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Due to the unprecedented number of requests we receive for help, we have launched a Classic Car Forum. By submitting your question to the Forum you will benefit from the input of our valued site visitors, and just like going to the Doctor, it always pays to get a second opinion.

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The Team @ Unique Cars and Parts

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Ford XY Numbering, from Darren


Q: I have an engine in a recently purchased XY. The number was located at the rear of the block, left hand side, and reads "JG23PJ98472K". I would be very grateful on any info regarding this engine no. as in size & capacity.

A: Hi Darren. The number supplied is only that of an engine number. Your engine will be a Cleveland and there should be markings all over telling you that it is a 302 or 351. Some of the most visible ones are on the heads, inlet manifold and on the valley of the block. Ed.
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FC Holden Project Car, from Gary



Q: Firstly, having only just signed up, congrats on a great site. I have a FC Holden Wagon as a project car and am looking for a web site that may be able to help tutor me with some how to's in regard to body work prep and paint.

A: Hi Gary; We have undertaken a similar project before. Our suggestion is to leave it to the experts, you will get it finished far quicker and with better results. Apart from that it's really difficult to tell someone via email how to weld, fill, block & paint a car. If you give me some idea on your location I could put you in touch with some real quality panel beaters and painters that can give you a great deal. Ed.
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1974 Holden Torana LH, from Claire


Q: I have a 1974 Holden Torana LH in complete original condition, including the manual in perfect cond and original spare tyre. I was wondering what sort of price a car like this would sell for? it is mechanically great with a new transmission, water pump and petrol pump. The paint is original also with only minor touch ups. the interior is incredible as is the body. Claire.

A: Hi Claire; In excellent condition these models are achieving over $3000.00 While in most cases the car is only worth what someone else is willing to pay, Torana's have a huge following in Australia and good original examples can achieve quite high prices. We will soon be posting a price guide for all Classic Cars, and suggest you check back soon. Ed.
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XW Windsor GT Motor, from Ben


Q: I would like to know where I can find out about engine numbers for an XW. I am thinking of purchasing an original GT motor (69 Windsor, apparently). The number is J3731C. Also, what is a good price for this motor with 24000km on it after rebuild? Ben.

A: Hi Ben. All XW GT Falcons had a VIN number starting with "GL" if it came with a four speed, and "GJ" if it was an auto, with four numbers following all ending in a "C". For example: "GJ 1949 C". Could it be that you have missed the G? The engine number is stamped on the front of the block behind the alternator. If you manage to find it let us know, but you should have enough info. Ed.
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1978 HZ Wheel Bearings, from Chris



Q: My father, Patrick, has a 1978 HZ Holden Kingswood SL. He has been given different advice over the years about how to grease wheel bearings. He wants to know, should the air space between the inner and outer wheel bearings (front wheels disc) be packed with grease or should it be clean and just the bearings greased when servicing or replacing?

A: Hi Patrick and Chris; The bearing itself which holds the rollers should be packed as much as possible. The outer bearing which mates with the inner bearing of the disc rotor should be greased. This should not be dry but it is not essential it is packed. Ed.
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US Spec X-Type Jaguar Body Kit Compatability, from Trent



Q: Hi, I have a question about the Jaguar X-Type. I would really love to fit a body kit and have not been able to find any in Australia (apart from the genuine Jag kit). I have located some in the US. I would like to know if there is any difference between the US and Aus X-Types that would stop the kit from fitting. Or alternatively, where I can get a kit in Australia. Hope you can help. Trent

A: Hi Trent; We have not been able to locate anyone who supplies body kits for the X-Type in Australia either. I'm led to believe that there is no difference between the Australian assembled and US assembled X-Types, therefore the US body kit would be alternative. Please do not take our word for it, and ask the manufacturer of the kit whether they can assist. It has also been our experience that when purchasing body kits or any fibreglass products for that matter, that there are great places that supply great fitting products, and bad places that supply badly fitting products. It is my personal recommendation that a genuine Jaguar kit would be the best option as it also ensures that nothing gets lost in transit and fits properly. Should anything go wrong you always have a reputable company/dealer to back up their product. Ed.
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LPG Autogas

LPG Autogas and my Holden HK V8, from Tyler



Q: Hello "Team", I own a beautiful HK Premier V8 and, while I love it, it is costing a small fortune to run. Can you advise the suitability of the car for conversion to LPG - Tyler

A: Hi Tyler. We are not experts in this field, and so we contacted the guys at LPG Autogas to find out for you. And the answer is No, and Yes. If you upgrade your HK to use unleaded, then it would be a candidate, however if you are currently using a lead additive with your fuel, then unfortunately converting to LPG will cause damage to the old girl. For a more detailed explanation of why, click here to read the full explanation from Peter Linahan, the Technical Manager – Automotive and Applications from LPG Autogas. By the way, we would like to thank Peter for taking the time to write such a detailed explanation. Ed.
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1981 CM Chrysler, from Matt



Q: G'day, I have a 1981 CM Chrysler Valiant, it has approx 149,000 kms on the clock, a small amount of light surface rust in some areas, runs very smoothly for its age and also a slight dent in the passengers side front and also rear door panels. I was enquiring about whether you would know how much something like this may be worth? If you could give me a ballpark figure that would be fantastic. Thank You muchly, Matt

A: Hi Matt. The 1981 CHRYSLER CM Sedan 4dr Auto 3sp 4.3 are listed as: National average price - private sale* $1,000 - $2,300 Price when new (RRP) $9,765 This is obviously only a guide but many enthusiasts would pay extra for a fine example of this vehicle. Why don't you try putting it on our free classified area with a price you would be happy to part with it for? Ed.
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Unleaded petrol in a 1987 JE Camira, from Josephine



Q: I have just been given a JE Camira 1987 and I am trying to find out if she can use unleaded petrol. Can you help me with this? Josephine

A: Hi Josephine; The best way to check if this model was intended for unleaded or leaded, (super), is to check the petrol filler. If it is small and you cannot fit the super petrol nozzle into the hole then it is designed to run on leaded petrol. Having said this if the cylinder head has previously been removed and reconditioned then it may well be that the engine will handle unleaded petrol. Only the previous owner can tell you this or the service logs. Hope this helps. Ed.
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Ford Falcon XP Fairmont, from Mat



Q: Hi there. I've got an XP Fairmont with a 250 crossflow in it, needs an engineers. Just wondering if it would be cheaper to get a original 200 or 221 and put it in then nothing has to be changed. what I've been told I might have to change the brakes, diff, stud pattern to 5-stud, radiator and probably a bit more with the 250. If you could let me know what you think I would appreciate it, cheers Mat

A: Hi Mat. Whether you need an engineers certificate really depends on which state the car is registered in. From a cost perspective it would certainly be more cost efficient to stick with the original 200 or 221 motor. You could certainly upgrade to the 221 pursuit motor to give you that little extra performance without the overhead of engineering certificates. Ultimately it all gets down to the question, "what do you want to get out of the vehicle?". Ed.
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1988 Walkinshaw Commodore, from Julie



Q: Hi, I am looking for one standard piston for my husbands Walkinshaw Commodore 1988 model. Can you help of know of anyone that can - Julie.

A: Hi Julie. Walkinshaw Commodores were basically a performance version of the Commodore with the flamboyant body kit. The engines were based around the 5.0 litre 308 V8 that GMH produced in the 100,000's if not in the millions. This is good news for you as they are available at most performance shops, spare part dealers and so forth. I don't think that you are going to find anyone who will sell a single piston as they are commonly packaged in sets. It is also very unusual to replace one piston alone as there is a tremendous amount of effort in doing so and it makes sense that while going to this effort you may as well spend the extra $100.00 and replace all of them. Ed.
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ZH Fairlane, from Galena



Q: I need to find a mechanic who is interested in the ZH Fairlane, had one for many many years, in exc cond and have full work history but occasionally needs some work but prefer someone who has a good working knowledge of the vehicle and likes the model as I do. Mechanic yesterday said "why do you get rid of this old thing?" so I'm not taking it to him. Melbourne to Bendigo region would do. Do you know of any pls? - Galena

A: Hi Galena. If you would like to be more specific about the area you are located in, possibly we can save you a little time and suggest someone close by. There are many mechanics that would value your business and appreciate your car. I think you may have just come across an individual who has forgotten what old classic cars are all about. Ed.
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Mercedes 450SL Bonnet, from David



Q: I am restoring a 1975 450SL and need to get an replacement bonnet for the car. Are you able to help me - David

A: Hi David. Unfortunately I cannot locate a bonnet for your 1975 450SL. You could place a wanted advertisement on the Unique Cars & Parts Free Classified section and hopefully one of our readers will be able to assist. Would you consider a double skin gel coated fibreglass bonnet as an alternative? If so I could possibly put you in contact with an old friend who has many, many moulds. Ed.
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Ford Falcon Club, from Michael



Q: I need to find an early Ford Falcon Club as I have a 1964 Falcon, however I do not seem to be able to fine one! Can you help, Michael.

A: Hi Michael. From your telephone number, we are assuming you are from Victoria. Try the Early Falcon Car Club of Victoria. Contact: Stan Gibson (Sec.) Phone: (03) 9369 1574. These guys seem to cover the 1964 era and we believe they are located in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne. Remember we have a Car Clubs Listing section on this site. Ed.
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Mormon Meteor, from Randy



Q: I am trying to find out the background to the Mormon Meteor name. Randy

A: Hi Randy; Our research suggests the Mormon Meteor name came about when a local newspaper in Salt Lake City ran a competition to find a name for the SJ taking part in speed trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, during 1935. Ed
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XC GT RP Falcon, from Mark



Q: I recently looked at a car and was told it is an XC GT R/P (Restricted Production)??? Was this vehicle ever produced? Is there such a car? I have never heard of it and can't find any info on it ? Please help as I'm tryin to source my Mrs old family car. Mark

A: Hi Mark; To our knowledge, no there was not an XC GT, only the Cobra. In fact, we have received dozens of emails from those who think they may have found a "rare" Aussie muscle car, and struck pay-dirt. Usually the more you scratch under the surface, the more evident it is that it is a Falcon/Fairmont under the skin. It is more than likely the car is an XC GXL, which was supposed to be the "replacement" for the GT - a great car, but sadly not a GT. Ed
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HDT Statesman Magnum, from Peter



Q: Where could I find a picture of a HDT Statesman Magnum, I found one for sale on this site and would like to know more about them. Peter

A: Hi Peter; We have posted a brochure on the HDT Magnum, the last page has the facts and figures. Ed
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A Word Of Thanks, from Paul


Q: I'd just like to say thanks for your site. I was trawling the net one night when I found it, and though I'm overseas, and not in a financial position to buy even a local car, let alone an "exotic" foreign import, I'd just like to say looking at the info and pix of old Oz cars, especially the 70's models, really cheers me up. Thanks. Paul

A: Hi Paul; It's great to receive a compliment (for a change), and we all appreciate you taking the time to let us know how much you are enjoying the site. Ed
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Windscreen for 1958 Dodge Custom Royal, from John



Q: I am trying to locate windscreen to suit "1958 Dodge Custom Royal", John

A: Hi John; You did not include a valid email address for us to reply to! We suggest you place a free classified in the "Wanted" section of the site, and we hope that someone will be able to source one for you. Ed
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