FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Finally picked up my ute today, my first FC and I'm bloody happy about it!
 The ute is straight as a die, all rust has been removed and ready for paint. Also has a rebuilt 138, still yet to be fired up and brand new seat trim, door trims and headlining.
Still to be done are paint, brake lines, clutch pedal and windscreen/ door rubbers. Also have a set of 15" centrelines to go on (hope they fit).
 Cheers, Matt.
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401530-2/feb+11+438.jpg)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401534-2/feb+11+439.jpg)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401537-2/feb+11+440.jpg)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401540-2/feb+11+441.jpg)

Nice Ute Matt what is its history .....FC427......

Absolute ripper!

I'm not really sure of it's history mate, I bought it off a friend who's had it sitting in his shed for about five years. I also know that he bought it off of his brother who pretty much did the same! I do know that it was last registered in 2001 and that the guy who owned it at the time drove it everywhere so its in pretty good nick considering.
 Cheers, Matt.

Update number 1- New shoes for the old girl
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401640-2/001.JPG)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/401643-2/002.JPG)

Nice, I love those old Dragway Centerlines.

Someone must have loved pearl at some stage looking good.

Another update; After about a week of rubbing,(my arms are just about knackered!), finally got primer on and painted inside doors etc. Colour is going to be India Ivory.
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408554-1/april+11+036.JPG)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408557-2/april+11+037.JPG)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408560-2/april+11+038.JPG)

Looking good Matt! Great progress shots. :)

Regards

Wayne B

Hi Matt,

Looks a cool 8) cruiser, love those wheels.

Dean.

Thanks Fellas! Had a day off today, but tommorrow I start bloody rubbing it down AGAIN, ready for top coat which I hope to get done in the next 2-3 days. More pics when it's done.

Geez that looks nice & straight. Can't wait to see more pics  Dave

Finished rubbing down the primer, ready for topcoat. Now to start masking up, AGAIN, only thing that p*sses me off more than rubbing!
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408710-1/001_001.JPG)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408713-2/002_001.JPG)

Hey Matt, that looks the same colour as my ute. maybe mine is just shiney primer. Yours is looking good, keep the photos coming.


regards
Matt

Cheers Matt! Love your ute as well. Maybe we should start an FC ute owners named Matt club!!

First coat of colour on, not real happy, way too much overspray everywhere >:(
More bloody rubbing tomorrow :'(
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/408775-1/003.JPG)

Hi Matt,

Ute is looking good.  I bet you can't wait to get it back on the road.

I've too got a FC in SA.  Its a sedan with 2 tone grey - dark primer and light primer ;)

Peter.

Looking good to me mate, wish I had the courage to do the same to my car! maybe after I pluck up the courage to take a grinder to it and fix the rust first...

Hey Oggz, the best way to learn is to have a go. This is only the second car I've ever painted, the best thing about the first one was learning all the things NOT to do next time!
Anyway, another update, laid down another 2 coats on the weekend, different gun, coming out MUCH better. Even got a bit of gloss of the gun!
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/409358-2/001_002.JPG)
(http://gallery.oldholden.com/d/409361-2/002_002.JPG)
Might put on another coat or 2 next weekend and that should be enough I reckon. Then to start putting her back together again. With the cooler weather, I might wait a couple of months before breaking out the buff.
Cheers, Matt.

Or Oggz, you could just decide to paint a Gloss Black as your first car like I did...What the hell was I thinking!!!!Looks great Matt.Good idea to let it sit for a while before you block and buff.Jamie.

Matt

Good work! ;) Looks great.

I am happy doing the welding jobs but painting is probably a bit beyond my patience levels.

Can you let me know what size tyres are on those centrelines?

Cheers

Craig D

Hmm, I reckon it's the other way round, welding's body panels has got to be the most frustrating thing a man can do! I'm at work at the moment, I'll get the tyre sizes for you when I get home.
Cheers, Matt.

Hey Craig, front tyres are 205/50 15's and rears are 225/50 15's.
Matt.

Thanks Matt

I have a set of Cragar Eliminators 15x 7 and have 215 60 that are a little too large for the front.

Cheers

Craig

Progress!! ;D ;D
Been a long time between updates but I haven't been completely idle.
Since the last update I have;
 - completely re-wired the whole car with a brand new loom from Vinwire, brilliant product that even a complete electrical dunce like myself could work out.

- new interior, head linings,carpet etc.

 - and today, refitted both windscreens with new rubbers. Easier than I thought, even hit them with the hose after and no leaks! Rapt ;D 
 

Anyhow, here's how she looks now;
(http://i.imgur.com/ZwecaSj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/V9xX4TK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ZxNIGmG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tYBcuDy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ub10oe2.jpg)

Almost onto the home straight now, just need to rebuild the entire braking system and fire the rebuilt motor for the first time, hopefully it runs :-\

Looking really good Matt.  Any tips for a first time painter..... :-)

Matt

Your work looks great.
Good to see it finished
Cheers
Craig D

If you're not after a show car finish, just give it a go. Get yourself a scrapped panel from somewhere and practise, playing around with pressures and settings until you're happy. Remember it's only paint, if you stuff it up, let it dry, rub it back and try again.
Another thing, Youtube is your friend! There are some great learning videos (some complete crap as well) that can demonstrate far better than reading books can. Even today when I fitted the windscreens, I must have watched at least a dozen videos showing how it's done, giving me the confidence to have a go. My thinking was, if I can't do it, I get a pro. If I can do it, I've just saved myself $300. Easy! ;)

Looks great in white, nice and clean for a ute!

Thanks Matt, that was going to be my approach.  It's only paint after all and if I stuff it up, then will rub it back and start again.  Certainly not looking for a show finish, this is my every day driver  :)

Clean looking Ute.

This ute looks great, love the stance!