🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Holden

Model:

48-215 / 50-215 (FX / FJ)

Model Code Fx:

FX

Model Code Fj:

FJ

Production Period:

FX: 1948-1953, FJ: 1953-1956

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Coupe Utility (Ute), Station Wagon

Chassis Prefix Fx:

FX

Chassis Prefix Fj:

FJ

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Collectors, restorers, mechanics, and enthusiasts of early Australian Holden vehicles (48-215, FX, FJ).

Value Proposition:

Provides critical, hard-to-find parts information for historically significant vehicles, crucial for maintaining and restoring them. Direct competitor to original manufacturer parts catalogs.

Features:

Exploded parts diagrams, complete part numbers, alphabetical and numerical indexes, parts history, accessories catalog. Essential for parts interchangeability.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive parts identification and cataloging for Holden 48-215, FX, and FJ models, facilitating parts interchangeability.

Specific Sections:

Identification, Accessories, Engine & Clutch, Cooling and Oiling, Electrical, Fuel, Transmission, Brakes, Rear Axle, Front Suspension & Steering, Frame, Sheet Metal, Standard Parts, Miscellaneous, Body Parts.

Estimated Page Count:

Referenced as a comprehensive catalog, likely exceeding 200 pages based on typical parts catalogs of the era and scope.

Type:

Parts Catalog / Parts Book

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, clutch, transmission, rear axle.

Chassis:

Front suspension, steering, brakes, frame.

Electrical:

All electrical components and systems.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, lines, carburetor, and related components.

Cooling Oiling:

Radiator, water pump, oil pump, lubrication system components.

Body:

Exterior sheet metal, interior trim, body panels, accessories.

Part Identification:

Detailed exploded diagrams for all major assemblies and components, listing specific part numbers.

Part Interchange:

Facilitates identifying interchangeable parts across FX and FJ models.

Restoration Support:

Essential for restoration projects due to comprehensive part listing and diagrams.

Depth:

Detailed part numbers and component breakdowns, suitable for parts sourcing, identification, and cross-referencing. Not a repair manual, but foundational for restoration and parts replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR was applied during digitization, though original document structure might limit full-text search on component names.

Printability:

Printable pages or entire book for practical workshop use.

Digital Binding:

Bookmarked PDF chapters for easy navigation.

Original Medium:

Originally printed on paper, the digital version aims to replicate clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Displacement:

132.5 cubic inches (2,171 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.125 x 3.50 inches (79.4 mm x 88.9 mm)

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 6.0:1 to 6.5:1 (depending on variant)

Horsepower Gross:

Approx. 65-70 hp @ 3,800 rpm (specifications varied slightly between FX and FJ)

Torque Gross:

Approx. 100-105 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Carburetor:

Single downdraft carburetor (e.g., Stromberg, Zenith, or later Holden-specific units)

Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (historically, leaded gasoline)

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical fuel pump

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed manual synchromesh (on all forward gears from FJ onwards)

Optional Gearbox:

None documented for these early models.

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual's transmission section.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 100 inches (2,540 mm)

Length:

Approx. 165 inches (4,191 mm) for Sedan

Width:

Approx. 66 inches (1,676 mm)

Height:

Approx. 62 inches (1,575 mm) for Sedan

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,300 - 2,500 lbs (1,043 - 1,134 kg) depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Refer to specific model documentation.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

No formal crash safety ratings available for vehicles of this era; design predates modern safety standards.

Brakes:

Hydraulically operated, drum brakes on all four wheels.

Steering:

Worm and roller steering box.

Seat Belts:

Not originally fitted; often retrofitted during restoration.

Body Construction:

Body-on-chassis construction with integrated body panels.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional AM radio fitted to some models, often a single speaker.

Dashboard:

Basic instrumentation including speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure warning light, ammeter, and warning lights for ignition and lights.

Features:

None by modern standards. Features like windscreen wipers, electric defroster (optional), and interior heating were the extent of driver aids.

Features:

No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 km) or 3-6 months, depending on usage. Refer to original service documentation for exact intervals.

Tune Up:

Recommended every 6,000-10,000 miles (9,600-16,000 km), including spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, and carburetor adjustment.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 30 (high-detergent oil recommended for its era, API SF or SG service category equivalent for modern use).

Coolant:

Water with anti-corrosion additive (modern ethylene glycol coolant can be used with appropriate caution for sealing materials).

Transmission Oil:

GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 80W-90 or 90).

Rear Axle Oil:

GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 90 or 140, depending on differential type).

Common Wear Items:

King pins and bushes, clutch components, ignition points and condensers, carburetor wear, oil leaks from engine and gearbox seals.

Rust Prone Areas:

Floor pans, sills, rear wheel arches, boot floor.

Engine Performance:

Tendency to carbon up pistons and valves over time, requiring periodic decoking.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Holden, the Australian automotive manufacturer, established by the General Motors (GM) subsidiary.

48-215:

Australia's first mass-produced car. Introduced in 1948 as the 'Holden' sedan. Initially badged as 48-215. Characterized by its simple, robust design and Australian-built 6-cylinder engine.

Fx:

The first major revision of the 48-215, often referred to as the FX series. Introduced minor styling tweaks and improvements over the original 48-215. Produced from 1948 to 1953.

Fj:

The successor to the FX, launched in 1953. Featured a significantly revised front-end styling inspired by Chevrolet's 'tri-five' models, more powerful engine options (though still the 132.5 cu in for base models), and improved features. Produced until 1956.

Manufacturing Location:

Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Significance:

These models were instrumental in establishing Holden as a dominant force in the Australian automotive market, becoming icons of Australian motoring.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Significance:

Awarded 'Australian Car of the Year' or equivalent in its time due to its pioneering role. Recognized as a significant cultural icon in Australia.

Reliability:

Considered robust and reliable for its era, with many examples still running today.

Manufacturing Standards:

Built to General Motors' global standards adapted for Australian conditions.