FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Some update shots posted for Vern (more to come once technical issues are sorted).

Interior when purchased Oct 2017.
(https://i.imgur.com/9eyeQGE.jpg)

Start stripping.
(https://i.imgur.com/sNqdDII.jpg)

Rolling drivable chassis.
(https://i.imgur.com/LUlcZCG.jpg)

Since then a 1958 FC series motor has been re built & put aside (engine in car was very tired EK block) .. gear box ready for rebuild ..suspension overhauled ..new king pins, springs ..rust repairs about half done ..test fitting rear doors now after repairs prior to painting ..all rubbers and chroming have quotes ready for ordering.

Vern.

A few more photos ........

New engine rebuilt on test rig ..
(https://i.imgur.com/eB5kdlM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JXhgqfE.jpg)

Typical top of guard repair ..mine's no different
(https://i.imgur.com/C0pKltM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wM4SI9l.jpg)

Vern.

Great work ..  always love a new build ..  Keep the pictures coming

I have had the car as a drivable rolling chassis whilst I stripped it ..Have now removed the drive shaft , the engine and gear box ,as one unit ,exhaust system ,radiator etc ..It appears the engine bay was originally Ivory and over painted in Black...What is the official view on painting the engine bay ,I rather like the idea of Ivory ,( same as exterior colour )it looks neat and clean,why were some cars black originally ? , is there a reason people go to the trouble of changing engine bay colour ? ..Vern

I think the engine bay was the body colour up to the late 59s which was black.
By the way, your engine is a lot lighter than mine.
Jim

Body colour in the engine bay until '59 covers mine as it's a '58 model … I suppose my grey is a bit light ,some are more green in the paint ..I am happy with the colour, though ..

Time for me to update my progress ,having seen what Jim is doing ,WOW ! great job ,love your attitude ,found worse than expected ,OK ill fix it ,i'll get of my arse and post some images ,thanks to Dave for posting the ones you can see ..Since last posting ,have collected my body rubber order ,a grands worth ..have painted engine bay ,was originally body color India Ivory ,done over black somewhere in its life ,now back to Ivory in 2 pack ...plan going forward ,finish last two doors and test fit ,weld in new section on boot lower panel seal area ..engine is built ,so starting on gear box ,serial number L535228...see my post in parts wanted for seat mount blocks..Vern

(https://i.postimg.cc/f3nnVdhh/IMG-1642.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nMdyvgt2/IMG-1644.jpg) ($2)

fellas..with some help from daughter ,here is just 2 images of my resto ...REts boot hinge pin ..old holes to be welded up ..and floor rust treatment ,,great product ..but don't get it on your skin ...

first attempt worked ,so here are some more ,plenty of central west bassalt soil to clean out ..

(https://i.postimg.cc/B8225rLV/IMG-1247.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/5jsLmqyb/IMG-1596.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/HrBqYNsF/IMG-2515.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/940vrBD0/IMG-2528.jpg) ($2)

Nice work Vern, keep it going, hope to see it on the road real soon.
Cheers
John

Engine bay ,from that to this ..India Ivory 2 pack .
(https://i.postimg.cc/4HHj6Zkz/IMG-1659.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fVzBZZ2B/IMG-1664.jpg) ($2)

Hoist provided by Massey Ferguson  ..For larger image double click on it and should open in new window , I do listen to my daughter ..



(https://i.postimg.cc/MXGBWHqc/IMG-1658.jpg) ($2)

Gents ..you may have noticed I posted some more images ..Thanks for help from Cam Smith and Dave Bolton ..My daughter helped me ,she didn't use Imgur ..we just put all images from my phone in a FC file on PC .and I now know how to add to that file as time goes on .I go to add images and that FC file opens ,I select and post images that I want ..They are smaller than others ,but if you double click on image ,you can enlarge ..If that's not case your end pls let me know ..Vern ..I was asked was this car the 8th Holden I have restored ..No its the first Holden I have fully restored ,its the 8th Holden I have owned in 52yrs of driving.. Vern ..I'd love em all back ...

The photos are good Vern. Look forward to following your build as you progress.

Another update and some more images soon ..Started to put some things back ..Cut and shaped some more of the .9mm cold rolled sheet to weld and repair rust holes around boot lid seal lip ..Steve has finished drivers side guard and ready for test fit prior to paint ,,Fitted new headlamp terminals and  voltage regulator ..fitted new steering column rubber seal in firewall ..cleaned and tested electric wiper motor ,test fit ,pass side arm fouls the sound board under the dash ,will rectify that soon ,the gear box ready to go back together ,new gaskets and seals ..starter motor overhauled waiting paint ..generator is next ( a friend offered to do the generator for me ,he usually does electrics for a group of friends ) lots little bits cleaned up ,primed and painted ,eg radiator support ,gear box support ,engine mount brackets ,done a little bit towards new wiring for rear blinkers ..car looks bit odd ,front looking new and dirty old rear end ..thanks for your interest .Vern

Can’t see photos Vern


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Steady on, there will be nothing to do after Christmas at this pace!
Looking forward to the photos. It sounds like you've been stuck into it.

I get on a roll ,I set a few days aside and go for it ,a lot of things have fallen into place for which I am grateful ..I have a couple of questions ..The exhaust system is not original ,no surprise ,and is quite a good ,not that old ,but hangers are odd and home made ,the manual doesn't show all the mounting points ,can you tell me the correct system mounting points ,the front engine pipe to manifold ,and hanger from spare wheel well in boot ,I know ,what are the correct points in between ,I cant remember ,something in the back of my mind tells me there was an inherient problem with most systems ,if there is a known and legal modification/addition I would love that info also ..thanks again for your interest fellas .. Vern

Vern, one other point in between.
Not sure about the rubber or clamp arrangement but the anchor point is original.
Photo taken from under the LR door.

(https://i.imgur.com/oM7bcTb.jpg)

There are three points for the exhaust hangers, first one is at the rear engine and gearbox mount, it bolts through the plate with an angle bracket. The second is the one Dave has pictured which can be purchased from Rare Spares, and the third bolts through the spare wheel well with a cup head bolt then the hanger.
Jim

Thanks Dave and Jim ..Its the one at the rear engine/ gear box mount that you mentioned that is missing,the plate you mention ,is that the one that bolts to the gearbox and attaches to rear engine mount ? I guess that's the 5th hole in plate  ..two holes for gearbox mount ,two holes for rubber mount ,other hole for a bracket to go to a clamp around pipe ,there is no evidence of a clamp ever being on the pipe at that point ..must have elected to leave it off when replaced the system ,explains exhaust soot at manifold connection .. cant see any images in catalogue ,was it a bracket made from flat bar and shaped then attached to clamp around the pipe ? thx Vern

Not sure if this is what you mean but this point was used when the standard system was on the car. Maybe it's bent up? Can't remember now.

(https://i.imgur.com/ViKPsUA.jpg)

Dave’s photo is correct, the plate bolts into the spare hole in the mounting plate and then down to the exhaust. It is meant to support the engine pipe and take the strain off the manifold and studs. Just use a piece of  20-25mmx2-3mm plate measure the length from the hole to the top of the pipe, bend the plate and allow 25-30 mm tounge for the clamp and 5-10mm at the top for the bolt hole. And if you really want to get technical, heat the tounge and bend it so it fits around the shape of the pipe.
Jim

thanks again fellas ,you have confirmed what I thought ,so I will make a a bracket as you advise and a clamp and all should be good .I was putting the gear box back together after fitting new seal to the end of the selector shaft in its housing ,the selector shaft came out of the 1st and reverse shifter shaft ,I cant get the bugger to go back in ,something that just drops out should just drop back in , my local mechanic mate is going to provide extra pair of hands and eyes later today ..cheers Vern

Hi Vern, just took some shots of mine on the FB (same as FE/FC) which might help

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181123/64c9501ad49bf99edb74dfba85984874.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181123/a6f1dbaaf066bbf0b98af15e6fe12100.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181123/a780939b3670f526e6086fbc9a9023f8.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181123/474e03e4cbdd8554aa0bcc57edeb3fc2.jpg)

The dimensions are 1 1/2” front to back,  2 1/2” top to bottom, using 1” x 1/8” plate.
I haven’t measured the bolt slot position or size but let me know if you need them or any other dimensions.

Cheers,

John


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Hi John .Thanks for images ,I will elongate the mounting hole as yours is, I can see that allows bit of movement . the gear box is all good now and finished ..
I am working on fitting a heater , cheers Vern ..

(https://i.postimg.cc/dZQ3s3CJ/IMG-1688.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JGn0Symq/IMG-1693.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JGvrgPpr/IMG-1698.jpg) ($2)
Hi gents ..some images of recent work ..gear box finished ..new headlamp terminal ,voltage regulator fitted ,cover yet to be painted .Vern .

(https://i.postimg.cc/gXxdNh3X/IMG-1692.jpg) ($2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kVVhHvhm/IMG-1375.jpg) ($2)
Before and after of rust repairs to rear end around boot seal lip and lower rear body panel ,this work done by me ,my panel beater mate hasn't signed off on it yet ,,guards and doors etc is his domain ,my imperfections will be under rubber seal or bumper bar ..cheers Vern

Some good progress Vern.
I find the time & effort required for some of the seemingly minor work is usually underestimated ...... until you get into it.

very true Dave ..I guess I am lucky a lot of things have been straight forward ,the car is complete and quite original ,so its really taking something apart ,generally in original condition and refurbishing it and putting it back ..I look at the cars that are highly modified ,that is not me ,my work would be ugly ..I admire those guys who build those cars say fit V6 auto in an EJ ute ..my panel beater mate had a job to do some modifications on a Volvo ,I would never attempt such a job ,he had not done a job like it either before ,how he went about it ,how he planned it ,special jigs and tools he made ,and the final result just brilliant ..he trained in UK and is in the right profession ,no doubt that..cheers Vern

An update with images from Vern:

Paint code formulas some guys may be interested in.

(https://i.imgur.com/DYhkZULl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/GvyMum0l.jpg)


Before and after instrument gauges.

(https://i.imgur.com/nqhPdbLl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/gi5tH1el.jpg)


Engine complete and running on test rig, except for generator, old Lucas one on there to get a belt to fit.

(https://i.imgur.com/cQDGk2Zl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/xtLGydyl.jpg)


Engine bay painted with test fit of some electrics, relay cover yet to be painted, headlight terminal well made by a friend.

(https://i.imgur.com/ufAoz90l.jpg)

More images from Vern .....

Selecting correct material for arm rests.                                                         
(https://i.imgur.com/i042v01l.jpg)     

New rubber and pivot clip in quarter window.
(https://i.imgur.com/ALlIM8Ll.jpg)

Bonnet rust welded and preparing to prime.
(https://i.imgur.com/x9KU9yjl.jpg)

4 new ROH Australia 13’’ rims.
(https://i.imgur.com/M7fZaIvl.jpg)

Good work Dave and Vern. Do you know what paint the rims come in? It may be enamel.
Cheers
Clay


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Vern,

If you're using the ROH wheel rims, you'll have to change your wheel nuts to the post-1969 ones.  And you'll find that you won't get a complete nut's worth of thread when the nuts are done up tight either.

Rob

gents ..don't know what the rim paint is ,its factory ,for sure .Steve will do his checks as we intend to do in two pack same as car ..
Not sure what you mean Rob ,the nuts fit ok ..If anything they look a bit as if the nut is small or the hole is too large ,what is it I should actually be aware of ?

Vern, the issue is with the taper on the nuts. There are some discussions on here that describe the difference in detail. Try a search from the Home page - 'wheel nuts'. It's quite an interesting topic. I bought the same ROH rims in chrome.

thanks Dave and Rob..I will investigate this aspect of correct wheel fitment ..It seems ROH made 13'' rims for early Holdens but used the shape of the later nuts ..I have a couple of later Holden nuts here ,so ill read the info and do some tests.....Vern

Here's one thread with some info ....
http://forum.fefcholden.club/index.php?topic=19670.0

Thanks Dave for guiding me to that thread ,I will look closer at what I have ,I do have original wheels ,and these new ROH ones ,I have the standard nuts and some from later models ,I will do some test measuring and fitting...the 4 new wheels are intended to be used ,they came with the car , I am intending using the best of the older wheels as my spare ,I may end up with a set of nuts attached to that in the boot if they prove to be different ..

Thinking about it while typing ,weren't ROH down in SA ? ..and makers of OEM wheels for Holden in 50's-60's etc. I don't have the new wheels here or old one with no tyre on it for quick look ,they all had numbers stamped inside if I remember ,something like 4.5JJ ,if that is consistent then they would be the same in every respect ,one would think .I also recall some thing to do with the seating bead,changes from tube to tubeless and bias ply tyres to radial..I was an engineering cadet at Dunlop at Drummoyne first job after school,I remember work on the B7+ Tyre ( bias ply ) 6.40x13  ..And working with car makers on the bead seating..WE ran HR utes with 500lb steel blocks in back with Goodyear , Olympic , Uniroyal and our own B7+ to Lithgow and back twice a day testing and comparing ..I remember promotinal Xmas give aways ,a glass ash tray resembling a wheel rim ,with a mini B7+ tyre on it ,about 8'' dia..some of you blokes probably have one  ..Vern

Vern
I believe GMH outsourced the wheels to Rubery Owens Holdings from HT on. This is when the taper changed. I ran in to this issue many years ago with HT rims on HR disc hubs. The wheel centre actually cracked between the stud holes and you could hear a creaking noise in the car when parking.
Cheers
Clay


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I had a HD with ht wheels as my first car. I got the offset changed to clear caliper. My rims cracked between the studs as well. Always thought  it was the offset.
Was probably the wheelnuts.....
Interesting......

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OK ..thanks gents ..there is an obvious need for me to exercise caution and get it right ..

Time for an update ,have completed the rust repairs on body,one door to go ,Steve my panel beater mate has torn muscle in his shoulder so its bit slow at moment in his shop ..have done rear blinker /brake wiring  . a decision based on safety ,I don't believe the average motorist out there is looking for a red blinking brake light ,a separate amber light is what is the norm ,and its legal..electric wiper motor fitted ,heater fitted,have 5 Correct early 13'' Holden rims now,thanks again to Mark/Jacinta..dismantled grille for chroming and repainting frame ..dash board painted ..looks and feels good ..couple of hub caps on way from Daniel ACT club..got a lucky 1958 penny to put in the car ..radiator cleaned and painted ,new hoses.Vern . 

Update from Vern .....

Well she made it to paint shop shed in one piece yesterday ...
(https://i.imgur.com/2k9u0pel.jpg)

... and to front of the queue ready for Monday morning.
(https://i.imgur.com/3tv1oOIl.jpg)

3 of us will get into it on Monday and restrip all that temporary primer,
then some final bits of panel work, then Besa high build 2 pack etch primer.
I will send more as she progresses.

Looking good Vern, don’t forget to paint that wheel I gave you!


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Good stuff Vern


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Mark ..Look on table in background above RH tail light ,there is 5 rims there ,yours is pride of place ,all been sand blasted ,zinc phosphate coated and primed ,will be done in India Ivory .and thanks again ..Vern ..
Also of interest to some guys , we had lot of discussion on this forum about tyre size ,in my pics the two front tyres are 175 x 70 R13 radial ..the 2 rear are 6.40 X 13 Bias ..the RHR is re tread ..I am happy with appearance ..

28 Aug Update from Vern .....

Mondays work, back to bare metal, she is happy being naked ..also test fitted LHF guard, we are happy ..

(https://i.imgur.com/XJ2weSFl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Egwoinfl.jpg)

Hell thats getting serious Vern.


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looking good

Rubery Owens Holdings are still located around the corner from the old Woodville GMH plant Vern. They commenced supply ing OEM steel rims for HT and LC, prior to which the general made their own. This is when the taper changed on the wheel nuts.
Cheers
Clay


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Clay ,Ok thanks ..we have discussed these rims before ,you can see them in these images ,I assume you have ,so you think they are most likely LC Torana then ? ..The Torana hub caps must fit differently than FC ..that's one of my dislikes of these rims the hub caps wont stay on,the hub caps I have fit nicely on 1950's rims ,so that's the way I am going ..cheers Vern ..   

They could be after market rims Vern. You can still buy them new with the main market being trailers I reckon.


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Vern's FC progress 31 Aug 2019.

Panel beaters code to refit headlight rim .... I got caught out, I gave Steve an old headlight rim to use as template to fit when he originally started on the guards, then we decided to make sure all is good. I took in the two good ones I bought to be used on finished car. One was the same as old ones and one was different, different ribs in the underside and slightly different shape right at the peak, my fault, any way as you can see he has written notes to himself on the job and its all going to be ok .... I cant show on here what he wrote to me !!!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/hLCzY3Jl.jpg)

Test fit bumper, front guard, and “ bitt O’ boggin “
(https://i.imgur.com/H1SQ08Gl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/7wsnd6zl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/a71oQ8Ml.jpg)

The rim with the flat leading edge is to suit Bosch headlight usually found on commercial and standards

The rounded leading edge is Lucas is mostly found on Specials, although not uncommon to see either used

Looking good, you're lucky to have found a panelbeater that cares

Morning gents ..Interesting Gary how Holden used Bosch and Lucas head lights ,thanks for the heads up,we compared the 2 surrounds and see what you outlined ,the depth from the front of the rim to the mounting screw hole is the same on both ,but the overall width at same point the Bosch type is about 2mm shorter ..We don't see that as a problem ..I may fit 2 gaskets where the light bucket fits into the guard on that side ..NOW THE GOOD NEWS ..!!!! Steve has painted the inside of the B columns the final Dominion Maroon ,he gave the paint and the finish the thumbs up ,that's all I need ,I wasn't there ,going today ..cheers Vern

Vern's FC progress 7 Sep 2019.

4 steps this week ,bare metal, filler,etch, and primer ..top coat next ..
(https://i.imgur.com/7vh0CJRl.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/1luZzODl.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/8rC9n3xl.jpg)

Vern's FC progress 15 Sep 2019.

Ready to do top coat Dominion Maroon ..
(https://i.imgur.com/tKS0Fvsl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/m7ZY48fl.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/1UUz6zul.jpg)

Looking great Vern
Neil

Swift progress Vern. Not that I’m (very) jealous. I notice some filler inboard from the tail lights on the transom (pardon the nautical terminology). I had to do similar on my FB ute in the same spot. There was quite a bit of lead filler there already. I had to weld up holes where I assume trailer style indicator lights were mounted previously.


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Yeah ,same with this car ,quite a bit of rough lead there, and further roughed up with paint removal and some rust on boot rubber groove ,so had to bog it to get nice finish .hope to do ivory this week ..Vern

Looking great Vern. Who is doing the work Vern?
Cheers
Graham

Vern's FC progress 23 Sep 2019.

Body finished paint ..not terrific shots ..i’ll send more when boot on and bit of chrome bling, chrome looks great on the Dominion Maroon, sort of looses it a bit on Ivory, but that’s what it is ..cheers Vern

(https://i.imgur.com/yNvS2cgl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xrfomO3l.jpg)

Looking handsome Vern!, keep the pics coming
Don't see too many in that colour combination
Regards Gary

Looking good Vern. ;)

Now where have I heard that phrase before?

(https://i.imgur.com/lMLfMx5.jpg)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Update from Vern 25 Sep 2019

I happen to have a couple of cows ,and I occasionally go and sit with one of them who is a really quiet cow ,here is a selfie ,of me and a real inflatable cow.
I am the one on the left ..cheers Vern
(https://i.imgur.com/ysvXOgNl.jpg)

Update from Vern 25 Sep 2019

In she goes ,gear box attached ..
(https://i.imgur.com/SIY861xl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/m4zqnQ3l.jpg)

Looking good Vern

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. . . and now I'm reminded of Larson's inflatable cow.  Again.

Looking great vern, I can't wait to get mine to that stage of the build. Your on the home stretch  now!  Cheers Greg

Wow that coming together nicely

Thanks fellas ..I appreciate your encouragement ,yes it is satisfying ..just itching now to get it running and drive it as is and get a feel ..and have all mechanicals correct as much as possible, before rest of it goes together ..Vern

Gents ..yesterday finished putting in all the mechanicals ,put some fuel in the tank ,got it up to the front and the fuel pump ,then a bit down the carby and she started ,oops fuel leak at flex fuel line into pump ,had a spare ,all good .kept it running making a few tweeks and checks.mixture screw, air cleaner bit funny ,had it on before ,so something to look at, tighten top water hose ,few stops and starts ..got it nice and warm...now !! can I select a gear with engine running , yep ,what about all gears in and out few times,yep !! drive it down our driveway ,yep all good...brakes are binding and brake pedal rock hard and doesn't stop well ,it has been standing a lot since we did the brakes ,I'll start with back brakes ,as the hand brake cable has been reinstalled with engine/g'box  going back in ..cheers Vern ..

👍👍👍


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Gets exciting doesn't it? ;)

Hard bit is sitting on a milk crate to drive it ...

Brake master cylinder working OK ..front left hand wheel wont turn freely ,backed off shoe adjuster ,it turns ,apply brake ,locked again ,I suspect wheel cylinder ,all brake hoses were new  before I bought car so about 3-4 yrs old,maybe crushed internally if had vice grips put on ,or return spring,needs investigation ,it helps to have a car that stops...cheers Vern ..

Vern,

Three to four years sitting unused is all it takes for the hydraulics to seize up.  The wheel cylinders will be corroding internally, causing the pistons to stick.
The short-term fix is to pull the cylinders apart, polish the rust out, and reassemble with new seals.
The longer-term fix is to get the cylinders stainless-steel sleeved.

Rob

Rob//That's the plan ..Got the new wheel cyl cups front and rear ..Vern

Gents / ladies ..Have taken the brakes off again ,yes wheel cylinders gunked up ,a brake fluid with a non corrosive protectant additive would be a boon to us restorers ,but hated by component suppliers I suppose,any way brakes are good ,..doing the dash now ,removed the instrument globes ,the little BA9S globes ,9 of them are copper bases ,and read, 57 LECTRA  ….12/16V 2 CP  ….Holland ...would these be original ? I know Philips was a Dutch Company ...These globes are readily obtainable ,has any one used the LED option that is offered everywhere ,I am happy to stay original ,but just inquiring...Vern ..

Vern,

The Dutch-made lamps will be original.
LED replacements:  Harv has used them.  But you need to pay attention to polarity.  Which means you'll have to buy both negative-earth and positive-earth lamps, and be prepared to swap the -ve earth bulbs for +ve earth ones if they don't light up.

Warning:  Do not use an LED lamp for the generator warning lamp.

My two cents' worth: Not worth the trouble of using LED instrument lamps.

Rob

Rob..thanks I will stay with the standard filament globes .I intend to use yellow LED in blinkers.Vern ..

gentlemen ..A little update ..brakes are done as mentioned before ,dash and radio panel and glove box back in ,cut down old chair that had steel legs ,welded plate on bottom and bolted to the floor ..so I can drive it ( private road ) ,no doors or glass or guards , so far so good ,wheel alignment not done ,but it stops in a straight line ,got up to 40mph on speedo,so far so good ,all those little things you look at as it is running again after all those years is the best part ,esp if your ticking more boxes than you are putting a "watch and act on it"..there is a little bit of engine noise ,sounds like cam follower noise ,esp when cold ,goes away when hot ,or when rev engine when cold,,that's disappointing.cheers Vern

thats great !
there is nothing better than driving ya project for the first time.
awesome,keep it up!

Gents and ladies ..An update ,working on exhaust ,what is on the car is 2'' ,its in good nick ,you guys sent me original mounting points on previous entries on this forum, engine pipe fitted and good gas seal ,muffler fitted ,auto electrician working on all electrics now,so far electrics check out pretty good..Vern
 

Update from Vern 12 Dec 2019.

Starting to come together ..
(https://i.imgur.com/3CEV9S1l.jpg)
No glass as yet ,wheel is not final one ,just stuck unusable hub cap on for shot ,doors ,guards etc not painted yet ,..very happy otherwise ,running nicely ,all electrics good ,exhaust is high on the list ,and decided to next flush the whole brake system with methalayted spirit and fill with Penrite full synthetic brake fluid ..
All the best of the season ..Vern ..

Looks fantastic Vern. Nice colours, can't wait to get mine to this point.

Thanks mate ..Yes it feels good , to see the fruits of effort .I love the colours ,and its original ,always wondered if I found a car just had to have and didn't like the colours ,turned out that was never the case ..it all marries up with plate paint codes , Vern

Looking good Vern. That red looks like candy apple.

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Very nice combo, don’t see a lot of them, second generation paint scheme same as mine. Will look fantastic when it’s finished.

Yeah it does look that way in image ,in the flesh its deeper than this image , it is however PPG 2 Pack Dominion Maroon ...Vern

Jim the FC Wrangler did the front and rear screens today ,all good ...cheers Vern ..

It'll look like a car now, rather than a painted and trimmed body shell.

Update from Vern 13 Jan 2020.

Back into it after break, fitting up doors and guards making adjustments prior to final prep to paint
.. also see add under parts wanted .. Vern

(https://i.imgur.com/LThsFn7h.jpg)

Update from Vern 2 Feb 2020.

Doors getting ,primer and undercoat ... Vern.

(https://i.imgur.com/e13X8IUl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/zOJeBJSl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Ru68qM0l.jpg)

Good one fellas. I could really use one of those panel hangers. Dropped my mint front doors on the floor. 8(


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Firstly thanks again to Dave for posting images...the panel hangers we made ourselves ,definitely worth it..Vern .

Nice work, you're powering on Vern!

yep back into it ,bloody hot and sweaty ,cant wait till winter,as you know there is a great deal to follow on now ,after final paint on doors ,then assemble all hardware back into doors ,then the door seals ,windlacing,along with scuff plates and floor covering,then seats ..
I'll get some tips here from you guys who have done all this before..my plan with the doors is ..
1.exterior stainless trim,key lock and exterior door handle first .
2. sound DEDNA sheet inside door .
3.1/4 window seal and glass.cut and prefit bailey channel to divider first .
4. fit balance of glass chanel and guides and glass .
5. Fit door lock mechanism ,lock button and rod.inside door handle mechanism..
6.fit glass lifter mechanism and winder .
7.fit door to car ,we have pre marked positions.
8. fit door card and handles..

Door lock mechanism number one. Has to be in before window glass goes in and before external lock.
My personal preference is to fit door to car first and then fit components later. Just so door is firm and you have something solid to push against.

Ken

Makes the door lighter and easier to handle too Ken.

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just the procedure tips I am looking for ,thanks heaps gents ..yesterday we started to block flatten the undercoat on doors ,Steve sprays a "splutter" of black on the grey and then sands out all the tiny little blemishes with 1500 ,then uses a sheet like a scour pad ,if you shut your eyes and feel its like running your fingers over glass ..the whole car so far is done this way ,but I haven't mentioned that here before ,so now its the bonnet and its in good shape ,the guards have more work in them but we will get there ,the panel holders further back in this thread ,we take off the uprights ,bolt the guard on the top crossrail and rotate till its on the flat ,makes work easier ,cheers Vern .

sorry not 1500 ,that's too fine he uses 600..Im a poor paint prep apprentice...Vern

Was gunna say vern

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Gents ..The India Ivory was done on all 4 doors on Monday ..The Dominion Maroon was done on the 2 front doors yesterday ,we plan to finish the 2 back doors today ...Vern ..

Update from Vern 17 Feb 2020

.... final coat ,cheers Vern ...

(https://i.imgur.com/0r4wF6Fl.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/1HVP0jil.jpg)

Lovely fellas.


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Looking good Vern :)

Update from Vern 29 Feb 2020

Progress on the FC Special sedan ..All hardware is back in doors ,winders and locks all work ,glass goes up and down,
Had the sway straps re made in leather ,arm rests re covered in vinyl , door cards re done also ..had a problem with bailey channel ,Old Auto Rubbers have a new version which they kindly replaced mine with ,
cheers Vern.

(https://i.imgur.com/H1CaOtY.jpg?2)

(https://i.imgur.com/VUh82gb.jpg?1)

Looking  great Vern   Loving the paint work as well.  What paint brands are you using ???

Cam ..We are using PPG 2 pack ...India Ivory  ...Dominion Maroon ..I posted the paint shop formula on this forum ..Vern ..

Update from Vern 14 Mar 2020

Just a little up date , with a before and after ,doors will be next ,horn rim and few bits .. thx Vern .

(https://i.imgur.com/fLcM1nhh.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/aADqLxyh.jpg)

Wow what a change ..  looking great...

beautiful :) :) :) :) :) :D :D :D

Lovely vern

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Gents ..An update ,been to exhaust centre ,the system that came with the car has been fitted correctly , doors have been hung and adjusted ,wheel alignment done ,Vern ..

Looks great Vern.
Cheers Graham

Update from Vern 23 Apr 2020

some images of the conversion of oil bath air cleaner to paper element type ..firstly cut the top cover off the wire mesh holder 12mm from underside of top cover ,cut a solid circle of metal sheet just a tad more than the cut frame ,drill a centred hole for wing nut post ,weld the cut lid to underside of top ..If all happy at this point then go ahead and order Ryco A92 air filter element ,fits nicely in oil pan in base  ,then a piece of tube about 1/2” id , cut a cross slot 10mm deep to fit over the cross brace in base of cleaner body, cut to length, weld on flat washer to keep top level, to achieve overall length to allow just a bit of crush on filter cut slot further in the spacer tube..

(https://i.imgur.com/qgrZwlMl.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/unGjeL9l.jpg)  (https://i.imgur.com/K0B7Ltdl.jpg)

Vern,

Neater and easier than I had imagined . . .

Rob

Nice job


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Gents ..Just a little update ,the wheel rims are painted ,tyres and white walls fitted ,have put the rears on and look lovely ,the front guards and bonnet have been waiting patiently ,well its been a good week ,O/S guard is done and stainless spear fitted , bonnet is 95% done and looks a treat , N/S guard has been a bit tricky ,its 40% done ..so hopefully by mid/late next week ,putting front of car on will commence ..Vern..

What’s been the issue with the guard Vern?

Ken ..Firstly I have stated incorrectly ,the N/S guard is done its the O/S guard that needs the TLC ..The issue is  ,multiple war wounds ,I originally stripped the guard to bare metal ,did the rust repairs sprayed it with bit of primer and put it away ,we did get it out to do a test fit when hanging the doors ,put it away again, Steve being a perfectionist and for the first time ,cause as its turned out ,I always seemed to be the one handling that guard,had a real close look at it , it has waves in it , body file marks ,previous rough repair to the wheel arch rim ,no other part of the car was like that ,we have been spoilt  ,its all fixable ,there was a fair bit of rust work in the doors , but no previous damage repairs to deal with ,then on the other hand I am delighted to confirm as we have worked through the project the whole car has been very straight,very original ..    cheers Vern ..

Ahh, the hidden damage. I’m sure you’ll get it all sorted and it will look as good as the rest of the car Vern

Ken

Gents and ladies..The bonnet is painted , three coats of India Ivory ,looks and feels great ,the O/S guard with a few wounds is looking much better , Steve is just getting the headlight rim spot on ,then paint ? maybe Sat ..stay well Vern ..

Hey Vern
Looking forward to some more pics ! Must be getting close.
Cheers Snoop

Pete ..yes getting closer all time ,I will post images of car complete ..Vern

Hi all ..Well the last guard did not get finished ,some other jobs came into the shop, but we did work on it and hopefully done by mid week ..put the door pull handles on , Lenlock ( not fineline ,but fine enough for me ) style thanks to Helen , I placed them a little further back Kevin than we discussed , just allow a little more knuckle clearance room when opening the door, I have been reading about members lost items down the A pillar when fitting guards ,as I am approaching that time I am going to pack with cloth and sit a strong magnet on that ...Vern

Hey Vern,
I use masking tape to hold the guard bolts in the socket head, and hold the socket on the extension shaft. Still manage to lose the odd one but fished them out with magnet on tie wire.
Cheers
Clay


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Hey Clay ..Ok that sounds good to me ,thanks ,the A pillar lost bolt recovery kit is bigger deal than the job itself , I am going to use stainless washers ,so magnet is no good there ..Vern

Hi Vern what screws did you use for the handles. Are they self tappers or nuts at the back?
Cheers
Ps looking forward to pics.

Hi Graham ..I used stainless self tappers on Lenlock handles,also made a little rubber seal to sit under each end .I'll post an image...The final front guard was undercoated yesterday ..but I have commitments for next 2.1/2 weeks ,I may not get started on putting front on car till then ...cheers Vern ..

You gotta be happy with your progress Vern, great work.
Cheers, John


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Pics from Vern 6 June 2020.
(https://i.imgur.com/XRyhmkMl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/s3gOBsEl.jpg)

Update from Vern 6 June 2020.
Bonnet is on temporarily for safekeeping & to avoid scratches.
Waiting on the guard now. The car is almost ready to go.

(https://i.imgur.com/1LhLw1el.jpg)

Exciting mate. You can’t beat the red and black interiors I reckon. Our FC had it all original with the embossed front back rest.


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Hi Errol  .Yes the red and black is smart ,the embossed panel on the seat ,was that a standard production evolution change at Holden or was it a option ?
You may also know ,even though not original ,I love white steering wheels ,who? what? where? do you get them  ... Vern

The embossed seat top was a late FC standard feature I believe. As to the white wheels, in the FB EK at least they were a NASCO option. It is an ivory colour so just paint a standard wheel. I’m thinking of doing same on my fancy ute.


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Vern,

A couple of links that may interest you.
http://forum.fefcholden.club/index.php?topic=25434.0

https://pearlcraft.com.au
The pearl is absolutely beautiful.
(https://i.imgur.com/CSIV9iPm.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/hhiQfjEm.jpg)

I sent this diagram to my spray painter intending to match for my two tone green sedan ....... just waiting warmer weather for the clear coat.
(https://i.imgur.com/4pPXJsSm.jpg)

Gee fellas ,you have definitely answered my question to find out the wheres and hows of steering wheels ,just fabulous ,Dave , I love that 2 tone green you are doing ,and isn't the red/black pearl a beautiful thing..I have lots to consider thanks ..Vern .

Very nice  ;D

The RHF guard is finished , so I can start on putting front on, on week end ...stay well Vern ..

Update from Vern - 2 July 2020.

Well here she is finished and registered ..( sun visor yet to be ready ) ..2 years 7 months 18 days from purchase to rego. She has done about 80 kms on road so far so good..Firstly a big thank you to all the club members who have given advice ,assistance ,parts and encouragement.
It certainly is a unique feeling ,hard to explain, nostalgia, pride ,having something special ( excuse pun ),satisfaction ,having something not only enthusiasts love and cherish ,but the Australian public at large do also ,everyone knows what a Holden is ..Thanks again see you on the next club run ...Vern .

(https://i.imgur.com/cDOgvhuh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/exvb0VRh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xaE0DhPh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Dq6TnqOh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XwSpeafh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ozcW44th.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bo2mFfQh.jpg)

Congratulations Vern!

You've done a fabulous job, & in a mere 2 years 7 months 18 days.

 Ow THAT is one beautiful and stunning FC Vern.
Top job mate, and enjoy the cruising.

Looks stunning Vern. Good effort on the build time. We all know how these things cam drag on.

Know what you are saying about the feeling of pride. I'm looking forward to experiencing it again myself.

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Well done Vern, that looks fantastic, you should be very proud of yourself and hope you get many miles of happy motoring :)

Cheers, Graeme

Fantastic job Vern.
Now to just enjoy the ride.
Cheers
Graham

Guys with the steering wheels. What are people using for the silver band in between the 2 colours?
Cheers
Graham

old wedding rings    ??? ???

I used silver Pinstriping off eBay. Applied before the paint & clear coat, no bumps can be felt.

Beautiful

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Great work Vern. No doubt your smile is still showing. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Well Done!

Great work Vern love the interior

Hey Vern,
Been away so haven’t logged in for a while ! Mate she looks fantastic looking forward to seeing her in the flesh. Congratulations on seeing the project through. No easy task.

Congratulations Vern, she is beautiful and a testament to you. In the same time, I've managed to get mine welded and in primer! Lol.