FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I did a small intro of my FE Standard Sedan over in the members area. (Black 57)
Well, it's been a long time coming but finally I am ready to start transforming my hidden treasure into something I can drive again, rather than just talk and reminisce.
The problem I have, and the cause of all my delays, is the age long dilemma, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH IT?!?!
I’ve spent years trying to decide if I go all original, all custom, all retro, big red six, little grey six, plastic V6, 4cyl turbo, V8 injected, blah blah blah.
I could wax on forever about the different choices I’ve looked at, settled on, and then thanked god I didn’t follow through with.
The favours I’ve lined up and dropped at the last minute, the stuff I’ve bought to fit, then sold, usually at a loss, because I changed my mind.
The never ending search to stock up on ‘everything’ just in case you decide to go that way..
I’m sure most of you know what I mean.

Well, I have decided I can’t wait forever for the perfect answer to fall in my lap. It’s time to act.
I’ve had purists tell me to spend $20k and make her all original. I’ve had Hot Rod mates tell me to make an ‘off its guts’ style custom, that barely holds on to its roots. I’m really not keen on either, or being shoeboxed into any category in between, so I’m doing what I need to get her back on the road, and I’m doing it my way. It’s not a restoration, it’s not a customization, it’s not even a RatRodization. It’s just a mixture of stuff I want to do…and isn’t that what it’s all about at the end of the day!

I have a whiteboard in my garage next to my sink. This is where I have been writing down my list of goals with my FE…..it is now blank. In a fit of frustration I wiped it clean and I am doing this project going by the way I feel at each point I reach.
I have no real idea of what I want to achieve, or how I want her to look. You may think that is crazy and naive, but I never had a plan when I was young, and those were the best days of my life, driving some of the coolest cars I’ve ever owned. I’m making this about the journey not the destination, and every time I feel I’m losing sight of what I am trying to achieve, I will come back to this post and remind myself that I can’t see what I want to achieve because I am trying really hard not to look that far ahead. I'm hoping you guys will help me if I accidently stray back ON the path.

I’ll post as often as I can, and I have also just started a twitter account 'FERatRod' and will be posting there often, as it’s easy from the phone.

But seriously, I'm hoping you guys will help me if I get a bit stuck here and there.

Wish me luck guys.

Pinky.

Can someone please explain how I add a pic to my reply...LOL
I press the little 'insert image' button and I just get this (http://) in my text. How do I go browse and add an image?

With no plans, all I can say is good luck!!

You are correct though, it is yours and you do with it as you wish.
I hope you find a starting point.

JB

Black57,

once you hit "Add image to post" there is a box where it says browse,
click browse,

this will open a box in your puter, choose from there go to the place where you store your pictures on your puter,
 
click twice on the picture you want, and it's url or code should appear in the insert image window,then hit upload it

good luck

Thanks JB. I'll be right. I have a clue about some of the things I want to do, I'm not going to do anything silly like a 454 convertible with a drum brake king pin front. I know the right and wrong way to do most things. This is more about style than anything. I just have a happy medium of things I want to do rather than go completely one way or the other.

Pinky.

Thanks Zulu, call me dumb, but I can't find the link that says "Add image to post". I found the button that says "Insert Image" but I just get a set of brackets. Once I have the brackets, I still can't find a way to add an image. What am I missing??

  Its an FE thats all that matters ;D, i love beaters and rats your way or no way. Good luck and most importantly have fun ding it.

 The "add image to post" is a black dot only seen by club members,  you can find instruction at the top of members cars section.

heres one i prepared earlier
(http://s15.postimage.org/fo1xno9zr/29_1_11138.jpg) ($2)

cheers
Scott

Cool ride. Thanks for the encouragement Collecta.

AAHH....well, there you go. I'm not a club member. Ain't never been asked....

For a minute I thought I was loosin it!

Pinky.

Well,

Thought I would start with the brakes...somehow I feel stopping is more important than going...

A couple of years ago after moving the car around in the shed a bit, I found a massive pool of brake fluid on the floor. I figured rats had a chewed a line or something just gave out..one of those 'I'll get to it later' jobs.
Well, I pulled all the wheels off and to my surprise the left front was missing it's drum. I guess I must have forgotten about it and hit the brakes at some time, popping the piston out of the cylinder and causing the leek.


(http://s17.postimage.org/gvq62bi97/IMG_0739.jpg) ($2)

Good luck Pinky.

Its a great ride.

Regards

Wayne b

Well it's been a few weeks since I've posted anything, what with a motor swap in my Hiace setting me back a week, an explosive amount of work coming in, and a weeks holiday in New Zealand. I'm surprised I got anyhing done at all, but here's a little bit of an update.

All brakes, including hoses, have been replaced and just need to be bled right through.
All suspension rubber has been replaced, and everything greased.
The rear has been lowered 2" and new shackle bushes fitted.
The front lowered 1.5".

Lots of goodies are sitting at the powdercoater waiting for me too.

I test fitted some 15x6 rims from Ajax the other week and they seem to have heaps of clearance so that's what will end up on there in a month or so.

(http://s8.postimage.org/v9nhda93l/IMG_0888.jpg) ($2)

(http://s12.postimage.org/it7u5mnwp/IMG_0890.jpg) ($2)

(http://s16.postimage.org/z51kxozc1/IMG_0894.jpg) ($2)

And with these caps for the front, and the same for the rear but with the original centres so they clear the cruzin skirts.

(http://s12.postimage.org/wquloobd5/IMG_0880.jpg) ($2)

I was getting ready to give the undercoat a bit of a rub and spray, when I discovered this EVERYWHERE!

(http://s16.postimage.org/8hod6s82p/IMG_0741.jpg) ($2)

All the horizontal services, tops of guards, boot, bonnet, roof etc. Not surprised considering she's been about 5 years in undercoat. At least she has never seen weather since the day she was sprayed.
So half the car has gone back to bare metal, major setback, but nearly everything is back in clean undercoat and ready for paint. 1 last going over in a couple of weeks and I can start laying down some coats of beautiful flat black.

This weekend the interior comes out and my brother-in-law will start the retrim. I've already settled on and purchased the material, and we are putting a few days aside over the next week or 2 to get it sorted, so interior SOULD be back in pretty quick.

Motor is purring like a pussycat, and gearbox is solid, so nothing really to do there except the new exhaust to suit the new extractors.

There's a bit of play in one of the kingpins, so I'll see how that is once she is back on the ground.

So I'm getting there. My goal is the end of the year, but it's moving a lot quicker than I expected. My industry (glass pool fencing) goes mental from about October till January, so if I can get it on the road by September (fingers crossed) that would be heaven. I'm not expecting too much but at the same time I'm trying not to let anyhing slow me down too much.

I haven't been taking as many photos as I should as I'm usually going flat out and have my hands full, but I'll have to make more of an effort.

Now the only thing stopping me was me being silly enough to bring on another project. A 2 tone blue FC Special. (sshh..don't tell the wife, it's a surprise), but I'll start a new thread for that one when I get her started.

BTW,

Just playing with ideas and this combo is looking pretty good....

(http://s13.postimage.org/94917keo3/IMG_0773.jpg) ($2)

Not sure if I'll go that way, but I am leaning towards it.

I'll update you with more when I can.

Pinky.

Dam those interwebs

Well, there was a hold up on the interior due to my Brother-in-laws work load, but when you're getting something pretty much for free it's best not to grumble.

Anyway here are a few pics of the old seats and door trims.

(http://s17.postimage.org/5yvqg0sdn/IMG_1343.jpg) ($2)

(http://s13.postimage.org/uawne6y1v/IMG_1346.jpg) ($2)

(http://s11.postimage.org/5ecua89un/IMG_1353.jpg) ($2)

And a start on the new door cards.

(http://s10.postimage.org/m3dbg73vp/IMG_1354.jpg) ($2)

And a quick stitch test of the new material to see how thick I want to pad it...no prizes for guessing the new colour...

(http://s9.postimage.org/8erfplkzv/IMG_1357.jpg) ($2)

More when it happens.

Pinky.

Hi all,

Well, in case anyone was wondering where I disappeared to, I bought a 1976 RA23 Celica in August for my son. I stripped it down, bare metal respray, new interior and lots of other stuff. It went for its road worthy today, and with a few small items to sort out in the morning it should be registered tomorrow. I've also bought and been working on a triumph convertible and 3 other Celicas, built and flipped a v-twin Honda, renovated my mums kitchen, built a shed, and god knows what else. What a year!

So I'm surprising my son with the Celica on Sunday at the classic Toyota show, and then the garage is empty again. So sometime in the next week or 2 the FE comes home and we're back on track.

I'll start updating again as it moves along.

Pinky.

Brown?

Ok,

So the Celica is gone. Now the Triumph goes into the garage to have it's new interior fitted, a quick tidy up all round and then it'll be back out to the carport and under wraps ready for cruising the warmer months.
I'm aiming the have the Fe out of storage and home by the 5th August...we'll see!

Pinky.

Ive been a sleeper on this thread, I look forward to your ideas.

You could go for this kind of look. .
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/goa350/IMG_0080.jpg) ($2)
At least you can take it to the shops and not worry too much about it. I have had so much fun in this car and it has taken me all over this country already.


Or this kind of look
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/goa350/GranyaBlock011.jpg) ($2)
This car has also given me enormous enjoyment and fulfilment and is always driven, but I always worry where I take it. I have gotten better but still.
This is my pride and joy.

That is stunning (IMO) That's similar to what I have in mind for mine (especially when I squint!). I'll be doing white roof, very light tan colour for body, with white steel wheels and no hubcaps for the old stocker look. Martyn

I love the humble yet old skool cool look you can get with the FE but I think too much accessorizing detracts from an FE. I even really like some photo shop type things I have done to make the bumpers the same colour as the body whilst keeping the light chromed. A lot of people don't like painted bumpers but it can actually improve the dimensional look at the front (IMO). I really love the FE GAO350.

Let me know if u want me to remove these (cos its a build page) but I just did these quickly (not best quality but its late) to show you the jist on a few fe's with painted bumpers of same colour.

(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/fewithrb40/finishedgao.jpg) ($2)
(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/fewithrb40/47293370b727f70c49dd20046b706a90.jpg) ($2)

Im no artist thats for sure  :-\ but this is what it would look like with a big ass integrated splitter. The shape needs some work though.

(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x448/fewithrb40/finishedgao-1version2.jpg) ($2)

http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,23132.20.html

Ok, so I'm back again...
As always the FE gets put on hold for other projects. I've spent the last year or so cruising around in a Mercedes 450 SLC.
I've now sold that on and I'm starting on my Holdens. Unfortunately the FE is still 3rd or 4th on the list but I'll get there eventually.
These days I'm cruising around in my HR Prem, and I'm scrapping knuckles on my EJ Prem. As soon as that's finished I'll either be starting the FC custom for the missus, or the black FE. I'll decide which when the time comes. In the meantime I'm just slowly gathering parts...

Wow. Just looking back through this thread. Man some things take time.
The HR perm has been finished and sold.
The EJ is almost done too. Now on the road and on club permit. Just a few little things to sort out and its on to the FE.
The wife has decided she likes the EJ and doesn't want the Cambridge FC, so that will go up for sale soon.

I'm glad I didn't get too far with the black FE as it would have been sitting around unfinished for years.
Its kind of like a fresh start. Hoping to get things going in a few weeks.

I'll keep you posted.

Pinky.

Well, I'm back on the FE at last.
Sold the EJ Prem.
And sold a few others to bank roll the FE and now it's full steam ahead.
It's in the shop getting sprayed and is due back on the 2nd Dec.
Nearly finished building the grey, should be done mid Dec.
Interior is due back 2nd Jan.

I'm thinking of putting an all synchro 3 speed behind the grey and would like to keep the column shift. Any easy solutions out there?
I'm also really torn between red interior and black interior. Either way I'm going with tuck and roll, so it doesn't have to stay the original colour. I canned the pink idea, just wasn't working for me. I'm leaning toward black.
Body will be satin black, full length custom wheel spats, sunvisor etc. 14" rims and white walls.
I can always give it a quick rub back and spray to gloss anytime, and re trimming back to original wouldn't be hard later on if I want to go that way.
For now I just want to go my way with it, and anyone that knows me knows I couldn't care about recovering my costs, as I'm not trying to restore her. Nearly 30 years and over 65 flips later, she is the only one I will never sell.
I did slow myself down by buying a 1957 Mercury too...that's also a keeper I think.

Anyway, now that she is back on the radar, I will keep updating again.

Pinky.

Hi Pinky
The all synchro box will require floor mods unless you want to lower the engine and move it forward, which of course requires even more mods. Keeping shift on the column is tricky also I believe. These first came as an option in HK which ran the later red crash box as standard so may be some hope there. I have heard of running the late crash boxes using original column shift as a mate has this combo behind a red in his FB ute. He managed to fit it under the original floor, just massaged the tunnel slightly with a porta power and replaced the box section with flat strap. Original floor vinyl still fits. It is a stronger box but still no sync to on first of course. There is nothing new under the sun as they say and no doubt someone more knowledgeable has done this. Would be a very nice mod if you can work it out do good luck.
Cheers
Clay


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Speak to Roger

http://www.earlyholdenparts.com.au/fc-holden/all-synchro-column-kit/

also here https://www.ebay.com.au/str/Holdenman-Restomotive

Cheers Keith

Thanks guys.

So, the FE is back from paint and resting quietly in my factory next to my 57 Mercury. Looks really cool in flat black. https://i.imgur.com/Tr5Bnqr.jpg ($2)

And the interior is back. Black Vinyl and leather Tuck'N'Roll. Sooo comfy!! https://i.imgur.com/Fd5XD0O.jpg ($2) https://i.imgur.com/eVkovFU.jpg ($2)

HI Pinky    seats look really nice, also sorry about reposting you images ..  just makes it easier to view.. ;D

(https://i.imgur.com/eVkovFUm.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Fd5XD0Om.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Tr5Bnqrm.jpg)


NOTE to convert you pics I added the [img.]http://...[/img]   image tags on either side of the picture address. Then added a small "m"   just before the ".jpg", this posts them as medium size for easy viewing on screen.

Hi Cam

thanks for doing that. I was really struggling with it the other day. I seem to recall posting straight from my PC, but maybe I was a club member at the time.

Been a while. Just like every other time I come back, a lot has happened. lots of cars have come and gone, but the FE stays, as always.
I'm now cruzin around in a little MG Midget for fun while I try and finish off a few other projects.
It's getting closer by the day, and I'm hoping I'm only weeks away from getting her on the road.
I'll attach a few images to the thread soon.
Pinky

Lots of sound deadner..
(https://i.imgur.com/DUSSdjkl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PUXbbHql.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YluUjZLl.jpg)

Dash finished and back in
(https://i.imgur.com/EqEhz88l.jpg)

Custom radio surround cob web thingy
(https://i.imgur.com/mDULNDUl.jpg)

Custom 'Rat with a gold tooth' Grill
(https://i.imgur.com/Iqz0BF8l.jpg)

A little pin striping here and there..
(https://i.imgur.com/yaKkPNhl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Da1quoel.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kjrdhNWl.jpg)

Spats and lake pipes..
(https://i.imgur.com/VjUVjoll.jpg)

Then it was exhaust time. 2" stainless all the way.
(https://i.imgur.com/AcK3OZ4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xFx99e8.jpg)

All tacked up
(https://i.imgur.com/yfsxlyh.jpg)

Then lobster backs everywhere..
(https://i.imgur.com/UKtTWtW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x5E1fle.jpg)

And an exhaust bypass
(https://i.imgur.com/gnL7GXH.jpg)
When its switched one way its hotdog only, the other way opens both.
(https://i.imgur.com/NT8MSAD.jpg)

Then twins out through the bumper.
(https://i.imgur.com/wsfQrSh.jpg)

Very cool…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Some cool mods.
Ya gotta love a tiki pinstripe.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LY4Ntz5q/MyFCrear.jpg) ($2)
Regards
Alex

Lookin good, any secrets to the black chrome?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks guys.


ekute It's not black chrome, just gloss black.

Looks sinister with the black chrome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

. . . you've just inspired me to do my own exhaust.

B.t.w., the clamps and flanges look almost exactly like the ones we use at work for vacuum systems.

Rob