*Key differences
between EH's and EH's
The EJ and EH have many similar, if not identical components which
can be easily interchanged for performance and cosmetic reasons. The
differences are plainly obvious on sedans and wagons however utes
and panel vans have almost identical body styles.
- The three most common differences
between an EJ and EH are,
Tail lights. The EJ has oval tail lights and a more rounded back
where the EH has more rectangular tail lights and squared back. EJ/EH
utes and panel vans all shared the same back however so the
tail lights and back are all identical.
- Cowl vents under the windscreen.
EJ has two separate vents with chrome surrounds where EH has a
single, long vent.
- Fuel cap. EJ has a hinged flap
where EH has a round cap.
My father used to tell me stories
about guys that would cut out the fuel flap of an EJ and weld in an
EH cap in an effort to pass off an EJ (ute or panel van) as an EH
since back then, EH's were far more valued than EJ's. This is still
a little true today but for the most part, EJ's are pretty much
valued the same as EH's. Which brings up the next point,
- EJ/EH subframes are identical and
can be interchanged.
Remember that the VIN is also
located on the subframe over on the driver's side, so this change
may have serious implications (or advantages !) on your rego and
insurance. The EH also has a larger radiator opening as a 179 engine
requires a large radiator. EH's equipped with a 149 have a smaller
radiator with a blanking panel bolted next to it. The panel the fits
across the top with the bonnet catch is also slightly different to
accomodate this.
Other subtle differences / similarities are,
- Guards and doors are all
interchangeable however the chrome side mouldings are different so
holes may need to be filled if you put EJ guards on an EH, or vice
versa. The EJ also has an emblem on the nose of the bonnet and
chrome mouldings which extend to the headlight
"eyebrows".
- Panel van and ute tailgates are
slightly different. Panel van tailgates have a small square notch
cut out on the top corners.
- Standard Ute and Panel Van doors are interchangeable
with other styles however there is no hole for the door lock on
the driver's side. Interesting note if you are rebuilding a
show stock vehicle.
- The window frame on Wagon rear
doors is a different shape and so is the quarter glass.
- The EJ speedo only goes up to 100
mph and the fascia has a different pattern to EH. EH speedos go up
to 120mph.
- The end dash pads between EJ / EH
are different shapes but the two middle sections are identical.
- EJ/EH Premier door trims are
different shapes. EJ items look like an open ended rectangle.
- EJ/EH seats and door trims are
interchangeable but have different colours and patterns.
- EJ/EH door rubbers are the same
however EJ's do not have pinchwelds. Instead they have another
rubber which is glued around the interior door frame.
- Factory EJ/EH automatic utes and
panel vans are very, very rare.
- Factory manual EH Premier's are also
very very rare. No manual EJ Premier's were ever built.
- So are EJ Premier wagons as none
were ever built.
- A red motor (149, 179 etc) will
not go straight into an EJ as the grey motor has different engine
mounts. It is quite simple to install a different (EH,HR) front
end to support a red motor however this will most likely require a
mod plate or engineer's report.
- The S4. The S4 EH was Holden's
first attempt at a purpose built race car for Bathurst and are
now all but extinct. This model has several differences from a
standard EH and apparently can be identified by an
"S4" prefix on the VIN number. The S4 will probably
deserve its own feature soon !
I am sure that this list will grow
longer in time. Hopefully this information will help next time
you're at a swap meet and you think "Hmmm.. i wonder if that would
fit in my EH ?" |
