For many enthusiasts, restoring an early Holden starts with the bodywork or engine bay. However, it is the interior that ultimately determines how enjoyable the car is to own and drive. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD or HR Holden, the cabin is where you […]
If there is one thing almost every early Holden owner has experienced at some point, it’s an oil leak. Whether you own a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ or an early EH fitted with Holden’s legendary Grey Motor, chances are you’ve walked away from the car only to notice a few fresh drops […]
A battery may not be the most exciting modification you can make to an early Holden, but it is arguably one of the most important. Whether you own a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR, HK, HT or HG, the battery sits at the centre of the entire electrical system. Without […]
Few things are more frustrating than turning the key in your early Holden and hearing nothing happen. Whether it’s a reluctant Grey Motor on a cold morning, an EH that cranks endlessly without firing, or an HK that refuses to start after a fuel stop, starting issues are among the most common problems experienced by […]
Electrical systems are often one of the most misunderstood areas of classic Holden ownership. While the Grey Motor, gearbox and suspension tend to receive most of the attention, the electrical system is what keeps everything functioning day after day. From starting the engine to powering the lights, indicators and gauges, every drive depends on a […]
One of the defining characteristics of any early Holden is its steering feel. From the original 48-215 through to the HG Holden, the steering systems were designed for a very different era of motoring. Narrow tyres, lower speeds and rough Australian roads all influenced Holden’s engineering decisions, resulting in steering systems that were durable and […]
One of the biggest differences between driving a classic Holden and a modern vehicle is the suspension. When the 48-215 first appeared in 1948, Holden’s suspension design was considered advanced for Australian conditions. By the time the HK, HT and HG models rolled off the production line in the late 1960s, Holden had continued refining […]
While the Holden Grey Motor often receives most of the attention, the transmission sitting behind it has just as much influence on how an early Holden drives. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR, HK, HT or HG, transmission condition can be the difference between […]
One of the most common upgrades performed on an early Holden isn’t a camshaft, carburettor or exhaust system—it’s the radiator. Whether you’re driving a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR, HK, HT or HG, chances are the original cooling system is being asked to do far more than Holden engineers ever […]
One of the most common complaints among early Holden owners is overheating. Whether you’re driving a 48-215, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ, EH, HD, HR, HK, HT or HG, cooling system issues can quickly turn an enjoyable weekend drive into a frustrating roadside breakdown. When these vehicles were new, they were designed to operate […]