Ask the Unique Cars and Parts Team - Page 2 of 11

Send This Page To A Friend
Fade To White
 

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

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...

The Team @ Unique Cars and Parts

Fade To White

Kevin Dennis, from Kevin



Q: Guys, had to laugh at the "Hector The Safety Cat" commercial you posted for Phil. One jingle I could never get out of my head was Kevin Dennis, maybe because my name is Kevin. Any ideas where I could listen to this jingle again? Can you tell me about Kevin Dennis, as I cannot find much on the internet? Kevin.


A: Hi Kevin; An icon of used car sales through the 60's and 70's, Kevin Dennis (whose real name was Dennis Gowing) became a familiar face to anyone who lived in Melbourne, and owned a television. The commercials may have dated a little, but they were catchy and certainly delivered the message. Gowing's car-yard success would allow him to follow his real passion, fine food. In 1976 he was a founding partner in the highly fashionable Jacksons Restaurant in Toorak, while his East Melbourne "Gowings Restaurant" continued to receive rave reviews. Sadly, Dennis Gowing lost his battle with cancer in 1991. The commercial above features the jingle we are pretty sure you are asking after, however we have posted a small compilation of Kevin Dennis commercials that we hope will take you on a trip down memory lane. Ed.
Fade To White

HQ Holden LS Paint Code Mystery, from Glenn



Q: I have a 6/74 HQ LS with the paint code 15822 which should be Cognac Metallic, however it is finished by Holden in Etruscan code 13126. Any thoughts as to why it is badged wrong! Did they ever make a HQ LS in Cognac or do I have a factory fault vehicle? Thanks for any help, Glenn.

A: Hi Glenn; Apart from the obvious later life re-spray, we have no idea as to why or how such an error could have occured. To our valued readers/visitors; if you can provide any ideas as to how the paint code mix up could have occured, please contact us at Unique Cars and Parts and we will pass the information on to Glenn. Ed.
Fade To White

1980 TE Gemini CDT (Country Dealer Team) information, from Simon



Q: Can you help me with some contact details? We have a 1980 TE Gemini that was purpose built by the Country Dealer Team under the control of a Jim Faneco. I believe there were 500 modified by CDT my car being no 017. Do you have any specific information on these cars and any contact details on Jim Faneco? Many thanks, Simon.

A: Hi Simon; I'm afraid we have no information on the CDT built Gemini's, however by posting your request we hope that a reader will be able to help out with some additional information. To our valued readers/visitors; if you can provide some information on the CDT built Gemini's, please contact us at Unique Cars and Parts and we will pass the information on to Simon. Ed.
Fade To White

Holden TD Gemini Engine Size, from Jarn



Q: Hello, I just have a general inquiry. I was wondering if the Holden Gemini Station Wagon 1978 TD model come standard with 1.6 or 1.8 litre engine? Jarn.

A: Hi Jarn; The same 1.6 litre engine was fitted to both the TD Gemini wagons and sedans. While we have not published specifications as yet, you can find some information from the TD Gemini Brochure, scroll down to the last page. Ed.
Fade To White

Fiat 600 Correction, from Ken (New Zealand)



Q: I notice on your description of the Fiat 600 as having 2 cylinders, wrong, the Fiat 500 has 2 the 600 has 4 cylinders.

A: Hi Ken; Thanks for pointing out our error, we have corrected the Fiat 600 page. Ed.
Fade To White

XC Falcon Tranny Shudder, from Dean



Q: The auto tranny in my XC Falcon has started to shudder, mainly when not accelerating very hard, and just before a change from 2nd to 3rd. I am hoping my tranny is not shot, what can I do? Dean.

A: Hi Dean; There is no better advice we can give than to seek the services of a competent transmission specialist. It is possible that the transmission fluid has become contaminated, and it does not take too much contamination to cause a shudder. You could try replacing the transmission fluid, however of greater concern is how the contamination occurred in the first place. One thing is for sure, it will not "self repair", so an early diagnosis may avoid a more costly overhaul. Ed.
Fade To White

EH Holden Diff Noise, from Stan



Q: Hi guys, love this site! I have a stock EH and am getting some diff whine, suggestions? Stan.

A: Hi Stan; Once the whine begins, a diff change-over is usually the only remedy. You can pull your diff apart and check for metal shavings to determine the amount of wear and tear, although this will likely only tell you what you already know by using your ears.

The EH was fitted with a "Banjo" diff, with ratio's varying from 3.55:1 for commercial manuals and all automatics, 3.36:1 for Standard and Special models, and 3.55:1 for the S4's (see the EH Technical Specifications page). As your car is "stock", we would suggest you keep it authentic and stick with a Banjo, however should you be thinking about upping the horses, consider fitting a "Salisbury" type from a later model Holden, which is able to take a bit more punishment. Ed.
Fade To White

Weight Of HZ Holden And VS Commodore, from Corey



Q: Hello, I was wondering if you might be able to tell me the car weight of the Holden HZ Wagon and the Holden VS Commodore? I have been looking on the internet but unable to find the infomation. Corey.

A: Hi Corey; The curb weight of the HZ is listed in the HZ Holden Technical Specifications page, however we have not completed the specifications page for the VS Commodore as yet. We are currently moving our office, and our reference material is located off-site in a large container. We will be in a position to post this information in a month or so, and we apologise for any inconvenience. Ed.
Fade To White

Volvo 242DL Good For Resto, from Tommy Lee



Q: I have a 1980 242DL four speed for sale back this way...in Mississippi. The engine is shot after 510k miles that I racked up on the car...very little rust etc..white with blue cloth interior...good for restoration...many Volvo parts...low price...any suggestions? Tommy Lee, Columbus, MS (160 miles southeast of Memphis). Thanks.

A: Hi Tommy Lee; 242DL's are not particularly collectable, nor sought after. It stands as testament to the build quality of Volvo's manufactured in the 1970's and 1980's that so many survive to this day, as yours has. It can be, on occasion, a bitter pill to swallow when we advise some owners that their pride and joy may be worth much more for the parts value, than in selling the car complete.

If you have the ability (and inclination) to strip the car for parts, then there is every chance you will make more money. But before you reach for the wrench, take the time to visit some Volvo wrecking yards in your area to determine the prices being charged, and compile an inventory of what is in good nick and can be sold, as against what will ultimately be destined for the scrap yard. Once you have done this preparatory work, you will be in a better position to decide for yourself if the effort will indeed be worthwhile. Ed.
Fade To White

Clicking Noise When Starting An ED Falcon, from Frank



Q: I have an ED Ford and it's clicking when you go to start it. Can you please tell me if it's the starter motor, or faulty battery, bearing in mind that the battery was dead flat and the negative side was badly corroded. Frank.

A: Hi Frank; A rapid "clicking" noise indicates a weak battery, rather than a faulty starter motor (or bad connection for that matter). What makes things difficult and rather confusing is that reading the voltage on a battery, especially just after it has been charged, can lead you to believe that the problem is not with the battery.

That is because most batteries can take a "surface charge", and show normal voltage until you attempt a start and it is unable to carry a load. If you recheck voltage again after several start attempts (using a volt-meter) it will probably be lower. Get the battery load tested. If the battery tests ok, then look for a draw on the electrical system, or a charging fault. Better still, try using a new battery. Ed.
Fade To White

Racing Car News, October 1963 Edition, from Loretta



Q: I am looking for a copy of the Racing Car News for October 1963. Can you help? If do you know of anyone who can? Thanks, Loretta.

A: Hi Loretta; We cannot help out with your request, however we would strongly recommend you place a Free Classified in the Wanted section, Ed.
Fade To White

XA Fairmont Wagon, from Judd



Q: Hi, I have a Ford XA Fairmont Wagon, 250 2V with a 4-speed top loader box, it is not anything special in the looks department at this point in time. Does that model have any special significance or is it run of the mill XA? Thankyou, cheers, Judd.

A: Hi Judd; Your particular car has no special significance, although the engine/transmission combination was not particularly common. At this point in time, the lower end Falcon 500 and Fairmont XA models seem to have leveled out as far as depreciation goes, although we would not recommend spending large on any potential resto unless you could perform a significant amount of the work yourself. Ed.
Fade To White

1973 Mercury Capri Rear Wheel Bearings, from Jim



Q: I own a 1973 Mercury Capri which I have completly restored. I have been looking for the rear wheel bearings for almost a year now and can't find them anywhere! Why can't someone reproduce them and put them on the market? After all it is just a dimension adjustment on the centerless grinding process on the OD and ID....they are in high demand and we Capri freaks need them! Jim.

A: Hi Jim; Have you contacted any of the Australian Capri Clubs to follow up on their suppliers and availability. The Capri Car Club is listed in our Ford Car Clubs page, and we suggest you make contact with them. Another lead would be the Capri Car Clubs over in the UK. Finally, you may like to place a free classified in the "Wanted" section of this site. Ed.
Fade To White

Austin A7 In Action, from Rick



Q: Hi Guys, I have been doing some research on the Austin A7 since learning Brocky drove one. Do you have any images/brochures etc on this car? I am confused with the Austin A30, what are the differences?

A: Hi Rick; We can help out with some old cinema reels, we have converted 2 and have several more to do. You can check these out in the Classic Austin Commercials section of the site. Due to an office re-location, most of our reference material is buried within a shipping container and off site, when we get a chance we will look for some more info and pass this on to you. As for the differences, they are one and the same car. Ed.
Fade To White

Toranafest Update, from Pete



Q: Hi guys; just some more information on Toranafest. This year it will be held on Sunday the 16th of September on the Newcastle Foreshore. We will be accepting cars from 7:00am, and we welcome all Toranas in any condition, although some 40 trophies are up for grabs for the more serious entrants! Entry for pre-entrants is $30 and for "on the day" entrants it will be $35. All pre-entrants receive a special Toranafest T-shirt for 2007, enter on the day and you will run the risk of missing out on a T-shirt. Also all entrants will receive a fantastic goody bag. If any Unique Cars and Parts members or guests are interested in attending, either with or witout a Torana, and you need any further information please ring Pete Morris on 0413 226690 or e-mail [email protected] or Mick McCardle on 0423 207755 or e-mail [email protected].

A: Hi Pete, thanks for the update on the Toranafest. We are currently trying to schedule things so that at least one of us can attend on the day, as we know this will be a great event and a must do for any genuine Aussie Classic Car enthusiast. Our Jim Andersen (reluctant radio personality of the 1970's) is currently getting his best 1970's radio voice back into fine form, and from our recent trials we are confident that we will be able to produce the goods! Ed.
Fade To White

Frontenac Flag Fix, from Quaid



Q: In your "All The Manufacturers" section, you correctly state that the Frontenac was a Canadian car, however you have the US flag showing. Quaid.

A: Hi Quaid; We hadn't got round to creating a little Canadian flag icon, but you are quite correct and we have updated the listing. Ed.
Fade To White

XY Falcon 250 2V, from Mark



Q: Guys, I have a XY Falcon 500 with a 250 2V? Can you explain what that is? Mark.

A: Hi Mark; The 2V stood for "Twin-Venturi", and was available as an option on the XY Falcon's fitted with the 250 engine. The 250 replaced the XW's 221 engine as the top-of-the-line six, the engine being stroked from 3.46 inches to 3.91, taking the capacity from 3.91 to 4.1 litres. Certainly Ford had the measure of the General's 186 and 186S, however the Ford engineers needed their engine to counter the growing popularity of Holden's "baby" V8, the 253. And so, a few months after the XY went into production, Ford released the 2V as an option. You not only got the dual throat carburettor, but also a set of extractors, which made the engine good for 170 bhp (127kW). Nevertheless the 253 was good for 185bhp (138kw), and so the 250 2V was no V8 slayer. For that, you needed to shop over at your Chrysler dealer. Ed.
Fade To White

VH Commodore 253 V8 5 Speed Manual Conversion, from Steve



Q: Hey there ppl. I have a VH 253 with a Trimatic hooked to it and would like to know if there are any 5-speed manual transmissions that would bolt up to that model motor without too much trouble? Cheers, Steve.

A: Hi Steve; The VH's 5 speed M76 box was only ever designed to handle the torque from the 6 cylinder engines, and we would suggest should be avoided (and even the 4 speed has a poor reputation when mated to a V8). Instead, we would opt for a Toyota 5 speed (the Supra unit has been the most popular for many years), although an adaptor kit will be required and from your question it seems you wanted to avoid this. We have mentioned Rod Hadfield's Castlemaine Rod Shop elsewhere on this site, and for good reason, they know their stuff. They have an adaptor kit that does not require a new bell housing, and instead uses a machine-cut steel adaptor plate. The plate bolts to the engine, and the gearbox then bolts to the plate. The Castlemaine Rod Shop will be able to advise you on the best clutch throw-out fork and clip and other parts that may be required for the converstion (which may even include a new speedo cable). Their kit will allow the new box to pretty much bolt togther without modification. Ed.
Fade To White

170 Super Pursuit, from James



Q: I am restoring an XT Falcon, and I think it is fitted with a "170 Super Pursuit" engine. Can you tell me how I can determine if it is, and if so where I can source decals to make it original? James

A: Hi James; There is plenty of information on this site that should be telling you that the Super Pursuit engines were NOT part of the XT lineup (such as page 7 of The Falcon Story, the XT Falcon Technical Specifications or even the XT Falcon car review page). Remember that this was simply a name for the engine, not a specific designation. In fact, the entire XT Falcon engine range was more powerful than those fitted to previous Falcon's. For the record, the 170 was known as the "Pursuit", and the 200 as the "Super Pursuit". However for the XT, both engines were increased in capacity by adding one inch to the block deck height, and modifying the camshaft to allow for the increased stroke and and conrod clearance. The 170 increased in capacity to 188ci, and the 200 grew to 221ci. We suggest you seek the help from a Ford club in your State/City to ensure you keep the XT as authentic as possible. Ed
Fade To White

HK Monaro Authenticity, from Adam



Q: Hi Guys, I have found a car and I am confused, it's apparently a genuine HK 307 GTS Monaro for $9K, I have the numbers which are as follows: HK80737 47326M, is this real? Cheers, Adam

A: Hi Adam; the chassis and engine numbers check out, however the asking price is ridiculous given the value of anything Monaro, let alone a 307 HK. For that reason alone, we would say it can't possibly be true. As you can well understand, it is impossible for us to verify the authenticity of a vehicle without seeing it in the flesh. In fact, the asking price seems so low that we suspect a possible scam, and recommend you proceed with extreme caution! If the seller asks for any kind of deposit prior to you seeing the car, walk away. If the seller is selling it for a friend, relative or someone who has left for overseas, walk away. If the seller is not located within Australia, walk away. Pretty much the rusty shell of a HK Monaro is approaching 9K in value, and that's without any engine. Be cautious. Ed
Fade To White

HQ Monaro GTS 4 Door, from Jason



Q: Hi Team, I am looking at buying a 1973 HQ 4 door GTS Monaro 350 4 speed, what numbers should I be looking for on the id tags, chassis and body to ensure it is orginal also engine nos. How many of these were in production so are they rare? Thanks, Jason

A: Hi Jason; GMH changed their identification on the 1st October, 1972, we have an identification table for those cars built prior to that date shown on the HQ Monaro 2 Door car review page, and for those built after on the HQ Monaro 4 Door gallery page. You should be able to locate a pad at the front of the right hand cylinder bank, with the letters "QU", which identify it as a 350. As you will see from the table, the ID plate should also read "8Q69", and the model year as "C". The combined HQ Monaro production was only 8,945, and only a handful of these were the 350. They are rare, and valuable. Ed
Fade To White

VF Valiant Hardtop, from Tibor



Q: I have just purchased a 1969 Valiant Coupe Hardtop Vin Number VF8H23143B41, could you tell if this is a genuine V8 Model or a six , thanks for you time. Cheers, Tibor

A: Hi Tibor; Listed at the bottom of the Valiant VF Tech Specs page is the VIN ID guide, which indicates yours was originally a Regal, fitted with a slant-six 160HP and TorqueFlite A904 Auto Transmission. Ed
Fade To White

XM Falcon Engine Upgrade, from Martin



Q: Hi, I have a 1963 Falcon with a 170 motor. Is it possible to change it to a 250 motor with a 3 speed auto, instead of the 2 speed. Cheers, Martin.

A: Hi Martin; You shouldn't have too many problems installing any engine up to the 351 Windsor, and because you are considering a L6 swap you should find both engine mount and chassis mounting points to be the same. We would suggest you join one of the many Ford forum's on the net, or even a Ford Car Club, and ask for some advice. There are no doubt many traps to catch out the unweary, so you are best off avoiding them in the first place. As for the transmission, the XK to mid way through XM had a smaller trans tunnel than would be required, so depending on the build date of your XM it is likely some changes will be needed. Rod Hadfield's Castlemaine Rod Shop will have the correct crossmembers for your conversion including the engine mounts. Ed
Fade To White

Commodore Royale Mystery, from John



Q: Hi, I have just purchased a 1990 VN Calais, but on the Certificate of Registration the car is listed as a Holden Royale. I have tried to find out more details on this and the only thing I could find is that in 1989 "Holden commences export of its first stretched limousine; the VN Calais-based Holden Royale". Yet the car is a sedan, could you please provide me with more details. Thank-you, John

A: Hi John; we are not sure the context of the information you have found, however we feel it likely refers to the fact that the VN Commodore had a floor plan that was both wider and longer (thus stretched) over the outgoing VL model. For the exact measurment changes, you should refer to both the VL Commodore Technical Specifications and VN Commodore Technical Specifications respectively. Royale was a name given to the Calais for some overseas markets, such as New Zealand and Singapore. Ed
Latest Classic Car Classifieds


Sell Your Car or Parts Browse the Classifieds It's Absolutely Free! - Find Out More