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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2024 10:43 pm
by Errol62
Hmm…
Or maybe I’ll chuck the splatts on the ute. Might work okay in the rear with the negative offset.
FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2024 5:45 pm
by Errol62
Thanks to Gledge who gave me this drag link when I was upgrading the ute.

Thoroughly cleaned, inspected and with a fresh lick of the last of the Chevrolet Grey motor coater. Ready to instal.
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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 7:03 pm
by Errol62
The only part I considered may need replacing is the idler arm bracket and bush.

$25 from Car Parts Plus
After testing the slop of the new part in the vice it is no better than the used one I have.
There was also slight slop ( all this under shear loading) in the other end of the arm, but they have apparently never stocked the actual arm as a wear part.
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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 8:14 pm
by Errol62
Never had a free fiddy before……

The mechanicals are spotless beyond my expectation. I’ve always done my own stuff of course and I’m totally self taught. Credit to Trevor. I wouldn’t usually be confident in buying a car sight unseen but having traveled with him and Karen and their van on the after cruise last June I was never in doubt.

The air filter has grown on me too. The tri-corner nut is actually cast steel. Only ever had plastic or wing nut.
Even the exhaust note is just right really. I don’t seem to hear any extractor tink or noticeable induction noise. It is knocking either on the body or rear suspension, noticeable on decent subsidences or with a couple of rear passengers. I’ve had a bug this week and haven’t got it in to the shed for a proper play yet.
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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 11:20 pm
by 60Special
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 6:12 am
by Harv
Errol62 wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 8:14 pmNever had a free fiddy before……
Carburetor is a Latin word that means "don't #@$% with it". Because the parts are so readily available, the Holley's are notorious for fiddling. They are also available in a lot of sizes, with bragging rights for having a monster carb... even if it runs badly.
The 350 can be a great match for a red if tuned well. If it is running well, don't touch it. If you need to, there is some info here:
https://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewto ... ey#p235938
Plenty of jets, pumps, restrictors and other Holley shenanigans here if you need them.
Cheers,
Harv
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:36 am
by Errol62
Thanks as ever Harv and Trev. It runs great and I don’t plan fiddling with it at this stage, although I wouldn’t mind putting some form of choke on it if I come across the bits. Currently deleted. If it proves overly thirsty on a trip I may revisit.
FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:42 am
by EK283
Hi Clay,
Wow Dawn looks a bit worse for wear !
Great looking car you have there. I think I may have a choke set up for the Holley, give me a day or two, see what I can find.
Greg
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:53 am
by Harv
Errol62 wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:36 am
I wouldn’t mind putting some form of choke on it if I come across the bits.
Lemme check. When I was faffing around with the 350's, I deleted the choke off one, and added epoxy to smooth the inlet flow. I may still have the bits in the spare parts department.
Cheers,
Harv
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 12:24 pm
by Harv
Found it. If this suits what you are after, PM me the name and address and I’ll send it to you. There are a couple of thermostatic chokes there too, but assume you want a Manuel one.

- IMG_1597.jpeg (2.95 MiB) Viewed 679 times
Cheers,
Harv
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2024 7:02 pm
by Errol62
Thank you very much fellers. I need to buy you both a drink. PM sent Harv.
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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2024 5:48 pm
by Errol62
I think I found the main issue with the steering. The pitman arm retaining nut was loose, with the arm loose on the splines.
The drag link assembly itself seems pretty good.

I put the HD one on and of course it is fouling the sump on lock.
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Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 10:08 am
by 60Special
I’m pretty sure that I fitted a new idler arm some time ago. As you say, new one has the same play as an old one. Hopefully the pitman arm nut tighten has improved things. There is always the van steering column that I gave you. Best to try the easy things first.
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:23 pm
by Errol62
Thanks Trevor. I don’t think it will be necessary to replace the steering box any time soon. I’m stubbornly working at getting the HD draglink to clear the sump on full lock though.
FB ute fixer upper, EK van on rotisserie
Re: Elle’s 1960 FB 225 mild custom
Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 4:22 pm
by EK283
Engine out, new crossmember mounts and gearbox mount push it back 1/2 an inch !!!!!
Great fun.
Greg