Fanta FE

[Lamo]

Here is the story.

My dog had fallen ill. It's going to take a bit of $$ to fix him up so my wife and I decided to look for a first gen commodore, VC-VK (don't like the VLs) in average condition. Something someone would want to get rid of cheap because it was beyond their ability to fix. After we fix that commodore, sell the Crewman we have. Instant cash injection - fix the dog - all good. Right?


Right??

Wrong.

I found what could be a good VC SL/E. So we go off and have a look at it. Urrgh. The previous owner had dome some 'modifications' and I use that term loosely. He had started to scallop the doors to look like an early Corvette and also cut out the rear lights to fit some Ford AU tail lights. In my opinion, that looked utterly horrible. Anyway, This VC was not suited to what I wanted. Whilst we were on that property looking at the VC, we saw a number of car bodies in the distance.
'Do you mind if we have a look?'
'Nah, go for it.'
So off we went for a gander. Holden One Tonners, Panelvans and HQ-ish sedans and coupe's. Sitting next to an old busted HR station wagon was an FE special sedan with most of the trim intact.

I looked at it and said ' Geez mate, a bit of rust in that one. Pitty, such a great looking car.'
'You can have it for $100.'

I looked at my wife, she looks at me, there was that look in both of our eyes that said, I want this car but we really shouldn't.

We said thanks for the tour and went on our way.

Two days later, we were off to the Vet for Murphy's (the dog) weekly checkup. The blood tests from the previous Friday were in and so was the Ultrasound. His Liver, Pancreas and Gall bladder were not functioning previously and the Vet had given him as little as two weeks to live (this was diagnosed three weeks earlier) so we were really wanting these latest results to be positive. Low and behold the tests were all good! Liver functioning again as well as his Gall Bladder. The Pancreas is good but still is inflamed and has a fair amount of fluid around it but overall excellent news!

He has been able to reduce his meds down from four bits of medication twice daily to only one tablet a day and some special food.

We all know what this means.....









It is still a bit wet out where the car stands and becoming stuck would be a problem, so next week (weather permitting) the seller will be dropping it off to me. I have made a promise to the missus that I will not get stuck into this thing until the Torana I am currently doing is finished - or at least the body work is done. Although I don't think I will be able to resist having a bit of a look. She is very rusty but nothing a grinder and some new sheet metal and some time wont fix.

Liam.

[Lamo]

Oh and this is my buddy Murphy.

[mcl1959]

Very interested to see the ID plate on this car as it is an unusual colour - It may have been repainted, but ID plate will tell.

Ken

[Lamo]

Very interested to see the ID plate on this car as it is an unusual colour - It may have been repainted, but ID plate will tell.

Ken

Bugger. I meant to take down those details today. I knew I forgot something.

[fink fc]

I was diagnosed with the same problem as your Dog,my doctor put me on a [Detox] program and i've never felt better,Good Luck, Gaz!

[jack_fc]

Hey Lamo; Murphy the Mutt looks well worth your efforts to help him!

Hope all goes well for him 

[Lamo]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Murphy is running around like a pup again - never looked better. He used to weigh around 28kg and at the worst point down to 20.2kg, this weight loss only happedned over a couple of weeks. Now he is back up to 23.9 and eating more then me!

Anyway, I can't wait to get this FE this weekend, I know I am not supposed to touch it but me thinks it will get the better of me.

[Lamo]

Delivery was taken this morning of one rather faded Orange FE Holden. I have had a quick inspection and yep, there is rust. Who would have thought it? 

Murphy have a look at the new member of the family



Boot Rust

[Lamo]

Body Rust:

[Lamo]

Inside:

[Lamo]

...and for you Ken.

Original Colours



VIN



FE 225-15688-A
Trim 175-468
Paint 255-7466

[Not Happy Jan]

Crikey Lamo,
Big job. Do you like welding?
Have you tried starting it.
Nick

[mcl1959]

Thanks Lamo - looks like a parts car rather than a restorer. Floors are not bad but a lot of structural rust around the A pillars is a bit of a worry.

Ken

[fcwrangler]

going by the codes the old girl was painted in Levant Green with Persian Turquoise & parchment Ivory trim. Someone has done a full repaint at some stage and as you said in the pics you can see some of the original paint showing through. Thats going to be a big job, all the best if you take it on.
Regards Jim

[Lamo]

Nick, I am not fantastic at welding, but I can use a grinder really well.   I have not tried starting it yet either.

Ken,Wrangler,  I am going to give this one a go. The rust I have seen is not impossible to fix. It is just a matter of time. Cut out old metal, weld in new metal - It's that easy!   Anyway, it won't be at that stage for a while. Torana comes first.

I don't mind the original colours but I think if I ever get to a stage where I am considering colour on this thing, I rekon it will be a matt black job with brushed fiinished trim and red and black pinstriping.


I have found the original owner he owns one of the Old Holden spare parts places here in town. Actually, his ex father in law used to own it and it was handed down to his daughter. He is pleased that someone is going to try and bring it back to its former glory.

[Lamo]

Oh and I forgot the Donk shot. Complete with snake skin on the other side of the engine bay.

[fink fc]

Looks like Fanta has lost it's Fizz iv'e seen a lot worse been restored,consider doing a Tafe coarse in Mig Welding ,the instructor will recommend a machine to suit your needs,iv'e got a good boot if your desperate,i'll even donate it.Gaz!

[Lamo]

Thanks for the offer Gaz, really good of you but I think this boot lid is easily repaired.

I have actually looked at TAFE coarse but never got around to it. Anyway, if I get stuck, the internet will tell me what to do. 

[Lamo]

Oh and I already have a 150 amp SIP Mig that works well with the 1.6mm sheet that I am using on the Torana.

[ardiesse]

Lamo,

You are braver than most in deciding to repair Fanta.  But I reckon that if you rescue a basket case, it's doubly worthwhile.  Let us know how you go with it.

Rob