FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi all,

Introduce myself and my FC.
I have had this car since my 20's (now in my 40's) and I can say it. looked much better back in 1988.
It sat and did not much through late 90s and has pretty much sat in a shed rusting for the last 10 years.
(I actually lost it, but managed to locate it again .. a long story).  ???


(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9401.jpg) ($2)

Anyway I have arranged for it to be moved to be fully stripped and the body to be worked on.

Some other photos:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9397.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9402.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9404.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9408.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9406.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_9409.jpg) ($2)


I hope to keep everyone posted on its progress.

Cheers

John

Good luck with your project. Will it be stock or modified?

Hope it all goes to plan.

Regards

Wayne B

Well last Saturday was the day to start the project and get everything out of the body.
Everything was covered in 10 years of body workshop dust. I grabbed a trailer and took everything home.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/most%20of%20the%20bits%20out%20and%20dusted%20off...jpg) ($2)

with a good clean, some things didn't look as bad after first glances

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_4371.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_4373.jpg) ($2)


We did find 3 of these on the floor and a lot droppings to boot. Send in the fumigators! :o

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1078.jpg) ($2)

Nicely packed away in a box was the original manual and workshop manuals:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/manuals.jpg) ($2)

And that's where i found a weird coincidence. The original delivery date of the this FC was 8 Oct 1959 and I started the restoration project exactly 52 years later.
That must be an omen! ;D

Cheers

John

Cheers Wayne, thanks for the well wishes.

I am thinking i will keep it pretty close to stock.
Though I am considering putting a red motor init and thinking an auto trans on the tree might be nice.
Visually though pretty much stock.

Cheers

John

minor update.
cleaned out the inside and looks like it has minor rust in the floor


(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1098.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1099.jpg) ($2)

and thanks to this site, got hold off 4 clean doors:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1107.jpg) ($2)


Cheers

John

Nice clean doors John :)
Keep the pictures coming, its w
always a good method of keeping a record of the rebuild and I like looking at other people's build ;D
Nick

cheers Nick.
Exactly the way I see it.
A good online record with dates and potentially somewhere to ask questions.
The other stories here are amazing.

John

Your's is looking the part John. The doors look straight.

Im like you some of the builds are amazing.

Regards

Wayne b

bit more of an update for you

beginning to teardown the front end

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1118.jpg) ($2)


rubber coming off:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1125.jpg) ($2)

old doors off:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1126.jpg) ($2)


the stuff is beginning to pile up

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1140.jpg) ($2)


dash pretty bare:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1144.jpg) ($2)

next y frame off and engine out.

took the day off work last Thursday to get the engine out and get the body down to its shell under the leadership of Dave Pullman.
I seriously would be in lost with out his help, guidance and of course hard work.

Will be ready to send off to get media blasted shortly.

Engine about to come out:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1155.jpg) ($2)

One grey motor and gear box that will be up for sale soon enough:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1158.jpg) ($2)


Y-frames coming off:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1156.jpg) ($2)


Front end off and Y frames.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1159.jpg) ($2)



Final empty shell (Boot lid came off as well)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1160.jpg) ($2)


Dave is welding up a frame for sand blasting and repairs.

that all up to date for now

Cheers

John

John

Thanks for the update . Keep em coming.

Cheers

Craig D

Hi John, looks like your at about the same stage as mine (my fc rebuild) are you still keeping it stock apart from the red motor & auto.
All the best with it, Jim

Cheers Craig.

Jim, yeah much standard. Hopefully convinced Stinky to do my trim.
and will keep interior stock standard.

I am thinking of lowering it maybe an 1" - 1.5" just to give a bit more "mean-ness"  >:(

hope you are going well with yours!

Cheers

John

minor update
frame made to move around and roll on its side - well done Dave!
Rust in the front. Parts on order!
Off to Blaster in a week or so.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1178.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1172.jpg) ($2)


Rust in the front.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1176.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1177.jpg) ($2)

The car mover looks nifty. I'm glad I'm almost past the rust stage. Although I have learnt when it is stripped everything is repairable.

Hope it goes well, and the blast does not find any surprises.

Regards

Wayne b

Yeah Wayne looking to get passed this bit ASAP  :o

Though while there is a bit of rust to content with, overall the body is pretty neat, original paint and every bolt seemed to undo easily.

Cheers

John

"I have had this car since my 20's (now in my 40's) and I can say it. looked much better back in 1988."

And the above is the other reason why you are getting the dash surround - your ownership of the car reminds me so much of me and my wagon  ;D

Cheers, Graeme

Graeme , you are a gentleman and a scholar!

I am away at the moment on holiday in Paris (looking for rare Holden parts - no luck yet).
I did learn that citron actually means "lemon", but I could have told you that before I went  ;D

Word back home is "Bess" has been blasted and came up ok.

Pictures to follow as soon as I get back.

Cheers

John

G'day John,

Hope you are enjoying your travels. 

While you are in Paris, can have a look around for the wedding proposal my daughters partner was supposed to do when they were there in May.... I am sure he lost it there somewhere :-)

Cheers, Graeme

Graeme, I think I found it. Do u want me to bring it back for him?  ???
Or maybe you might prefer I drop it in the Sienne?

Cheers

John

Well back in Oz and a little update on the project.

Picked up a HR Front end with Discs:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/DSC00475.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/DSC00476.jpg) ($2)

seems pretty neat with new ball joints etc. Still want it painted so tossing up between spraying it assembled or pulling it all apart again and powder coating it.


Over Christmas had the body and other bits sand blasted and there wasn't TOO many surprises. Over all pretty pleased.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/under%20carriage.%20in%20reasonable%20nick.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/Floor.jpg) ($2)

floor has a little rust in front left.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1490.jpg) ($2)

front subframe member has some rust. but thanks to @wrangler, we all that sorted!  ;D

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/Front%20Subframe%20-%20rust%20in%20one%20of%20the%20main%20front%20subframe%20members.%20Luckily%20we%20have%20a%20replacement..jpg) ($2)

rust in the usual places

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/here%20is%20where%20most%20of%20the%20rust%20is%20...%20back%20quarter%20panels..jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/rear%20from%20below..jpg) ($2)

back quarters is where the rust is mostly. Does anyone know if you can get replacement panels for these boot extensions? ???

Also the spare wheel well seems to have a bit as well.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/spare%20wheel%20well..jpg) ($2)

Cheers

John

looking good John, glad to see the front end came out ok, there are rust repair sections for the lowe outer rear guards but haven't seen any for the inners. Have a look at my site and you'll see what I'm up against with rust, yours looks a lot better than mine around the front and mine looks better than yours in the rear so maybe we should do a cut and shunt and get one good car between us (only kidding). Now all the fun begins, finding or making sections that need repairing, good luck to both of us.
Good to have you back on board, Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim. You piece is gonna fit nicely and came up trumps as well.

anymore updates john ?

hey stapla..

slowly, slowly.. I was away.. Christmas and the good fella Dave who is the panel guru, has been busy on a project for Clipsal.

All going well though, collection of rust panels, spare parts and panels all ready for the repaired body.. ;D ;D

Still looking for parts, an engine and a gear box..

more photos soon

John

  What engine and gearbox are you after? Ive got a nice grey and 3 speed lol and a lump on my shin.
seriosly i have some 186's (not 186S) and trimatics.
 cheers
 Scott

I heard those "shin-boner" grey are awesome.  ::)

Might need to talk to you regarding red and trimatic and the workings...
I hope you do as good as your grey seller.  ;D

Cheers

John

A deal that is...

I have a VR V6 and box........

 I knew what you meant :o

small update:

Waiting for some packages to arrive from Keith in ACT, some rear panels to help with the rust in the back.

Spent a couple of hours on Saturday removing the front of an ek auto floor (well most watching Stinky remove it - thanks for grinder help). The part should fit in nicely.. Off to get it blasted.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1590.jpg) ($2)

Looks like a nice floor Stash

A better option than a hump if your starting from scratch

Thats if you can find one, where did you score it ???

I have one of these in my FC Standard Wagon and I'm on the look out for another

If anyone out there knows of, or has one of these, EK Hydra-matic front floor pan I'm a buyer

Gary

PS, sorry for hogging your thread Stash

From me!  ;D

Yep thanks Stinky  :)

Zulu, I just posted a request in parts wanted on be FB/Ek forum and our local Stinky kindly responded. Both forums seem to have people who are keen to help out.

John

Or it seems Zulu, you have already done this.
Ope you find one.

Cheers

John

well last week was floors.

This week was to start the process of paint removal of the panel.
With kids sport and other family duties, left me Sunday afternoon for some paint stripping fun.

some photos:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1602.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/before.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/After.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1606.jpg) ($2)

roof next...

thats it for now
Cheers John

Thanks for the pics John,nice progress.They look so cool in bare metal. 8)

the metal looks surpassingly good.  :-\

a bit of Easter weekend fun.
Cleaned up the old fuel tank.
Used the KBS fuel tank restorer on the inside. and the KBS Satin Chassis on the outside.
Top was pretty pitted, but won't be seen.
The bottom came up pretty good.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1649.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1650.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1652.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1669.jpg) ($2)

Tank looks great john  :)

Where did you get the KBS stuff from ?

Cheers Stewy   8)

Rare Spares  on South Road.

Or order direct from KBs website
http://www.kbs-coatings.com.au/

Hi John,

Looking like it is coming along quite nicely. Is that an XR GT in the background?

Dean.

Dean,

You mean the gold ford in the background?
Not sure of the model, never been a F#$d fan.
It is owned by another guy sharing the same premises.

Stewy, seem to have lost your Avatar or are you permanently  questioning yourself?  ;)

Cheers

John

I just put a new cover on FErgus for the winter, maybe its a cloak of invisibility  :D

I can still see my avatar but it does seem to disappear every now and then.  ???

Cheers Stewy   8)

its a Facebook book link Stewy, make sure the photo has public access permissions on it.
I think if we are not friends with you, we won't see it.

Cheers
John

Quick update:

Been working on my new EK Auto Steering column, cleaning it up (was filthy) and have started to begin with the repair
of the steering wheel. Epoxy putty and looking at either KBS BlackTop or 2-pac black.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1679.jpg) ($2)

http://www.kbs-coatings.com.au/kbs-blacktop-chassis-paint ($2)

Body work has been worked on by Dave.
Floor panel hand made! anyone want a RS floor panel?

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1712.jpg) ($2)

A Pillar work.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1715.jpg) ($2)

lastly got 2 headlight bowls out of this baby for the speakers.

(http://s17.postimage.org/ruwhdmquj/IMG_1688.jpg) ($2)

thats it for now.

John

  you were right about Daves floor repair looks good, some good progress there.

cheers
Scott

Cheers Scott.
Now we are trying to work out how to fit those outer sills.
The original ones from the top have a nice bow to them, the reproductions are dead straight.

Hi Stash,

Nice build so far.

To bow the sill, make a few pie cuts on the top and then slowly work the panel into the shape you need, being careful not to make any creases. it's a very gradual bow and most of the curve is under the B pillar.  the new sill panel will naturally fold there anyway if you leave some original metal there as a reference point.  see pic.


Judging by the rust work so far, you've got it sorted.

Cheers

Ed


(http://s13.postimage.org/l26xambj7/IMG_3075.jpg) ($2)

small update.. bit of primer gives a better indication of the floor.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1729.jpg) ($2)
ek floor hump and other bits off to the blasters.. more soon.

John

thanks the tips Ed.
I would love to find some NOS sills though..

Your making progress as well Stash. Good stuff.

Regards

Wayne b

small update.
Purchased some goodies ready to be recorded and eventually installed into a painted car.

Red motor ready to go off to reconners.. thanks Scott.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1766.jpg) ($2)


Holley Carb, you can see the growing amount of parts piling up in the background..   :-\

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1779.jpg) ($2)


EH Drum rear end.. another thanks Scotty. This guy needs to get cleaned up and painted.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1768.jpg) ($2)


A Datsun 200B Brake Booster and Commy Master cyclinder.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1666.jpg) ($2)
(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1665.jpg) ($2)

and while I am out finding and purchasing bits.
some progress has been made on the rust:

cut outs on the front subframe to get into nasty bits:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1732.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1733.jpg) ($2)


a nicely cleaned up extension panel..

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1730.jpg) ($2)


completed subframe... yeah!!!  ;D

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1762.jpg) ($2)


front of subframe all looking like it should.. What do you think Wrangler.. thanks again.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1761.jpg) ($2)

and a range of first assortments for the platers:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1786.jpg) ($2)


one question for everyone. What is the best way to restore these type of parts (rear suspension place).
Should i sandblast and paint with KBS/Por15 or plate first as they have a thread?

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1778.jpg) ($2)

any help would be appreciated...

John

Post them to me


I'll put new pins in if you want ?

Pete

John, the front end looks the goods, you would'nt know that it had been rust repaired. Hows the rest of the body going? I'll have to get some time to do a bit more to mine, it's been a struggle with work and home life to be able to get much done on the car, although I've been doing small things here and there, got the vn wiper motor sorted all the linkages are done. I wiil put some photos up next week so everone can look at how I did mine. A little different than the other conversions on the forum.
Regards Jim

thanks Jim. you can see how we joined your piece into place by splitting the member. It all fitted in beautifully and Dave did a great job.
I will post some photos next week. The ek tunnel is due to be put in and hopefully will look like it always belonged there.

Struggling with making sill extrusions look like the real thing and E-go losing some key panels has put me back.

Look forward to seeing the wiper conversion mark II.

John

That must be a real pain in the backside, not so much the money but the fact that those parts are hard to get in good order. Which sill parts are you having trouble with, if it's the front sections look back on my site and check out the photos that Glenn posted or if it's the inner sills I can ask the guy who did mine if he would do another set if you like.
Regards Jim

Great work John, when i get some spare time i would like to go through this thread from page 1

you're doin a great job.... keep it up mate, we're right behind you .. enjoying every step


FE 4 ME

Jim, yeah those parts were gold.!!. (thanks Keith for the effort)
will check your page and check on outer sills.

FE 4 ME thanks for the support..

John, only got the inner sills not the outers, I've got some old rares outers that go from bolt hole to rear dog leg.
Jim

Thanks Jim, I'll pm you.

Hi John,

You seem to be making good progress, don't forget to post a photo of all the shiny bits when they come back.

Dean.

John
Love your work (well you know what I mean) keep the photo's and updates coming.

Cheers Jim

i wish it was all mine Jim, but get your meaning.
  :D

some photos of "Bess" back in the eighties.

Looking some what better than today. But after we finish her she will be better than before.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/Bess%20looking%20better%20circa%201988.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/Oakbank.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/JCwithFC.jpg) ($2)

VERY KOOL PICS  im sure you must get a thrill and somewhat excited when you ponder on the finished product to be...and as you said even better  !

enjoy every part of your journey

thankx for posting more pics and a little retro look back at the history of this journey John


FE 4 ME

cheers FE 4 ME for the comments

back to present... EK auto floor fitting into "Bess"
I reckon it will be pretty seamless once finished.  :)

(http://s13.postimage.org/yndi0qdrb/IMG_1794.jpg)

John

G'day Stash, good old picks they bring back some good FC memories, you didn't happen to play the part of O'doyle in the back to the future movies when you were younger did you  ;).
    Pedro

O'Doyle or do you mean Biff Tannen.  ???
"what you looking at butt head?"  :P
Guy at work saw that photo and put a photo of Biff next to my office  ;D

Yeah was very into the 50s thing in my early 20s. hence the 59 FC.
All good fun.

John

PS Does photo of floor pan come through for everyone else?

That's it "Biff"  ;D , O'doyle was in an Adam Sandler movie I think.
                          Pedro

Works for me....... now  ;)


PS O'DOYLES RULE!!!!

Thanks Stinky not sure what happened..
Not bad tunnel eh?

That's the one I was thinking of Stinky, couldn't think of it last night but it was from Billy Madison where Adam Sandler goes back to school, very neat job on the floor pan Stash,
you know you've done a good job when it doesn't look like you've changed anything.
                   Pedro

floor tunnel complete. Just like a new one.. :D

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1799.jpg) ($2)

That looks good Stash, great way to go if you can lay your hands on an EK Auto front floor

Gary

Nice work Stash and as mentioned it's hard to tell what you've done,great job! :o

Can't claim any credit. My man Dave is the panel guru. But very happy man.

started pulling the seat apart this weekend.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1814.jpg) ($2)


all cleaned and ready for blasting:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1823.jpg) ($2)


3 broken "S" springs (well thats what i call them) explains a few things on the drivers seat.

thought this was a shame to chuck out. A bit of history

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1817.jpg) ($2)

Totally agree with the history bit  :)
Framed behind glass and straight to the pool room  :D

Cheers Stewy   8)

things still happening.
panel work has slowed a little and still trying to find rear panels and one nos sill.. now i have a passenger one ;D

Work on the 186 is well underway, here it is sitting in Scotty's back yard:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1766.jpg) ($2)


stripped, dipped and clipped (well machined)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1843.jpg) ($2)



all new everything, cylinders, cam, gears, valves etc etc.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1872.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1847.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1848.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1849.jpg) ($2)

some parts now to add to it:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1883.jpg) ($2)


and some more work on the rear quarter.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1885.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1940.jpg) ($2)


if any one is after the top part, pm me.
in perfect nick, surface rust only..

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/54dcbd43.jpg) ($2)

Looking good Stash.Is that a new fuel pump?If so where did you buy it.I had trouble with mine so put a blue motor pump on for the time being but doesn't look the part.All the red motor ones I had were chewed out cause they had water in them. :-[

Thanks TTV6FC, yeah new fuel pump of the old EBay mate...

bought from this guy:

Ebay Item # 251030359791

At least you have been able to get some work done, I've been cleaned up with the flu for the last week and haven't had much other time to do much of anything, although I managed to score some dragways. They need a clean up and rechrome, but that will come later on.
Keep up the progress and keep the photos coming.
Regards Jim

Stash love the shiny new bits. Looks like great progress.

Hopefully you can find those missing bits.

Regards

Wayne b

Wayne, I think the missing bits have gone to some FC fanatic.
Such is life. Keep things moving in small steps.

 So when its ready, do you plan to mosey on over in the audi and chuck it in the boot too  :o :o ;D, or lay the seat forward and use the rear seat. just interested thats all.

Scott

Very good Scotty  :D
I was thinking of replacing the V6 with the standard red and put the german beast in the FC... Not.

Seriously, John is happy to deliver to a workshop. Have engine stand ready.

Stash

sorry to hear you're crook Jim.
that time of the year though.. cold in these neck of the woods.

John, I've sent you a pm regarding the front vent opening.
Regards Jim

thanks Jim.

engine is all finished with  the internal rebuild, now time to add all the bits on to it and get it ready for firing up

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1905.jpg) ($2)

I picked this up on the bay and will replace the old chromed rusty one:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1964.jpg) ($2)

EH diff has been stripped and ready for a dipping and rebuild:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1959.jpg) ($2)

special thanks to Jim (wrangler) for cutting out this piece. We will seen this blend into the body shortly.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1961.jpg) ($2)

stuff back from powder coaters including the seat frames:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1963.jpg) ($2)

they even fixed and replace 3 springs.
So next stop is to take them to Stinky.. ::)

Will they fit in the back of the Audi ?  :D :D

engine coming together, looking good

cheers Stewy   8)

Good call on powdercoating the seat frames. They look grat. Making progress.

Regards

Wayne b

they came up great wayne.

Jeff, the diff has made an appearance in the audi, but that is it.
now, no more audi jokes.. :-\

Hey John, good to see some more progress, hope the vent works out alright. I did the same with my seat frames, made one good one out of two, then sanded, metal preped and painted them with GMH black I'll have to post some more shots of the little things that get done when The big things get a bit to much.
Regards Jim

thanks Jim,

get some photos up so we can all see!

Update:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_1962.jpg) ($2)


I have managed to get hold of a NOS sill panel (passenger side).
I am now looking for a drivers one to match (even another passenger will do). I want to do this body right, so i am hoping there is one out there that someone is happy to part with.  ??? ??? ;D

I am also look for some rear panel bits and pieces:
http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,21741.0.html ($2)

Any help will be appreciated.

Due to pickup some plating bits this week, so hopefully an update on the weekend.

John

small update:

I have managed to get hold of L & R NOS Sills!!!, and A good forum lad is parting with a spare wheel well, so i am a very happy camper..   ;D ;D ;D

Still need a rear boot panel (the one with the petrol cap hole), so any ideas would be great. I might need to go looking at wreckers.

thanks to Jim, the new vent/plenum has been fited. front is new, rear (towards windscreen) original.

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/6D5412FF-FF4D-409F-BE48-9AE28481C9A3-13801-00000AEE1139758C.jpg) ($2)


and thanks to the forum, my front speaker mounts are being put into place on the firewall:

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_2060.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/Stash1966/bess800s/IMG_2063.jpg) ($2)


photos of sills to come, once they are back from the blasters.

Stash.

Those speaker buckets are a great idea hey Stash, I saw them on here and pinched the idea too, think i'll have to call the old girl maddonna now though ;D ;D
             Pedro

i did say to my mate that "Bess" now has boobs.  ;D

Quick updates, after a 2 year hiatus and a move to Sydney.
"Bess" is back on the radar.

Apologies for being offline.

Stash.

More to come...

Not many old pics working. Perhaps use tapatalk and upload a heap of photos again to jog our memory. Great to see you coming back!

Glad to hear it Stash

Scott

Welcome back Stash

I am sure there will be a few people out the keen to see Bess again after a 2 year wait.

Cheers Jim

C'mon, we want those pics. I was visualising all sorts of weird things last night 😚

Welcome back Stash, glad to hear all is good and Bess is back on the hit list. 

I finally got mine on the road (Finally underway again........)

Look forward to seeing more of yours  :)

Cheers, Graeme

Welcome back Stash sometimes a break is good to get the juices flowing again I just got mine registered a couple of months ago after a 14 year build keep going it pays off in the long run.

Regards
Neil H

Old pics are all fixed. Now onwards and upwards

Hey stash love the build mate and I'm not sure if it was my wheel well or someone else's cheers Frankie

Frankie - thanks mate.
Not sure about wheel well - will check

Good to meet some of the NSW Members tonight at Meguiars - as a new member.

Update:

Finally after 2 years of ZERO activity, the car has been cleaned and moved to get the final body work done.
Before this can be done, we need to fit the front end and place engine in so, we can check on engine mount placement on front and on the trimatic end.

On the move
(https://s8.postimg.org/ghlu2ldqt/IMG_2261.jpg)

On the hoist
(https://s8.postimg.org/urvee2u39/IMG_2264.jpg)

Front end fitted
(https://s8.postimg.org/wmcu9k6hh/IMG_2270.jpg)

You can see why i need a rear boot panel and rear quarter. The car was rear ended back in my youth.
(https://s14.postimg.org/fmdh2jsnl/IMG_2262.jpg) (https://s14.postimg.org/75dyrmnyp/IMG_2263.jpg) (https://s14.postimg.org/g1oqvkekx/IMG_2267.jpg)


And @Stinky now has the seat frames and looking to do something pretty special there.


Lastly, are the bolt heads on the HR axle meant to be different heights?
(https://s8.postimg.org/oi4q4tk2d/IMG_2271.jpg)

Good to have it underway again.

///Stash

Stash,

The way you have the steering arms bolted on is not quite right.  Classically, with HR stub axles, the bolts go through from the inboard side, through the steering arm and thread into the stub axle.  Also, do you have the original HR dust shield/backing plates?  The stub axles and steering arms are machined with the backing plate in mind.  There's a tab on the backing plate which slips in between the stub axle and the steering arm at the rear bolt.  Plus, the brake hose bracket is attached at the rear steering arm bolt.  The layout of the components is -

At the front steering arm bolt: bolt head - spring washer - steering arm - stub axle.  Bolt screws into the stub axle.  No nut.
At the rear steering arm bolt: bolt head - spring washer - brake hose attaching bracket - steering arm - locating tab on brake backing plate - stub axle.  Bolt screws into the stub axle.  No nut.

If you have bolt heads on the outboard side of the stub axle, they'll probably foul on the inner surface of the brake disc.

Rob
Rob

Awesome Rob - thank you.. :)

We were looking at this yesterday confused as we knew something was wrong.
I had originally purchased this front end from someone else.
The locating bracket on the plate had push closed against the plate.

We soon worked out these brackets needed to be re-bent into shape.

thanks again..

Stash

Great to see your back at it Stash

Regards
Neil H

Hey Rob.

I looked at the steering arm mounting holes and there is no thread in there.
Any ideas?

(https://s13.postimg.org/pr7l87i6v/IMG_2302.jpg)


Worked on rebuilding the steering box today

(https://s23.postimg.org/6e3bsgl6z/IMG_2305.jpg)



Lastly, with an EH Diff do i need to move the pipe connection bracket over to the right?

(https://s8.postimg.org/y43y65wl1/IMG_2306.jpg)

more tomorrow...

Update  29 March 2017

Test fitted the new refurbished EK steering column.

(https://s15.postimg.org/p0ok17duz/IMG_2308.jpg)



Placing of new engine mounting brackets thanks to @FCHOON

(https://s15.postimg.org/g4drx9n8r/IMG_2307.jpg)

(https://s15.postimg.org/m95aalfcb/IMG_2312.jpg)



Test fitting engine and trans

(https://s15.postimg.org/e4x65usx7/IMG_2313.jpg)

(https://s15.postimg.org/eiyi5gd0r/IMG_2314.jpg)

(https://s15.postimg.org/63dj1ozjf/IMG_2320.jpg)

Now a bracket is being made to hold the rear engine/trans mount

(https://s10.postimg.org/wvutg8tih/IMG_2315.jpg)

Once all that is done, Engine, trans, steering and front end will be removed, go back to temp storage and body work will be finished and painted.
cheers

John

Hey Stash
The EK auto tunnel got my attention. Is that a pre-commodore trimatic behind the 186? I have the same setup in mind for my EK van so I'm interested in how you deal with the rear mount. Previously I've used a cut down HQ-Z rear x-member with modified manual floor pan.
I ran EH rear in my EK 215 sedan. Relocated the brake hose mount to adjacent the inner u-bolt, drivers side as per stock axle setup. I used the EH bump stops but they chopped out as I left the original mount bolts in the chassis. One of the bolt heads lined up with the top of the EH stop. This time I thought I would use the original bump stops and weld the plates from original axle housing on to the EH housing.
Keep up the good work and informative posts.
Cheers
Clay


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Clay,

Correct with the pre-commodore.
I think the HQ cross member is a common solution and Ken has a good example in the forum if you search.
As the car is currently in a small engineering workshop in Adelaide, the guys are making up a custom piece.
Their only concern was that they preferred to bolt the piece through the other members rather than bolt it vertically.
When i have the piece, i will throw it up here.

I have an EH rear - I need to move the brake hose mount.
I will have to look at what we do with the bump stops.

Cheers

Stash

👍👍


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stash,

Sorry for not replying earlier - been overseas.  You asked about the bolt holes for the steering arms.
I looked at the photos of the stub axles, and I think they're Torana, not HR.
Briefly, Torana stub axles have a 3/4" UNF thread for the adjuster nut and the holes for the steering arms are plain, HR stub axles have a 5/8" UNF thread and the holes for the steering arms are threaded.
Gotcha Warning: Torana stub axles have a higher steering axis inclination than HR, meaning you'll have to use more shims on the upper control arm shafts to achieve zero camber (upper control arms may foul on the subframe).

It may be worth your while chasing down a pair of HR stub axles.

Rob

Rob, would this explain the HT rims hitting the top grease nipple?

Stash,

No, the HT-rims-hitting-the-top-grease-nipple problem is caused by incompatible offsets between the HR hubs and the HT rims.

I had an HD X2 which I set up with HR steering knuckles, LJ XU-1 discs, calipers and hubs*, and 6x14" HT rims, and it all worked out fine.

I would suggest, since you have the HT rims and Torana steering knuckles, that you go to LC-LJ front discs and calipers.  These come in two flavours: 1/2" thick discs and 5/8" thick discs.  The thicker discs were fitted to the XU-1s.

Now, as far as parts compatibility is concerned - LC-LJ hubs are the same as HK-T-G hubs.  HK (all), HT (6-cyl) front discs are 1/2" thick; HT (V8), HG (all) front discs are 5/8" thick.  LC-LJ (non-XU-1), HK (all), HT (6-cyl) calipers interchange, as the brake discs are 1/2" thick.  LC-LJ (XU-1), HT (V8), HG (all) calipers interchange, as the brake discs are 5/8" thick.  The difference between the two series of calipers is that the calipers for 5/8" brake discs have a 1/8" thick spacer between the two halves of the caliper. Oh, and the 5/8" thick front brakes also have a 1/16" thick spacer between the caliper and steering knuckle to centre the caliper correctly on the disc.

But - HK-T-G front discs are larger in diameter than LC-LJ front discs, and so HK-T-G steering knuckles are quite different from LC-LJ steering knuckles.

*Rather than pay the premium price for "genuine" XU-1 hardware, I went down to my local wreckers and bought a pair of HG front calipers and any old HK-T-G discs and hubs.  I then bought a pair of replacement XU-1 discs and bolted them onto the HK-T-G front hubs.

Find someone who's wrecking an HG with disc brakes, and buy the front brakes complete.  I can give you the numbers of two "private" HK-T-G wreckers if you'd like.  Change the front discs over to XU-1, ditch the HK-T-G backing plates, and you're in business (except that you'll need to get custom front brake hoses made up to suit the FC's brake pipes).

Rob

too good Rob

New rear mount bracket for the trimatic has been fabricated. (Clay you might be interested in this)
Each end fits over car frame with bolts going through sides rather than vertical.
The guys at Simax, welded tube in the holes in the members on the car, to stop them being crushed when tightened and having more support for the bolts.

(https://s7.postimg.org/cu6lrytdn/fullsizeoutput_37d1.jpg)

(https://s7.postimg.org/m38s2329j/IMG_2374.jpg) ($2)  (https://s7.postimg.org/t7qlb49iv/fullsizeoutput_37d0.jpg) ($2)  (https://s7.postimg.org/3q86rirsn/IMG_2380.jpg) ($2)

(https://s21.postimg.org/p79bmcqtj/fullsizeoutput_37cd.jpg)

After trial fit of engine, trans, we have welded in new engine mounts.
Spent wednesday, pulling apart the front end to get powder coated.
(photo - pre ball joints removed)

Not sure whether this should be a separate post or just keep it in my "under construction" page.
I decided on the latter.

Question for everyone and particlularly Rob:
Can any confirm these steering arms and stub axles?

Arms

---

(https://s17.postimg.org/tqtngoikb/fullsizeoutput_37c5.jpg) ($2)(https://s17.postimg.org/rkzcm6f3v/fullsizeoutput_37c4.jpg) ($2)(https://s17.postimg.org/rawfgkpvf/fullsizeoutput_37c6.jpg) ($2)


Axles

---

(https://s17.postimg.org/d5qmergu3/fullsizeoutput_37c7.jpg) ($2)(https://s17.postimg.org/s2z3fru2j/fullsizeoutput_37c8.jpg) ($2)

(https://s17.postimg.org/vb3kstgcb/fullsizeoutput_37c9.jpg) ($2)(https://s17.postimg.org/yx9e5gmpn/fullsizeoutput_37cb.jpg) ($2)(https://s17.postimg.org/6lnu8f2t7/fullsizeoutput_37cc.jpg) ($2)

Hi Stash,

I've got a HR disc brake front end with the same numbers as you for the steering arms.  I can't see a number on my stub axles in the same place as yours, but after a bit of Googling, I suspect yours are UC Torana - can't be certain, though.  Here's a link to an eBay add for UC Torana axles in which you can just see the number if you zoom in: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281470327869

Cheers,

John

👍 thanks Stash
Cheers
Clay


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stash,

I agree with John.

Your steering arms are HR, so are the backing plates.  But the stub axles are definitely Torana, and later than LC-LJ.

Rob

thanks guys and Rob - pretty much confirms what you said before.

Current breakdown:

• Steering Arms - HR
• Backing plates - HR
• Hubs - HR
• Stub Axles - Torana
• Discs - to be confirmed
• Callipers - HR (i think)

I will measure disc width to check.

So sounds like all i need based on your advice Rob is:

• to get some HK-T-G hubs.
• possibly need new discs, callipers and pads

thanks again..I wish i could remember where/who i got the front end from ???

just found old email.

rotors/discs are also HR.
so XU-1 discs here we come :-)

Stash,

Or you can use LC-LJ (disc) hubs if there are any.

Now, I've got a pair of UC Torana front calipers I bought in the mid 90s when I was toying with the idea of substituting them for the awful LX calipers on my HD X2.  The UC calipers suit LH-UC front discs.  I never got to the stage of setting them up on my HR front suspension to see whether they foul on the crossmember at full lock.  It was about at this stage that I said to myself, "stuff it, just go XU-1 front brakes."

One thing I didn't mention is that it definitely helps to track down the original stainless dust covers, anti-squeal shims and anti-rattle springs for the K-T-G-LC-LJ front calipers.  They tended to last until about the first pad change in service, and then got thrown away.  Which is a shame, because they do stop pad rattle and squeal.

Rob

I had UC calipers on my FE with HR front end and CRS dropped spindles. I used matching UC rotors.
The calipers did foul on the crossmember. After a little grinding on the top wishbone, all was good and I was really happy with the brakes.

Ken

thank Ken...we will see how we go.

Rob, I probably owe you a beer or two.
Hope to see you at the next NSW Club Meeting.

hi all,

It has been a while, so I thought I would write an update.

Since moving to Sydney, the project has taken a lot longer than I would have liked.
Logistically it became very hard to keep momentum and then it didn't help that the guy doing my panel beating could no longer work on the car due to other commitments.
We tried another repair shop, but there was no plan and I ended up getting frustrated paying $$ with no end in sight.
So we pulled the pin and the car has been in storage for the last 6 months.

Thanks to some recommendations from members here, I have now moved the body to Brett @ Concours & Custom Restorations and looking forward to getting the body finished and seeing some paint on it.

We have progressed at little:
- we fitted the trans and engine and did a trial fit, so we could make up a cross brace to hold the rear of the trans.
- I rebuilt the steering column (EK) all new bearings, bushes etc.
- pull apart the HR Front end and got it all powder coated


I still after some panels, which I posted in PARTS WANTED.
http://forum.fefcholden.club/index.php?topic=27826.0

If anyone could help, that would be great.



Stash

*Note - This is my second attempt writing this. I just wrote an update here and wouldn't let me publish and then lost the lot!!

(https://i.postimg.cc/D4VQLrvd/IMG-2313.jpg) ($2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zvr8cW0k/IMG-2376.jpg) ($2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qzTX7xZp/IMG-2382.jpg) ($2)