FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi All
Considering the thought of installing taxi rail curious if there are any around still
cheers  Roachy

hi All wondering are taxi bars interchangeable between other models e.g. FB.EK or would require modification to suit our old girls. I guess there can't be to many tucked away these day's. Anyone decided not to fit their taxi bar and would consider sale. I would be interested.
great xmas party had a great day  Roachy.   

Yes FB EK does fit, although it does sit at a different angle. They were not real popular in the day because in an accident the kids would get thrown forward into the rail. Ah the times before seat belts.....
They were a standard fitting in taxis (217 models) because they were an assistance for older folks getting out of the vehicle.
They do turn up now and then.

Ken

I had 2 until a few years ago then I gave one to a mate with a EK . I still have one but don't wish to part with it as it was standard issue with the dickie seat conversion because the passenger would find it nearly impossible to get in or out without it . But if you are serious I know someone who could make one in stainless as the chrome would be original and a little tired . Cheers . Haydn

Thankyou for replies interesting thought of reproducing, I would consider if was able to manufacture taxi bar exactly to original.
I think Mild Steel then sent to shop for chroming best option, believe stainless would not have the same look.
Taxi bar would be installed as a show piece only as we don't have rear seat passengers.
thankyou for your thoughts I would definitely consider reproducing Hayden if you were ok & happy to help if we could produce a quality product possibly we could knock up a run off for another club member at the same time if interested thanks again Roachy 0411292662
   

Roachy here will be keeping a look out for a taxi-bar in any condition for possible re-chrome or even as a temptate that I would need before considering bending one up as per original.
cheers looking forward to cruising on a club run in the New Year.

I can probably get you all the measurements you will need off mine and anyone with a mandrel bender can bend it for you , the end plates I can send you patterns then its only a matter of finding end plugs .These a plumber may have as I think I have seen similar on kitchen sinks where taps have been taken out . Haydn

Ok , dragged it out of the rafters and like I thought its a little rusty but i'm taking it down the road to a friend who works in stainless [ a mixed metal specialist ] to get an idea of what they would cost reproduced in stainless . I don't know about the rest of the forum but am always shocked at the price of chroming . Haydn

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a589/hsv-001/SAM_0101_zps45c706c4.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a589/hsv-001/SAM_0103_zpsd8252418.jpg) ($2)

Haydn,
Yes, the cost of chrome is always a more than I expect too. Stainless could be viable.
Look fwd to hearing the quote. Bracket shape & angle looks to be the only awkward part.
Dave.

Around 100 dollars give or take depending on the end plugs . I thought that was reasonable considering the cost if produced in mild steel and then chromed . I could use my old one as a pattern to reproduce in stainless and then get a quote on re-chrome just to compare . Do you think anyone else on the forum would be interested in one . Haydn

Haydn,
I would be. In either stainless or black/chromed. End plugs may even be available at the hardware.
I guess once an accurate jig is made up around your sample, you have a set up for producing any number.
Dave.

Are the screws used to fit these handrails the  same as the door catch screws, anybody know ?

It appears to be the same screw looking through the parts book (1/4 inch - 20 x 5/8 inch long) Didn't have time to 100% guarantee yet.

This is only for 217 model though, otherwise it was a self tapping type screw.

Ken

On the one I have in the photo the bolts seem to be 1/4" unc with counter sunk head head and attached to the pillars with an interesting nutsert type fitting

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a589/hsv-001/SAM_0104_zpscc820d92.jpg) ($2)

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a589/hsv-001/SAM_0105_zpse4d63553.jpg) ($2)

Wow great photo's Haydn ,Your a Legend
Yep put me down for the purchase of one definitely.
I would need it manufactured from suitable steel for later chroming as want to match other chromework and have original appearance.
goodluck thanks Roachy

i would be interested in another taxi rail for my 3rd fc sedan , The other 2 already have them , Prefer if its a ready to put in item but if iv got to chrome it so be it , Put me down for 1 mate , Just let me know wen there done and i will fix u up , Cheers Slim 0420768346

Those captive nuts are the ones used on the sunvisor. This would have been done by a Holden dealer for sure. I haven't seen that before. Most non 217 cars were simply fitted with self tappers.

Ken

Yes , you are right about it being done at a holden dealership . Bill Harrisons at Ipswich Rd .,  Moorooka Qld to be specific as the van was driven from Melbourne to Brisbane as a demo car and a friends grandfather bought it there in 1958 and the dealership got the dicky seat , taxi rail , sliding  windows, under dash shelf and the smiths heater fitted all for the new price of a standard FC panel van I think it was a bargain. Anyway will go back to my guy and get him started on a few taxi rails in stainless and will also ask about in mild steel for anyone who wants to get them chromed . Cheers Haydn

Hi, I would be interested in a Taxi rail as well, would prefer one that could be chrome plated. What area of the country are these possibly to be made? can they be posted? Would use self tappers to fit, as I dont carry rear seat passengers either. Thanks, Glenn

The originals had the pillar pressed with captive nuts, I think nutsirts would be stronger than self tappers.
Jim

I'm about 26 miles south , south west of Brisbane . The guy who can make these is about 2 miles down the road from me . We were talking about making them yesterday and he seemed to prefer to make them in stainless . The guy is a true tradesman and loves this sort of work . this is the guy I got to weld the aircon bracket for Waynes ute and he also did most of the rust removal . His idea is that he can produce the final product in ready to install condition rather than worry about rust in mild steel . But if there is enough interest in the uncoated mild steel ones I will try and convince him . I'll drop my rail around to him today and get a couple made up in stainless . Haydn

I would also be keen on one 8), are the able to be posted thought they might be a bit long.

A decent carrier company should be fine. I had some extractors & tailpipe shipped from Melbourne to Canberra without any issues. Aus Post freaked out though.

I'd be interested in 2 taxi handrails as long as they look like the original ones.
Stainless is O.K :)
ACE  8)

Thanks Haydn for organizing your guy to do these taxi bars for members. Yep I think your right now about the S/S. I have been looking around at everything stainless and appears to be not much difference in appearance and of coarse the cost factor difference to Mild steel then (Chroming $) is huge I'm Sure.
Mmmmmmmmm what do the old experienced heads think.
Stainless Steel look over Chrome finish ?
I am still unsure best way to go the decision to install a taxi bar is huge I only want to do this if this will be a permanent fixture and as close as possible to an original look and installation.
I would very much appreciate other members opinion what they would do if considering a taxi bar.

Roachy.   

I think it's only personal preference. One of the reasons I prefer stainless in this application is because the existing chrome in the car is not new. For me, a very shinny newly chromed taxi rail could look too much like a recent add on rather than compliment the existing interior.
Dave.

Haydn,
Just wondering if there were there any further plans made for production before the silly season started.
During discussion at a new year gathering I said I'd enquire about placing orders & the likely turnaround time.
I said I expected the guy would on a break now anyway & will probably have a full load for a while when he resumes.
Dave.

I'll call around and see if the two I ordered are finished this week. Haydn

My manufacturer had trouble getting the end plugs . Hopefully I may have a solution though . This morning I went through our local hardware store looking for ideas [mates with the manager he has a EK] and found some 24mm chrome diecast steel cupboard  knobs . They look the part when I dropped them onto the pipe ends, so I took them around this morning .Now I have a job fitting cv's to his daughters Nissan . Haydn

Sounds ideal.

Yep thanks Jim
I have boxes of spare parts that I can trade if there’s something any one is looking for  I’m happy to assist
My wagon is just about there so al good
Cheers