Ask the Unique Cars and Parts Team

Ask the Unique Cars and Parts Team - Page 11 of 11

Got a question, need some advice, or simply settling a bet. Contact us with your question(s), we will try our best to help.

Have You Posted Your Question In Our Forum?

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.

Prior to sending a question to us, why not take a few moments to also post your question on our Forums. Over time, this will help build an invaluable resource for you and others to share. If you are considering placing a Free Classified, KT will explain how easy it is...

Ford Falcon XM Hard Tops, from Richard

Q: Can you tell me how many XM hard tops were produced in 1964, regards Richard.

A: Hi Richard. The XM was produced for 12 months and numbers sold were 47,110. This is for all models including the hardtops.

Ford XM Falcon
On Sale: February 1964 - February 1965

Models available:
Falcon in Sedan, Wagon, Ute and Van
Falcon Deluxe in Sedan, Wagon, Ute, Van and Hardtop
Futura in Sedan and Hardtop
Falcon Squire in Wagon

Falcon Firsts: Tested and developed for Australian conditions
Prices at introduction: Falcon sedan - £1051, Deluxe Hardtop - £1215
Total XMs built: 47132
Transmission: 3 speed manual, 2 speed auto
Engine: 144 cubic inches (2.4L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.5 x 2.5 inches
Power: 96bhp (72kW) at 4200rpm
Torque: 138lb-ft (187Nm) at 2000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.7:1 Pursuit 170 cubic inches (2.8L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.5 x 2.94 inches
Power: 111bhp (83kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 156lb-ft (212Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.7:1
Super Pursuit 200 cubic inches (3.3L) 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 3.6 x 3.5 inches
Power: 121bhp (90kW) at 4400rpm
Torque: 175lb-ft (237Nm) at 2400rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Single throat carburettor
Compression ratio: 8.7:1
Fuel consumption: 22.2 mpg (Futura 200 auto sedan, Wheels magazine)
Performance (Falcon 200 sedan, 2 spd auto):
Top speeds in gears
1st: 58mph (93km/h)
2nd: 96mph (154km/h)
0-60mph (0-97km/h): 14.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile (402m): 18.8 seconds
Suspension Front: Independent with coil springs and hydraulic double acting shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
Suspension Rear: Live axle, semi-elliptic springs with hydraulic double acting shock absorbers
Brakes Front: Hydraulic operation, 9 inch drums
Brakes Rear: Hydraulic operation, 9 inch drums
Steering: Recirculating ball
Wheels: Pressed steel disc wheels with safety rims
Tyres: 6.50 x 13 inch
Dimensions (sedan):
Length: 183.1 inches (4651mm)
Width: 70.6 inches (1793mm)
Height: 54.9 inches (1394mm)
Wheelbase: 109.5 inches (2781mm)
Front track: 55 inches (1397mm)
Rear track: 54.5 inches (1384mm)
Kerb weight: 2436lb (1106kg)
Turning circle: 37.7ft (11.5 m)
Fuel tank: 11.7 gallons (53.2 litres) Interior dimensions (sedan):
Front headroom: 38.3 inches (973mm)
Rear headroom: 36.9 inches (909mm)
Front shoulder room: 55.4 inches (1407mm)
Rear shoulder room: 55 inches (1397mm)
Front hip room: 57.1 inches (1450mm)
Rear hip room: 56.8 inches (1443mm)
Front legroom: 41.1 inches (1044mm)
Rear legroom: 31.7 inches

Ed.

HR Disc Brake Calipers, from Brett

Q: I'm chasing a pair of Holden HR front disk brake calipers, just wondering if any one knows where I could find some, Brett.

A: Hi Brett. Have you tried Castlemaine Rodshop? I know that they are big on using HR discs for various conversions. Go to their web site at www.rodshop.com.au. Ed.

138 Holden Red Motors, from David

Q: Was there a red 138 Holden motor fitted to the last of the EJ Holdens? David.

A: Hi David. The EJ was fitted from the first day of production in July 1962 with a 2.262 litre 138 cubic inch six. The head design was pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder, fed by a Bendix Stromberg double venture down draught carby. It produced 75bhp/56kW at 4200 RPM and 163nm of torque at 1400rpm. The correct compression ratio is 7.25:1. For further particulars, please see the EJ Holden Technical Specifications. Ed.

HX Monaro Seat Belts, from Dean

Q: My inquiry is in regards to the HX Monaro 1968 -1969. I need to know if the car was relesed with seat bealts or not. Would much appreciate your helpfull responce, Dean.

A: Hi Dean, I think you have your models mixed up a little, the HK Monaro was the model around in 1968. Anyway, seatbelts were a common option, in fact safety belt anchorages (but not the belt's themselves) were fitted as a standard item on the EJ. GM made the announcement on July 30, 1962. Just in case this is for a bet (and you have some beer riding on it) we have attached the press release document. You could also check out the NASCO accessories advertisement in our Media, Movies section. Featured is a 1965 EH with optional NASCO Safety Belts. Ed.

RS2000 Escort, from Glen

Q: Hi, my name is Glen and I was wondering whether the RS2000 Escort came out with a Cosworth engine instead of the 2lt single overhead cam and if you would know where to get a Cosworth engine? Glen.

A: Hi Glen, our sources tell us that no this combination was not available to the public. In Europe however this was a popular racing combination. Ed.

Used Dodge Vipers, from Jared

Q: I am looking for a used Dodge Viper. Just wondering if you knew of any that are in Australia or any that can be imported and what prices? Thanks, Jared.

A: Hi Jared. Having personally driven a Dodge Viper they are really a great car. Having said this, the expense weighed up against what else is available on the market is another thing. Having driven a Corvette C6 also, the Viper is certainly quicker in a straight line but only marginally. Overall the C6 was a better driving experience and approximately 2/3 if not ½ the cost. Anyway, the Vipers are few and far between. I have a friend who sold one recently for $95,000.00 AUD and currently I do not know of any on the market. You could try placing a wanted advertisement on our free classified section as we get many visitors who pass the site on a daily basis. If we do hear of any Vipers for sale we will be sure to let you know. Ed.

1983 Datsun Bluebird GX, from Marcus

Q: I just bought a 1983 Datsun Bluebird GX and was wondering if there were any avaliable bodykits that could be fitted to the car or any motors such as SR20DET or an RB30. I have no clue on what engine prices or what engine to get for it because it's such an old car. I was thinking a TRX bodykit maybe or a skyline R30 silhouette body kit, but my main concern is the engine, even another perfectly fine Datsun Bluebird 1.8L 4 speed manual engine. I just need to know where to get them and how much they would cost. Marcus.

A: Hi Marcus, you could try www.fibremaster.com.au. If you can't find it here then I'm afraid you would need to get something custom made, which these guys do anyway. Regarding your engine, you could pick these up at just about any wreckers in varying conditions. Do not pay more that $1500.00 for anything unless completely reconditioned with verification. Ed.

1966 Mk.II Cortina, from Martin

Q: Hi, my Dad is fitting a 1500 Lola steel engine in to our 1966 2 door Mk 2 ford Cortina, I was just wondering how I would find out the history of this engine, thanks, Martin.

A: Hi Martin, unfortunately we cannot find any information on the engine you are enquiring about. If we come across anything in the future we will be sure to contact you. Ed.

Holden Torana 186, from Dan

Q: I need the Torana 186 timing spec's for electronic ignition thankyou, Dan.

A: Hi Dan, in order to provide you 100% accurate information we would need to know the grind on the camshaft. This would include the lift, duration, lobe seperation, etc. Another thing you can try is to retard the timing until it pings or pre-detonates under hard acceleration and then advance it 1 degree at a time until it no longer pings. This is generally where the timing is best suited for performance. Ed.

Mk 5 Jaguar, from Chris

Q: I own a Mark 5 Jaguar and am interested in workshop manuals and spare parts availability. I am currently restoring a 1949 Mark 5 and any information would be appreciated, Chris.

A: Hi Chris, Mike Roddy Jaguar is one of the best resources for any model of Jaguar. Unfortunately we do not have their number at hand, but they are located in Moorabbin, Victoria. Ed.

Amoco Nice and Clean, from Mitch

Q: Hello. I really enjoyed reading your information on Petrol and Oil Companies. I particularly liked the "Amoco in My Machine" radio commercial, but I also remember a TV commercial using the same music. Am I right? Mitch.

A: Hi Mitch. Yes, there was both a radio and television campaign for Amoco, and we think they were the best commercials of all time. There are over 1000 old radio commercials scattered throughout this site, however we have put our favourites in "Radio Days", and naturally enough the old Amoco ads take top billing. And we were able to find an old Amoco TV Commercial. Ed.

Torana LH SLR5000, from Scott

Q: We are looking for a Torana LH SLR5000. We would like a genuine one, not a look alike. We have found a few articles but they are a bit confusing as they talk about a L31, L32 and a L34. Have rang up a few people about their cars and that has been even more confusing. Hope that you can help. Kind Regards, Scott.

A: Hi Scott, the L31 & L34 that you have found relates to the components used in racing such as engine internal component and body/floor modifications. Basically if you come across any of these numbers while researching SLR 5000's you know that you have stumbled across more than an SLR 5000 and may be looking at a car produced in order to reach 500 for homolgation into the touring car racing series. These are good numbers to find!! If you happen to come across anything L34 then you can be almost assured that it did time with a racing team or in fact raced at Bathurst and you would pay quite a premium. If you let us know what state you are in we could possibly help you out with some contacts in correctly identifying the genuine SLR 5000's. You are still going to pay a decent amount for even a restoration project. Ed.

LJ Torana Colurs, from Aaron

Q: I have an LJ Torana which we are doing up and I was after a Auto transmission and a range of colours which would suit the Torana. I was wondering if you had any contacts in SA Adelaide or any where close that may have what I require? Arron.

A: Hi Aaron, unfortunately we have no contacts in SA that we can recommend specifically for your project. The transmission should not be difficult to obtain from either a Holden wreckers or any transmission rebuilding company. There were many units mass produced. As far as your colour choice goes, I personally like Tangerine Dream, which is a standard XU1 colour. Other XU1 colours such as Plumdinger Purple, Strike Me Pink & Salamenca Red may be suitable. Ed.

Classic Car and Parts Classifieds, from Angela

Q: I cannot seem to proceed with placing an Classified Ad, and how do you add photo's to the site? Angela

A: Hi Angela, placing an ad on the site should be easy. Remember you must enter a "Title" for your classified, this is the very first field required. An example could be "Immaculate HQ Holden". Mandatory fields will have a "*" against them, there are not too many as we do everything to ensure your privacy is maintained. Once the details of the ad are entered correctly, you will be taken to a 2nd screen allowing you to attach any images you wish to the ad.

If you are returned to the original 1st page of the classified ad it means you have not filled in a mandatory field - most people seem to miss the very first field as detailed above. It may also be worth taking a moment to read our Classic Car Classifieds FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page. Ed.

Morris Oxford, from Rupali

Q: I am looking for the parts of Morris Oxford , mainly its stearing and gear. Please let me know if these are available and the cost of the items. Rupali

A: Hi Rupali, unfortunately we cannot find, and do not know of any such parts currently available. I think your best bet is to frequently Google "Morris Oxford" while restricting your search to Australia and look at the results. If we find or hear of anything in the future we will be sure to contact you. Ed.

TVR 3000M, from James

Q: I'm planning to move a TVR 3000M to Australia from the UK when I emigrate. I was wondering how easy the bits for this car are to come by. It's mainly Ford and TR6 bits, Many Thanks, James

A: Hi James, TVR parts are not plentiful, however not impossible. When you get to Australia be sure to drop us an email and say hello. Ed.

Holden HR Front Disc Set, from Brett

Q: I'm chasing a pair of Holden HR front disk brake calipers, just wondering if any one knows where i could find some. Brett

A: Hi Brett, have you tried Castlemaine Rodshop? I know that they are big on using HR discs for various conversions. Go to their web site at www.rodshop.com.au. Ed.

Mercedes 380SL, from John

Q: What do you consider a reasonable price range for a 1985 mauve red 380SL in very good condition, which has done 115,000 kms and was locally delivered with service books? What do you estimate the annual depreciation in value?,i.e. is it likely to loose or gain in the next say 2-5 years? Are parts a problem? What is the kms that one can expect to get of this vehicle without major expenses? Thanks, John.

A: Hi John - The 107 SL is one of our favourites, in fact we have a 1971 350 and can vouch for its driveability in today's traffic. Prices vary wildely, the 107 is "slowly" becoming collectable, but nowhere neer the cult status of the Pagoda's. Prices can dip below $20K if the car is in fair condition with plenty of k's on the odo, however the one you are describing sounds like a well maintained and cared for example, so it would be somewhere in the high 20's (and could go in the early $30's but as you can appreciate it is very difficult not having seen the vehicle).

The price will probably fall a little in the next few years, but not overly so. Classic cars are the first to be ditched when economic times get tough, so they are never a terribly good investment. However any depriciation will seem miniscule when compared to our company "Kia". Parts are easy to find, typically 2nd hand parts are sourced from the less popular SLC's. By the sounds of things there should be no replacement parts immediately required, there are now many after-market manufacturers creating parts for the 107, as is the case for the MGB, various model Porsche's, Beetles and the like.

The nick name for the 107 in Germany is "Panzerwagon", due to its strength and reliability. We have read numerous articles about the old iron-block engines doing over 1,000,000 miles without the head being removed. The alloy-block motor in the 380 is not quite as robust, but should be good for at least half of that if driven with care and regularly serviced. Speak to the boys at Peterstar Motors (they are highly recommended) on 03 9580 6437. They are very reasonably priced too. Ed.