Market Position:
Essential documentation for owners, restorers, and mechanics of early Holden FX and FJ models, providing a crucial resource for sourcing original and compatible parts.
Target Audience:
Automotive restorers, classic car enthusiasts, mechanics specializing in vintage Holden vehicles, and parts suppliers.
Competitive Analysis:
Offers a cost-effective and readily accessible alternative to scarce original print manuals or proprietary dealer systems for a historically significant Australian vehicle.
Key Features:
Comprehensive part listings, detailed illustrations, part number identification, instant download access, affordability.
Coverage Areas:
All major mechanical components, body panels, electrical systems, interior fittings, chassis components, accessories.
Page Count:
Not specified (typically hundreds of pages for a comprehensive parts catalog).
Manual Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine assembly, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission, clutch, driveshaft, rear axle, steering system, front suspension, rear suspension, brakes (front drum, rear drum), wheels, tires, body (chassis, body panels, doors, roof, floor), electrical system (lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instruments), interior (seats, trim, controls), heater, accessories.
Body Systems Covered:
All external body panels (fenders, doors, bonnet, boot lid, grille, bumpers), internal body structure (chassis rails, crossmembers), door mechanisms, window regulators, weather stripping.
Electrical Systems Covered:
Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, starter motor, generator, ignition system components, instrument cluster wiring, horn, wiper motor, fuel gauge sender.
Procedures Included:
Identification of genuine Holden replacement parts, part number referencing, quantity required for assemblies, basic component diagrams for part location and interchangeability.
Component Illustration Detail:
Detailed exploded view diagrams illustrating the relationship and order of assembly for various parts within each system.
Technical Depth:
Detailed part identification and referencing for repair and replacement. Does not include repair procedures or diagnostic steps, but is essential for ordering correct components.
Diagram Clarity:
High clarity of schematic diagrams and exploded views, crucial for identifying specific part shapes and placements.
Searchability:
PDF format typically allows for text searching, improving the efficiency of finding specific part numbers or descriptions.
Print Quality:
Digital reproduction of original document. Quality may vary but aims for legibility of text and diagrams.
Printability:
Designed to be printable, allowing users to create physical copies of specific sections or the entire manual for workshop use.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Primary Engine:
Holden Grey "F" Series (132.5 cu in / 2.17 L)
Horsepower Fx:
Approx. 45 hp @ 3,500 rpm
Horsepower Fj:
Approx. 45 hp @ 3,500 rpm (later FJ models may have slight variations).
Fuel System:
Single Stromberg updraft carburetor (e.g., BXVD-2).
Ignition System:
Coil and distributor ignition.
Engine Code:
F-Series (Grey Motor)
Wheelbase Fx:
Approx. 100 inches (2540 mm)
Wheelbase Fj:
Approx. 100 inches (2540 mm)
Length Fx:
Approx. 167.3 inches (4250 mm)
Width Fx:
Approx. 66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height Fx:
Approx. 62.2 inches (1580 mm)
Curb Weight Fx:
Approx. 2,000 - 2,300 lbs (907 - 1043 kg) depending on body style.
Curb Weight Fj:
Approx. 2,050 - 2,350 lbs (930 - 1066 kg) depending on body style.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 4.5 inches (4 x 114.3 mm)
Wheel Size:
15 inch (standard steel wheels).
Tire Size:
Typically 5.50-15 or 6.00-15.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM radio (optional), analogue gauges (speedometer, fuel, temperature, oil pressure).
Driver Assistance Features:
None (Era appropriate vehicle).
Connectivity Options:
None (Era appropriate vehicle).
Oil Change Interval:
Recommend every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using appropriate engine oil.
Lubrication Interval:
Refer to original service schedule; typically involves greasing chassis points every 1,000-2,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate and original recommendation).
Coolant Specification:
Distilled water with a suitable corrosion inhibitor (e.g., traditional green coolant if compatible).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check compatibility for drum brake systems).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
GL-1 or GL-4 gear oil (Viscosity SAE 90).
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 pints (2.15 Litres)
Rear Axle Oil Specification:
GL-1 or GL-4 gear oil (Viscosity SAE 90).
Clutch Fluid Specification:
N/A (Mechanical Clutch Actuation)
Known Issues:
Common issues include corrosion (especially in floor pans and sills), worn suspension bushings, aging electrical wiring, carburetor tuning issues, and potential overheating if the cooling system is not maintained.
Air Filter Part Reference:
Consult manual for specific part number, often a cylindrical type.
Spark Plug Part Reference:
Consult manual for specific part number, typically AC Delco or Champion plugs of the era.
Brand Heritage:
The Holden 48-215 (FX) was Holden's first passenger car, marking a significant milestone in Australian automotive history. It was designed and built in Australia using an American chassis and body structure.
Model Evolution:
The FX was introduced in 1948 and produced until 1953. It was succeeded by the FJ in 1953, which featured a restyled front-end (inspired by American Cadillacs of the era) and minor mechanical improvements, but retained the same basic chassis and powertrain.
Production Start Fx:
1948
Production Start Fj:
1953
Production Location:
Melbourne, Australia
Recognitions:
Recognized as a foundational Australian vehicle, often celebrated in automotive heritage circles and collector communities.
Build Quality Perception:
Sturdy construction for its time, though susceptible to rust due to environmental factors and material limitations of the era.
