FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I'd like to share some build pics with the small amount of work I've done so far (in between two jobs, full time tafe two kids and a wife that always beats me to the bank on Thursdays). I bought the car with no motor or box in primer. Its actually an FE
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o08ic.jpg)
FE 225 26866 - A
Trim 26 - 703
Paint 256 - 6332

For you who like the numbers.... If anyone knows how to find out when it was last registered I'd like to know.

I will be keeping the same interior as the seats were in good shape with no tears or cracks. The vinyl was a bit dry though. Thanks to Stinky I have a complete new set of door panels front kicks and a parcel shelf in newly covered red and white.

Originally it came with a Hr crossmember and LH discs, but thanks to a bloke that lives near me the old girl is regaining a grey heart
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o09jk.jpg)
the father out law loves the old grey so much the mother in law lost him (he was in the garage salavating) I'll give these a good clean and a lick of paint before they go in.
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0eh0.jpg)

The car was set up with FE chrome and a detroit flach kit. I didn't have the chrome for that and Thanks to Dean I have the FC Special to go on the side.
I sent the car to the panel shop to have some holes Mig welded up (120 of em) and had it returned in guide coat.
You may be able to see the two lines of holes in the first photo.
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0fbc.jpg)
The under body has four new floor panel welded in and must have had the sills done too. Alot of ground work done for me.
You may see the difference in new and old trim here
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0fpj.jpg)

I was trial fitting the new chrome try drill the new holes. Note the new wheels and rims courtesy of the bloke down the road (he is converting to V6)
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0hs2.jpg)
And I put on the rear fins too. My daughter thinks they're "sexy"
Note the FE boot badge.
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0iac.jpg)

To go with the red/white theme I've decided to go with a clean crisp white with a red insert at the rear and around the windows. Unsure at this stage exactly what white and red. but I have a mate at PPG that can help.

looks like youv'e got a pretty good start there.  Sometimes it's not too bad to start with a project as long as good work has been done beforehand.  Keep up the effort & I'm sure you'll get there.

Ken

You may also notice the bonnet now has the FC mascot and the letters have been marked out.
(http://i4.tinypic.com/10o0knl.jpg)
I also have a mate who works at an electroplating facility who is charging a carton per bumper bar to rechrome. It aint what you know

That comment promotes you to LEAST popular bloke on the forum  ;D
I thought I was doing alright paying $300 per end  ::)

Hey nes.
Looks like you managed to pull together enough cash out from under the good wife to get some work done.
Progressing nicely.
Keep the updates coming.
Regards
Alex

Hey NES,

looks like a good start to the project.  there's a bloke trying to run away with your door in the pics!

Cheers

Ed

that made me laugh but that bloke is me and I took the pic at the same time(love technology)

and hey stinky, why the LEAST? It aint what you know and the misses wont get upset at the price. But because its a "shonky" and the guy wants to do a good job, it may take a while to get all the chrome on the car through. If I recall correctly, Andrew from Streetneat said he paid over 3g for all his chrome. I still havent told her about the interior you sent up either. But my kids absolutely love to sit in it and pretend to drive around (so does the father in law)
Cheers for the comment Ken, it has had some nice welding work by someone before me which is half the reason I bought it.

Just joking about the least fave, there will be a lot of envious people though with you getting your chrome so cheap.
Keep up the progress shots, we all love 'em.
Plus the best piece of advice is "Harko's 20 Minute Rule", with any project make sure you go out and spend at least 20 mins out there doing something.
BTW those door trims look good, whose your trimmer  ;)

 Whats your address NES ? I`ve got a pallet of chrome bits and booze to send over  ;D ;D ;D

Blacky I wish I could help and I probably should have said it (about the chrome price) but the bloke who's doing the job for me is going to take about a year to get everything through on the sly. Good things come to those who wait.
As I said, I wish I could help. A lot of guys here have helped me with parts and info.
I already have my Brothers HT, My mates HR lined up not to mention this bloke has made alot of other mates who want chrome done...

Ripped the guards off and put stone guard on em
(http://i3.tinypic.com/112hfts.jpg)
and then got stuck into the crossmember with a wire wheel on the grinder!
(http://i3.tinypic.com/112hh8o.jpg)

Cleaned up the underside of the car and is now in stone gaurd (with sound deadener inside the cabin). looks like new (and slightly purple cause its wet). should offer a nice quiet ride.
(http://i6.tinypic.com/14kjeio.jpg)
Sound deadened the boot too. looks a treat.
(http://i6.tinypic.com/14kji29.jpg)

You need a taller jack  ;D
Keep the updates coming!

Looks the goods NES! As Stinky said, keep those pics coming....looks like we are both at the same stage  8)

Yeah I had the car up on four brick peers (each about 5 high) and layed on a little creeper (with wheels) for about four hours with a wire wheel on a grinder. Looks great and kinda new, except for the weld seam of the new floor panels. My elbows are still sore but well worth it. The father out law warned me about driving it in the rain too... I don't want it dirty either.

Good to see a car going back to grey instead of the other way, keep up the progress Nes.

Nes saw the car on your driveway looking good when will it be painted ? ta finlay .

Fin, I have started to rub it back and it turned a few heads..... I have also done the engine bay and it came up pretty sweet. just needs a lick of paint now. bay will be same white as body
(http://i4.tinypic.com/16j3i2q.jpg)
When are you swinging by my place with your FC?

soon young one soon  :P ;D

Well I finally chose a colour. Actually the misses did and it looks pretty good. its PPG Acrylic White with black tint and red oxide (trace amounts) to turn it off white. Makes the bay look neat too. I'm happy things are moving now.
(http://i1.tinypic.com/1zxtfkj.jpg)

Nes looks great when will the engine be installed   ?? :finlay :oURL

Hopefully soon.
A soon as the rest of the insides of the doors are finished I can put em back on and the interior will clip in.
Next is the motor which i already have aquired GMH Grey paint for. It'll look like new. Witha white engine bay and some hidden wiring it'll be very neat

the Dash is now looking pretty sweet
(http://i2.tinypic.com/20gd1n6.jpg)

well the insides of the doors are finally done and just need to be cut back, buffed and then hung back on the car. I trial fitted the inner skins too and looks great
(http://i5.tinypic.com/20rnrlx.jpg)
(http://i5.tinypic.com/20rns3q.jpg)

Lookin good NES.
great progress...

cheers
Scott

Ps good lookin door trims ( beat ya stinky)

well I ripped out the cross member and gave it a clean up and coated it in 2pk black. looks great with the painted motor in the background. I just cat wait to get it in the car but I want to paint it a different grey first. Then I'll have to work out how the links fit up to the gear box....
(http://i8.tinypic.com/258te0m.jpg)

looks poo hot keep the updates comming  :o ;D

motor is finally in
(http://i8.tinypic.com/25kismc.jpg)

good stuff ness, grey motor in a white bay is a good idea.

the dash is also coming along. this version is all white, I am making the spare lid and cluster surrounds the same colour red (when I choose it) as the insert making them interchangeable.(also to match red/white interior theme) For the purposes of the photo I stuck in extra knobs where the choke etc are ment to be.
(http://i8.tinypic.com/25oxl47.jpg)

its always fun trial fitting chrome before paint
(http://i7.tinypic.com/2vlmr9z.jpg)

(http://i9.tinypic.com/29eopbc.jpg)
checking the freshly cleaned scuff plate for fit
(http://i9.tinypic.com/4h0o7lx.jpg)
new front Bumper back from electroplating

the Diff Radiator and tail shaft were painted in 2pk and now look like new again
(http://i9.tinypic.com/40a5kwk.jpg)
(http://i9.tinypic.com/2ch0sch.jpg)

 ::) Nes looks good when will the body be painted ? .
Finlay

Trying to get the wiring sorted out when your not an auto sparkie is challenging. Once its finished i'll get one to check it over (don't want it to burn). note the trusty wiring diagram on seat.
(http://i15.tinypic.com/29o2xz5.jpg)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/48z1lhe.jpg)
Note the voltage regulator etc inside the fire wall, part of the plan to hide the wiring from the engin bay. Wire for head lights will be attached to the screws that hold the guards on (underneath the guard) to avoid being seen.
Have the brake lights working (and indicating)
(http://i10.tinypic.com/4e0upuf.jpg)

Diff and tail shaft installed. exhaust half installed (have to weld both halves together), gear selector rods connected,
(http://i15.tinypic.com/2lv0itx.jpg)
Brake and Clutch master connected but no fluid yet. the wires for the starter motor, generator, coil oil press and temp are connected in this photo (well hidden)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/2hs87ex.jpg)

well nes138 that is looking sweet,keep them coming son.

Been pretty slack over Christmas but had the seats sent to the trimmers and picked em up today. Did a sweet job too
(http://i3.tinypic.com/2d7uckn.jpg)
Had the back also retrimmed as well as some extras, includes Jesus Straps, sunvisors and door handles.
(http://i13.tinypic.com/4c8ejd5.jpg)
Feels like real fake leather heh heh

Nes
Which trimmer did you use, it looks as though he did a great job.

Cheers Jim

Jim, I used a guy who does cash work and very very good with prices. He has been in the trade 30 plus years but works for the Defence Force. So unfortunately I can't send you to a shop but for anyone who would like his number I can pass it on. He'll take care of you. Only problem is that you'll have to get seats to his house. So for anyone in Brisbane interested......

NES
When I return to AMB I will have to get the guys contact of you. Should be back in town this time 2008.

I have a set of seats stored under my house in Ippy so If I get back before then I might have to organise some trim work so they will be ready for my return.

Cheers Jim

hi nes your ride is looking sweeeeeeet man i will have to get  the photos of mine up here 1 day

hey Nes just wanted to say  that car looks like its comming along fantasticly wow mate ur doing agreat job cheers keith david. :D

Thanks Trevmc62, Hurry up and get your pics up.

Cheers remememememememeemememok02 heh heh
a lick of paint shouldn't be too far away too!

nes,
     it all coming together really
nice there, wow :o gotta love
that new trim look's brillant.
                                           col.

(http://i18.tinypic.com/4h9d9xy.jpg)
I had to move the car today and with a bench seat missing my son brought out a Barbie pink chair to help steer it. Had a laugh

Thanks to Rare Spares Bris I took delivery of all the rubbers needed for the car (no thanks to the Courier company that Stuffed around with my gear for 3 days that should've taken an hour to deliver)
(http://i11.tinypic.com/2ptq8uc.jpg)
Then I dropped it two inches all round,
(http://i10.tinypic.com/4ct430h.jpg)
And installed the new Accellerator pedal which is a cable conversion from Rares
(http://i10.tinypic.com/2hgtp4n.jpg)

new accellerator cable was installed and you can see here the cable is mounted via a bracket on the base of the carby, the cable pulls the brass lever which is attatched to the front side of the carby butterfly shaft
(http://i15.tinypic.com/4cvlaow.jpg)
(http://i17.tinypic.com/47ds8wg.jpg)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/2e3mybt.jpg)

that last photo was obviously a stuff up but i was trialling painting the badge. I painted and let dry then wiped over with a rag soaked in thinnners to remove excess paint.
Here's the pic with the bonnet bolt accel cable
(http://i18.tinypic.com/2q3dxfr.jpg)

Nes, I'd love to have the trimmers number.

Have sent a PM

Cheers
Dave

Looking good Nes especially that 2 inch drop ;D.Is the young fella helping to look after his inheritance? cheers Tommo

Finally got it painted. Still have to give it a quick sand and paint the RED insert colour.....
(http://i16.tinypic.com/496qbsz.jpg)
(http://i4.tinypic.com/2yxrpxv.jpg)
(http://i9.tinypic.com/345jxjc.jpg)
(http://i16.tinypic.com/29pzr6b.jpg)

looking good nes, ;)

Looks great NES

Looking good there Nes, did you paint it yrself??  What type of paint did you use?? are you running a red FC flash on it??(thanks for the FE bonnet surround)

                                                                      tayz

                                     

Yes I did it myself and yes for the red flash. I just need the paint. I used PPG Acrylic (easy to fix my stuff ups)

well done Nes.    ;D

I saw the car when you first got it and could see that it was a big project, so give yourself a pat on the back - especially as you have done most of the work yourself.   :o :o ;) :D :D  

regards.

You're a machine NES. What you've achieved with this car is a real credit to you. Just goes to show what you can achieve if you work at a consistent pace. Inspires me to get started on mine. Now, about that chrome plater friend of yours, can you get him to do my chrome as well?

MACHINE?
The driveway that is under the car....I layed that, the stenciled spraycrete under the car, I did that too. And the retaining walls in the background, the grass, the auto irrigation (cant use cause of drought) the fencing, tiles and carpet in the house too. If I lived in a box I could have finished the car by now!!
As for the chrome, I had a front bar done for a carton and now the bloke cant do shonkies any more because someone found out and........ I'm kicking myself now as all the chrome will cost a lot more than what I have put into the car already.

Great stuff.
Now that should give you a big sense of accomplishment. Nice work around the house also mate.
Keep the progress shots comin'
Regards
Alex

Should have a photo of the red flash on Sunday

Laid some RED down and it looks poo hot. standard PPG metalic red, did the dash surround too. My wife chose the colour so at least we are both really happy with it. jsut need to be cut back and buffed now!
(http://i16.tinypic.com/451wei1.jpg)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/2qi6zpt.jpg)

nice colour combo NES,
no clear coat over the top?

Cheers

Ed

no clear in that photo no. but next photo will show with clear and after a nice rub too.

good work nes, you are really riping along there, did you re prime it before you paintd, should look good buffed up, nice stance you have there too, if your mate can do any more chrome for beer let me know.

I could give him more beer than FCCOOL, and it would be quality Tasmanian stuff. Just let me know how many cartons he needs.

Otherwise I'd replate the whole car!

Quality? Only XXXX here champ

got some clear on to it and then 1200 wet sanded, cut back and waxed. looks better with some shine
(http://i12.tinypic.com/2zxwjh2.jpg)
(http://i7.tinypic.com/3zqdc14.jpg)

Gee that is looking nice.  I really like the colours. Very stylish. Great work.

Cheers
David

 :o :o :o  looking good mark. ;)

You're car's looking great Marc well done... have you painted your wheel arches and interior metal in the red?

Got some chrome on and started putting in the hoodlining
(http://i14.tinypic.com/2h6dbht.jpg)

(http://i14.tinypic.com/29uu45s.jpg)

Very nice NES. How much have you lowered the car? I think that stance looks perfect.

Putting the rubbers in is a B!t@#. Heres the new chrome chanel installed near rear 1/4 glass. It needs a clean.
(http://i16.tinypic.com/2ci7atx.jpg)
fitting the new hoodlining
(http://i18.tinypic.com/43ht0cx.jpg)
I put the rubber around the windscreen and to prevent it falling off I wrapped it in tape. It'll aid in giving it a "memory" so it won't spring off when tape is removed. And so the kids don't jump on it I sat it in the opening of the car.
(http://i15.tinypic.com/2wpj7mb.jpg)

Hey Nes,

In case you're not aware, the stainless trim goes into the rubber before fitting the windscreen to the car.

You may already know this, but you don't want to learn it later!

cheers
RET

RET,
    Yes I do know but as stated above the photo I didn't want the kids knocking it over and only had time to wrap the rubber around the glass. 50 year old smashed glass would not make me a happy bloke.

I found it easier to fit the trim to the rubber on the front AFTER it was wrapped around the glass (before installation) but fitted the trim to the rubber for the rear windscreen BEFORE I wrapped it around the glass (prior to install).

HOWEVER,
I can proudly say that the chrome is now fitted and both windscreens installed! And yes they were installed after the hoodlining was put in.  It helps when you do your homework with these rebuilds as it would be a massive mistake to learn from
NES

NES i love the build up and the progress you have made so far.

Colours look great and i cant wait to see the finished product with the rest of the chrome and a full detail 8)

Can i ask where did you get the roof lining as im chasing some to redo my FC but having trouble tracking down what i need for the interior?

Cheers GMB

GMB, PM sent

I had the Front and back windscreens installed on the weekend and I'm really happy with them
(http://i16.tinypic.com/4biaeq8.jpg)
(http://i14.tinypic.com/4hiufl5.jpg)
The hoodlining also went in (before windscreens), still needs the windlacingaround the edges
(http://i13.tinypic.com/35mldf8.jpg)
I also put the grill in the dash and the switches in the cluster surround. Looks closer to completion.
(http://i10.tinypic.com/441rr7q.jpg)

Progress has slowed with the start of a new job. Somehow found the time to install sunvisor and mirror.
(http://i18.tinypic.com/4vqcn80.jpg)

Hiding the wiring too. This is the headlight/ indicator wires running under the guard.
(http://i2.tinypic.com/50303lv.jpg)

The voltage regulator and other various wiring will be mounted up under dash
(http://i17.tinypic.com/4z1l72q.jpg)

Scored some moulded carpet and threw it in. Its not fitted or trimmed up but looks good. I'm still missing the seat surrounds which is annoying. The misses reckons it looks like a limo now.
(http://i17.tinypic.com/4y64nxw.jpg)

Well its been a while, Flat out at work.
I had time recently to finish installing the trim down the side of the car properly so I can insert the interior door cards. Also trimmed vynil for the interior wheel arches
(http://i16.tinypic.com/67rek39.jpg)
I also installed the maroon windlace and it seems to finish the edges off well
(http://i11.tinypic.com/67x8akw.jpg)
This is what it looks like around the scuff plates
(http://i9.tinypic.com/5yv3fhk.jpg)

Car is looking nearly finished. Finally put the hubcaps on too
(http://i17.tinypic.com/6bjqqtj.jpg)
(http://i15.tinypic.com/5yria1t.jpg)
(http://i12.tinypic.com/4tgdi5g.jpg)

thats look the goods nes....... ;)

Looks great NES.

Hmmm, FE on the inside and almost all FC on the outside.
Cars looking great.
How about a pic of the engine bay so we can see what it's like without the wiring.
Regards
Alex

Very Nice i must say, definately a look I like.  Stock and low!!!!!!!!!!1

SHHHHH, No one else noticed. I liked the colour of the FE interior (and Stinkie already had it half made up and for sale) which helped make the D.
And TAYZ, Yeah real low. No body roll in this ol girl. Suspension a little hard though. Drove it on the weekend and went pretty well. No smoke which is good.
HAD HEAPS OF BEEPS!
You'll probably notice the little stock pea shooter exhaust too. I tried to keep her quiet but you can't mistake a Holden Six
The engine bay is neat but the paint ended up a little messy so I am going to repaint the bay so No photo till then. Can't have it looking bad....

Hi Nes,
The carpet looks good. Are you happy with it and where did you get it from?
Cheers,
Graham

 ;)A job well done Nes, Now for the painfull part, the registration ;).
Regards. Leon

Looks great Nes, well done.

Cheers
John

Looks great Nes, nice combo ::) ::)

Cheers
John

Unfortunatly I think I'll just have another list of things to do, Like turn all the handles around. They open downwards, when I lean on em the door opens so I dare say thats one thing.

The carpet is stock plush pile dark red from rares, the windlace however is maroon (I had three attempts with rares to get the right colour)

Nes

Finally got the ol girl registered! It has been sitting in a garage for the last 6 months not doing anything and took forever to get her going. She proudly has QLD plates on her but is living in East Victoria with me. Unfortunatly I have not been on the forum often lately but it looks like its still going strong. Well done.
Nes

Looks good Nes,
i really like those colour coded scuff plates nice touch.
cheers
Scott

And well done to you too mate.Looks real nice. 8) Now you get to enjoy driving her...The car that is,what were you thinking? ;D

How's the big girl going NES, did you get all your little bits & pieces sorted?

She looks fantastic.

Dean.

I finally did mate and got it registered. I then moved to Vic for nune months and now live in Newcastle. I have driven occasssionally on weekends and probably not enough. The bloke lives near me has a few 57 Chevs. I drove passed and saw through the garage to a shed out the back. I said "looks like another 57 bumper under that cover mate" He said he now has 5 (yes five) in total. He runs a wedding hire company and can claim everything for his toys. He did say he liked mine. Nothing in comparison really

i would personally pick your ride over a 57 chev any day every man and his dog wants one long live the holden i say

Absolutely....I would give anything for my FC to be as complete as yours at the moment. :'( :-\ :-[

 26th M.A.D. day at Swansea on the 7th Feb. Good excuse to take it for a run!
               Cheers Glenn