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We continue to plug along with the collection of FC parts in parallel with the resto of the house. I expect the house will be complete by Christmas - 90% of the tiling has been completed in the bathroom so I just need to finish it off this weekend and connect up the plumbing. Then all that is required is to sand Gyprock in the hallway and then paint it, the new office and two bedroomsthen install three fans and six exterior lights. We are finally on the home stretch!

On the FC front we now have a full set of bumparettes, I have sourced the components to build the generator test set, and I have been working with Glenn (Street Trim) to come up with a plan for the interior. I have already sourced a headliner so that part is good. I have decided to run with a late FC Special interior - embossed two tone seat and tow tone door trims (Fall Red and Black). With the help of Glenn and Phil we were able to cobble together the stainless trim and an arm rest for the driver's door and I have located "touch wood" a complete passenger door card including arm rest. That is to be delivered at SummerNats so it will be early next year before that gets completed.

We have purchased the components to build the generator test set, and I also picked up a working AVO meter that was built in March 1958. (Not that I need another mulit-meter as a sparky). The AVO Meter will be put to work in the shed and will eventually be part of a "working display" of old tools.



This morning I found a set of ute guard spears on Gumtree - just waiting on them to get back to me with a price on postage so I trust that is now all sewn up.

I have also identifed a machine shop to machine the steering knuckle supports to enable me to fit the 10 thou oversized king pins from Rare Spares. That is another job for early in the new year along with the machining of the engine.

So I think the last thing I am really chasing before I get started is the rotisserie - easy enough to pick up - just nothing has come up locally yet. Then the fun part begins!

Those hinges are a work of art!
It'd be interesting to get some time frames on some of the work pieces.

Great to see an update Mal. Amazing work as ever.


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Part 2 of the bonnet hinges.

Now the hinges are done I have to make it look like they should be there.

I did a fair bit of modification around the hinge area making a box section around the hinge that incorporates a seal around the hinge and a trim around the top where the hinge comes out.
















Still in the process of making the hinge seal and top trim.


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Been busy in the shed now for a while and some good progress made.

Starting with my bonnet hinges, I wanted something different that wasn’t so big and bulky.

Did a bit of experimenting with a couple of different styles.
A fair bit of trial and error, but got there in the end.

The first one was a modified boot hinge, but just looked to big and couldn’t get a good clearance where needed.






Next was a temp plate of a sissor type version, but that was crap.






A lot of measurements and drawings was done along the way.

What I ended up with is a consealed type hinge with the pivot point and gas ram under the dash.

These hinges I made out of 2 pieces of flat stainless welded together then ground up, sanded and polished.




Firstly I made up a template of the hinge to make sure i was going to have enough clearance where I needed it.




Hinge pivot and gas ram is all fitted up under the dash






Then I clamped the 2 sections together and start welding.










A lot of checking and changing as I go.




Welded together with stainless wire in the mig. Looks crap but got there in the end and nice and strong.










Very happy with how they polished up.






I had to move the bolt location in the bonnet to line up with the hinges.








That part all done. It took a while to get the gas ram position sorted but the bonnet opens and closes nicely.






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Everyone that sees the Morry asks the same thing - are you going to keep the sign writing.

I bought it because it's a panel van with little rust (although rough). It has Morris Major Elite 1600 running gear - so a bit more oomph.

Whilst not set on a plan for the car - the thought has crossed my mind to do a custom 1970's style??

First things first - finish the FC ute.

Cheers, Wasim

 Hey Gary . At least you won't have too much trouble restoring the " bright work". From memory instead of diecast, the poms got something correct by using brass` Wish the Holden heavies had decided to do the same. Kevin.

Looking good Wasim, reminds me of my Levant Green FE

Love the Morry Van, are you going to retain the sign writing

Gary

Go well with a 186 in it…..


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Original colour was Duchess Green - I had no record of the current colour, so the paint supplier scanned several pieces to mix the colour.
I might get booted off the site? My next project is this😂😂😂😂😂





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