youve bitten the bullet and going it alone.
not only will you save precious dollars you will know the car more intimately and have the satisfaction of saying "i built this"
it may take a bit longer so as long as you are prepared for that all will be good.
may pay to get yourself some knock off discs aswell ( i think thats what there called ) they are plasticy grinding discs i used these on bubbles and they take the paint off pretty quick.

good luck with the task youve set and remember if you get stuck there is always the forum to help you out. ;)

cheers
dean

Ok got it now

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild001.jpg)

Unusual, no rust in the front :D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild002.jpg)

A little bit here

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild003.jpg)

The usual

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild004.jpg)

Hardly any here either

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild006.jpg)

Floors aren't too bad

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild008.jpg)

My best guards, i have a fibreglass set but i'm saving them for my v6 project when our finances are better.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild005.jpg)

my only real problem she's had a slight shunt in the rear, when i hammer it out does the dolly go on the inside or the outside, i was told you always do the opposite to what you would think ???

You can't really see it in the last shot, but the section under the taillight is pushed in and kinked a bit, in the post i think they said something about seaweed discs, i wasn't sure if the plastic ones would generate too much heat, on the last FC i restored i made the mistake of using an orbital sander, everything was fine until i put on a good wet coat for the last one and the paint sagged into all the sanding marks, i don't want to make any mistakes this time " it's better to ask a question and look stupid than to make a mistake and prove it beyond doubt", thanks for the support guys, i appreciate being able to just get on here anytime and talk with like minded people :) 8)

Pedro Clean and strip are what you called the SEAWEED wheels [They are a nylon type wheel] any paint supply co should carry them . On your rear quarter panel it has two bumper holes ??? might be a good idea to strip that lower rear guard and see whats under the paint or is it just the photo ????? ........FC427.......

Hi Pedro

John will get on here later and give you some info about the clean and strip wheels he brought in from the states recently.  We found it a lot cheaper than purchasing locally especially if you need a few and with the way the AU$ is at the moment it was worth it - they were pretty good on quick delivery too.

Kathi  8)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild.jpg)

More than one hole :D, luckily i've got a donor car to cut a few bits and peices out of, will get some p.stripper,discs and wire brush attachments t'morrow, my first job is to remove front end, diff, etc. now why is my wife hiding the clingwrap ::) ;D

Pedro Looks like it has had a sub standard repair and  was not pulled back in to the right place in it's younger days  .......FC427......

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild010.jpg)

diff and springs out, time for the front end :)

Great project Pedro and good to see you're going to give it a go yourself.The only thing I can say in my own opinion is that for the $500 it cost me to get the car sandblasted has possibly saved me hundreds of dollars down the track.I still intend to do everything else myself with the exception of a little bit of trim work.Good luck with your project.Cheers,Jamie.

Hi Pedro

I recently bought in 50 clean and strip discs after doing my research and realising very quickly how much I would get ripped buying that quantity locally (especially in Adelaide).  Found a place called Lehigh Valley Abrasives - they have a normal internet store plus and an e-bay store.  Good prices and quick with shipping. 

http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/servlet/StoreFront

http://stores.ebay.com/Lehigh-Valley-Abrasives

They do a variety of sizes 2" & 3" in roloc fittings for a die grinder and 4.5" for an angle grinder.  Also have a variety of other abrasive wheels you might be interested in. 

I have found that these clean and strip wheels do not clog and will actually remove sound deadeners including bitumen. Very handy little suckers!

If you don't need that many yourself then maybe a few of you could get together and do a bulk buy.  Hope this helps you or someone else out.

John (and Kathi  8)) 

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild011.jpg)

Just picked up a twin carb manifold for $50 from an add in the paper ;D, the guy has an opel four speed and adaptor for $100 don't think it will last long as he had heaps of calls. Thanks John, i hope i'm not going to need 50, might as well pay to get it sandblasted :-\

Hi Pedro

Big things we get sandblasted but for odd jobs they're fantastic  - certainly saves a lot of time and effort. And while it seems overkill to buy in bulk quantities they are always there when we need them and we don't have to take time out to go and get some more.  Just thought we'd post the info in case a couple of guys wanted to get together and some in due to abrasives in Aust being so expensive at times.

As Jamie eluded to - it's all a case of weighing up what your time and effort is  worth too - it doesn't take anything away from you being intimately involved in the build of the car if you decide to get it sandblasted.

Best of luck with it all and nice score on the manifold for $50.

Kathi and John  8)

Hello Pedro,

       I used wire wheels and stripper pads on mine-avoided sandblasting as This can make straight panels bent.  Only blasted nooks and crannies in the front subframe that were unaccessible by any other means. 
         
                        Hope this helps
                                  Frank

Hi Pedro,

I am going down the same route as you are where I will be doing all the work myself, I have done most things in the past, and I am sure that with the help that other people on the forum would be able to provide you should be able to do a first class job and have the satisfaction of being able to say: "I did it myself!"

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild012.jpg)

Dodgee bros. rotissaree ;)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/FCrebuild013.jpg)

Disc one down, i was surprised at how well they work, no paintstripper or anything else used yet, I have done up quite a few cars before but i haven't taken one back to bare metal by hand before, they have either been sandblasted or just resprays.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG-1-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG_0005.jpg)

Did this one a few years ago, i won't post any of the other cars as they weren't FC's :)

love the rotissaree, what ever works mate.
i put an eh wagon on its side many years ago using a shed wall and a queen size mattress.
worked pretty well just got to keep the moisture out!

those strip discs do the job nice and quick dont they.

keep it up
dean

Hey pedro,

Nothing wrong with the rotisserie, but that's no way to treat the back seat. ;)

Best of luck with it.

cheers
RET

I didn't use the back seat, i used the front seat.

Well that idea just got shot down in flames, now i see why you were talking about buying discs in bulk John, ripper stripper discs are $18-$20 each :o, if i use 15 thats $300 + paint stripper, wire discs and sandpaper that would come to around $400, as Jamie said i mght as well pay $500 get it sandblasted and save myself a lot of work.

Hi Pedro

We just saw your post about the discs - now you can understand why we bought a whole heap of the 3" ones for $2 bucks each from the states.  We use them for all sorts of things - removing gaskets, sound deadener off the bottom of Project 58 and just stripped the two pack off my engine stand to repaint it.  Also got a whole pile of flap wheels and surface conditioning discs at the same time to minimise postage costs.  We are totally ripped off here in Aust for anything abrasive wise.  >:(

Nothing wrong with bare basics rotisserie - it worked well for NosFEratu back in '89. Tyres underneath and padding against car port uprights and we stripped the paint off with paint remover and scrapers . The underside was sprayed in two pack in the car-port with drop sheets hanging down and it still looked good when I got under there a few years back and gave it a real good clean up.

Absolutely nothing wrong with budget build ups Pedro - NosFEratu was done on a very tight budget and it still looks quite respectable all these years later. 

Keep up the good work!

Kathi  8)

Yes Kathi, I noticed i'd been put on the hit list, unfortunately i've come to a complete standstill on the body :(, she goes to the sandblaster in 4 weeks, but to avoid the mafia staff car i've decided to start painting and assembling other bits and pieces, also my mig welder is getting fixed so i will be able to start doing some rust repairs soon 8)

Very happy smiley face  ;D  awarded for developing and actioning a contingency plan Pedro!  Remember, any progress is good progress.  Look forward to your update on Sunday night!

Kathi  8)

well i'll give you a  ;D aswell mate.
one thing i had to do for the 16 months my car was being painted was find other things to keep me motivated.
in that time every time i opened the garage door all i had was a engine on a stand, very hard to keep motivated and see some sort of light at the end of the tunnel with
just that :'( :'(
try restoring your stainless mouldings it is quite easy but time consuming to knock out all the little dents etc from over the years. if you want to know a very cheap and kinda easy way drop me a line ;)
while engine is out degrease it maybe even de-burr it and repaint if ya wanna get fancy ( should have done that to mine :P )
clean all the crap and dust from you gauges, look at how the wiring is especially behind the dash
and if you really want something to take up some time try polishing all your alloy  :-\ :-\ :-\ i did all mine by habnd and at times i felt like my right arm was going to look like popeyes ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D :D

good luck
dean

Yep, i'm right into that list Dean, just came in for some lunch, sorted out my best doors, guards,tailgate etc. ready for sandblasting, fortunately i have heaps of stainless bits so i can choose ones with no dents, i'd still like to hear your tip for getting out dents though, never know when it might come in handy, the engine was done up a little while ago just have to get the cam reground and a new oil pump, there are four wiring harnesses so in theory one of them should be good, being an old biker i'm used to polishing alloy, a bit of autosol, some elbow grease and the mafia staff car on our backs will ensure it gets done ;), 16 months to get painted :o no wonder you needed motivation, luckily i'm in the situation where my wife works and i renovate and do ALL the housework, which still leaves me time to work on my car some days, anyway better get off here and go and get something done 8)

just a thought, maybe strip the doors by hand take away any chance of warping ??

you want polishing fun, try doing that manifold of mine by hand ::) ::)
they came from factory with a very average casting and coated in some sort of plastic like powder coat.
now that was fun :P :P
i read someone was quoted maybe $300  ???  to get theirs polished, given what i know now, i would pay that :D :D

dean

Dean I got my striped at REDI STRIP in the Aluminium Tank  for $25 come up like new some things just are not worth doing at home ....FC427.......

hindsight is a wonderful thing
thing was at that stage, my budget was next to noting and there wasnt a great deal i could do to the car so i thought id give it a go, and once i got started i kept thinking not much more now, surely cant be much more to do, damn my arms are hurting. and the biggy why the bloody hell did i even think of doing this ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
 i learnt a bit and if i was asked now to do it the answer would be *^%( off ya got to be kidding  :D :D

Dean,

When I looked at that intake manifold, I thought WOW, that just sets the whole engine bay off. To have done it yourself and by hand is an absolute credit to you. It is an achievement that many would have thought "Bugger this for a joke" and put it in and have had it professionally done. your manifold would be as good as any other "professional" job, and full credit to you for sticking with it. ;)

Keith

Pedro,

Sorry for stealing your thread, I just feel that if someone takes the time to do it themselves then so much the better for them. At least when the car is finished the builder of the vehicle can say I did this or that, rather than I sent this of here and that off there.

Good on you for having a go at yours, I look forward to seeing the finished project.

Keith

You did a good job on your manifold and like you said to me it feels better when you know you did it yourself, when my brother got his EH sandblasted it came back really badly warped on almost every panel, so was thinking that i'd just get them to sandblast the outside edges no panels 8) Keith, feel free to join in anytime you like, we all enjoy a good chat :)

Pedro,

I had a '36 Ford sedan that I had sandblasted and every panel was warped. I wouldn't get a whole car done again, just the sections that are required, like the door frames, roof gutters, floor etc.

The sandblasters wrecked the '36 and I have seen others that have had their cars severely damaged by the sandblasting process.

I have a small sandblasting gun just to do the edges and that at home. This way there is no possibility of a warped panel.

Keith

Keith There is always Redi Strip not cheap but I have been using them for the last 10 years and not one warped panel in all the jobs I have done I still get some stuff Blasted but the guy at IMPACT BLASTING is very good and has been doing cars for over 20 years he also does Glass and Plastic Medium Blasting .........FC427......

hi keith cheers heaps for the compliment on the manifold ;)
i can still picture your eyes the first time you say under the hood, it made me feel pretty damn good at the time ;D ;D ;D

pedro, i would definately just get the edges done, as you said you have the time, if the paint is still original then it wont be too bad to do with the paint stripper, then once the first lot of stripper has gone off you will then see exactly how much work you have. ;)

hey at least you could have some fun telling the wife that youve been in the shed all day playing with the stripper ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

keep us posted.

Ret
I think if you look a little harder Pedro is using both the front and back seats to rest the car on.

Pedro
Looking good, but would have to agree with Ret on the seats.

Cheers Jim

You can't see it in the pics but those seats( rear top and bottom) are all rotten and falling to pieces, I have four sets but only one i could use without re-upholstering, I can picture that one Dean " I'm just going out to the shed to strip the old girl and do some hand polishing on my gearshift" :o ;D ;D

but nothing beats a bit of hand polishing to put a smile on your face ;D ;D

now thats just getting nasty :o :o :o :o :D :D :D

Even better if you can get the missus to help with the polishing :D :D, the sandblaster i am going to use did an FE for a mate and also a rare sloper that there are only two of left in Aus. so i'm hoping everything will be alright and he'll do a good job :)

Dean time to put a spanner in you hand and not a TOOL  ;D ;D ;D If you want to get that car finished. You can polish after rego ......FC427........

Forgot to say before, sandblasted and sprayed in two pack primer for $1000, is two pack primer the way to go or is it going to cause problems when i'm doing rust repairs and bodywork.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010274.jpg)

The old girls looking a bit sad now

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010277.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010278.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010276.jpg)

Hard to believe out of all these grill surrounds not one that doesn't need rechroming

Pedro,

FWIW I have found myself in the same situation regarding grille surrounds, I have enough bits and pieces to put 5 grilles together and all the surrounds need to be rechromed.

Still it will look nice when it has a nice newly rechromed grille in it........ ;D ;D. Thats what I keep telling myself ;)

Keith

;D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D
yeah i know mark, all my polishing i was refering to was done ages ago ;)

prioity at the moment is still writing selection documentation for govy jobs, they take bloody ages. car work takes second place.
whenever i need a break im down in the shed doing some trimming work, i have 1 seat 90% completed. and tackle little bits of jobs when i can. and money for parts at the moment is out of the question as my workers comp has reduced my wages to bgger all >:( >:(
way too cold to work in the shed at night.....
back to applications now :( :( :(

Not much progress to report this week, have just been sorting bits and reorganising the shed, some bad news and some good news, the bad news is when i sorted all the chrome very little of it is what i would call good enough for a rebuild, which means it won't be a quick elcheapo job, the good news is thanks to the generosity of my father on my birthday the old girl can go to the sandblasters sooner, the change in direction came because i discovered the engine i had half rebuilt came from an FJ, and then i ended up with this after doing an engine swap for a mate,

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010280.jpg)

A reasonably low k's ecotec v6, one of the big ends started knocking, a crank grind and a set of bearings and I'll have a good motor also Darren next door has a VS he only wants the engine out of and i can buy the rest, so now I'm thinking hmmm it would be nicer ( and faster ) cruising to orange with a V6, my quick rebuild has gone out the window anyway so i figure why not 8) 8) 8)

How are you going Dean, looking forward to those sexy pics :P :P

Pedro,

WOW what a turn around. It is funny how somethings just fall into place like they were meant to be. I am looking forward to seeing you complete the build with the V6.

Hi Pedro

Big happy smiley face awarded for posting your update early  ;D

We're also in the middle of cleaning finding parts and the garage - unfortunately you can only work on a car when you can actually find it!  :(

And re the engine swap - just go with the flow! And yes, you will probably have a much easier drive to Orange with a V6!  :)

And another big happy smiley face for happy birthday congratulations!  ;D

Kathi  8)

 

its always the way. the rebuild starts out so simple, just do this, maybe a little bit of that, a bit here somethings there, then "BLAMMO" it all goes out the window and a whole new set of plans get drawn up.  ;D ;D ;D

congrats on ya birthday pressy and yep gho the V6.

good on ya pedro

I am really struggling at the moment to keep on the "stock rebuild" track as my black FC is just at the stage where I can make it go either way.I just keep telling myself that I already have another one to "Modify" as it has already been fitted with big trans tunnel.Luckily Ed hasn't been hassling me lately to drop the Black fc rebuild and pursue the TTV6FC rebuild!No ED,don't start.... ;D

hey pedro, if you want to save a bit of cash on chroming have a think about just painting grill and bumpers satin, not sure on what you colour scheme is going to be but sometimes this works, and sometimes not :-\

just a thought.

i was thinking of painting my chrome a nice silver but its always nice to have that mirror finish on ya bumpers and moulds..

yeah chromes nice, but not cheap these days, but it does look sweet......

what am i saying chromes nice
it gorgeous ;D ;D ;D ;D

MMMM CHROME, unfortunately i'm a chrome fanatic, everytime i've restored an old bike i've had heaps of bits chromed so i wouldn't dream of putting the old girl back together without lots of gleaming chrome( don't want the her to be mistaken for one of those prototype FE's ;) ) if i can't throw the car together with what i've got then i might as well continue taking my time, that way i can do it all properly and give her a new set of jewelry ;D

Just goes to show I'm not the best , don't even have the energy to bite even just a little bit!  :(

Ran out energy earlier about the masochist with the white (ooops sorry, diet concious low fat (light) cream) interior !

Kathi  8)

You must be sick, better look after yourself and get better so you can come out to play :)

Definitely a massochist, white upholstery wouldn't last the day out around here.

it wont be too bad, ive got no kids, never will.
and any kid that does ride in the car will be bubble wrapped securely and have boxing gloves gaffa taped on ;D ;D ;D

and there is always the mexican blanky for every day driving ;)

Oh and get better Kathi, its awfully quiet without your wit ;D ;D

Not the kids me :D :D, I'm always tinkering with something or digging or building, my misses won't let me near anything white and my whole wardrobe consists of dark clothes

Dean - What?  Busta's not your kid?  You trying to tell me he's not gonna go out cruisin' with dad and hanging his head out the window and slobbering down the side of Bubbles?  You meanie!   :(

Well that was it - drained again - and I've gotta find energy for the bigwigs meeting this afternoon.  Always like to see their reaction to my hair - huge purple  streak at the front this time! But, it is pretty conservative in comparison to what they've seen in the past from me!  ;)

Kathi  8)

well you saw the photo of busta, can you see the resemblance ;D ;D ;D
i do want my furry kid to come for a sunday drive, so what i have install for him are some terry toweling or similar booties :D :D
only he dosent know it yet. we'll see how we go....

PURPLES NICE  ;D ;D

mmmmm booties - I'm sure he'll be impressed!   >:(

Thanks for the birthday wishes, still a few weeks till the actual day, to keep up the cryptic theme it's on the day NosFEratu would like best out of the year ??? ???

Few weeks ??? Pedro, what are you talking about? Boxing Day is over 6 months away - mmmmm cold home made Xmas Pudding for breakfast!  :D 

I mean nosFEratu creature of the night ??? ???

Oh, OK ;D  The "personalities" get a little mixed every now and then!  ;D

Dean, thanks for the tip re the grille bottom plate i'll make a bid if it doesn't go too high 8)
 
Kathi, figured out that date yet ???, nosFEratu creature of the NIGHT (clue) ;)

are we talking all hallows eve ;) ;)

Sorry Dean, i haven't heard of that one ???

Hi Pedro

Dean is referring to Halloween.  I'm thinking more near the middle of July - as in the release of NosFEratu's kinfolk on the world!

Kathi  8)

I was actually thinking it must be near the winter solstice.

NosFEratu being the creature of the night, hence the shortest day of the year, also the longest night is on the 21st June.

Jackpot, give the man a cigar, spot on first time Keith :D :D

Very good Keith  ;D

That did support my 2nd theory and it would tie in better with the comment that it's a few week's away!  ;)

Anyway, do we get cake Pedro?  Cos you know, if we don't get cake - we don't really care when your birthday is!  :D

Kathi  8)

Pedro,

How good do you want the bottom grille plate?

And cake... Gotta have cake, i mean it's just not a birthday without cake ;) ;) ;)

Yeah gotta have cake - and so are we now talking about a BBQ grill plate ready for his birthday celebrations too?   ???

See I must be feeling better!   :D

What a pity you're all so far away, I,ll have to eat the cake all to myself( not much chance of that around here) :D :D

Keith, It doesn't matter if it needs re-chroming as long as it's straight and rust free, there's one thats been re-chromed  on e-bay at the moment i'm hoping doesn't get too dear.

Hi Pedro

This is your gentle reminder that your progress report is due tonight!  :D

Kathi  8)
F4+  ;) =^{^^}=

Pm sent ;D
          Pedro F4+

OK, due to harassment by a certain female who shall remain nameless, but likes to make threats against delicate male body parts :o :D, and has super memory powers to bring up previous promises ::), hey Kathi, I thought i'd better do an update, just got off the phone to the sandblasters and the old girl is going in tomorrow, YAHOO ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D, now i've just got to figure out a way to get her on the trailer ??? got a mate coming over to help in the morning, any suggestions :).
                     Pedro F4+

good on ya pedro.
she can be rather persuasive ;D ;D

dean ;D

And my work for the week is done!   ;D  Claws safely retracted!  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

WooHoo, the old girl has finally gone to the sandblasters, thanks to some motivational therapy from aunty Kathi ;) :D, will be done thursday and then the real fun and games start, the hardest part to decide so far is paint colour, there are heaps of pics of FC's on the site with some really flash paint jobs and good colour schemes, but so far i haven,t been able to decide what i want to do on mine. ???
                                            Pedro F4+

Hey Pedro - great to hear.  You're gonna have trouble sleeping the night before it comes home! 

Have fun thinking about colours - but if there was gonna be a vote, mine would be for a very clear and bright silver with a black flash!  What wheels are you thinking about?

Glad that I, along with the rest of the F4+ crew, could be of service in making sure you regained your motivation!

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

I'll probably lay awake all night thinking about colour schemes, one good thing about the silver is it doesn't show the dirt, but then again the black would, it'll be that combo or light and dark blue or then again maybe ??? :D
Wheels, thats another decision i've been putting off, it partly depends on whether i go with the v6 or not, I'm going to see Darren next door about that vs t'morrow. and thanks to the crew for the support.
                                    Pedro f4+

Good work Pedro.Glad to see you are getting it blasted.Just be prepared for when the car comes back from the blasters that the rust holes will still be there,only bigger!At least you will see what you're dealing with....Can't wait for the pics,Cheers,Jamie.

Geez i stuffed that up, somehow i managed to put my reply in Kathi's quote ::), can't wait to get the angle grinder and the mig into action jamie, I've helped other people do their cars and done cars to sell, but this is different this car is for me and it's going to be the car i drive until i'm too old to drive or they cart me off in a box, I get no pleasure out of driving modern cars they are just a means to get from a to b, i'm itchin to get started on those rust holes and playing with motors ;D.
                                   Pedro F4+

You did what?  ;)

I'm not touching that one glenn ;), hang on that didn't sound right either ;D ;D, I think i'll shut up before i dig myself in any deeper ::).
                               Pedro F4+

I'd just like to publicly thank Dean for volunteering to do some photoshop pics of different paint jobs to help me decide on a colour scheme :), I will post a pic of the one i decide on, Thanks again mate i really do appreciate it 8) 8) 8).
                                    Pedro F4+

Also thanks for e-mailing me the template Glenn, I've had a quick play but now i'm more confused because i've found even more combo's that i like :D, now i understand how you got you're nickname ;) ;D ;D

Woohoo - exciting day today!  Pedro's wagon gets blasted!  ;D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Tried to post some pic's but photobucket seems to be extremely slow at the moment, wife just had bad news from doc. so the car isn't important anymore until we know what's happening.
                                                                Pedro

Hey Pedro,

Loved ones are far more important than a piece of metal. 

Best wishes to Mez - I know you'll look after her the best you can!

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Thanks Kathi see pm.
                  Pedro

Pedro,

Sorry to hear that all is not well with your wife. I hope that all goes well and sorts itself out for the better soon.

Keith
F4+

yeah i was going flat chat on the FC to get to wintersun, working till 2-3am every night and then one night I was spraying the insides of the doors and my missus cooked some chips, sat down for diner, left the stove on, set the kitchen on fire after dropping a suacepan full of burning oil on the kitchen floor, burnt her hand, we kind of both cought on fire trying to put it out but she got 3rd degree full thickness burns and i only got a few small 2nd.
 still it put me out of action for the next two nights and cuased a few other delays but we were still trying, decided yesterday to pull the pin on getting the FC there and drive up in the ford, no chance of finishing that in this weather, but then today the doc says that she definately needs surgery tomorow and wont be able to travel up to wintersun.
 

WOW Fccool, that is no good, hope your wife is ok after the surgery.

Pedro hope all is going well with your better half as well.

Dean

Hi FCCOOL

We were aware of you and your wife's misfortune through the ozrodders site.  (another, but definitely a more serious, feral chip incident as Pedro would say)

Best wishes to her for her surgery and hope she recovers quickly (you too). Look after her  :D

There's plenty more events to go to in your car when it's done.

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Leon sorry to hear about Michells accident burns are such a nasty thing look after her and hope all goes well with her treatment. I pulled the plug on Wintersun and the Willowbank Nationals this year as well if it makes you feel better I'm missing out as well, The All holden day is just around the corner may be you can  debut your wagon at the 50 Anniversary of the FC  I am trying to get [Joe's] MR FC finished and there as well for it's debut  ........FC427.......

Thanks for the kind words, when i recieved the news yesterday i immediatly thought the worst, but after talking with people that have been through the same thing, and if things haven't progressed too far she could come through it alright, but we won't know for sure till the next round of tests, we're trying to be positive anyway.
Here's the pics of the wagon.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010286.jpg)

They look great when they come back like this

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010288.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010289.jpg)

Until you kook closer.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010290.jpg)

This was worse than i thought.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010291.jpg)

So was this.

The old girls not too bad really, needs four floor pans and the usual sub frame repairs.
                                              Pedro F4+

Pedro,

At least you can now see what you have to do, rather than missing anything that may raise it's ugly head later. Keep us informed of the progress as you repace the rusty missing bits.



Keith
F4+
 ;)

Hi Pedro

One day at a time - with everything !  Slowly but surely it will all come together just fine.

For want of a better analogy - i'ts just like your car, until you got it back from the sandblasters you didn't know what needed to be done and how to tackle it! 

Really good to see the photos!  :)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Pedro, I hope it all works out well for your wife, it's not good have loved ones ill.

Now, stop gas-bagging and taking photos and get into the wagon!  ;D
Makes me want to get mine down to the stripper's, not sure about the Orange "debut" that I promised myself.

Oi Stinky - that's my job - are you trying to make me redundant?  ;D ;D ;D

Is that the car to the strippers or you to the strippers?????????? And what are going to debut at Orange, Are you planning on doing the "full monty" :o :o :o

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Keith

F4+
 ;)

oh please be debuting a car stinky. im sensitive to full frontal nudity ;D ;D ;D

hey pedro it doesn't look that bad mate, at least you have some metal to work with ;) ;)

now break out the grinder and mig and start working. you only have 22 months and counting.

dean
F4 ;D

These are my ideas for colour schemes, thanks again Dean for doing the photoshop work and enabling me to see what they look like out of my head ;), it definately made it easier to choose after you gave me a few options to pick from 8)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/silversurfer.jpg)

I really like this one

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/silver-burple.jpg)

But I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with this one.

Hi Pedro

As much as I like the black, I really do like the bluple (blue/purple). It'll be a knock out.   Great work Dean!   :D

Oh and A+ for getting your update in without needing a reminder - especially given the week you've had!  :)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

i reckon youve made the right choice to mate. the burple ( even the new commodore purple but deeper)  if picked right with a really 'pure' silver will work nicely.....

all in good time mate..

as a wise man posted on this site " slowly the bird builds its nest"  ;) ;) ;) ;)

Black and silver for sure, it also disguises the rear side glass rubbers that break up the look of the side of the car :o.

Yeah i know what you mean about the window rubbers Glenn, how about blurple so dark it's nearly black, then i could have both and i wouldn't have to choose 8), Dean, i was planning on using the dunnydoor silver, the same as on Mez's VT, it's really good at not showing the dirt ;)
                                               Pedro F4+

actually i was thinking the late model purple over gold base but a lot deeper. i know PPG do some very nice deep purples.
but as you said pedro, you'd want something that will only show colour coming through in a highlight like off the tailight ridge line and subtle lines on the back doors..
but the crummydore silver is nice but check out the mercedes silvers, youd want to go with something really pure in my opinion ;)

but it was difficult to show that in a small file size and without knowing what your  computer screen looks like. and i wasnt sure what the rear rubber surrounds were like on the wagon..

stinky that is your wagon i used actually, as it was the cleanest and brightest pic i could find.....hope you dont mind mate :D :D :D

That's torn it, now I know I am off to the lawyers Tuesday morning  :P  ;D
Never would have picked it, but now you say that I recognise it from the weird shape of the lower quarter panel under the bumper.

hey i never saw any copyright on it it and it is the web.......
hey take it as a compliment that this was the best pic i could find of a wagon, i'll send you a green version i did for pedro first off if you call off the dogs ;D ;D ;D ;D

Either colour scheme will look great, being a fan of purple I would probably lean towards that one though :). What do you plan on doing for wheels?

Dean.

Hi Pedro
I hope all is going well with your wife, I find that the power of positive thinking is one of the best medicines.

As for your car you have the light at the end of the tunnel just work towards it and you will get there one day.

Cheers Jim

Thanks for the kind words Jim, she goes for more tests thursday so we should know what's happening after that, It's frustrating having my wagon finally sitting there sandblasted and ready to start, but family comes first.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/wheel-0044_lrgvista5.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/wheel-0038_medmatrix.jpg)

Dean, these are my choices for wheels so far, but that's still a long way off, I could still change my mind if i saw something i liked better.
                    Pedro F4+

the first one i think is matrix and that is the one i used in the concept car ;) ;)

 i like the look of it but the artwork doesnt have the wheel at scale (17 inch) but it gives you some idea...

hope all is well with Mez ;)

dean

Hey Pedro

I like the first wheel the best, simpler style and easier to keep clean without having to get into all those little lines! 

I was wondering which day this week Mez was going for tests - best of luck with it all.  Jim's right - the power of positive thinking..... and don't forget laughter too!  :D

You have officially (and now publicly) been excused until further notice for your weekly updates.  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=
   

Whoo hooooooooo, Just got back from bundy hospital,the lump was benign and Mez is going to be alright ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.
                                     Pedro F4+

Thats a bit of good news ......FC427......

Yay  ;D

Great news Pedro.

There's been too much bad stuff lately, my regards to your wife.

Cheers
John

Thanks FC427 and John, these things really make you think about about your mortality, and it makes other problems and disagreements seem trivial.

Kathi, thanks for your kind words and support throughout this whole experience even though you haven't been well yourself, It's times like this you discover who your real friends are, and what no threats of disembowelment or anything if i don't get back into my car now ;) :D :D :D :D
                           Pedro F4+   

My absolute pleasure Pedro!  John and I are just so very very happy that Mez is OK!  :D

And yes, while those thoughts had definitely crossed my mind. I was giving you a few days off to rest, recouperate and celebrate with Mez, your family and friends - unless of course you don't want to!  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}= 

Celebrating right now with family, pizza and bundy, so i'll accept the few days grace ::) ;D ;D
                      Pedro F4+

Good to hear your wife is OK Pedro.

Dean.

Great news Pedro,hope all continues to go well for you both.

Great News Pedro, My regards to Mez, what a relief for you both

Keith
F4+
 ;)

Thanks guys, make sure you look after your girls, there's nothing like the thought of losing them and having to spend the rest of your life alone to make you appreciate how much they mean to you.
                                                Pedro F4+

Hey Pedro - 4 words

"Update due next Sunday!"  :D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}= 

So is yours re project 58, you show me yours and i'll show you mine :P ;D ;D
                               Pedro F4+

Hey Pedro - don't you read your PM's?   ;)

Kathi  8)
F4= =^{^^}=

I meant for next sunday, don't worry we'll keep you on your toes. ;) ;D ;D
                                 Pedro F4+

Just a quick update to keep the wolves from the door ;), Wagon is still on hold as i am finishing renovations on house so we can get it on the market, once sold we will be moving back to the gold coast, now the old girl has been sandblasted all i want to do is get stuck into her but i'll have to be patient for a while longer, I have three rusty wagon bodies and two VH dunnydoors going to the scrap metal dude, if anybody wants any free bits you're welcome to them.
                     Pedro F4+

Excuse me, but it's actually an American Black Fox tail on my arial!  :P

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=
 

Ok, but saying keeping the american black fox's from the door doesn't have the same impact, although i'm sure Paul could make it sound interesting in one of his stories ;) 8), something about the black beast with dead animal parts hanging from it sounds like a good start ;D ;D.
            Pedro F4+

and you abused the hippy over his shoe construction Kathi ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

He wasn't a hippy he was a hypocrite & I'm sorry but, recycled coke bottles hanging from an aerial is just not a good look!  :P  Sometimes you have to be cruel to be cool!  8)

Hope someone is able to take you up on your offer Pedro!  :D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

 ;D ;D
My fox of choice is red.....but it hangs from the rearview.
Regards
Alex

At the risk of taking this too far, my fox of choice is blonde....hanging from my shoulder ;) :D :D :D
                               Pedro

i dont think i better say were my fox of choice hangs from.

O.k, sills and door skin are ordered from,  www.retrorodsandrestorations.com.au he isn't doing floor pans at the moment because he wasn't happy with the finish but he still does other FC/FE stuff, got a sneak preview of the FC he's building, i'm not allowed to say anything about it yet, but it's the most radical modification wise that i.ve ever seen, didn't know Tailers press works burnt down so it looks like i'll have to get the pans from rare spares, hopefully within a few days i might finally be able to get started.
I know in an earlier post i said i didn't need to do sills, but when she came back from the sandblasters i discovered some butcher had already been at them, oh well at least i will be able to get at the rust behind them now.
                                                 Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG-1.jpg)

 ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ;D

OK, I'll take it on face value and I'll accept it for this week!  ;)

But I'm warning you, your mum's handwriting had better start improving if I get handed another note next week! >:(

Mrs Evil One  8)




I hope you're pleased with yourself!  And get better!  ;D  ::)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

LOMAO Pedro, nicely done.

your mums handwriting looks a lot like my mums ;D ;)

im not believing it totaly though, there are things to do besides welding ;)

ROFLMAO Pedro, Bloody Beautiful and well done!

Yeah s'pose should get off my bum and stop lazing around the house ::) ;) :D :D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010174.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010196.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010201.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010251.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010312.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010192.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010188.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010218.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010257.jpg)

The joys of renovation, at least it's warm enough to be out side up here :P :P :P :D :D
                                     Pedro

 

well i am impressed.
nice effort mate, going to love to see what you can do with a car  8) 8)


dean

Wow, you have been a busy boy.  And a side benefit of it all is that with all that timber work you've done you'll be able to help Stinky out with the panelling on the woodie!  :D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

GeeZ Louise,

And they wonder why you haven't been on the forum much lately....... Great effort there Pedro, As Dean said can't wait to see what you can do with your car.

Keith
F4+
 ;)

bloody hell, Pedro!! Well done!
Makes my bathroom job look small and easy
cheers jack

Thanks for the compliments folks makes it seem worthwhile :), I've done everything except plumbing and electrics (only because it's not legal for me to), I can faintly see the light at the end of the tunnel now, just got to paint the veranda, fit a couple more of modern windows and a few miscellaneous bits and pieces and it'll be done.
I know there are some things i could do on my car but i really want to start at the beginning and cut the rust out of the shell and work my way from there, also ::) I still haven't decided fully on the choice of engine and drivetrain, I have two wrecked VH commodores sitting here doing nothing, if i came across a HR front end i might go that way and run a blue motor, I like the idea of keeping the grey but I'm a bit concerned about driving all the way to Orange with it. ???
                                                                 Pedro

Well done Pedro,
I've had 40 years in the building trade and I can tell you many wouldn't tackle what you have just done.

regards
Weddo

wow.. you had to clean under the house did you?

nice work.

Cheers

Ed

Thanks, this one was pretty easy after the last effort, just got it finished and most of the kids moved out so we had to downsize, I swear I'll never do another one though, I'll just stick to cars.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG_0001-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG_0003-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG_0002-1.jpg)

                            Pedro

 :o :o :o Man of many talents!  If you're half as talented with a mig and a spray gun as you are with a mail gun and roller then your wagon is gonna be a very nice ride indeed!

Kathi  8)

novel way to downsize!

just cut the house in half ;D ;D ;D

I lived in house with my folks and we gave it to the guy down the street and he trucked off with it just like that.  It was cheaper than demo'ing the house and it helped out the guy down the street.

So you should be a dab hand at slicing and dicing cars then pedro?

Cheers

Ed

So, Pedro - getting back to you comment about being concerned about a grey making it from Hervey Bay to Orange!  You big wuss!

NosFeratu made it to Canberra and back purring like a little kitten all the way with it's original motor and, as you see above, FE_UTE and FC0058 drove from WA to Mt Gambier with greys!  And, I'm sure there are many others that, based on their experiences, will tell you unequivocally that a grey is more than capable of undertaking the trip to the Nationals!  :D

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

It took almost 24 hours, but I was waiting for that reply!  Geez, Pedro, I think you may be in fathomless excrement for suggesting that a grey wouldn't be up to the job...

 :P :P :P :P :P :P :D :D :D, My previous long distance trips with greys haven't exactly filled me with confidence, drove from geelong back to the gold coast in an FC sedan, car just got more and more gutless the further i went by the time i got there it would hardly even rev, didn't blow smoke or rattle it just wouldn't rev tried everything and couldn't figure out what it was so i sold it, drove an FC wagon from G/Coast to Murry bridge, gearbox started making a noise after a few hundred k's, by the time i got to the SA border I had to hold the gear lever(floor shift) in place with an ocky strap and could only get second and reverse, it was a long trip in second gear, I've also put a conrod through the block a couple of times not to mention plenty of breakdowns over the years so as i said I'm not exactly oozing with confidence in them.
And no it wasn't because they were FC's and not FE's ;D ;D ;D
                               Pedro

Geez I stuffed that up, somehow i managed to put the whole message in the quote bit ???
                                  Pedro

Hi Pedro

While I'm happy to defend grey motors I'm also the first to admit that the one in the van has been recycled by Sims! Maybe Ed can buy it back as a bike!  :D

After reading your past experiences I think you really have to go with your gut feel........ either that or change your mechanic!  :P 

And are you sure it wasn't to do with it them being FC's?  :P

Kathi  8)

Pedro
I think Kathi has cover what I was going to say.

I have had some minor issue with my grey but nothing that stopped me from making the trips to and from the nationals.

My suggestion is to know your motor (engine).
On my first big trip (Jindabyne I had only owned Ivy (my car) for about a month all seemed well, she drove OK and sounded good so I thought. On my way home I dropped a valve and lost a cylinder. Not much you can do about that so I drove home on five. Lucky for me I was going to convert the old girl to run on unleaded any way.
I moved to Perth shortly after getting the car back from the engine shop, found a local mechanic who loves the old cars, as soon as he heard my car he knew something was not quite right. Diagnosis distributor was worn and required reconditioning, Runs sweat as now.

I would advise any one rebuilding a car to rebuild the engine even if its just to strip it down and check and/or replace:
Gaskets
Seals
Welsh Plugs
Water pump
Harmonic balancer (Originals are two piece with rubber a gasket that goes tick, tick when perished)
Timing Gear, and so on.

Its the simple things that let you down, maybe if I had taken my car to a good mechanic he may have diagnosed the worn dizzy before I drove it all the way to Jindabyne.

Cheers Jim

Jeez Jim they are a rare breed now days - he's not in Nth Fremantle is he

The only problem with that Jim is I'm my own mechanic, most of the cars i've had problems with have been in sound condition when i set out on my journeys, but have died on the way, maybe i should keep a lighter foot on the velocitater ;) :D :D
                 Pedro

Gettin' slow there Pedro! Obviously I didn't bait you well enough - I had to wait almost 2 weeks for that confession!   :P  ;)

Kathi  8)
F4+ =^{^^}=

Finally getting some time for my wagon ;D ;D ;D, welder is fixed and i'm fired up, here's the first update.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010389.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010390.jpg)

My son doing darth vader impressions with my new mask

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010386.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010387.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010388.jpg)

The doner section still has a bit of rust to be cut out but is heaps better than the old one.
                                                 Pedro

You've dobbed yourself in now Pedro  ;D
Keep the updates coming!

Pedro,if you asked "one of the moderators" REALLY nicely,you just might be able to get your last post and pics removed before she gets home...              ;D ;D ;D

Uh-oh, didn't think of that :o, hopefully she is so busy harassing Dean and Keith she won't notice ::), yeah and pigs might fly, looks like i'm back on the list :P :P :D :D.
                                               Pedro

Sorry Pedro, can't help you there   :-[ ;D

must be getting close to time for an update on the woody Glenn ;), don't forget you live closest to her and the henchmen, you'll be laying awake at night listening for that scrunch of tyres on the driveway soon :D :D,
                                                   Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FCrebuild.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010291-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010396.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010395.jpg)

Had to give up on the fuel tank surround for now the doner peice had too much rust, am getting a new section pressed up, feeling quite pleased with this mornings effort though, thought i was going to have to cut this section out but managed to massage it back into shape.
                               Pedro

That is brilliant work Pedro.Keep up the good work and progress shots.

I'm back!

Update expected tonight or ........(http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/fighting/fighting0078.gif) ($2)

Or you're going to hit me with sausages :o ::) :P :P :D :D :D :D :D
                                          Pedro

(http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0198.gif) ($2)
ROFLMAO

IT AINT SAUSAGES,


THATS, ECKY THUMP ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

looking good pedro ;)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010443.jpg)

Having a bit of trouble fitting the exhaust, does this look right to you guys ???

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010444.jpg)

One way to get a car low fill it full of parts ::)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010440.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010441.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010442.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010445.jpg)

All loaded up ready to move, house is nearly finished and ready for the market, hopefully things are going to pick up soon.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010446.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010448.jpg)

                            Pedro

 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

mmm Pedro's Storage Solutions!  ;D

Is that Merv or a stray dingo in the last shot?  ;)

Kathi

Good thing it's a wagon, you might not have been able to fit everything in a sedan :D

He does look a bit like a dingo in that pic, but it is him, no other dog(Except scruffy) would be tolerated in his territory ::), he is growing up to be a good dog except for his fondness for chewing hosepipes >:(, but how could you stay mad at this though

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010302.jpg)

Definately glad It's a wagon Keith, I'm starting to think i should have kept one more of them for the rest of the bits though, It's going to cost me heaps for a rent a shed when we finally get to move.
                                     Pedro

Where will you be moving to? Any idea on how long before you can move, or have you got to wait for the sale of your house to go through?

Were moving back to the Gold coast, all our family are there, and all my mates who ride bikes, I will be also be able to join the brissy FE-FC club, unfortunately we have to sell here first, we're just hanging off at the moment to see what happens with the market.
                          Pedro

I travel to Brisbane several times a year, we normally try and get a couple of days to ourselves and leave the kids with their grandparents (Sandra's Mum and Dad). We normally head down to the Gold Coast during this time.

When you get moved down there we will have to catch up. If I am still under doctors orders I will have to play the "designated driver" but if not I am sure that we will be able to put a severe dent in a few bottles of Bundy or Bourbon

and I'd like to be in on that!    ;D

Sounds good to me, You can always hold off on your holidays till then Jack, if you get holidays from fishing that is, and if you can escape the savage bird :D :D.    How is the health Keith, still getting fitter.
                                                             Pedro

Still on the mend, still getting fitter, have lost 25kgs so far, only 20 to go :-[

Well were back in Hervey Bay again for now, couldn't stand the rat race on the Gold Coast, will be starting back on the wagon as soon as we get organised, still hoping to make Orange

Just got the mail in and bugger me if there wasn't a parcel from Kathi, Here's what it contained,

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010460.jpg)

two small dog poncho's + hat

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010465.jpg)

two large dog poncho's + hat

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010467.jpg)

One Pedro poncho(me trying to look like Clint Eastwood but not succeeding)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010472-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010471.jpg)

And the "peice de resistance"(best bit) one extremely cool car cover 8) 8) 8) 8)

I thanked Kathi privately but I'd also like to publicly thank her, she is obviously a very caring and generous person, not to mention talented as some of you have already found out, thanks again Kathi from myself and Mez it's nice to know there are still people like you out there.
                                                       Pedro

Nice touch Kathi the wagon will thankyou on those cold nights  ........FC427.......

KOOOOL!!

Hey Pedro, welcome to the 'KCC Club"!  Or 'SCCC' or whatever

cheers jack

 :-[ :-[ :-[  oh oh, I only just spotted this - thanks Pedro. :-[ :-[ :-[

But how cute is Scruffy?  :D No wonder Merv's not impressed - he knew he couldn't compete!  :D

I'm glad you like the cover - now, pull your frickin finger out and get started on the wagon before the moths eat it - the cover that is!

BTW - A windscreen would make it fit so much better you know!  ;)

Kathi

Careful Kathi...

Lots of members may get ideas on those covers... You could be very busy before the Nats...   ;D ;D

is this the same Kathi that posted a pic of some recycled teenagers with a hunk of granite?  ::) ::) ::)

surely not! ;) ;)

But that’s different Jack!   :P :D

BTW Pedro – it won’t magically transform under there, you've actually got to take the cover off and physically make it happen!  ::)  ;D

Whaaat :o, I thought it was a magical car cover that if you left it on overnight the pixies would come and rebuild the wagon for me, I was extremely dissapointed this morning when i lifted the cover and nothing was any different i assure you ::) :D :D


There you go Kathi a good sideline there for you, I bet a lot of people would buy personalised covers for their cars, especially with the good quality and fit you do, try buying a one size fits all at the shops and you'll find one size doesn't fit all.


Merv looks like he's saying get this thing off me or i'm going to kill something ;) :D :D
                                                     Pedro

Finally managed to get a start again

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010486.jpg)

Old floor out, looks better than it was.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010487.jpg)

new floor

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010490.jpg)

Not bad for a first fit, just a bit more cutting, i was surprised to find the commodore floor was narrower but fits well otherwise.
               Pedro

Thats the way Pedro...

You just have to have a crack at it sometimes..  ;D ;D

Jason.

Pedro,

That nearly looks easier than cutting the tunnel out, replacing the tunnel with an EK auto unit, then doing the rust repair on the floor.

The bonus is that you will already have all your seat mounts installed and have relocated your hand brake too!

Good luck with it ;)

Keith

Nice work Pedro,

between you and Jason, all this cutting and welding is getting me motivated to start something.

Cheers

Ed

Ok, house is booked in for a final, final inspection on fri., if it passes it'll be full steam ahead on the wagon next week, can't wait to get back into it, just went and picked up a bottle of mig gas and some wire and I've finally settled on a colour scheme ;D ;D ;D ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/redandblack.jpg)

                                   Pedro

Looks good Pedro but what about candy red paint  ;D ;D   mmmm Candy ......FC427....

Mmmm candy and chrome 8) 8), unfortunately i'm not that good a painter :(.
                                               Pedro

With metal flake black....

Or black with a red pearl .......Hmmmmm Pearl .......FC427......

Metal Flake black WITH the red pearl. 

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010506.jpg)

Test fit to make sure everything lines up

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010507.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010508.jpg)

The usual rust, expected but still dissapointing

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010509.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010510.jpg)

The hardest part, making sure everything is straight, square and has equal measurements then tacking into place, all downhill from here ::) :) :)

                                    Pedro

Good work pedro  one days welding and floor will be done .....Don't STOP ......FC427......

Good stuff Pedro!!!... You have had your motor in before mine LOL..

Good to see you finally be in a position to get to work on it Pedro.  I like your chosen colour combination but please consider painting the roof black too!  Or do black cars scare you?  ;) :D

No but getting the roof straight enough to paint it black does, and also I'm too lazy to wash it all the time ;), speaking of paint a mate of mine reckons he uses two pack with a normal gun and just puts it in the sun to dry, doesn't sound right to me, any opinions ???
                                  Pedro

 Pedro 2K will air dry..... if you put it in a shed close it up and crank up two of those gas patio heaters when the weather warms up a bit you should be able to get to around 45+ deg with out much trouble. that will cure OK  ......I painted my rod with one gas heater and a kero heater and was over 30 deg a few week back when it was 15 deg out side ........FC427........

I just air dried the ute, but beware of solvent pop.  Took 30 mins to tack off between coats!

last weekend, I just sun dried a bicycle frame I painted.  works OK, but I would have used heaters like Mark suggested if I had some.

Keep up the good work Pedro!

Cheers

Ed

Ed most 2K even hi fill need minim of 25deg temp  :-X and be very carefull of Temp if using spray polyester if sprayed when to cold can cause adhesion problems   .......FC427.......

Hi, Smart move leaving the doors on I made the mistake of taking them off and now that the floor has been replaced in my ute I can't get the dam doors to line up again. any tips on how i might rectify this? cheers - utesrule66

How far out are they from fitting  ??? ??? the service manual should have door aperture measurements for you to check against ........FC427......

Thanks for the tips on two pack Mark & Ed, I've done a few laquer paint jobs and a couple in enamel but I've never tackled two pack before, I'm going to give it a go because i like the high gloss finish that is achievable compared to laquer, should i buy a proper gun or is my old gun good enough, if it's going to make a difference i'd rather go the extra $ and get the right one.


G'day utesrule66, are the doors not fitting horizontally or verticaly, or is it in or out, hinges can be bent, holes lenthend but if the opening is too small you have problems, I learned the hard way I bought a wagon project once that someone had already started, the doors wouldn't even fit the openings at all, it was easier just to sell it on than to try and fix it.
                   Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010511.jpg)

Hump done

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010512.jpg)

then rear floor

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010514.jpg)

Took me bloody ages and about five goes before i was happy with that fiddly bit with the hole in it

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010516.jpg)

All tacked in ready to weld.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010519.jpg)

All fully welded, time to start underneath.
                          Pedro

   go Pedro!   ;D ;D ;D

See its easy when you have a crack!!  ;D ;D

Looks good mate!

Jason

Is there something you're not telling Pedro (or is that Pedrette?)  ;D

Is that the same as Jacks comment???  :o ;D

 :o OMG - two photographic updates in less than one week! I am impressed! :D

   suppose that means Pedro's back on 'the list'...    :-\


        (now where'd I put that bloody camera?)      ???

Yep, working on cars isn't all it's cracked up to be ::), yeah i know a lousy pun but i don't have time for anything else got to get back to work while i can ;),


Don't be too shocked coz there's more to come ;D ;D, just went and scored some gal steel box for the chassis rails from the dump shop, not exactly the size i wanted but the price was right.
                               Pedro

G'day utesrule66, If you put your question in restoration help you'll get more feedback.
                                         Pedro

Awesome work Pedro,you've been very busy! :o

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010521.jpg)

Back on the dodgy bros. rotissaree

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010520.jpg)

This seat more acceptable Ret

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010524.jpg)

Finished welding the hump

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010523.jpg)

started on the subframe rails

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010522.jpg)

Didn't have to do this as the engine I'm running is basically only a 186 but it'll help stiffen the old girl up.
                                         Pedro

Been doin a bit of stitching there Pedro, you make it look easy, once it's tidied up & painted it will look like it's always been there, keep at it!

Looking great Pedro, so the 4 link next??  ;D

 Good work Pedro and after the 4 bar the Tubs.......FC427......

Ain't nothin' wrong with a dodgy bros rotisserie - worked just fine for the FE 20 years ago!  :)

But this is all getting a little too much though Pedro - 3 photographic updates in 8 days?  What's in the water up there?  :D  Whatever it is (and we're assuming it's Bundy) - keep drinking it!  ;)

Pedro, YOU DA MAN!! ;D

Thanks for the support folks, I'm just stoked to be able to finally be able to get stuck into the old girl, I'd be out in the shed all day everyday if i could, but there always seems to be something else that has to be done, I'd also like to say thanks to my wife Mezz for "tolerating" and supporting me while i do this, we have been together for thirty years so she has been tolerating me for a long time ;) :D :D
                                                      Pedro

Pedro,

AMAZING..... Take your eye off the ball and he gets stuck right into it.... Well done,

Keep up the great work

Keith

G'day Keith, long time no see, where have you been hiding, hopefully you've been secretly building your car to suprise us with a massive update ;)
                                   Pedro

It'd have to be a bloody ripper to beat Pedro's latest efforts   ;D

 there's a growing ground-swell of opinion that Pedro has already had 20 of his 15 minutes...    ;)

 Keith; must be your turn now!  (better get in quick - who knows what "The Camo Kid" has been up to??

 Out of sight but in the shed maybe?)

Too late, already had my 15 mins. of fame a few years ago when i got to play the part of yellowbeard in a show at a friends wedding, "you won't catch me dyin, you'd have to kill me before i die" ;D, anyway Mezz went to bingo today so i had another "crack at it".

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010525.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010528.jpg)

one more of these and a bit more welding and the front floor will be finished

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010529.jpg)

made another one of these

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010527.jpg)

All the rear floor is now cleaned up, welded and the welds primed.
                            Pedro

Did you have to cut the grass first???

Thats called blackmail... but hey whatever works... you know what these women are like  :P  ;D ;D

Thats a good-looking "crack", Pedro; well done  :D

G'day Pedro, Love the way you are going about it. Just a question on your new chassis rail you put in. Why did you take it so far over towards the sill? Looking at the photos, it looks as if it would have been a great fit if you went directly from the original rear spring hanger to the new front rail from the commodore.

Pedro,

Great work on the rebuild and keep the photos coming as slowly I ma trying to do a similar thing with a sedan.  Wanted a wagon, but could not find a good sample.  Anyways what is your method to rotisserise (Probably not even a word) the vehicle onto its side.  Is it sheer mexican muscle power, hoist and pully system, or jack?  Looking to flip mine over so start cleaning the undercarage.

Keep the pics coming.  They are a great help for a novice like me.

Thanks in advance.

Jase

http://gallery.oldholden.com/hrpremier/

It's hard to see it in the pics but the rear floor hangs down too far, I had to do a bit of gentle panel beating with a big hammer ;) to get it as far away from the sill as i did, I was also thinking of muffler clearance, I'll put in a clearer pic next time i post some.


The first time i struggled with it on my own but the second time i got smarter and got a mate to help, It's not that heavy really, we both lifted it up then he balanced it while i went around and lowered it onto the old seat, just make sure you leave enough clearance on the other side, how are you planning on cleaning up the undercarriage.
                               Pedro

When I built MR FC 6 of us turned the car right over and then supported it with 4" x 4" hardwood on painters trestles running through the car  :o not that heavy as a shell ......FC427......

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010531.jpg)

floor finished

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010532.jpg)

The spare wheel well was rusted out anyway so i thought i might as well use the commodore floor

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010533.jpg)

Didn't discover some butcher had already been at it till i removed the tar.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010535.jpg)

Fitted quite well really

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010538.jpg)

Just need to weld the interior

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010537.jpg)

Not a bad way to do it, even has the fuel pump mount

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010539.jpg)

Almost finished just have to fit the rear seat belt holders, anyone think of anything i've missed before i spray tar it.
         Pedro

Looking good Pedro, better stop there though otherwise the next post will have you grafting VL front guards to the FC  ::)  :P

Pedro,

Have you thought about your exhaust hangars?? Handbrakes cable mounts... and or a safety loop for the tailshaft.

Just stuff i have to do.

Cheers
Jason.

Hmm, VL guards now there's an idea ::) ;), but seriously only dunnydore mechanicals, apart from the seats and console it will look all original. 8) 8)


Thanks, Something i hadn't thought of, I'd better check them, not sure if i need a tailshaft loop, unfortunately she's not going to have the power yours will, thought I'd use the original front mount but I'm not sure where the rear one will go as there's no room in the usual spot, might have to cross over next to the bump stop and through that way ??? .

Also when i said spray tar i meant spray underbody deadener.
                                         Pedro

Pedro if you plan to paint the undercarage don't use [TAR] proof coat use stone guard as it can be painted over  ........FC427........

Thanks FC427 but I'm not planning on painting much underneath, I'll be driving this car every day on rural roads so I'm shutzing all the floor area.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010543.jpg)

Spare wheel well welded

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010540.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010542.jpg)

Under floor shutzed.
                      Pedro

OMG is there anything that can stop him now he's finally been able to get it started?   ;D

Yes, money :( :D :D
           Pedro

nice work Pedro, moving along nicely.

Cheers

Ed
 ;D

hi what model commo floor pan did you use.thanks

VL, but the VT floor fevanv6 used seemed to fit a lot better, I am in the process of modifying the inner doglegs at the moment as they don't fit, will be putting up some more pics tomorrow so you will see what i mean.

Thanks ED. It's still one of those love hate things at the moment :) >:(, but i keep just taking one problem at a time, speaking of problems do i recall you saying you knew about doing the wiring with the computer setup, I'm planning on using the VL harness but stripping out all the unnecessary stuff like the air con, power steering etc., will that affect the computer.
                                          Pedro

But that tank support fitted very neatly Pedro... Maybe thats the way to go to get a larger tank.

JB

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010545.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010545.jpg)

thought I'd better get this job done while the old girl was still on the rotisserie

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010549.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010549.jpg)

Next problem

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010550.jpg)


No wonder these rust, all this came from one dogleg

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010552.jpg)

Fortunately the commodore chassis rail is in just the right spot.
                          Pedro

Don't know what happened to the last lot of pics, started glitching while i was loading them and then put up two the same ???, should have been these two.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010551.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010547.jpg)
 
          Pedro

Seems like you were standing still waiting for me to visit before you started. Now you have started you'll definitely be done before I get back!
 8)

It must have been the work of the devil calling you to the darker side!  ;) :D

Nice work Pedro.Really enjoy watching you tackle each new step of this rebuild.Cheers,Jamie.

Maybe you left a little bit of that Irish luck behind when you dropped in ;)


weird how it happened once i reached post 666 and not on any others, must have been hanging with too many evil people, speaking of i haven't seen that 4wd with nosferatu on the windscreen again yet.


Thanks Jamie, how's the painting going.
                                     Pedro

 

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010553.jpg)

Problem solved

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010554.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010555.jpg)

Just need to hit it with the sanding disc and some primer, then finish the bits they connect to and this job is done.
           Pedro

Awesome work Pedro!!!

So just having a go is worth it isn't it mate.

Jason.

To be honest Jason i have actually worked as a welder(would you believe for the f*** motor co) and as a maintenance man/mechanic over the years, it was good to get back to welding some decent thickness metal on that last job, I still wouldn't have attempted this if i hadn't seen you do it first though.
                                          Pedro

I think that another Jason is also about to enter the have a go mould... LOL

Cant wait to see some of his photos too.

Keep up the great work mate, mine has stopped for now so i will be watching yours go ahead.

JB

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010556.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010557.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010558.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010559.jpg)

Another job bites the dust, sills next.
                   Pedro

And he's like a man possessed!  ;D

You must be absolutely rapt at finally being able to get stuck into it now Pedro!  Keep this pace up and you'll have worn out one set of tyres before Orange!  :D

 ???, which Jason


Yeah I'm worried something is going to go wrong and I'll have to stop again so I'm trying to get as much done as i can while i have the time, oh well better go and face these sills.
                                          Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010560.jpg)

Plenty of crap in here too

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010561.jpg)

One tacked into place, the sill around the bottom of the pillars was good so i took a bit of a shortcut and went around them, only had to patch a bit around the inner ends and coat everything with rust converter(with a built in primer).
                       Pedro

Pedro have you trial fitted the doors  ??? ??? ??? ??? good idea if you have not before you fully weld .......FC427......

Yeah had a quick trial fit when i got the first couple of tacks in place, It's a lot harder to stuff up this way as i just lined it up with the old sill which was in the right spot, I'm still going to give it one more trial fitting before i fully weld it though just to be sure.
                                     Pedro

 Paint stripper is slightly cheaper but a "Rip and Strip" disc is the way to go. Much less mess and safer than handling toxic chemicals, doesn't take any metal off. A 180mm disc for a 9" grinder is only about $20 each. 6 to 10 should do the whole car. A 100mm disc for a 4" grinder is about $14 but you would use 10 to 15 and a lot more time. Any Auto Paint supply shop would stock

G'day Taxi, welcome to the forum, I used paint stripper to take off all the thick paint then finished the job with a 180mm stripper disc on the buff/grinder, the roof on a wagon is such a big panel that it would be easy to get too much heat and distort it(thats why i didn't get it sandblasted with the rest), so i was taking my time and being very carefull not to try and tackle paint too thick with the disc.
                                            Pedro

Was just about to point out what you just said Pedro,be very carefull with the strip discs.They work extremely well but never concentrate on one area as the heat build up is immense and will easily distort a panel.I used these also but only after using paint stripper to get the majority of the paint off first.Your latest work is looking fantastic mate.  :o Cheers,Jamie.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010562.jpg)

Lucky i checked for fit this old repair is miles out, must have had it built up with bog

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010563.jpg)

Sills finished, WOOHOO for some reason i hated that job, would rather have welded in another floor, anyway thats all the big jobs finished, just need to make the radiator fit and do all the rust repairs now, then it's time for some paint :) :), can't wait to see that first bit of colour go on even if it's only in the engine bay.
                                       Pedro

Pedro - did you try a guard fit up before final welding of the sill profile?

Ken

The guard matched the door and the sill apart from the profile/bulge in the guard being a little low where it lined up with the sill, the guard has had a new bottom fitted though so I'm putting it down to that, I might have to cut it off and re weld it, with the amount of dodgy work the previous owner has done nothing would surprise me at the moment, you can see in the first photo someone has made their own inner sill and outer dog leg mount that doesn't line up properely either, I'm glad i did the sills though, would you believe the drivers side had rags in it as well as dirt.
                              Pedro

Had a week off as i caught some bug that left me crook and totally unmotivated, back to it now though.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010568.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010570.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010562.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010571.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010569.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010573.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010572.jpg)

Haven't done any grinding yet as things rust overnight around here, will do it all when I've finished welding and I'm ready to start bogging which should only be a couple of days away now.
    Pedro

Good to see you've beaten the bug, Pedro.
Clearly, you've also survived all attempts by those ebay idiots trying to 'do your head in'!!  ;)

Yes I certainly recieved some rather strange queries this time, fortunately their e-bay names were rather obvious and i managed to weed out the ratbag element from the serious ones, made things more interesting though i was beginning to get sick of answering the same questions, you wouldn't have been involved in anything like that though would you Jack ??? ::) :D :D.
                                  Pedro

shit no, Pedro! For once, I can assure you I'm innocent...
(only because I didn't think of it first  ;D)

Nice work there Pedro.Repairing rust is not generally an enjoyable job but the end result is well worth it.Look forward to seeing more.Jamie.

Managed to get a couple more days in,

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010580.jpg)

cut these out of the dunnydore

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010581.jpg)

glad i did this so i could get some rust converter in here

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010582.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010583.jpg)

apart from a couple of touch ups all the welding is now finished on the body


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010584.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010585.jpg)

Great idea for the speakers Stinky, hope you don't mind me pinching it ;D ;D
                              Pedro

they're beauties Pedro, enough to make Madonna blush!  :-*

Cheers

Ed

 ;D ;D, at least there's no doubting the sex of my car, do you think she may need a car bra ;) :D :D
                        Pedro

Headlight bucket prices are going to start soaring, the idea originally came from a guy on the FB/EK Forum and this is about the third car I have seen with the mod  :o
BTW, did you check for guard clearance before final welding  ;)

Geez, you are so lucky Pedro,using original fc parts for non original means. I live in the Kimberley W.A. and any fc part are a treasure here. (there are none here)Iam looking for a few parts for my fc and all my purchases ( even nuts and bolts ) have to travel a minimun of 2400km and that is from Perth. So if you have the scews or clips left over from those buckets or any other tiny pieces laying around I would be interested. Iam jealous of you guys I have been waiting  8 weeks for engine mounts, but hey I wont let get the better of me.Gary C

Gary C - you think you have distance problems?  ;)

I just pray to the Car Gods that nothing to big or expensive breaks....

And c'mon Pedro, you seem to be slowing down when you should be speeding up!!


 8)

Sorry Paul, tjhe wet is near and depression setting in. Gary C

 :D :D, no i didn't actually ???, looks like there's plenty of clearance though. ;)


No problem Paul, you've got a doner FE for spares :P ;D ;D,

Don't take what Paul said too seriously Gary he was just joking around with you ;), 8 weeks for delivery, do they still send stuff by camel train out there :o, I'm trying to raise money to finish my wagon so i have to sell the more expensive stuff on e-bay but I might be able to help you out with the more common bits though, what are you chasing.
                Pedro

So much for finished welding, had a couple more fiddly jobs,

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010586.jpg)

Velocitator pedal now fitted

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010588.jpg)

also cable and booster

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010576.jpg)

All work has been checked for quality by site supervisor and security expert Merv.
                            Pedro

So will it be automatic or is that rope a new style of clutch - a "rope shifter" what?

 ;D

Definately going to be a sludgematic, that's my very expensive patented brake pedal locating tool ;) ;D ;D.
           Pedro

Good stuff, Pedro!
Merv seems pleased with your progress too  ;D He almost looks like he's daring me to put up a bottle of rum...  ;)
What's the accelerator pedal off? Mitsubishi?

cheers jack

It's the one off the commodore Jack, I cut out the mount and the cable locater so it's all matching, at least one part should fit when it all goes back together ;),

Went psycho with the shutz gun today ;D, feels great to be able to say that part is over with :) :) :)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010589.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010590.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010591.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010592.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010593.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010594.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010595.jpg)

                             Pedro

That's looking good Pedro - one step closer!  ;D

Pedro

Great work. Handbrake arrangement looks a little more reliable than the original. I originally fitted a LJ Torana but will look to fit a VN Commodore one.

What is the brake booster off?

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Craig

Looking Good Pedro!

It is really starting to come together now, You have most of the hard work done.

Keep up the good work

Keith

Just a quick tip folks, If you've been shutzing and you get some on your face don't use kero to get it off ::), I was carefull not to put it near my eyes and washed my face straight away but it must have soaked into my skin as my eyes have been swollen almost shut and sore since fri. night, not a pleasant experience -----especially when the footy finals are on ;).
                           Pedro

 Dam Shultz  ::) ::) Pedro Pedro Pedro what were you thinking  ??? ??? ??? ....NO more incidents they slow down the progress ;D ;D ........FC427.......

That would have to be the most imaginative excuse I've ever heard for not posting an update!  ::)

You sirry iriot! :D   

Aw c'mon where are the photo's... want to see the carnage!!! got to have some action shots in there too!!!

I know nothink! nothink!  ::) :P
(http://www.collegerecruiter.com/weblog/sgt-schultz-hogans-heroes.jpg)

ROFLMFAO ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Thats one of your best yet Stinky!! LOL

Thank FC427, I had a flash-back to my youth, grew up on a steady diet of Hogan's Heroes  :'(

Nice work guys you managed to get benny hill and hogans heros in there ;D ;D ;D ;D, both in my favorite shows list, my mate the wog(nickname) is a dead ringer for shultz, deadset put the helmet and uniform on him you would think he was shultzy ;), anyway nice to see you were all concerned about me and no one took advantage of the situation to bag me ::) ;D ;D

Craig the booster is also from the commodore, best $500 i ever spent it would have cost me that much to buy the floor pans and hump for my car, this way i get the engine, gearbox, diff, brakes, seats, and all the other parts for free.
                     Pedro

Thanks Pedro

My VN Donor is a V8 version and cost me a little more. But still I have all I need to keep me going at this stage.

With all the info on the forum I am trying to use as much as possible from the donor car.

Cheers

Craig

Maybe it would have been quicker just to stick an FC grill onto the front of the Commodore?  ;D

Then it would have been a  FCommodore ;) ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010568.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010615.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010616.jpg)

managed to massage this corner back into shape too, now the part I've been dreading, doing the bogging and trying to get it straight, wish i had your skills in that department Jamie.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010610.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010617.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010611.jpg)

I won't bore you with too many pics of this part I'm sure you've seen it all before.
                                                        Pedro

Bore.... ??? Nothing boring here Pedro.Top stuff. ;)

Lookin great Pedro, keep the updates coming

He He..not too sure how many "skills" I have...lots of trial and error.It's a great learning experience though Pedro.Good to see you giving it a go.I'm not nearly as particular as a good panel beater but some shallow dents are just not worth trying to knock out (IMO) and considering the finish I am trying to achieve.

Pedro,

looking great, nothing boring here, Inspiration for the rest of us

Keith

looking great. OMG I can't get over the garage in the back ground. How come ours can't be that clean!! Effcee says it's cause the wife's cars not in the garage, I say if I took mine out long term he would just over take my side of the garage with all his junk.  :-* (still love ya EffCee)

It's not looking too clean out there at the moment :o, wait till Keith starts bogging and sanding then you won't want your car in there ;), and don't worry Mez is always on to me about why her car has to sit out in the weather while mine takes up the whole shed.
                                            Pedro

Haven't achieved too much lately this bog work seems to be taking forever and I've been doing some reno to get some dollars together for the old girl.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010625.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010620.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010621.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010622.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010623.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010624.jpg)

She's had a shunt in the rear at some point and it's been a drama trying to get it straight.
                                    Pedro

Pedro,

Good to see that you are still making progress, well done, keep up the good work.

Keith

Great work Pedro, try not to "ball up" too much though  ;)

Looks good Pedro,this part is not a lot of fun either but good to see you are still progressing.Jamie

I'm definitely not having a ball that's for sure ;), started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel though today, just hope it's not that train again ::) ;D, organised for Gavin at retro rods to knock me up a new subframe piece today (the section under the radiator), so I'll be able to finish the welding on the front end and get it on next.
             Pedro

WOOHOO ;D ;D ;D, back in primer at last ;D ;D


(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1QZWkS.jpg) ($2)

(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1Q_wL0.jpg) ($2)

(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1R0m80.jpg) ($2)

(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1R1i_r.jpg) ($2)

(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1R1RVr.jpg) ($2)

Now for the front end, had this made up by Gavin at Retro rods, top bloke, hadn't spoken to him for a year when i rang him, he knocked it the next day and only charged me $20

 
(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1R5RQS.jpg) ($2)

 He has now moved into a new workshop in town, these are the new numbers and e-mail address.
                    Pedro

That didn't work out too well the pics were too small and the reverse order, I gather i need to upsize them, what size should i use, I redid these through photobucket for now

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010636.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010637.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010638.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010639.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010640.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/IMG-4.jpg)

GO PEDRO Just a little more and your ready for paint ....but please double check your repairs before you go to the next stage ...take a 1/4 sheet of news paper put it under your hand [makes feeling imperfections easy] and just feel all the panels again easy to fix now if you have overlooked and small marks before you move on to the painting  ::) ::).....FC427......

You do realise that's gonna stuff up your power to weight ratio!  ::) ;D

Looking good Pedro - keep it up!  :D

 

Great stuff, Pedro!

The primer might be Grey, but it's looking more and more like Orange to me  ;)

Thanks for the tip Mark, I'll do that, then if I'm correct i block sand it all, apply spray putty to the panels, block sand and reapply again over and over till I'm happy :(, then primer and block sand again, then  i can  put some paint on :)


You mean all that bog is gonna weigh her down ;D ;D


Do you think Stinky might have some grey upholstery to go with it ;) ;D
                   Pedro

 

(http://www.postimage.org/Ts1SC4Ir.jpg) ($2)

 Found this article about the RB30 engine I'm running in an old holden mag. apparently 600hp. single turbo, 700hp twin turbo, from what I've been told even a mild turbo setup gives more power than a 5.0ltr. V8, Hmmmm veeery interesting ;D ;D ;D.
                             Pedro

Pedro 700 HP easy they have screwed over a 1000HP out of them ......700 HP in a car that will weigh in under 1250 Kg :o can you handle it will be the question on everyones mind  ??? ??? ??? better go with a 9" diff  :P.......FC427......

Let's just say I'm better at it than sanding back bog ;), spent most of my life on high powered bikes and cars, and I LOVE IT ;D ;D, seriously though i was only thinking of the standard RB30 turbo setup that would be enough in such a light car.
                 Pedro

I was actually referring to the fact that the piece of metal you had bent up for the front end would ultimately decrease the power to weight ratio that had been gained as a result of the car's overall mass being decreased through the unique factory oxidisation process in the last 50 years! But yep, bog'll do the same thing too!  ;D

Pedro,

Remember that bog is not as heavy as the lead that they used all those years ago.

After seeing some of the custom work that they used to to do years ago, I wonder if the term "lead sleds" came from the fact that they had quite a lot of lead in them.

With that in mind, good to see that you are using the lightweight alternative, so that the power to weight ratio isn't altered to much ;D

Keith

wooohoooo, go pedro go !

looking good there mate  ;)
those RB motors can punch out quite a bit boogie, and you can always look at fibreglass guards / bonnet if you need to redistribute some of that weight. and with the jap motor,
fibreglass has proved a big hit with the ricers  ;) ;D ;) ;D  ;D ;D  :-*

Pedro, back when VL turbos were first released, the local Holden dealer insisted I test-drive one (he thought I was a 'petrol-head'; the poor misguided man...)
It went like the proverbial just-neutered feline (for a 'standard' Commonbore; which it wasn't - someone at the dealership had had a little 'play' with it in an underhanded attempt to impress unsuspecting prospective customers)
And even if you do add a little weight to the FC, it still will be shitloads lighter than a VL!
I'll gladly drink rum with you at Orange, but you've got no hope of conning me into any bets involving bottles of rum and 1/4 mile times  ;) ;D

Thanks guys, been busy wrestling with the radiator to make it fit and welding up the front end, the old 186 used to make the FC go pretty hard so i think I'd have to make the whole body out of lead before weight became a problem for this motorengine ;), as for the turbo version It's probably overboard but it's good for a bit of SCW posing when the bonnet get's lifted ::) ;D ;D
                                   Pedro

Go the turbo, Pedro. You'll almost certainly end up parked beside fellow SCWs at Orange; some with exotic foreign motors with ribbed polished and painted alloy 'rocket' covers, ceramic-coated works of art, pearled glove box lids; even 'helmut' air filter covers, and god knows what other surprises!  ;)
I've also heard that yet another possible entrant has some rather unique and very attractive art-work on the inside of their boot lid!!  :o :o
So if you want to keep up with the Jonas's Jones's, maybe the twin turbos would be the go...
On the other hand, if you wish to thumb your nose at these pretentious SCWs, go for a grey interior...
(I just happen to know where you can get one real cheap ;) ;) )

cheers, jack

Who's got a pearled glove box lid?  ???

this thread is digressing...  ???

I'm just an old fisherman, but I can still get a bite  ;)

G'day Pedro,
                 another idea to see how straight the car will look, and this is how i checked how straight my FE was when i was blocking it back, is to wipe some Prepsol/ Prep wash over the area you are working on and look at the reflection to see if there are any ripples or highs or lows.
                 Cheers Scott

Thanks Scott, every tip helps to make this jigsaw puzzle easier.

Here's a trap for anybody else doing this job to avoid.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010641.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010643.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010644.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010646.jpg)

Thought i was doing great until i tried to fit the bonnet plate catch plate :(.

                          Pedro

oops... can you sink it lower into the rail?

G'day Ed, unfortunately the outlet is right where the chassis rail sits and i can't go any lower unless i change to a VK radiator which has the outlet slightly higher but the inlet is on the wrong side, after measuring everything up I "think" i can put it where it is supposed to go as long as i don't run a fan.
                                       Pedro

Or modify the top?  If you look at Fatboys thread you can see how he fit up a VN rad by modifying both the lower rail and upper rad support panel.

the build is looking good.. keep those pics coming.

Cheers

Ed

OR just get the radiator cut down and then move it towards the front to make  room for a fan ....FC427....

Or move the outlet to where you need it after sinking it into the rail.
Or a custom Alloy radiator made to the dimensions you need.

Hey Pedro,

Make one... The Vt commodores plastic tanks go on them apparently but the cores are sometimes still good. I got one from a radiator mob, and then cost me about $50 in aluminium for the tanks and the cap. Then $200 to get it welded up...

Have a look at some of my pics you will see what i have done...

Cheers
JB

Getting one made is starting to sound like the best option, being a stubborn ba***** though I'll have one more go, Kathi has sent me some pics of what John has done and I'll go and have a look at Jason and fatboys ideas, It's not the cutting and making it fit that's the problem it's re-routing the chassis rails without interfering with the sway bar, bumper bar front of the engine etc.


(http://s1.postimage.org/6zci9.jpg) ($2)

(http://s1.postimage.org/6Bf_A.jpg) ($2)

(http://s1.postimage.org/6Bsti.jpg) ($2)
 
Just doesn't fit either way.

               Pedro

Doesn't seem to matter what size choose it still comes out small here, think I'll stick with photobucket.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010647.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010648.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010649.jpg)

oooo very squeezy Pedro!  :-\   But these things are sent to challenge us. :)  Makes ours look pretty easy ATM!  ;D

                                             Lost

Lost, my motivation and enthusiasm, If found please return to Pedro as they are urgently needed :( :(
                                   Pedro

Pedro,

Move on to a different job on the project, and then look at the prob with fresh eyes..

In the meantime knock over a simple job elsewhere.

the solution will then jump out at you!

Cheers

Ed
 ;)

Great advice Ed!  :)  And you said it so much nice than I would have!  ;)

Oh, what the heck - here goes....

Stop ya sulking Pedro!  There's plenty of other things you can do, you wuss!  Now finish your peanut butter sandwhich, get off your backside and get back out there and do something productive! It's not the end of the world you know! And I thought you'd be the last person I'd have to smack around the head at the moment!  ::)  ;D

When all else fails I polish chrome.  Go and find a nice chrome piece, give it a good polish and for motivation think about how much you want to get through to the stage of putting the chrome back on your car.

Cheer up.
You've come so far and done so well.
David

Ok Pedro,

Lets do this the step by step way to get you through.

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/story%20to%20tell/P5290004.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/story%20to%20tell/P8200005.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/jason010.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/jason018.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/jason020.jpg)

Ok mate these are all of the photos that I had with the radiators from both of my cars..

Post too big so will split it

Part 2,

Ok mate these are all of the photos that I had with the radiators from both of my cars...

Both were made so that they would fit underneath the bonnet catch shroud, and were done by getting a VT radiator from new and the cutting the tanks off... Thats when I spoke to a radiator guy who told me that the VT radiators flog out on the tanks leaving good cores to be used but are just thrown away, so i grabbed one.

You will need to get 1 metre fo 50 x50 x2mm tube and some 37mm round.

Cut one side of the tube this will alow you to flare it a little and will fit snugly into the core, this is done by finding something round and tapping the back of th tube with a hammer... Only need a few millimetres to fit into the core.

So when you have the radiator, cover it in cardboard to protect the vanes and then you carefully cut the aluminium at the edge of the tank so to leave as much aluminium to weld to, you will see if you get one. pull the plastic tanks off and throw them away.

The tube you need to work out where the hoses will mount... I had one down low of the passenger side that was the bottom hose and was the hardest to get the angle correct. The other 2 were quite simple .

You will need to get a filler neck and I think I got mine from ebay... was about $30 from memory.

Once you make the end caps take it all to someone who can tig weld and job is done...

Oh and be carefull putting the screws back in at the top... on my first effort I screwed it straight through the radiator... Very pissed off... drop all of the coolant and back to the welder..

It's not like replacing a floor!!!

Mate i hope this helps you get through the wall you have up at the moment.

Cheers
JB

Hey Ed - I think a solution just jumped at him!  :D 

Thanks Jason - there ain't nothing worse than an unhappy Pedro!  ;D

Amazing what a motivational pep talk can do to make a person feel better ;) ;D ;D,
thanks for the words of encouragement folk, just had one of those days yesterday when nothing seemed to go right, felt like I'd wasted the last few days on that radiator and then last night i got told because I'd used acrylic primer i couldn't paint the car in two pack, then i started thinking about all the other bits i still had to make fit :o :(, this morning i was thinking should i just forget about this engine and fit a red 186 and tri-matic it would be cheaper and a whole lot easier, but then i had a win, while i had the engine in i fitted up the front end and it looks like the sump will fit alright, also I'm going to leave the radiator for now and get one made to fit when the time comes.

Would anyone know if the RB30 engine came out with a fan with no clutch, apparently they were fitted to a wide range of vehicles.

                                    Pedro

Thanks Jason, very inspirational pics, the V6 engine looks great in the old girl, the radiator fits neatly and it looks like the best way for me to do it (more like the only way ;)), better get back to work before i get chastised again :D :D
                       Pedro

Pedro, if the answer to this is NO, how about getting an aftermarket fan (eg, 'flexifan' or similar, or a fixed fan off almost anything and turning up a hub to suit? (I'll admit I know bugger-all about the RB30 fan set-up, but is this a possibility?)

The flexifans that Jack has described above will work quite well. There are generic spacers about that have slots where the bolts go through rather than holes. The flexifans have slotted holes to allow them to fit various setups. The best way to mount these is to have someone turn up a bush to sit inside the relief for the water pump so that the centre of the spacer is a snug fit in the water pump. Also have a boss turned up to locate the fan exactly on the spacer as well.

This will ensure that vibrations in the fan are kept to an absolute minimum, thus ensuring water pump longevity.

Keith

Thanks Keith, Jack, sounds like the way to go, just had a look at the pic customFC put up for me, no fan and a Vk radiator, I'm still going to do it the way Jason suggested though the modified VT radiator looks like it fits perfectly.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/07Berrima069.jpg)

                 Pedro

You should be able to sneak twin 12inch thermos on the front side of all that Pedro.

If you get stuck I have 2 fans you can use to dummy up.

and those flexi fans are great if you have space.. they really move air.  shroud it!

Cheers

Ed

I did FranCine with a similar rotissere only i used an old matress.
Nice work mate

Ok, fitted up everything around the engine and didn't find too many more unexpected probs apart from no room for the extractors, did some research on the net and it turns out the only problem with the RB30 engines is they crack heads in the Commodores because the radiators are too low and they develop air pockets, so lowering my radiator even more is out of the question, looks like it stays at the back with twin thermo fans.

I did FranCine with a similar rotissere only i used an old matress.

You sound like a fellow dodgy bro. there Brad ;)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010650.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010651.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010653.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010654.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010655.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010656.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010657.jpg)

Sump finished, I'm hoping the pick up from a GQ nissan will fit, if not I'll have to modify my one.

        Pedro

Well done Pedro,

Sump looks great. Looks like you had a more productive day in the garage than I did.

Keith

Pedro, are you going to get that sump ceramic coated?  ;)

Nup, Gold plated to match his front teeth  ;D

 :D :D :D :D, actually it's going to be done with a hydrocarbon based propellant, which leaves smooth ebony coloured reflective surface( gloss black spray can) ;) :D :D
                          Pedro

G'day all, been flat out trying to get the old girl back on four wheels and movable, only got one more week then i have to dress up the house and get it ready for the market as we plan to sell and move over christmas if we can, front end welded, painted, shutzed and re-fitted, the two pack was great, really easy to paint with.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010669.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010670.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010671.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010672.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010674.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010675.jpg)


                    Pedro

 :o :o :o :o WOW :o :o :o :o

Looking pretty specky there Pedro!  ;D

Nice work Pedro.... The red looks great, Don't Stop you will make Orange easy at this pace  ;D ....FC427......

Go, Pedro!!

Lookin  8) 8) 8)

but just as well we got an update; after all, it's Sunday, and I strongly suspect "someone" (hint - they've got an affinity for dead vermin as decoration ;)) was about to give you shit...  ;D ;D ;D

Well done Pedro!!!

You have to be happy to see colour going back on!! The paint looks great. I can't wait to see the rest of it ;)

Keith

Pedro,

that colour makes it really pop doesn't it!

nice work.

Cheers

Ed

You have been flat out!Nice work Pedro,that looks fantastic. :o

looky very sweet there pedro 8) ;) ;) ;)
whats the final colour called.

top job mate well done. ;)

It's a bit darker in real life my camera tends to make it look a bit light, went to the Holden mob and found out the colour of the new dunnydoors, It's called red hot but when i took the numbers back to the paint shop they said it's sting red, apparently they are using the same colour just re-naming it for different models.
               Pedro

Pedro Sting Red  looks  Red Hot now let's see some colour on the body shell in the next few weeks ........Nice work ...FC427.....

I think you may have missed my earlier comments re-moving Mark, unfortunately this will be my last progress update for a while  :(, I have to re-paint the interior of the house after our rental experience, do some touch ups on the outside and finish off a few little jobs so we can put this place on the market and move back to the Gold coast hinterland, today I'm packing boxes so I'm managing to sneak a bit of time on here ;).
             
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010676.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010677.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010678.jpg)

the extractors almost fit they will just need bending slightly.

                                  Pedro

Pedro,

How good does that motor look in there!!!! Looks like it was made for it ;)

I bet you can't wait to get back into it

Keith

Hey Pedro

Looks great. Great colour and it looks like all is coming together very nicely.

Keep up the posts as milestones such as this keep us all going.

All the best with the move.

Cheers

Craig

Nearly ready for the market then i can get back to work on the wagon, just spent the last couple of days shoveling and raking 60 tons of gravel, certainly puts things in perspective ::) I've got my motivation back and am now looking foreward to getting back to the FC.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010681.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010682.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010683.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010684.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010687.jpg)

I used the landing piece that i had to put on the bottom of the stairs to pass council for a verandah on the cubby.

                Pedro

ever heard of a Bobcat?  :P

Bobcats take money from FC's ;), actually I'd better clarify what i said, I got the truck drivers to drive along and dump it as they went so i just had to spread it around evenly and level it, It's a good way to keep fit and burn off a few rum calories.
                             Pedro

Roller & water truck is all you need now to finish the job.

I have not had a look at the El cheapo rebuild for awhile. lo and behold you have made great progress and it looks great.

Cheers Jim

Thanks Jim, although i think i should change the title to "not so el-cheapo rebuild" now,
Well we didn't sell the house, so we are staying another year or until the market picks up again, which  on the negative side means we've had to unpack again for the third time ::) :(, but on the positive side means i can get back to work on the wagon this week ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.
                           Pedro

Finally met someone else in the bay who is into FC's and would you believe he only lives just down the road from us, Ray is almost finished doing his FC panelvan and was chasing a few bits to finish it, luckily we met up as he had a HD/HR front end he didn't want so I swapped him what he needed for his car for it, we both got what we wanted and now i can finally get back to working on the old girl, I'll get the outrigger from Rod's racks but am short all the steering linkages if anyone out there has some they don't need, I'll pay cash or exchange for parts if I've got anything someone needs.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010690.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010691.jpg)

                  Pedro

Pedro,

Great score on the front end, you did real well there.

Keith.

Thanks Keith, I'm just stoked to have something to get stuck into, I can now do the engine mounts and once i get the brake adaptors i can work out the wheelbase so i can cut down the diff etc, the front end was the starting point for a lot of other jobs.
how's your project going, been able to sneak in any days lately.
                  Pedro 

Hi, Ray is a nice bloke.

I'm currently visiting my family in Maryborough and popped over and saw Ray the other week. Did Ray show you his other cars?

Since I own fxfjholden.com I was very interested in his 2 door FX Coupe.

Cheers

Jason

G'day Jason, I've only met Ray a couple of times so far but he strikes me as being a genuine up front sort of bloke, being the only FC owners in this area i think we'll be seeing a bit more of each other too, yes he showed me his collection, all classics but the hot rod and the 2 door FX were the stand outs.
                                                   Pedro

Good to hear the bug has bitten Pedro, still kicking myself I never got around when I was up there.

Dean.

Hi Pedro.
I've got some steering linkages that I don't require.
I am in WA though so postage may cost a little?
PM me maybe if you're interested. :)

pm sent
   Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010698.jpg)

Front end stripped and degreased

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010699.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010701.jpg)

Engine mounts modified and strenthened

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010702.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/FC%20rebuild/P1010700.jpg)

Fuel tank fits really well, too well in fact, i still haven't solved the exhaust problem.
                      Pedro

Ah yep the exhaust problem with the VN tank, hence my solution of pipes out in front of the diff... dont think you can do this as its a wagon and the exhaust has to be 150mm behind the last opening. there are some other cars that stinky has posted on the countdown to Orange that have the exhaust leaving the car under the bumperettes, maybe that will help you a little.

Cheers
JB

Thanks Jason I'll check it out, had time to make any progress on your project.
                                    Pedro

Do you mean the pics by customFC Jason, the wagon has twin pipes out wide but it doesn't show where they come from ???, if it were legal to go through the springs it would be easy as there is plenty of room and the pipe would exit in the same position as that wagon, I might have to get the tank cut down or a custom one made yet, $$$ :-\
              Pedro

Good on you Pedro for getting back into it, those mounts look great. Good to see that you didn't waste anytime with starting to get the HR front end sorted.

Keith

I thought that they were through the springs and wasn't aware that this is not legal... The only other way that I can think of is over the rear axle where the triangle section is out of the tank, and then change the shape of the pipe, to a letterbox mouth shape to keep the area the same for the exhaust and then back to a conventional round pipe to exit... Not sure how this would affect your flow though... is really the only other way to get it past the tank I am guessing.

These tanks have been put in before so there must be a way.

Jason.

So far all the other tanks I've seen have been mounted higher, rebated into the boot area so there was room for an exhaust, but being a wagon I was determined to keep the spare wheel well as i didn't want the spare in the back, I don't know for sure that it's illegal to go through the springs that's just what I've been told.
        Pedro

Sorry mate just read you first post, unfortunately no progress, however the house has been sold so will have to find  place to put the ute and to make it easier I am going to have to get the steering hooked up to move it... So may get back for a few days and have a look at that.
I am still trying to get a few days off to come and have a look at the Nats, but wont know until about a week before if I can go.. i need to bid for days of on the roster.

JB

Pedro I got MR FC passed with the exhausts running through the springs the engineer said he wanted the S/S exhaust 100mm from the aluminium fuel tank which stopped me running them next to the tank where I had planned ......SO ASK your engineer .....FC427.....

Good to see your back into it Pedro. Is your target for completion now this year?

Regards

Wayne

Thanks Mark it would save a lot of time and $ if i could go that way, I can't see why it wouldn't be allowed there is heaps of room , I'd better go and have a talk with the local inspector.


G'day Wayne, has to be done before october as my daughter wants to use the old girl for a wedding car.
             Pedro

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010704.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010703.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010706.jpg)

Engine mounts done.
              Pedro

good to see that the weldee and the welder are both obviously working again!  :D

Good to see that you have been busy with it. All going well you should have an outrigger for the front end soon. Check your PM's

Keith

That's some nice welding Pedro, I'll send my welding up there and you send your trim down here and we'll be set  ;)

Nice goin Pedro, like the transformer engine mounts, the donk looks like a snug fit.
Good to see it all coming together, now just keep the momentum going

That's a very generous offer Keith, thanks i appreciate it :) :), are you sure you won't need the outrigger for your car?, are there any bits you need for your car i can help you out with in return.


The welder still pumps out too much wire even on a zero setting but i finally beat it by screwing the tensioner on the wire reel right down, the weldee is feeling pretty good at the moment as things are falling into place thanks to the help with parts I've had from mates :), thanks to you and John for the steering arms, Ray for the HR front end, Keith for the outrigger and Chook(son in law) just rocked up with a set of Dunnydore mags with good tyres still on them ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Sounds great to me Stinky 8) 8), wish we were closer though I'd come around and do everybodys welding for free.


Thanks Gary, the only thing likely to slow me now is the same as most other people $$$.
                Pedro

Looks great Pedro well done mate

Nice work Pedro.Good to see some more progress.Hopefully I will have mine painted in the next couple weeks but I still have a lot to do that you already have done.Aaaahh well.We'll get there eventually...

YAY ;D ;D, fuel tank and plumbing done with no explosions :) :), ended up filling it with water which was handy because I could top it up each time to find leaks, just have to fit the steering column and bend the pipes around it and I can start on the wiring.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010713.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010715.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010717.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010718.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010719.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010720.jpg)

                     Pedro

Pedro,

Well done, good to see you are making good progress, it is always a good feeling when you get a particular job done and are able to move onto the next.

Keep up the great work.

Keith

Good on ya, Pedro - one step closer  :) :) :)

Nice work Pedro, good to see some more progres being made. Just another thing you can put a line through on the list of things to do.

Nice job on the fuel tank Pedro. Looks like you sorted the clearance issues. Well done.

Regards Wayne

Thanks guys feels good to be finally getting somewhere, fitting the steering column was a different experience, finally getting to do something that is meant to fit together and just bolts up ;) :D :D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010722.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010723.jpg)

Made a mount and fitted the charcoal cannister under the guard.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010724.jpg)

Just found this anyone got any idea what it is for.
        Pedro

Thats a vacum chamber used for opening and closing vents and the like,its something that would probably make vacum wipers work better as well.
Cheers
Deano

Excellent progress Pedro, good to see it all coming together!

Thanks guys, I don't think I'll be fitting vacuum wipers though Deano by the time they cross the windscreen once I'll be in the next suburb ;) ;D ;D
                  Pedro

That's a float out of a cattle trough. :P ;D

Dean.

im missing one of those from my toilet ;D ;D ;D

tanks is looking great pedro and the cannister fits nice and snug there doesnt it ;) ;)
shame about the jap engine though, at least it will probably run :P :P

keep it up.

how you going with the weather up there?

dean

hi pedro nice work .how did you relocate the dipstick into the sump.thanks gary.

I haven't done that bit yet Gary, I haven't mentioned it yet (coz I'll probably cop a bagging ;)) but when I made the sump I forgot to allow for the fact the engine sits on a slant so it was just a waste of time and effort ::), you can just see it in the pics, apparently the sump off a GQ patrol with the RB30 engine fits with only a small amount of modification so I'm going to get one this week and try it, I'll let you know how it goes.
                                       Pedro

Pedro if you need any help just e mail i can send you pictures as all mine is ripped out dipstick takes about 5 minutes to change there is a bung in the block just nock it out and swap it over put the bung back in the existing hole.

Cheers Pete

hi pedro no prob. im putting the same engine in my fj holden i am going to reverse the sump  patrol sump are very high priced.thanks gary.

If you get stuck for a sump i modified standard VL and pickup in about 3hours can take some pics if you want i was going to sell off my whole conversion front end sump tank and wiring but i figured if i find a half decent FE to EK ill just drop the whole lot in and double my money.

Also PEDRO make sure you nock out the blank for the dipstick with the sump off or your gunna have trouble getting it out.

Good to see that you are making progress still Pedro, at this rate you will have yours finished long before mine ;)

A very usefull peice of info Pete, I was wondering how i was going to solve that problem, fitted the wiring up to the engine yesterday, easy so far as there is a seperate harness for the engine, I'm just about to ring the wreckers and find out what a sump is worth I was told they were pretty cheap as most people rip out the RB30 and fit a bigger engine, I'll let you know Gary.

Depends on the finances Keith, so far I'm doing all the jobs that don't cost much, have you finished your rust work yet.
         Pedro

No, but I am working as fast as I can while I have a borrowed mig. I am still hoping to have all the rust repairs completed in the next few weeks

Keith

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010727.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010726.jpg)

anyone for spaghetti
  Pedro

Hey Pedro,

Thats only the entree size mate!!! Where the main?? lol

Aaw, pretty colours Pedro!   :D

I know how disappointed you must be that you can't get to Orange - but it's good to see you're still hard at work on your car.

Kathi  

thats a snack, at least they are still the right colours ;D ;D ;D

keep going mate you doing real well.

given the good old power to weight ratio this should scream, cant wait till you scare
the crap out of a couple of ricers ;D ;D ;D ;D

sooner or later we will all have a get together ;D ;D ;)

Pedro,

I hate sorting out wiring messes like that, good luck with it. I hope that you are able to sort it out without too much grief.

I like the colour of your bonnet hinge, what was the silver paint that you used for that

Keith

i put the rb30 in as a bloke from tafe blew me away with a stock eh
then i got beaten by a rotor non turbo 13B
so i dont know whats after the 26?

ill take some pics of my old wiring tommorow dont scare yourself with all that spagetti its very basic
you throw half that away;
you running manual or auto

Pedro, those hinges are beautifull mate , top job.
Gary C

 thats not chrome in a can like mine is it pedro ;D ;D ;D ;D

seriously looking great mate. ;)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/100_1867.jpg)


If you get stuck i could probably write the pins down or post it and lend it to you for a while?

If you are running an auto you either need a signal unit from ROD SHOP to get the signal for the overdrive in the jatco 4SP My gauge cluster is actually all VL behind it running the FC facia so im off the clock at 110KM
but i did not need the signal after all the headaches as i was running a manual?

Thanks again guys, yeah it would have been good to catch up with you all in Orange, maybe by the next Nats I'll be on the road ;), the hinge paint is just a dulux full gloss enamel spray can(silver not chrome in a can :P :P :P), don't use the cheap spray cans they are crap you have to use three cans to get the same coverage and it will still look dodgy, thanks for the wiring pics Pete I'll blow it up a bit so I can see better, is that just the engine harness and is the battery and altenator wiring in there also I can't see any computer terminals ???, any chance of a shot from directly above so i can see it all.(please)
                                       Pedro

Powering along Pedro, you still have a week to go.

Dean.

forgot to take computer to work ill try get a better pic tommorow
yep thats the whole lot computer harness computer  terminals are on the left hand side you can see the 3 plugs everything is there no terminals as my battery is in the boot so power went straight onto the starter from the boot.
the 2 relays with the orange wires below where i said the the computer terminals were are the standard ones that you have with the big plug and all the orange wires i just cut all mine down to tidy it up they are your computer power relay and your fuel pump relay.
I still ran the big black bung as i ran all my wiring under the intake pleuneum then up through the tunnel in spiral wrap and through the side of the tunnel and all my computer went under the front seat.
You cannot see but over to the right is  some wires alt signal for your light, water signal, main power for key barrel off the starter, starter solenoid power wire, and like i said before speedo signal.

hi all in regards to what fchoon said about the signal unit for over drive or the power switch i rang castle auto elec if you have a auto gear box the wiring set up will cost around 850 dollars you need also a speed sensor which regulates the fuel or car will run rich which will cost 250 dollars. if you run a manual gear box the wiring loom will cost 550 dollars and you will need the speed sensor as well.cheers gary.

 :o :o :o :o :o, $850 for a bit of wiring, I've got most of mine sorted I used a different technique, I got the manule and just cut out all the wires that weren't necessary first, in theory what is left will be what I need, it was all going well until I found some wires that are different colours to what is in the book ???, I'm planning on running the engine and auto circuit from the c'dore and using the FC harness for everything else, I'ts just one of those jobs you have to keep plodding at until it falls into place though.
                             Pedro 

I thought i did not need the sensor it but it was always in there.
Ill Post pics of my Hybrid speedo when i rip it out.
Mine was Running stage 3 GTS cam so was fairly lumpy (For a nissan not red motor lumpy)
Also Pedro i have a stage 3 Chip for the computer never fitted you can have it if you want im guessing it will just richen it up the GTS cam and extractors make a huge difference on their own.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010728.jpg)

Getting it thinned down now

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010730.jpg)

at least I won't need to buy any wire for a while ;), I'm pretty sure mine had a cable operated speedo Pete because I remember it was just too big for the FC speedo and I was hoping I could find one with the right size end, I'll check a bit later, thanks for the offer of the chip, very decent of you but I think I'll leave it how it is supposed to be for now, less likely to get more problems that way and I think the old girl is going to go well enough as she is ;D ;D
                         Pedro 

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Finding it hard to wipe the smile off my face today ;D ;D ;D ;D, finally had two wins

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010731.jpg)

Not only is it cable drive "IT FITS" :o :o, just need to make some sort of retainer, and the second win was scoring an EJ outrigger off e-bay for $19.99  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.
                           Pedro

Your on a roll Pedro ,how about jumping in the car next week and doing an overnighter to Orange ??? ??? ???.. Just to wet your appetite  ;D ;D....FC427....

I hate to crash your party pedro but your speedo is cable driven but needs these signal wires have a look at the VL cluster there are 5 wires coming of the top of the VL speedo these are the signal wires we are all going on about ill rip mine out tommorow and take some pics.


pete

Nice work Pedro.Regarding the retainer for the cable drive,see if you can find on old VB-VH cluster as I'm pretty sure they have a steel clip which clicks over the steel boss on the end of the cable.Might work. ;)

Love to Mark but we didn't win gold lotto saturday night ;) :D


You certainly know how to wipe the smile off a guys face Pete :(, that would explain the wires I had left over that didn't go anywhere ???, I mounted the engine computer under the seat and the auto one up behind the glove box and have most of the wiring in place but the wiring diagrams have too many bits where it just says "joins main harness" ??? and doesn't show the other end or joins up to totally different colours, I spoke to the local auto sparky a while ago and he said he could wire one of these in a couple of hours so I'm going to get him to do the rest when I'm ready, shouldn't cost too much nowhere near $850 anyway.


Sounds like a good idea, wish i hadn't gotten rid of those two VH's now there are a few bits I could have done with.
          Pedro

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/29032010189.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/29032010188.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/29032010187.jpg)

here we go pedro got 5 minutes to rip old one out this is what i did and the VL Facia holes line up with the original FC Facia ones (kinda)


Pete

Sorry looks Bodgy but i was 16 and my old man helped me he wanted out of his shed worked well but.

If it works that's the main part Pete ;), are there any other options, I don't recall anybody else doing this stuff with the v6 conversions, I'm really starting to wish I'd just dropped a 186 and trimatic in, I reckon I'd be nearly finished by now.
                           Pedro

You send me a original speedo and you can have mine ill post it up?
The last week i was driving the needle floats a bit does not sit write down on the zero but you can have it in exchange as my spare went in a mates T model pickup.
I am running powerglide behind my RB engine now with a dellow bell housing $330 bucks

Pedro,

Mate these are the little things that try us... whether its bell housing's, electrics, lining panels up, rust etc there is always something that gives us the shits...

On the van it was the extractors for me, can't remember how many goes I had at getting the drivers side done, but remember it took about 3 months to finish, was very painful!! So this is yours. But in the end you will nut it out and it wont beat you and you will have the car the way you want it...

Chin up...

JB

Thats right keep going my biggest problem was getting steering past engine mount with the vl conversion.
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/30032010190.jpg)

And now the Damm second turbo hits the bloody Y frame on the 26 so lucky i have a water jet to cut new exhaust flanges.

I attached speedo for the wiring thing
We have an instrumentation mob down here that can crimp a new end or re make speedo cables but i initally did it cos the wiring i was told engine would not rev if it was not attached?

Ill see if old mate down here at singletons got a speedo if not ill take you up on that offer.

I have been inspired  by everyones projects so i came home earlly from work today and gutted the FC out
drew up all my new 4 link brackets MK3 this time ordered new coil overs.
Am locking myself in the shed all weekend.
Will start a thread soon.

Pete

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010735.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010736.jpg)

Front end stripped back to bare metal outrigger welded on and painted.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010737.jpg)

I ended up extending the two big positive wires with fuses up to the dash for the main power supply to the ignition and light switches for the FC part wiring harness as well as the solenoid wire for the starter so the underbonnet part of the wiring is finished, also had a win with the bottom radiator hose, it fits :o :o.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010731-1.jpg)

Check this one out for luck, the commodore cable not only fits the FC speedo but the clip that holds it on to the commodore speedo fits into the thread and holds it on ;D ;D
              Pedro

looks neat Pedro,

got to love the little wins with the rad hose and speedo cable.

Cheers

Ed

wow that looks really neat, have had a good look at this build. coming together really nicely man. i will have to find a sway bar that fits a bit better and try something similar. thanks

regards tom

Nice work Pedro.The paint on the front end looks excellent.I'm putting the final top coats on the Black FC tomorrow.May be my last chance for a while as the weather is getting cold here now.Cheers,Jamie.

Thanks guys, nice to have a win for a change :) :)
                          Pedro

Sump done, pickup done, front end bolted in permanantly ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010741.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010742.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010744.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010747.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010743.jpg)

Dodgee Bros. pickup

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010749.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010750.jpg)

                Pedro

This is a great build Pedro. You must be on the downhill run now?

Regards

Wayne

Great to see it all coming together Pedro, good work!

Gary

Good stuff Pedro,
 your steaming ahead of me now, going to have to pull my finger out!  ;D
Cheers, Jack

Is the sump lopsided for a reason  ;D

To allow for clearance when the torque is leaning the motor over from Pedro's "wheels up" launches  :P

Thanks again guys, a bit of feedback always helps with the motivation, after watching American Graffiti last night I'm feeling really keen today, first time my son has seen it, only trouble is now he's caught the bug and is asking how old he has to be before I hand the car over to him ::).


Makes it go faster Paul, I'm going to put in some of Homers speed holes next ;) ;D ;D

                  Pedro

 

Silly mistake no. ??? actually I've lost count ::), when you modify a sump and baffle plate make sure you put in a hole in it for the dipstick, just finished putting it back together again after rectifying the problem.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010758.jpg)

Had a bit of time off the wagon as I gave up smoking and have been feeling shitty and unmotivated, starting to feel better than I have in a long time now though so expect major progress in the next couple of months.
        Pedro

No greater achievement than quiting mate...(smoking that is) and your body will love you for it.Great progress on the wagon.Keep up the pics.Cheers,Jamie.

Thanks Jamie, still haven't given in and I don't intend to as It's getting easier every day and I know if I give in I'll be right back to the start.

Stinky I've been thinking(dangerous I know ::)) but my title "El cheapo rebuild" was from a time when I was going to run a grey and do everything as cheap as possible, it really doesn't reflect the amount of time and money I am now putting into the old girl or the fact that the mechanicals are not standard anymore, if it's alright with you moderators could you please change it to "FCRB30 Wagon",
                        Pedro

 

Pedro
I was was thinking the other day that your thread needs a name change, the only thing cheap left in your rebuild are the shots fired back and forth. You had better get back into it before Kathi catches you with the tools down.

Keep up the good work your car is looking great.

Cheers Jim

You must be reading my mind Jim - I'd been thinking he'd been a bit slack lately! ;) 

Pedro's El Cheapo Rebuild - it used to sound so right!  :-\  Your new thread name sounds like something out of Star Wars and you've recently quit smoking - are you going to change your forum name to "ChewBacca"  ;D ;D (well I thought it was funny!)

Good on you Pedro, the name is better suited to the build now any how, after all, when it is finished there must about half commodore and half FC.

I hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't the train coming the other way.

Keith

Thanks Jim, I love the cheap shots though it makes life interesting, some people take life too seriously and as they say laughter is the best medicine.


Better than being caught with one in my hand ;) :D :D


 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Should have known you'd come up with something to bag me about Kathi ::), keep up the good work I love it :P :P

Thanks for changing the title Stinky 8) 8)
                    Pedro

G'day Keith, yeah been thinking about it for a while and FCRB30 sounded better than FCommodore, how's your build going haven't seen any updates for a while, better watch out you'll be next on Kathi's hit list ;)

Check out this RB30 setup a mate just sent me, Drool, plenty of ideas and inspiration there, I haven't done too much dressing up of my engine though as I plan on getting it registered first and then dropping in a fully recoed turbo engine a bit further down the track.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/180556156aXViaG_ph.jpg)

                 Pedro

Yeah good on you Pedro, dobbed me right in. ;) Here's me trying to fly under the radar and almost succeeding.... As soon as I saw your post I put a post up, just to avoid the Evil One's wrath. :o


Keith

OK, booster problem solved, used a 41mm hole saw to cut a hole in the firewall and bracket so the plastic sleeve could fit through far enough, shortened the bracket and angled it enough so the master cylinder sits level, also had to shorten the push rod by 20mm, just need to tidy up the bracket and do some painting now and then I can mount it and finish the brake lines.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010762-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010763-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010765-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010766-1.jpg)

                  Pedro

Nice work Pedro.By the way,what is the name of the silver you have used on your bonnet hinges?

Jamie,

I too asked that question, the answer is above.

Keith

Yeah it's a nice silver it looks good against the red and gives good coverage, looks like I'm going to have stretch out the spring on an old hinge to get the inside properely, I'm dissapointed with the two pack though I thought it was supposed to be tough as old boots but it seems to chip at the slightest touch/bump(and I mean slight not a whack), I'm going to take the hinges back off mask everything else up and give it another coat to see if that helps.
                      Pedro

Hey Pedro

What brake pedal setup have you used? I notice the acc. pedal setup is different to tn VN.

If it is no trouble could you take some photos of the setup under the dash?

Cheers

Craig

Too easy Craig, always happy to help make it easier for others, I just used the standard setup with the larger Commodore pedal welded to it, luckily the pin is the same size on both, the only reason I had to shorten the booster bracket so much is to clear the intake manifold on the RB30 engine, with you running a V6 you should only have to tilt the bracket a bit to get the master cylinder level, maybe extend the push rod and drill a hole in the right spot on the pedal.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010772-1.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010774.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010775.jpg)
            Pedro

ARRGG :o, MY PEDAL ;D ;D ;D

Oops sorry about that Dean my finger slipped on the angle grinder, Honest ::) ;D ;D, I forgot to mention thanks to Dean for the brake pedal too :) :), somehow my one must have gotten included in the grey motor parts I sold on e-bay because I couldn't find it anywhere, booster now on and it even fits 8).

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010776.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010777.jpg)

       Pedro

Thanks Pedro

Photos certainly give me a better idea.

I have a V8 to fit in so I might leave the booster until I fit the engine just to make sure that the booster will even fit.

Regards

Craig

Nice work Pedro.Things are coming along nicely.Some neat fabrication work going on there. 8)

Not too much to report in this update, cleaned and painted a few bits ready for assembly

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010783.jpg)

I was planning on getting back into the bogging this week but it's been freezing cold and miserable so I've been woking on door and guard alignment, It's amazing how much difference there is between doors, one door will fit the opening perfectly but is too rusty, the best rust free door I have stuck out so much at the top I had to weld a 5mm spacer plate to the bottom hinge to make it fit ???

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010789.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010788.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010786.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010784.jpg)

I know it's not FC related but I also started customising the frame on my bros. XS650 project

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010792.jpg)

                 Pedro

wont be long now Pedro and you will be firing it up,
there is an engine in my105 I think the same as yours check it out $16000  BIG HP
Gary C

This being a family friendly site I'll keep my answer as sanitised as possible, what can I say Kathi, we were young it was dark and I was too busy concentrating on what i was doing to worry about what they were doing ::), besides we all rode bikes together, surfed together and lived in the same flat on the Gold coast so it's not like we hadn't seen each other umm, unclothed before ;)
                        Pedro

G'day Gary, I'd be very interested to see an RB30 in another build, could you point out to me which post it's on, I just went back and looked through a heap of pages and couldn't find anything ???
                   Pedro

Pedro, I stumbled across it last night.
I was checking out the wa sports car club and there was a link in the for sale that took me to my105.
I just had a look again and couldnt find it either, I will dig a bit deeper later.
It wasn't in a car, just engine and transmission for sale, it said rb26/30 engine $16000 980 hp spent big dollars.
Gary C

G,day Gary

Would this be the one....that'd be a whole lot of fun in an FC

http://www.stoneskartsport.com.au/classified.asp?id=15727 ($2)

Yeah thats it Gary, there you go Pedro.
That would be a bit hairy in the wagon eh.
Gary C

Definately would, only problem is it's worth more than my whole rebuild ;), It looks like the same type of engine Pete(fchoon) is putting in his FC.
      Pedro

Almost this ones a hybrid rb25 top end rb30 bottom end (i have one with a a monster TO4 turbo on it i was going to use)

But iwent for the RB26 as it has 6 throttle body,s twin turbo,s and i think is a cleaner smoother looking engine bay as im going for the whole sleeper look i want it to look like its meant to be their instead of a monster top mount turbo...

at the end of the day you have to get that power to the ground thats why im going down the whole mini tubbing scene at the moment to try get bigger rubber under there.

Go on Pedro, you know you want to  ;D.

Dean.

Here are the pics of my ones

they were cut with a oxy profile cutter water jet is heaps better i will add more meat around the callipers ect also i wll tack on the spacers for the callipers
they are about 4mm


(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/22062010253.jpg)

(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/22062010251.jpg)

How did you machine down the stub axle?

Ken

pm sent.
      Pedro

Hi Ken i Did mine beetween centres on the lathe But i have also done some with a 1mm cut off wheel 41/2 inch grinder and a 60 grit soft pad to clean them up.

Have a set of HT drum stubs here i will do them this afternoon.

Just ordering all the parts for my front end and I thought I'd pass this on, I found a mob who sells a HR front end kit containing 2 upper ball joints
                                2 lower ball joints
                                2 inner tie rod ends
                                2 outer tie rod ends
for $110 plus postage, e-bay item Ebay Item #280522548530 a lot cheaper than anybody else I looked at.
                 Pedro

Bought all my nolethanes ball joints the whole lot off a mob in sydney CV joints something like that is the business trades on e bay as suzuki super.

Bought every bush for the wifes HT half the price of the local bloke.


Pedro just waiting on bolts i used Bis 80 its a lot harder than mild steel for that other job will send you a PM when im close.

That's the same bloke I got mine off, bloody good deal compared to the others.
                Pedro

Adaptor plates painted and fitted, thanks to Pete(fchoon) for making them, the Lovells springs look flash and ended up being only $160 for 2" lowered, The ball joints tie rod ends and the radiator just arrived so i'll be assembling the front end this weekend ;D ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010797.jpg)

I had a drivers door and a set of guards sandblasted this week and was completely dissapointed, the door was stuffed so I had to take another one over, luckily that one was reasonable, the guards were crap but I'll just have to repair them as I don't have any better ones (wish I hadn't sold you those fiberglass ones now Fatboy), rang Gavin at retro rods and restorations and he knocked me up a guard rear and eybrow for $50 and gave me a heap of scrap plate for free, top bloke if you need any bits.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010805.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010806.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010799.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010801.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010803.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010803.jpg)
         Pedro

Somehow I managed to put the same pic in twice, it was meant to be this one

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010804.jpg)
           Pedro

Your guard dog is sleeping on the job again Pedro  ;D ;D Cheers Jack

Yeah he sleeps a lot, it's definately "a dogs life" as the old saying goes, I'm quite happy he does though really i've always had cattle dogs before and you have to keep an eye on them all the time you never know what they'll get up to next, Merv's great though wherever I am he just comes and lays down near me and goes to sleep, different story if someone comes up the drive though, people who don't know him don't get out of their cars unless i'm there.
           Pedro

Finally got to have a play with the front end, couldn't fit the springs yet as I'm waiting on the bump stop rubbers but at least I can now get a measurement and cut down the diff.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010814.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010815.jpg)

Nice shiny new radiator ;D ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010809.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010812.jpg)

One of the pursuit/interceptor rims I got with the VL has a different offset to the others and fits the front end a lot better, I'll just have to find another one to go with it, I'm still going to have the same problem with it scraping on full lock as you though Jase, time to get out the hammer and dolly and fold the lip up I'd say ;).
                    Pedro

Lookin' shmick there Pedro, a real credit to you!!

Dean.

I run 215-50-16,s and mine rub a little.

Do you have plans for the diff?
I run VN and just had the long axle resplined for the short side and had a billet one made for the other side 340 from memory for a billet axle as they have a failry lengthy step in the axle so they can only re spline the long side i took out 80mm on both sides 160mm all up.
Just for your info i have a chrysler centura diff here they are exact offset you need.
i welded up and re drilled the axles out on the lathe but width is perfect i originally ran one with 13x7 earlly holden rims it was 2.92(auto) ratio and ran leaf springs  also my other one fits great its 3.23 (man) with 4 link and walkinshaw rims.
Just had a brain wave get yourself a skyline or pintara diff cheap as shit and just re drill studs from memory they fit great
 just the ratios are really tall 3.8 up to 4.11 but commodore crown and pinion fit into them.
Also they have a silly handbrake assembly like vlovos where the handbrake is built into the disc calliper shithouse handbrake maybe you could run commodore backing plates and discs.

I would personally run centura with VL drums.

Thanks Dean, I'm finally starting to feel like i'm getting somewhere, good to hear you've scoring all those bit's lately.

Plenty of good info there Pete, I was under the impression all I had to do was get a short axle from the wreckers, cut down the long side of the diff to suit and then weld the FC brackets on it though ???.
        Pedro 

I Thought that too but the only way to get it right that way is to use a VL axle but they are all 25 spline except VL Turbo which are dear as poison and like rocking horse poo.

But i just read a article of someone selling a shortened borg warner on e bay they use a salisbury axle and had it re splined.

Or as you are probably a cruiser not a racer get a engineering shop to cut it machine a dowel in it and weld it cheap and works unless you start pushing it.

heres my saddles i make better than lowering blocks i make a fair few .
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/06072010277.jpg)
(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/06072010276.jpg)

These dont have stiffening gusset welded in yet to stop sideways movement also i use HK,T,G lower spring plate with wagon ute leaves or flat FC plate with sedan springs.

 Hi mate, do make the saddle brackets to order at all ?

Pedro the rim looks like a Ute rim have a look at the outside it should have Ute written on it ;) Holden in there intimate wisdom thought the Ute needed different rims speedway guys use them because the offset is right

                                      Cheers Damo58

Sorry Pete but you've lost me there ???, wouldn't I be able to just buy a short VL axle or are they a different spline on each side, I'd be interested in a set of saddles too mate, saves cutting up a diff, are they legal.
       Pedro

Thanks Damo, I suppose if the speedway guys use them they'll be hard to come by.
            Pedro

Pedro, the commonbore ute rims definitely have 'ute' stamped on them as Damo said; they are still relatively easy to get around here. I think the 'ute' wheel centres are made of slightly thicker steel than the sedan/wagon centres, and they have about 6 mm more offset out than car rims, but all of them (stock) are 6 x 15.
So if you are looking for guard clearance, the car rims would be better provided they clear your calipers etc.
I used stock ute rims on the front of my HK ute; painted up and with chrome nuts and bullet centres they dont look too bad...
(if you search back in your pm's you'll find a pic)

cheers, jack

 

Vl NON Turbo are 25 spline on both sides. you may even get a vl diff in with ute rims.

Saddles weather they are legal or not well probably not but if you do not go to overboard they look more legal than lowering blocks and if your car has to be engineered he will soon pass them or not.

I have 3 mates running these and we have never been questioned.
Done the wifes HT as well.

Made to order you tell me the height from the bottom of the diff to the top of the leaf spring.


Pete

Thanks Jack, Just went and checked those rims, none of them have "ute" on them, the one that's offset further in is stamped LW8JISOX 15   22 1 95  43P on the rim and GM HS 72 on the centre, the others are marked 7.00J x 15  22 4 30  43P  and in the centre GM HS 46, they both have the same size tyres on them so I presume they are the same width.
               Pedro

Couldn't find that pic Jack, unfortunately I have 174 pages of pm's which makes it a bit hard, I went back to page 100 before I gave up though ::), could you pm it to me again please or just stick it up on here, thanks.
       Pedro

174 pages......someone loves ya :P.

Dean.

And that was just last weeks ::) ;D ;D, when we first came onto the site we got into trouble for yakking too much so we went underground and do most of our chatting by pm. ;)

Pete can you make one for wagon springs that uses the standard bottom plate and rubbers as I've already ordered them, I am getting my rear springs reset anyway so I could just get them 1' lower and get the brackets off you 1" lower that way I'd get my 2" without losing too much travel/having the springs too straightened out, and it wouldn't be so noticeable on the diff brackets.
                  Pedro

No worries water jet died today they are flying up from melbourne tommorow so when im back in business i will cut them.

So i was meant to cut seat spacers and a lot of jobs today but it didnt happen.

Pedro, if all the rims you are using are 7 x 15 and you are having clearance probs with the front tyres hitting the guards, maybe stock 'ute' rims (6 x 15) would easily solve the problem; you could still run the 7 x 15s on the back if clearance OK...
195 or 205, even 215 tyres will suit the 6 inch rims (on the front, 205 would probably be the best; 215s would be fine on 6 inch rims on the back though)
On 7 inch rims, 215 or 225 or even 235 (if on the back) would be OK...
What size tyres are currently on your rims??
Some shitty pics of commonbore rims on my ute attached (fronts are 6 x 15 "ute" rims, rears are 8 x 15 that I got made up)

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x198/jack_fc/wheelsnheadlights001.jpg)

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x198/jack_fc/ute004.jpg)

I think I've got some better close up pics somewhere; I'll have a look and pm them to you if I can find them...
I just sprayed these wheels satin black and hand-painted the actual rims with 'aluminium' silver frost paint, fitted chrome nuts and some old left-over chrome centre caps (stuck on with 'liquid nails'  ::); definitely your 'el cheapo' effort... but they looked alright on the old daily driver bait-wagon; don't know if the same treatment would be appropriate on your delicious FC wagon...

cheers, jack 

hi pedro great work I have found a company called Driveline Services that do axles that suit vn diffs at different lenghts arround $300 I am using a short axle in long side buying one for the short side but for the time being cutting and weld the short side to make sure my track and wheels fit before I spend any money
reguards Geoff

Thanks for the pics Jack, I hadn't thought of painting the centres black but I quite like the look, they would look good with my red and black theme, did the centre caps fall off in the second pic ;), while I was getting the ball joints pressed in at the local tyre shop I noticed they had heaps of second hand rims stacked all over the place so i'll have to go and see if they have any of the ones I need.

Let me know how much Pete and i'll send you the dough.
    Pedro

G'day Geoff, yeah I'm going to get my diff into place and have a look before spending any money too, just waiting on my bump stop rubbers so I can get the front wheels on the ground first.
           Pedro

 Hi Pete, how much for a pair of saddle's ? might save me bodging up a pair, i dont need any extra lowering so only require about 1/2" between axle tube and top side of saddle - FC sedan with original but reset springs and VB/VH salisbury diff .

regards,
Nick.

Pedro, the second pic was taken minutes before I sold the old girl; the new owner wanted the wheels but not the centre caps so I kept them...
Given your chosen colour scheme, I reckon those wheels might look OK on your wagon if painted all satin black with chrome nuts, bullet centre caps and narrow white band tyres??
(overall tyre diameter might cause a problem though; the white band tyres might only be available in 70 section - could cause probs with clearance on lock with front wheels; also overall gearing; also body height/stance given that you would be going from 13s to 70 section 15s  ??? By way of comparison for you, my FC is running 14 inch rims with 70 section white bands; 215/70 14 rear, 185/70 front; 7 and 5 inch rims; lowered 2.5 inches back; 3 inches front - pics available if you want)

cheers,jack

Anyone got a can of petrol and a match >:(, this is getting really ******* monotonous, I assembled and fitted the HR steering linkages today and the drag link curves backward and hits the sump, the FC one had heaps of clearance so I thought it would be alright, looks like the sump and pickup are coming back off again tomorrow and being remade into the markIII version.
             Pedro

It's called building a modified car Pedro!  ;)  Keep going, you'll get there.  :)

Why not run FC then??/

Nah, give up now! Paint it Beige and refit all the original gear  :P I'll even do a interior for you if you like grey  :-X

Stinky, you funny  ;D ;D

OK had my dummy spit ::), I'm over it now, it wouldn't be so bad except it seems like "everything" on this build has been a major drama, I've already bought all the new bits for the HR linkages Pete and i'm just about out of dough again so it is cheaper for me to fix the sump, I hope that hoodlining you're doing for me isn't going to be done in grey Stinky ??? although i suppose I could always sell it on to Jack he likes grey doesn't he ;)

Sump version III, wasn't that hard really just a pain to have to do it again, all I did was spin the bottom around

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010816.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010817.jpg)
                  Pedro

Well done Pedro. Took your concrete medicine. We must be due for some more general arrangement shots?

Not far now.

Regards

Wayne

At least if your sump plug comes out while your driving the wind will blow the oil back in.

 ;D

 ;D ;D, so the faster I go the less oil i'll lose ::)  :D :D

Thanks Wayne, just waiting on the rubber kit now and things will start to come together a bit quicker.
             Pedro

Good progress Pedro,

Sometimes it's two steps forward on back to keep going forward, keep at it

Keith

Better make that three steps back before i go foreward Keith, ended up having to drop the front end again as well to get the sump on, all done now though and plenty of clearance

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010822.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010823.jpg)

Hey Dean(JOD34N) you're into photography, Is there a way I can stop getting the reflections that look like scratches in the pics ???
           Pedro

Yeah there is.

Dean.

Thanks for the info Dean 8).
       Pedro

Sorry mate, did you want to know how to do it?, I thought you were only asking if it could be done :P :P.
 
OK, the easiest way to do it is get enough light under the car that the camera doesn't set off the flash. The flash is reflecting off the shiny paint......other choice paint it flat black  ;D.

Dean. 8)

Pedro,

At least you have plenty of clearance now ;)

Keith

Feels like Christmas today ;D ;D

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010824.jpg)

I can finish putting the front end together now I've got the bump stop rubbers, also picked up a couple of those 6" pursuit/intercepter rims from the local tyre guy so that's another problem solved :)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010825.jpg)

     Pedro 

That's not rust on the front end that's the light from a torch, I guess I need something more powerfull hey Dean ;)
       Pedro

Wow!! Great day then  ???. Gee I hope your having a beer or 2 now. Hope the next few weeks go well.


Regards

Wayne

Pedro

Cant wait to see it all rolling along? How long has it been? ;D ;D ;D

Craig

Looks like some one has been nice, and not naughty Looks like when he made the list he checked it twice and threw in a whole heap of extras to make up for the not so good years ;)

Have fun with it

Keith

woo hoo  presents are fun!  ;D  but even better when you start using them!  ;)

Christmas in July  ;D ;D

Merry Christmas Pedro!! You'll have plenty of fun with that lot  8)




Probably would have been about 14' 8" until he took the bumpers off it...   

(sorry; couldn't help it...  :P ::))

Good onya Jack, Always gotta be one in the crowd ;) ;)

Too bloody long ;) ;D ;D


 ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D

Feels more like christmas than it did in december, at least I got all the pressies I wanted this time instead of socks and jocks, front end is now finished, took the rear springs in to be reset this arvo.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010829.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010827.jpg)

                Pedro

Looking awesome Pedro.Can't wait to see it with some paint on. ;)

Pedro, that Radiator looks huge! That is one hell of a radiator, what is it out of?

Keith

Mack truck  ???

(I'm thinking that Pedro has had overheating problems in the past, and he obviously didn't like that in the slightest...)  ;)

Looking great, Pedro!  8) 8) 8)

Mine is the same it just looks bigger being alloy with square tanks
 they are a aftermarket VL one off e bay im guessing.

Trust Keith to notice Pedro's radiator! Typical FC owners - always on the look out for, or impressed by, blingy thingys! ::) :D

Some silly bugger made the mistake of parking his Mack truck out the front one night, wonder how far he got before he discovered it was missing ;D, Nah nothing that exciting as Pete said it's one of those aluminium VL ones off e-bay, only $240


MMMM Hot shiny and impressive, just like FC's ;) ;D ;D
                  Pedro

yeah yeah you wish about FC's  ::)

oh yeah forgot to ask.......

are you going to cut a hole in the bonnet for the radiator to protrude through for added bling and to provide that yummy custom touch?  :P :P :D

come to think of it......... and this would help with a few issues

why don't you cut out the centre section of the grille, move the entire radiator forwards in line with it and then pop a silver lady on top! super duper double bling!  :o :o  ;D

luv ya Pedro - didya miss me?  ;) :D

if you're having trouble imagining it Pedro, maybe Mike (mc54) can do a photoshop version for you!  :D

You must have read my mind, I was just thinking about Cheech and Chongs VW today where he pinched the grill/radiator from his fathers rolls and stuck it on the front, I could call it the Rolls FCanardly(rolls downhill and can hardly get back up) ::)


Yeah, I'll take better aim next time :P ;D ;D, to be honest I have missed the banter between us all, everybody's been pretty quiet since the Nats.
          Pedro

yeah it looks like one of dem fully sik intarcoolers hey bro.

(http://fcholden59.bigblog.com.au/data/5/28811/image/pedromack432592351598547248420100716180556.jpg)

ROFLMAO ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D, now that's funny I love it, can't stop grinning ;D ;D ;D



Definately fully sik man, maybe I should pimp it out like Paulies van mate ::) ;D ;D
                 Pedro

Hey Pedro, how have you planned to put the old radiator support panel back on and the cover plate? Or do you have to make a new version of the old?
Just wondering in some of the honeycomb will be showing or not.

Cheers
JB

You could make a hole in the bonnet and put one of those old style motmeters on top of the radiator.  An instant temperature gauge.

best laugh I've had for ages - thanks Mike!  And yes, very tasteful addition of the foxtail!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

I cut up the other support that I stuffed up on my last attempt turned it around and welded it in for strenth and a mounting point for the thermo fans, I'm got to cut it back a little more to remove the old screw holes yet, too close to beer o'clock now though ;), easier to take a pic than explain, like this.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010832.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010831.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010830.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010833.jpg)

Measured how long the diff would be once cut down and came up with 1472, put the wheels where I wanted them to be and measured in between, couldn't believe my eyes 1472, hopefully this will be a straightforward job for once(not counting on it though).
               Pedro

Pedro,

Do you have sufficient clearance between your bonnet and radiator cap? If you dont you could have the cap removed, relace the neck with a hose fitting, run a header tank to the hose fitting and have the radiator cap on the header tank. This will also increase the volume of coolant that you will have

Keith

No worries Keith, after the last effort I made sure everything fitted before I started and there is plenty of clearance, part of the reason i'm happy to have the radiator that high is because when I researched these engines they said there was a problem with the radiators in the commodores being so low that the engines developed air pockets which caused the heads to crack.
              Pedro

Nice Grille  ;)

Dean.

Heres the diff saddles
because they are only short they will not need gussets also i make them now so they have to be welded all around as their is less chance of axle tube distortion.
So if you have not cut your axle tubes you will have to cut them so the go over the axle tube then just re weld them back together on there.



(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/20072010288.jpg)


(http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad278/fchoon/20072010288.jpg)


Pete

Excellent looking saddles, Pete.

I assume that they were cut on the water cutting machine?

Keith

Thanks Mate, great craftmanship as usual 8) 8), I reckon you'll get a few orders for them as they would have to be a lot safer than lowering blocks, just finished the radiator mounts and it even fits ;D ;D, the rear springs are in with new spring eye bolts, shackles and rubbers so i'll be starting on the diff tomorrow.
           Pedro
           

Yep good old water jet i love it makes life very easy.



Pete

Radiator mounts made, cleaned up and painted

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010834.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010835.jpg)

Starting on the diff today.
        Pedro

Dodgee bros diff shortening jig

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010837.jpg)


(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010839.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010840.jpg)

Diff shortened, easier job than I expected, axle even fits :o
          Pedro

So what axles did you end up using?

Saddles have left this morning in a bag so you should see them friday morning.

You almost seem surprised that it fits, Its really not that hard, just ensure measurements are spot on, and flanges are exactly square.... ;)

Keith

hi pete can you make me a set of saddle plates 60mm from diff to spring. and bottom plate 57mm wide flat piece to sit on spring. set up is for a vl commo diff for my fj holden diff  does not  have to be shorten . i dont need  the ones that fit over the tube. i will be using the u bolts from the 2 inch lowering blocks. i was going to use  2 inch lowering blocks but your way is better. also can you please pm me with a price. or do you have a number i can ring.cheers gary.    

I bought a short axle from the wreckers and cut down the long side to the same size as the short side, I won't know for sure until tomorrow when I get some new wheel bearings but according to my calculations I should end up with a total (axle face to axle face) width of 1.472 which should put the tyres just inside the guards with the 7" rims, thanks for making the saddles and sending them off so promtly 8) 8), in theory I should be pretty well finished the mechanicals and starting on panels by Monday.


With the way this build has gone so far Keith, I'm surprised that you're surprised that I'm surprised ::) that something went right for a change(so far) ??? ;D ;D
                        Pedro 

Doesnt that mean that your pinion is going to be offset so the diff wont be in the centre???


I suppose unis go on an angle up so they should go sideways.

It was offset before Pete with one side being longer than the other, now it's in the middle and I welded the floor in centrally so it "should" all line up, I just got back from town with the wheel bearings so once i've cleaned up the backing plates i'll fit them and give it all a trial assembly.
              Pedro

Fits inside the wheel arches nicely 8) 8), the tailshaft looks to be only slightly out of alignment although it's hard to tell until I get it shortened, there is some adjustment in the bracket on the centre bearing of the two piece tailshaft so I reckon I can even it out a bit more there.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010842.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010845.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010846.jpg)
           Pedro

it will be about 30mm offset cos of the pinion being offset in the pumpkin thats why you have 2 different axle lengths normally.


Unis run on an angle up down so im sure a little bit sideways aint gunna hurt.

Pedro,

I ran the 2 piece initially in the van and got severe vibration from it. Changed to a 1 piece and never looked back from there.

Will be running a 1 piece in the ute as well.

Cheers
JB

Thanks for the tip JB, what tailshaft did you use.
            Pedro

After I took that pic of the tailshaft I noticed the drivers side wheel had moved back about 50mm which makes things look worse, you can see it's not straight in the pic.
            Pedro

If you get all your angles the same relative to each other, you shouldn't get vibration.

A 1 piece tailshaft means less angles to deal with!

Using shims in the right places will usually correct any vibrations.

project is looking good Pedro.

Cheers

Ed

Thanks ED, feels good getting the old girl back on wheels again.

Saddles just arrived thanks Pete, the photo's didn't do them justice, the steel is thicker than it looks in the pics and they look even better in real life 8) 8)
       Pedro

6mm mild

good to hear.

Here's a pic of the old saddle so you can compare how much stronger Pete's are, diff done :) :)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010847.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010848.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010850.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010851.jpg)

              Pedro

They even look like they are meant to be there.

Brakes done, handbrake done, radiator hoses done, extractors modified, only the tailshaft left to do underneath now, time for some paint.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010856.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010854.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010855.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010857.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk227/Pedrosme/P1010858.jpg)

                        Pedro

Looks great Pedro.  That rear end does look the part. Like a bought one!

Regards


Wayne

Well done Pedro, Going great guns! Great to see it back on all four wheels, the rear looks great.

As you say, time for some paint! ;)

Keith

Great work Pedro is all the niki work done  ???...FC427.....