front end ?

[njf690]

hi JUST WONDERING IF I HAVE TO  MODIFY THE FRONT END ON FC HOLDEN TO CONVERT ENG TO V6.OR DO  I HAVE TO REPLACE FRON END WITH PAT GARDNERS MODEL TO SUIT THIS MOD? ANY OTHER HELPFUL HINTS WOULD BE GREAT, CHEERS

[Ed]

hey njf,

either..

you will need new engine mounts and steering rack mounts.

if you can make these, go for it, if not, then the kit is easier.

Cheers

Ed

[njf690]

thanks ed

where would i get  the kit from say in brisbane or  a site i can look at the kits? also with front and rear  disc brakes any info on this would help.

[Ed]

hey njf,

it comes down to budget and availability of parts in the end.  try to keep future servicability in mind too.

for front ends go to http://www.v6conversions.com.au
brakes  www.hoppers.com.au
conversions in general http://www.rodshop.com.au


Cheers

Ed

[njf690]

what REAR brake system is best to use,  iam using front slotted disc brakes.

[Effie C]

nfj690
If you are after someone in Brisbane (or close) I would go see Rod's Racks in beaudesert, he does a beautiful conversion kit for V6 etc. He has a web site just do a google search and he will appear. From memory the site has various options and prices.
Good Luck

[njf690]

can i use my current crossmember and use a commodore rack and pinion or use hr crossmember and commodore rack pin.  like rods front ends . any pics of front and rear ends moditifed to v6 would be great to give me a look at the finish product.cheers

[FC-V8]

njf690
         You use a modified HR front end with either a shortend torana front mounted rack as Jason aka fevanv6 has used in his v6 van or a rear mounted commordore rack. The rear mounted commordore rack is the better option as it allows you to retain your full turning circle. Rods racks does an excellent conversion using the rear mounted rack & steering column combo.
Cheers
Glenn

[njf690]

what front  stud pattern has fcvanv6 used on his conversion.

[Ed]

Hey njf,

commodore.

if you're going to attempt a conversion, you've got to do some research yourself as well... here is a good place to start but a forum is like a 2 way street, those website links you have are a good start.

the best tip is to buy a donor car (commodore any model) and transplant it into your FC.  It will not be easy and welding and fabrication skills are a must.  couple this with some good problem solving ability and you're on the right track.

sounds like a kit may be worth your while so some of the bigger bits are done.  they are pretty good for the $$.

perhaps if you share what car you have, your plans, experience etc we may be able to help you... but first... do some browsing on the topics.

Cheers

Ed

[njf690]

hey ed
thanks for that , yeah those sites are top notch and very helpful. as it is my first conversion 2nd restoration on this vehicle it has begin in the family since new 25dec 1959 fc holden sedan 2 tonne green all oringe-nal. just converting to suit the family now and my sons family when i hand it down.  i have redone the exterior once to 2 pack oringal colours. no real experience in conversions but have  heaps of helpers to keep me in line.iam collecting info on all aspects to help this project go smooth.

iam selling parts as i pull the car apart that i will not need in the future. any interests giveus a call or email me khandtc@tpg.com, 0418700435 iam in wynnum, brisbane

[NES304]

Hey bloke (njf690)
if your turfin the original steering I wouldn't mind stealing it. I'm on North side Bris

[NES304]

Ed,
I googled rods racks and it looks like he doesnt have a web site. Out of curiosity I wouldn't mind seein what he's got a v6 kit going for. Does the doner commodore with V6 (VN onwards) steering rack fit or is an earlier shorter one better (VH?)

[Ed]

hey nfj,

cant say i've ever been to rods racks site.. maybe someone else has a link?

I think a non-power assisted rack from VB commodore to VH??? works.  I had a part # some where once...

you can usually exchange it plus $$ for a converted one from one of the conversion shops. but this usually works with their X member only.

in a recent issue of Street Machine, "Streetneat" wrote a tech article on a good looking rack conversion.  His chopped Ek van was the test bed.

ive gone for the CRS front mount torana rack, and after test driving the car am quite OK with it.

you can adapt any rack really so long as you know the fundamentals on rack placement to avoid bumpsteer.  The knuckles must be placed on the same axis as the control arm pivot etc.
"SGO" on this forum is the expert in this department.

then you need a column to suit, you can adapt one relatively easily from again, just about anything.  You may need a engineering shop to re-spline your steering shaft or as "Chuck" has done, had a special shaft made up and then x-rayed for integrity (nice job too).

IMO, again just source it from the donor car you plan to use.

hope this helps.

Cheers

Ed

[njf690]

ed

try http://www.rodsracks.com.au

[njf690]

yeah nes138

sure thing either come and have alook or i can give you a call when i pull it out or you can do it .

[NES304]

Hey bloke (NJF)
say the word and i'm there.

I love looking about the old holdens
I checked out Streetneats place and Mick STD_WAGON
and was impressed but JELOUS

[njf690]

yeah nes138 any time this week is fine

[MikeM]

I have had some experience with rod (rods racks) and he did a great job on a colapsable, "original", FC/VL/ Commodore auto (VS) conversion that was/is the easiest part of the whole V6 conversion process so far (including Pat Gardners conversion kit and Rodshop chassis kit).

Not sure about Rods kit, but if this is as good as my experience with the column I would pay what he is asking.

Just my 2c from a  happy customer.

[Effie C]

Also suggest checking out the local FE FC Club in Brissie, quite a few modified FC's (V8's) etc and a wealth of local info to tap into.