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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2012 5:40:16 GMT 10
Howdy Well... Its been a bit of a search ... The Kaybees on the scout down south Brenten scouring the countryside out in his neck of the woods ( Vic) I have had Sutcacs running around up in Thier territory on the sunny coast. Neil ( Neilncheryl) chasing up a van in Brisbane.... All have done me a great favour by going out of their way to check out these cars for me. And for that i would like to firstly thank them all. If it wasnt for them i may well have purchased a dud and been up to $20,000 out of pocket. I am deeply in debt tp all of you guys... Thank you for your efforts While they all where running around the countryside i was also doing a bit of searching locally.... Missed out on another FB van at Port Macquarie . About 2 weeks back a van came up on ebay at Katoomba. So .. I jumped in the FJ Ute and motored down for a looksee... just on 3 hours run. I spent 2 hours with the owner and made him an offer to take it off ebay. ... Hey... i wasnt coming home without giving that a try. Unfortunately he said no and was happy to let the auction run its course... Cant blame him for that either. So..... Seeing as though i have been off work and the auction finished at 10.30am Tuesday i figured i would be in with a chance... There was a flurry of bids in the last 30 seconds but i came out on top.... Ended up paying a couple of thousand more than i had offered but still happy with the purchase price... It was a looooooooonnnnnggggg week waiting for Friday so that the seller would be home. Done a deal with son Joel to swap vehicles for the day. Bro and i took Joels Turbo Deisel Nissan ute and headed off to Katoomba. A great run down there... Arrived about 10.00am. The house is less than 500 metres from Echo Point and about the same distance from Katoomba falls caravan park. where we have had Christams in July as well as calling in there on couple of the vint van tours. When i think of the number of times we have driven passed the street i just shake my head and wander just what else is out there yet to discovered and dragged back into the daylight. ' Originally purchased in Cairns 30 years ago..Last registered 2003. Van has sat in the shed for 9 years. Michael had done virtually all of the rust work and never got aound to paint and putting it back together. We stuck a battery in it. bit of fuel down the carb. Bit in the tank. Some clutch fluid in the master... wound her over and she fired up .. and sat there idling... I couldnt believe it Thrust race was sad and done some squealing when we pushed the clutch in ... but managed to find first Loaded her up .. tied her down..and headed for home... Got home about 3.00. Then started sorting through the gear in the back. Front gaurds are there. heaps of N.O,S engine parts... The car has a recoed 179 HP motor All of the front chrome work is good to very good. Grill is perfect. The car has had a body rubber kit fitted at some stage of its life. .. as you can see It has had a few different coats and colours over the years. It was purchased While talking with Micheal Kerin ( the seller) and his wife. They mentioned that they played country and western music on accassions at different venues around katoomba. When we quizzed Michaels wife further she told us that Michael is a pretty modest sort of a bloke and doesnt like to spruke about his achievements. Turns out he is a fiddle player and played in Slim Dustys band for 25 years... I have no reason to doubt this ......however Perhaps someone who is a Slim Dusty fan can verify this??? So thats it for now... Looks like i am going to be busy in 2013.... Cheers Reddo
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Post by cruisindoug on Dec 15, 2012 6:01:38 GMT 10
Nice! That looks like a great score.
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Post by Cruz on Dec 15, 2012 6:52:53 GMT 10
Yes, she is another good find for Reddo! Should keep you out of trouble for a while. My new tow car arrives next week.
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Post by cobber on Dec 15, 2012 15:51:32 GMT 10
It's true Reddo...... Mike Kerin, they called him Fett because he worked on the Queensland railways before joining the TCB (travelling Country Band ) he was a fairly quite bloke on stage too..... Quite but good. About the only time he came close to showing off was when they got him to play "the Orange Blossom Special"...... brought the house down he did That's him on the left...... Aye?..... Probably looks a little bit older these days. Fuzzy photo of a good photo, sorry 'bout that Cobber. (Slim Dusty fan from way back)
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Post by dosse on Dec 15, 2012 16:11:59 GMT 10
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boots
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scootin' along the highway of life
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Post by boots on Dec 15, 2012 20:19:46 GMT 10
Hey Reddo Another 2013 project ;D We had friends looking at Dennis projects today, and passed the comment with tongue in cheek, So you will have to live until you are 95 to complete all ;D Lucky you are younger We have asked Santa for a 9 day week if that helps. Cheers Sue
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Post by humpynvan on Dec 15, 2012 21:29:03 GMT 10
Good Score, I had that on my watch list as well, IMHO it looks cool with the paint exactly how it is, spray it with a mix of petrol anf oil to stop it rusting, cool cruiser...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2012 9:59:47 GMT 10
Hiya Cobber .. and everyone else Thanks for the research om Michael. Yes heis lookin a little older now .... but according to his missus he can still hold a tune on the fiddle... There is a famous quote in amongst that isnt there.... When i was gasbaggng with him i suggested that if we went to Katoomba for another xmas in july we might chase him and his missus up to do a bit of a gig for us...... He nodded and smiled .. so i took that as a yes.. or at least a... i will consider it... I spent a bit more than i had planned on paying for the van, so i might be taking the route that Humpyboy has suggested. Stabilise whats there and just leave the paintwork until i can afford to do something with it. Sort it out mechanically and get it regoed and on the road in a safe useable condition. Gunna spend the rest of the time between now and Christmas day going over the FJ and caravan in prep for the FX/FJ Nationals... See how much money i have after that and make a start on the panno..... oh.. and theres that TD to finish off as well??? Cheers Reddo
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Post by humpyboy on Dec 16, 2012 10:51:34 GMT 10
Gotta love a project don't ya, your startin to remind me of myself Mr Redman, havn't finished one job and already organizing the next, probably explains why there is never any money in the kitty aye, nice pickup on the panno she looks a goodun, will come up a treat with a little elbow grease.
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Post by sutcac on Dec 17, 2012 17:44:59 GMT 10
Hey there Reddo . Looks like a good one there mate!!! EHJ pannos are getting a bit thin on the ground.......and good rust free original examples like the one you've found are starting tobring biggish $$$$$$ Good idea doing a project,......at least you'll know what you've got when she's finished!! Makes me sorta wish I'd kept this...................Ah! ...can't keep 'em all,hey??
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2012 19:43:22 GMT 10
So.. I get back to work on Monday and a bloke says.. Hey Reddo.. was that you i seen drivin a Nissan with a EH Panno tagging along last friday?? Yup.. that would be me!! My mum and dads EH sedan is on my front lawn... they want 3 grand for it.. Ok .. i;ll come and have a look.... Long story shortened.. It wasnt worth 3k but i went back today with half that much and dragged it home... 202 with yella terra head. X2 carb set up.. Extractors M20 4 speed Crappy old dragways that i have a plan for Dash has been doubled in widh and loaded with smiths gauges.. New black velour headlining A complete rare spares rubber kit Air shocks a new keyless entry kit still in the box in the boot. A set of new pioneer speakers in a box in the boot New black shag pile carpet kit. The new fangle blue headlights a complye new exhaust system A disc braked HR front end with booster. 2 good front bumpers. Good grill and front panels..... VSCommodore seats with retractable seat belts.. engineer approved installation. 2 chrome GTR Torana rims .. Even has a pair of new Harley mufflers and koni shocks in the boot. So.. a crap body shell and hanging panels... but enough hot up bits to get the panno going and stopping good ( if i decide to mod it) once i have got it registered in stock form. Everyone says i am crazy.. and i am inclined to agree....But a whole car load of spare bits down under the peppercorn tree is a good feeling.... Cheers Reddo
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Post by sutcac on Dec 20, 2012 20:25:38 GMT 10
.................." A complete rare spares rubber kit" .....there's ya $1500 purchase price back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2012 15:42:22 GMT 10
What a bargain!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2013 17:32:59 GMT 10
Yo... Found time last weekend to remove the 179 HP motor and gearbox out of the van . spent the rest of that weekend degreasing .. fitting new gaskets .. water jacket,,, water pump...thermostat.. and convertingfrom generator to alternator... Plus i gqave it a coat of that dark red that the EH motors came out with. I gave the engine bay a good spray with truck was and degreaser and let it sit until yesterday morning to soften up the muck.... doesnt look that much different after spending 2 hours blasting the engine bay and everywhere underneath the van... it was 42 degrees yesterday so i didnt mind getting soaked . Spent about 4 hours sitting in the engine bay sanding things backlast night... then up before dawn and painted the engine bay in GMH satin Black. I have been bowerbirding a few chrome bits over the past 12 months. The HR Ute was deemed not worthy of the shiney bits ,, so i have started bunging them on the EH motor. Have ordered new chrome side plates and a set of Headers from Maximum Performance Headers down in Woolongong. They should turn up this week. Will bung the side plates on and get the whole shooting match back in there next weekend....Then move on the the hydraulics.. Brakes ,, clutch master and slave cylinders...new hoses etc. etc. Hope to have it back on the road for the "Toads and Roaches Tour "starting Anzac Day.... I finished up on the panno about 9 this morning then moved on to the TD for a few hours... Missus decided we needed a bit of Outta the shed time so we went for a run in around the beaches on the Norton... Had lunch in town ... came home.....then i kissed her on the forehead and headed back to the shed to bat onm with the TD.. another project i would like to have on its feet by April.... ... Cheers Reddo
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2013 16:58:34 GMT 10
Hi All Been a bit hot for messing with cars in the shed... But i went ahead and did it anyway.. Spent saturday slinging the 179 back in to its old home... Got most of the odds and ends back on it during the day. Got up this morning and "Miss Daisey"wanted to go for a drive... so chugged around the lake until early arvo.. fed the seagulls some chips and come home. I was released back to the shed and fitted the radiator, rewired the old generator circ for the alternator . bunged a battery in and she fired straight up. few minor water leaks....and.. the radiato i thought was going to be Ok is stuffed.. So.. New radiator will be ordewred tomorrow. One thing i have learnt from towing old vans is that ya cant shortcut with the cooling system.. even though i tried to... it just pays to do it right the first time... Dropping off all the clutch and brake masters plus the cluch slave cylinder for overhaul this week, Hope to get em back by friday and move on to the brakes next weekend. Cheers Reddo
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Post by robbo3 on Jan 20, 2013 19:59:58 GMT 10
You might as well fit a PVC valve to the rocker cover and remove the breather. Just a thought.
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aquamum
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1968 Viscount Ambassador - Sydney NSW
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Post by aquamum on Jan 22, 2013 19:41:33 GMT 10
Wow Reddo
you really are a speedy restorer of old Holden engines ;D
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Post by DC3Td on Jan 22, 2013 21:16:01 GMT 10
Hi Robbo3, [You might as well fit a PVC valve to the rocker cover and remove the breather. Just a thought.]
That would be a PCV valve. gordon
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2013 18:06:18 GMT 10
Yo.. The "Hockey stick"stays where it is for now.. and... In reply to Aquamums comment. The motor was recond a few years back.. so no pulling apart / restoring required.. Just a good degrease and replace a few gaskets that where weeping.. same with the gearbox... stuck a new clutch and pressure plate.. thrust race in between the two.. gace the lot a coat of paint and stuffed it back where it came from.. Great beliver in leaving well enough alone and doing the obvious things that needed doing.. Just got a call from the radiator guy. I dropped the old radiator off there monday lunchtime.. He couldnt supply a replacement so ordered the correct size core and used my frame to build a new one.. its ready to go.... $385.00 I arrived home from work to find the missus with the bonnet up on her RAV4 Toyota.. top tank on the radiator has come unstuck.. Never rains but it leaks.....ummm... pours Reddo
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2013 19:16:17 GMT 10
No Matter how hard i try .. or how many hours i spend rolling around in grease and muck every weekend working on the old panelvan there always seems to be something else to keep me under the car... So.. in an effort to cull the ageing fleet i sold off the FJ ... its going to Adelaide... The HR Ute.. its going to Phillip island tomorrow night . And.. decided i might shop around for something that will get me around on the autumn "Toads and Roaches "Tour if i dont have the panno up and runing by April.. This might upset the Holden owners but i have turned to the blue oval for back up. . I am too embarrased to show yas.... It has a few problems.. No window winders The gear change on the column causes the wipers to work at 3 different speeds. It has a diff at the front as well as the back. It doesnt have a B pillar between the doors. It runs on diesel This is gunna take some sortin out before i can drive it.,..... or ... maybe its me that needs to move into the 21 st century... Gotta admitt the aircond and power steer is nice... I feel ill.. sorta like cuddling Cryptonite.... feeling weak......need to work on EH more... Cheers Reddo
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2013 19:16:58 GMT 10
Hi All Has been about 4 months since i bought the panelvan home.. I started under the bonnet and worked my way back to the towball . The passed 2 months i have seen nothing but the underside of the car. Every time i crawl underneath i find something else that could be improved in someway.. somethings just need a scrub and a coat of paint .. others need replacing The list as i remember it.. Gearbox selector plate gasket and o rings on shafts etc. Saddle up fuel and brake lines where new inner sills had left em dangling New uni at the rear Strip and free up and grease handbrake cables Replace handbrake retainer saddles Remove complete rear end and degrease /paint housing Remove springs and replace shackle bushes and rubbers 3 new brake hoses. New brake lines on diff housing. New brake cylinders Machine drums. Fit air shocks strip / flush and paint fuel tank Fit VH44 Brake booster and run new brake lines Rewire trailer plug from 6 pin round to 7 pin flat. Gunna book the van in to an exhaust mob the day before Easter ( Roster Day off work) for a complete new 2 inch exhaust system from the new extractors back From there i will tackle the interior and electrics.... Been a long dirty battle underneath but its starting to come together..And.. i feel confident it will hold together.. keep its cool when towing the van..... Only a rotten old Holden but i havent found anything i aint game ta tackle.... Not like lifting the bonnet on a 2008 Ford Turbo diesel and seein nothing but spagetti and tubes running everywhere... Cheers Reddo
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Post by mgandwartz on Mar 7, 2013 9:06:35 GMT 10
Your going well on the van.
I only have one toy left to play with till I sell the house and shift now. So its getting quite a bit of attention.
Yep agree on the "wot the eck is that" reaction when you lift the bonnet on the Ford. We have also bought a 2008 turbo diesel crewcab ranger as a tow car. The only thing I'v felt up to working on on that was a new performace chip, and bullbar. LOL
Can't wait to see more on your panno.
Don
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2013 18:38:55 GMT 10
G,day.. Been sidetracked a few times of late.. So work on the panno and the Td has been adhock. Trailered it to an exhaust place and got a tidy 2" system fitted . All tucked up nicely out the way of speed humps etc. Bid on a few different sets of mags while trying to clean up the old dragways off the EH sedan.. without much success. Forgot to bid on a set of 14 inch Dragway indies with tyres . They sold for $350.. So... i sent the bloke a message stating i would happily pay that if the winner didnt come good with the dosh. Got a call yesterday saying they where available.. so off i went to Camden and collect them. Rears are 8" with 245/60s on them fronts are 7 " with 215/60s. Back wheels looked huge and i seriuosly doubted that they would fit under the gaurds without either rubbing inside or outside. They made it with 12 mm clearance inside and about the same off the inside of the outer gaurd. Also picked up ratty sunvisor for nix when i collected an old 138 grey motor , Celica 5 speed /dellow Holden bell housing for $200 Paint is called Dulux "Oneday" Cheers Reddo
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2013 7:20:31 GMT 10
Hi All Wife and mother both happy with their presents for mothers day yesterday. Wife didn't want me to make a fuss over her on mums day....... so ... I didn't. Quietly retired to the shed and got a few hours work done on the van. A few weeks back I had sanded any surface rust and old underfelt off the floor and then fish oiled the entire area. This has now dried so I was able to cut and fit the sound deadening/ insulation to the floor.. Bit of a patchwork quilt as I used some off cut sheets that where left over insulation from the loco cabs we build at work . Happy with the end result I cut and laid the underfelt and then fitted the new black loop pile carpet that came with old green sedan and rare spares rubber kit. refitted that camping body seat which at some stage of its life was recovered in brown leather....... bit flash for the old van. Rang a panelbeater/ spray painter the other day. He is going to drop in one arvo this week and give me an idea on which way to go with the bodywork and paint?? Bit of a problem with not knowing what is under all that primer/bog. acrylic and enamel paint. if we tidy up what's there at the moment and spray over it there is a fair chance that the paint job will turn to poop in a very short time. To avoid that I would have to blast the whole car back to bare metal and start again on the repairs.... a costly exercise when all I am building is an every day driver.,.... not a show car . Other option is to go down the "Rat Path" . Just tidy up whats there...give it a coat of grey ( or flat black) primer ... maybe a coat of clear to stop the ingress of moisture and use as is. Just have to wait and see what old mate the painter has to say I suppose?? Cheers fa now Reddo
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2013 5:33:01 GMT 10
Yo... Have stripped all the interior out of the panelvan and it is now living in a panelbeater/spray painters shop at Metford /maitland.. He reckons I should get it backall straight and shiney ( Honey Beige) mid November... Have had the gaurds, bonnet, bottom tailgate, spare wheel door. front valance sandblasted and primed.... not too may rust surprises so minimal repairs needed Beater and I have agreed on progress payments with no initial payments up front... so... if the costs start to get out of hand .. or I am not happy with progress or quality of work I simply tow the thing back home. Have had a few odds and ends rechromed... man isn't that stuff getting expensive.... can see why the rat rod look is getting such a strong following... flat black and silver frost is a damn sight cheaper Anyway... roll on November I say Regards Reddo
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