Segment:
Compact/Mid-size passenger cars, available in various body styles.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, collectors, restorers, mechanics working on classic Holden vehicles.
Competitors:
Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant, smaller European imports of the era.
Design Philosophy:
Robust Australian engineering, styling influenced by American trends of the time.
Iconic Status:
Highly sought-after classic vehicles in Australia, representing a significant era of local automotive manufacturing.
Coverage:
Model Range, Specifications, Years of Manufacture, Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)
Type:
Information Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine Overhaul, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System (Carburettor tuning), Ignition System, Exhaust System
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Manual Transmission (3-speed, 4-speed), Automatic Transmission (Powerglide), Driveshafts, Differential
Chassis Systems:
Front Suspension (Independent), Rear Suspension (Live Axle), Steering System, Brake System (Drum, early discs on some models), Wheel Alignment
Electrical Systems:
12V Electrical System, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, Radio
Bodywork And Trim:
Body Panel Removal/Installation, Door Mechanisms, Glass, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Upholstery
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups, Lubrication Points, Brake Adjustments, Clutch Adjustments
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Repair, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic Charts for Engine Performance Issues, Electrical Faults, Braking Problems, Starting Difficulties
Depth:
Comprehensive - covers routine maintenance to major overhauls and component-level repairs.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major systems.
Specifications Detail:
Includes torque values, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities with specific part numbers where applicable.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text within the PDF for ease of navigation.
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Image Quality:
High-resolution scans of original documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Original Binding:
Original manuals were typically perfect bound or saddle-stitched.
Original Paper:
Original manuals used durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Hd Engine Options:
149 cu in (2.4 L) 'Red' inline-6, 179 cu in (2.9 L) 'Red' inline-6
Hr Engine Options:
161 cu in (2.6 L) 'Red' inline-6, 186 cu in (3.0 L) 'Red' inline-6, 186S (high-performance variant)
Hd 149 Hp:
Approx. 104 bhp
Hd 179 Hp:
Approx. 122 bhp
Hr 161 Hp:
Approx. 114 bhp
Hr 186 Hp:
Approx. 135 bhp
Hr 186S Hp:
Approx. 145 bhp
Carburettor Type:
Stromberg single-barrel (e.g., CD175) or dual-barrel (e.g., CD230) depending on engine variant and year.
Fuel Type:
Leaded Petrol (for original specifications). Unleaded conversion guidance may be in the manual.
Hd Standard Transmission:
3-speed manual (column shift)
Hr Standard Transmission:
3-speed manual (column shift)
Hd Optional Transmission:
2-speed 'Powerglide' automatic (column shift)
Hr Optional Transmission:
4-speed manual (column or floor shift on some models), 2-speed 'Powerglide' automatic (column shift)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate (manual transmission)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent for Powerglide
Body Styles:
Sedan (2-door, 4-door), Station Wagon, Coupe Utility (Ute), Panel Van
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104-106 inches (varies slightly by body style)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 2200-2600 lbs (1000-1180 kg) depending on body style and equipment.
Era Safety Standards:
Reflects safety standards of the mid-to-late 1960s. Lacks modern safety features.
Brakes:
Front drum brakes (standard), optional front disc brakes on some HR models. Rear drum brakes.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Seatbelts:
Optional or standard depending on year and market. Lap belts typically.
Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for some early models/variants, or unibody construction. Specifics vary.
Radio Type:
AM Radio often fitted as standard or optional equipment. Some might have aftermarket units.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically single or dual dash-mounted speakers.
Braking Assistance:
None. Basic hydraulic braking system.
Original Connectivity:
N/A - primarily mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3-6 months. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 6,000-12,000 miles (10,000-20,000 km). Manual details ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (depending on climate and specific engine). Consult manual for exact API service classification (e.g., API SF or older).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Specific mix ratio (50/50) and type detailed in manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, boot floor, firewall, door bottoms are common areas for rust.
Engine Wear:
Potential for worn piston rings, bearings, and valve stem seals due to age and mileage. Oil consumption is common.
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Generator/alternator and regulator may require attention.
Carburettor Issues:
Carburetors can become gummed up or leak if not maintained or rebuilt.
Holden History:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive manufacturer, established by General Motors.
Hd Introduction:
Introduced in October 1965 as a successor to the EH Holden.
Hr Introduction:
Introduced in March 1966 as a significant update to the HD, addressing some design criticisms.
Hd Production End:
Production ceased in late 1966.
Hr Production End:
Production ceased in September 1968, succeeded by the HG Holden.
Production Locations:
Australia (primarily Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne, Victoria)
Sales Performance:
Both models were popular and represented a significant portion of Holden's sales during their production runs.
