Holden FE ute fitting a 253

[perth_ute]

Scary looking at the last time I updated this thread but have been very busy getting it completed in the last 12 months.

[NES304]

well I don't see any photographic evidence 

[Stash]

Some photos would be great

[FireKraka]

I'm with the other guys lets see some photos and have you had an engineer have a look yet?

Regards
Neil H

[perth_ute]

I have completed the mechanical side

front end completed with HQ front brakes, HT booster, custom cross member and alloy radiator.

Lots of updates but will list the horror and and positive.
The 253 and 4 speed all fits. Went to start after sitting for a couple of years and it just would not start. After grabbing a cool drink the investigation started. Found the fuel had separated with water going to the carby. Drained the fuel tank and carby and went to start again. It then got good fuel and massive back fire which was caused by the dizzy being 180deg out. Then it started but very rich. Huge amounts of black smoke was caused by power jet in the carby being damaged from the back fire. Then it started and allowed to settle but it blew a welsh plug. After drinking most of the cool drink from the fridge now and removing the engine changing all welsh plugs and fitting it, she now runs and idles.

Called around Perth for a radiator and was shocked by the quotes. I bought an alloy rad with spal twin fan fit and hidden overflow from group in Vic.

radiator

Painted the custom cross member

Brakes

[perth_ute]

But some horror. After mechanically working I pulled it all apart and sent it to a shop in Malaga (Reaper Ripoff Customs) to have the frame holes filled, radiator cutouts welded, and firewall smoothed.

I went there after one day and this was the result.
firewall horror

ps horror

frame horror

[perth_ute]

So I cancelled the job and picked it up but first was billed the full job.
You have been warned!!!!

Ordered a new gearbox tunnel to get fitted.
new tunnel


Noticed that Ripoffs have warped the front frame so spent 4 months on weekend getting it to fit again.
front frame repaired


Found a welder and painter JC. He recommended the body and jams gets sandblasted to ensure a perfect job. So the parts such as spare tyre door, door hinges, and tray side panels to name afew were done first. Next was the main body, panels, interior were done. Really happy with sand blasters job and no damage.

before


off she goes

after


su3prises




From the sand blaster it went to JC all the way north to Bullsbrook. Will post progress of welding and paint.

[VAN059]

The utes body isn't too bad, perth_ute. Shame about the panel shop 

Where did you get the cross member? Fabricate yourself?

Keep up the dream, I'm about to start very soon myself.

Cheers
Marc

[perth_ute]

Going there tomorrow night to see the progress. The cross member is from a guy who does v6 conversions. Has power steering from a vp rack and short hq stubs. David

[JOX515]

G'day David,

Love the progress on the ute - will be a great car when finished.  Also like the front cross member, any chance that they are available to purchase as a kit. I am considering going down the rear mounted rack path with my RB30 powered wagon.  Haydn has sent me a lot on info re setting the rack up correctly, but I would like to go back to the original sump with the motor and your set up could be the way to go.

Cheers, Graeme

[Ole]

Looking good David, you must be pleased with what you found after the sandblasting. Who did you get the radiator from, it looks impressive.
Cheers Ole.

[fe350chev]

It's really coming together now. Glad your blaster did a good job.

[perth_ute]

There have been alot of little things that have added up to more and more hours but happy that it will be done right.
Back end is nearly finished and should be in primer next week.

Found some rust coming through on lower side panels behind both doors. It was filled with oil so had to be all cleaned out. More time and money but nearly there and should be in primer next week.

The inner tray holes have been filled and dents removed. There is still some panel damage from rust on the floor but will need skim coat. Now ready for mini tub. Not sure what the best approach is here. Should I split and weld in strip or cut out and weld in new fender? Keeping the current fuel tank at the moment otherwise I am going to be kicked out of home $$$.

Front panels are ready for paint in primer.

[Old_Mt_Isa_Boy]

That's what I call progress well done.

Regards

Wayneb

[DJ]

Big steps in few weeks. Great progress.

[perth_ute]

Not sure it was a good idea or not but have welded up the seam under the rear tail tights and the front panels under the indicators. Purchased BMW m3 seats in black leather so try to figure out how to fit them without cutting the floor pan too much. The side mounts from the bench line up perfect but the inside is going to be interesting. Any ideas would be great.

Next is to repair the patches on the roof from a past windscreen visor and clean up around the door jams.

[perth_ute]

Been reading other project posts and really take my hat off to them as it really is alot of work and $$. Have finished the roof now and along the way noticed it had a sun visor in a previous life.

Ariel hole on passenger side filled and cleaned.

Now getting into the gbox tunnel

[NES304]

Yeah who needs a radio anyway!!!

[VAN059]

Good work!

[Old_Mt_Isa_Boy]

Good stuff. All progress is good progress.

Regards

Wayne b