Tinkering with other cars

[Ace]

So besides land rovers, or Janomes in Andrew's case, what else do people tinker with?

Im over fixing, as opposed to tinkering with, Stacey's Pajero so when the thing is sold I'll be using the cash to get my commodore up and running and registered. In the process of stripping it down to do a full repsray in the new dark metallic VE Green colour.

Its a 93 model VP S-pac sedan with clubsport alloys and body skirts. I know its only a commodore but I have always liked the look of the VP and when we made the decision to downscale to something smaller than the pajero that we could still fit all our stuff in when we go away I decided to hunt down another one. As I mentioned its getting a full respray, before which the motor is coming out to do the engine bay, then im doing grey and black leather seats, new carpet, roof lining and a minor overhaul of the motor to get me through until the 5.0L goes in with a 5 speed manual box.

Here are some pics:

How it was when I drove down last year and picked it up in Melbourne.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1071.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1072.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1073.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1074.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1075.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1076.jpg

How it is at the moment, been slowly stripping the exterior bits that unbolt ready for paint, pretty much finished that so started on the engine bay.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1077.jpg

Had the blue coloured interior which I dont like and some strong man has had the dash out before and cracked most of the fixings so it needed replacing anyway. So Im going to source a grey dash from a wreckers once its painted.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1078.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1079.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1080.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1081.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1082.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1083.jpg

[Mick_Marsh]

Ace, I can see the potential.
Just a thought, the steely's should be on the back, the drivers seat should be reclined much more and you neeed a base ball cap to put on backwards.
I know this as I have a bogan car and am constantly reminded of this.
I have a VR with a 185i V8 which is probably worth $2k to $3k.
Why did you chose a VP with a six in if you intend puting an eight in it. If I was buying one, I'd be looking for a VS Senator. I see quite a few 185i examples around and the occasional 215i version.

[bee utey]

Aah, the trusty clunkadoore, beloved by hoons and ram raiders everywhere...

[biggrin][biggrin][biggrin]

Great cars, uncomplicated by today's standards. Comfortable and quite economical on a trip.

Things to watch: heater tap (plastic) radiator (yep, plastic) and the water outlet on the inlet manifold (wouldn't ya know it, plastic). Coils (keep a spare along), air filter box outlet (bl**dy plastic, sucks in gasket and leaks dust).

Cast iron engine rattles on forever.

[Lucus]

My other automotive obsession is my 04 Mk2 Ba Falcon Xr6 turbo.

The car currently produces 570rwhp and is about too have a GT3566R turbo fitted, Modded Gt3540 with a 66mm .58 trim compressor wheel with a .70 AR front cover. Looking too make over 600rwhp with this setup before fitting another Bosch 044 and surge tank with a retune too suit E85

Cars tuned with HPT/Vcm Suite. I really enjoy the technical side of tuning a turbo car and I have recently been able tune the PCM too provide me with a launch control/anitlag function. 7psi of boost @3500rpm makes for some fun launches!

Im running 305mm wide rear tyres on the car and while it turns these with ease if you plant the right foot, Im working my tuning around maximum HP too the road with out wheel spin which makes for a very fast road car!:)

[JBM770]

I have a VH shell which has the interior stripped out and no engine or gearbox. My brother in law bought it as an engine donor for his VH SL/E project.

I intend to use it as a club track car for motorkhanas and supersprints. Towed around by the Disco.

Eventually it will have a 308 and M21, maybe a T5 if I can get a V8 one. I also have a HDT cold air tray to put on it.

It has VK bumpers and grill so I was going to paint it like the HDT Group A Mobil car except with green and orange instead of blue and red.

If any needs any VH dash bits I might have it.

James

[Bigbjorn]

I don't play with modern cars. I class these as anything that legally is required to use ULP under the ADR's, and anything that has electronic bull****, a failure of one 2c component results in a failure to proceed. Any of these are sheilas and shopping cars.

I like to play with vintage and veteran cars and historic race cars.

Real motor racing has dirt, lights, methanol and Offenhausers.

[slug_burner]

I don't play with modern cars. I class these as anything that legally is required to use ULP under the ADR's, and anything that has electronic bull****, a failure of one 2c component results in a failure to proceed. Any of these are sheilas and shopping cars.

I like to play with vintage and veteran cars and historic race cars.

Real motor racing has dirt, lights, methanol and Offenhausers.

I can just see you in a leather helmet, goggles and muffler. You don't have a handlebar moustache do you?

[BigJon]

My long term project is a WB Holden ute. I have a VQ Statesman which will be donating its injected engine (after rebuild and stroking). It will also be getting a 6 speed manual gearbox and 4 wheel disc brakes (possibly LR Disco calipers).

[Ace]

Ace, I can see the potential.
Just a thought, the steely's should be on the back, the drivers seat should be reclined much more and you neeed a base ball cap to put on backwards.
I know this as I have a bogan car and am constantly reminded of this.
I have a VR with a 185i V8 which is probably worth $2k to $3k.
Why did you chose a VP with a six in if you intend puting an eight in it. If I was buying one, I'd be looking for a VS Senator. I see quite a few 185i examples around and the occasional 215i version.

At the moment it will be the daily driver. We got a little Kawasaki GPX 250 aswell so I minimise how much I use the disco. Wanted the 3.8L economy for now. I looked at V8 models but this one came up with a body kit that hadnt been abused and some nice original alloys so I bought this. When we have the garage space and the cash to buy a little 4 cyl car and have the commodore as a weekend play toy like the disco I'll do the engine conversion then.

I have thought about an LS1 conversion as opposed to the 5.0L but not to sure, the 5.0L engines just drop in so easily.

[Ace]

Got any picutures of these projects guys? It never happened without pics remember. :D

[rovercare]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1043.jpg

Hmmm, you friends did borrow it:angel:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1044.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1045.jpg



Other random stuff that been here that I can easily find pics of:D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1046.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1047.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1048.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1049.jpg


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1050.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1051.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1052.jpg

And plenty I haven't taken piccies of

[Ace]

I love old Jags, I'd love to restore and E-type one day, doubt I ever will though. An XJS would be nice to, the XJS would be more achievable.

I lived Mark Evans' A Car is Reborn where he does up the E-type, that was as good if not slightly better than A 4x4 is Born.

[101RRS]

My New Years resolution was to get mine back on the road - as it has been for the last 10 years but something else always comes up. There is really not much in them other than being aware that the tub requires substantial reinforcement if any work is done on the body. Their strength is in the sills and any work there means the body twists unless braced.

The other problem with the V12 is the rope main crank seals. My engine has not run for a couple of years so the seal has probably dried out - so when it is first started it will burn the seal. I am tempted to buy some cheap thin oil and fill the engine right up so the level is above the seal and leave it a few months to soak but the E-Type Club people in the UK did not think that was a good idea. So it looks like when I have done the body I will have to drop the bottom end of the engine and do the seals - not an easy job.

Jags are a bit like landies, have some of the same parts, have some odd design and leak oil everywhere.

Garry

[SPROVER]

This use to be my Triumph Dolomite Sprint before i sold it to my brother.Its now got a Rover 4.0 in it instead of the 2litre.Its probably only a few months from being engineered and registered.Geez does it go well and sound good.:DYou should see the look on people faces when he takes off.:D:D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1000.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1001.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1002.jpg

This one is my cousins which he is getting back on the road.Has a Nissan FJ20 in it and over 400hp.Easily spins the wheels in 3rd gear:eek:.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1003.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1004.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/1005.jpg

[SPROVER]

This is my other car i tinker with:D.Its a Rover SD1 with a 3.9 V8 and TO4 turbo running straight LPG.Its about to get all the bushes replaced and have the new springs and adjustable shocks fitted up.It use to be my road car but the boys in blue werent happy with me so now its currently been turned into a track car.Already has the roll cage and a 5 spd Supra Gearbox conversion.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/531.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/532.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/533.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/534.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/535.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/536.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/537.jpg

[the big fist]

Got to love the older cars.
Currently building a Valiant Vf Hardtop. 408 stroker, 727 trans. In the paintshop now. Been tinkering with the idea of fitting the old 318 into my Land Rover.
Have a mint "barn find" xk falcon deluxe awaiting a tidy up after the Val is finished.
Daily duties is a VZ GTO. Past daily drivers included cammed vx clubsport and a supercharged vs manta.
Yes I am a little obsessed with cars.

Cheers,

Peter

[Lucus]

Got any pics of the turbo setup?

[Ace]

My New Years resolution was to get mine back on the road - as it has been for the last 10 years but something else always comes up. There is really not much in them other than being aware that the tub requires substantial reinforcement if any work is done on the body. Their strength is in the sills and any work there means the body twists unless braced.

The other problem with the V12 is the rope main crank seals. My engine has not run for a couple of years so the seal has probably dried out - so when it is first started it will burn the seal. I am tempted to buy some cheap thin oil and fill the engine right up so the level is above the seal and leave it a few months to soak but the E-Type Club people in the UK did not think that was a good idea. So it looks like when I have done the body I will have to drop the bottom end of the engine and do the seals - not an easy job.

Jags are a bit like landies, have some of the same parts, have some odd design and leak oil everywhere.

Garry

Got any pics of your E-type Garry? I'd love to see them.

[Ace]

This is my other car i tinker with:D.Its a Rover SD1 with a 3.9 V8 and TO4 turbo running straight LPG.Its about to get all the bushes replaced and have the new springs and adjustable shocks fitted up.It use to be my road car but the boys in blue werent happy with me so now its currently been turned into a track car.Already has the roll cage and a 5 spd Supra Gearbox conversion.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/531.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/532.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/533.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/534.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/535.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/536.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/537.jpg

That brings back memories. My grandfather had a blue one like that when I was a kid.

[JBM770]

Is the Cayenne the tow vehicle?

[SPROVER]

Is the Cayenne the tow vehicle?

I wish it was :D.My cousin was driving his bosses car around and dropped past to show me.Geez it went well.Was a twin turbo V8 model.:D:twisted:

[SPROVER]

Got any pics of the turbo setup?

I will try and get some pics for you soon.I must warn you though its not very pretty under the hood :D:D. Lol you will understand why when you see the pics.Although with 300 hp and a heap of torque down low im not really worried.

[Ace]

I wish it was :D.My cousin was driving his bosses car around and dropped past to show me.Geez it went well.Was a twin turbo V8 model.:D:twisted:

They might go like stink but I cant get past how ugly they are, or is that just me.

[stallie]

My tinkerer. Done a gearbox resto, got that finished now on to other things...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[justinc]

My tinkerer. Done a gearbox resto, got that finished now on to other things...
http://remoteadventures.com/photogallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1257&g2_serialNumber=2

Hmmm, TR6??:D

JC

[tony66_au]

Piccies you say?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/886.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/887.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/888.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/889.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/890.jpg

[tony66_au]

An den.............

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/tony66_au/Merc/45a9a560.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/884.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/885.jpg

Add to that Honda CT 125's and you have my current crops.

Before that it was 200 series Volvo wagoons with or without 350 chev although I had a very nice 240 Wagon manual with a quick B23.

Ive also owned a few Jags from Mk 10's to S II and id love a Series 1 project but a really early one with an XK engine.

I also used to tinker with Skoda's before they were made by VeeDub and had a handful of 120L's.

But im basically a Valiant guy having owned and driven them since the early 80's and having a real "Thing" for the US "A body" style of the VE/VF and VG Vals.

And for the times when I need a tough job done well and in comfort Ive always been a Land Rover guy preferring Rangies but loving LWB Landies especially 2a and S3.

I haven't owned a New car since 2003 and I dont miss them in any way.

Tony

[JDNSW]

My "other" car is a Citroen DSpeciale, which I have owned for over thirty years. I had to take it off the road because I could not afford to run three cars, and unlike Landrovers of similar age, it is getting hard to find parts. Still in good condition, and does not really need any restoration, probably the worst fault is that it has a broken reversing light - kids caught a dog lead on it.

John

[dandlandyman]

Old tractors. Currently helping my friend with his MF135 and two TEA/TED 20s. The next one will probably be the petrol Dexta, then a Ford 4000. We've also played with a Fordson Major which later threw a leg out of bed. I did do a bit with servicing other peoples' LandCruisers, though that got old real quick and I now refuse to do them any more.

Dan.
69 2A 88" pet4 (in disguise), 68 2B FC pet6 (resting quietly), plus others.

[VladTepes]

Nice Benz's Tony !

[tony66_au]

Why thank you your Impalership!

They look good in Photo's but are 20 footers in reality, then again im more into function than cosmetics.

Tony

[stallie]

Hmmm, TR6??:D

JC

Yep. 1972 PI. No rust :) My 3yo loves riding in it. My 2yo is a bit scared of the noise.

[VladTepes]

20 footers ?
Als an yu tll wat models those are please. Iliek browsing carpoint for a bit of fun to keep an eye on prioces etc.

[tony66_au]

Vlad a "20 footer" is a car that looks good from 20 feet away but as you get closer you can see the imperfections, chips etc.

The Sedan is a 1977 450SE (W116 chassis) with a 4.5 lt M117 V8, 3 speed auto, Bosch Kjet injection, MBtex interior (Benz Vinyl which is actually quite good). She will be going on Club plates soon when I finish some work.

The wagoon is a 1987 (W124 chassis) 230TE, 2.3lt 4 cyl (M102) with a 4 speed auto and nearly 450'000 km on the clock.

The wagon is our daily driver/shopping cart/kiddy hauler and is a 7 seat car, fuel economy is good at roughly 9.3 km per litre and although it isnt the most comfy car to drive (Compared to the 450 S class) it is still an amazingly cheap car to own and maintain.

A good example 230TE will still fetch between 5 and $8'000 with poor examples selling from $1500.00, I was looking for a 300TE with the 3lt 6 cyl but the 230 was at the right price so I snapped it up and in the last 12 months Ive put nearly 30'000 km on the clock and spent $200 on tune up parts and $115.00 on a new flex disk (Benz's answer to universal joints)

The Valiants, The white ute is a 1971 VG, 245 6 cyl "Hemi" (Not a true hemispherical chamber), 3 speed bolt action shift.

The Copper Bronze Sedan is also a 1971 VG but it is an auto and due for resto.

The Green (And black) Val is a 1976 VK Regal, 265 "Hemi" 3 speed auto (BW35) and it is currently in pieces waiting for my oldest to restore.

I also have a mid 70's Leyland LS Mini project that has run out of steam.

Re the Merc's, they are a more recent interest and one Id meant to revisit years ago after spending 3 blissful years punting a W126 300SEL around in the early 90's but the best bit of advice I can offer to anyone thinking of buying an old Benz is this, There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes Benz.

Cheers,
Tony

[VladTepes]

Thanks very much for the info - much appreciated. i really like the look of those cars and they have a "cool": factor about them i reckon - even teh wagons.

Dad punted a newish merc around Jordan (hmmm come to think about it that was in the 70's too) - and I recall it being very comfortable. AT least for a 9 yearold !


the best bit of advice I can offer to anyone thinking of buying an old Benz is this, There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes Benz.

Cheers,
Tony

Very true but not just mercs. A cheap Roller or Bentley will be worse I can assure you.




Oh to have some play money.

My inexpensive old car "want' list:

Series 3 SWB Land Rover

Ford Falcon XC Utility

old Merc like one of yours.

One of those old Chrysler thingies with the tyre on the boot and push button transmission.

and many many others

[tony66_au]

Thanks very much for the info - much appreciated. i really like the look of those cars and they have a "cool": factor about them i reckon - even teh wagons.

Dad punted a newish merc around Jordan (hmmm come to think about it that was in the 70's too) - and I recall it being very comfortable. AT least for a 9 yearold !



Very true but not just mercs. A cheap Roller or Bentley will be worse I can assure you.




Oh to have some play money.

My inexpensive old car "want' list:

Series 3 SWB Land Rover

Ford Falcon XC Utility

old Merc like one of yours.

One of those old Chrysler thingies with the tyre on the boot and push button transmission.

and many many others

LOL I've been down the Roller route with a Series 1 Cloud and I've owned old Jags as well so i know what you mean there.

As for W116's 450's they can be had from $1000.00 and a nice SEL for around 7 to 10 grand, Ive given up on new cars and drive the wagon as a daily and plan to do the same with the 450 keeping the Rangie as a backup and my Wifes transport.

The old Vals with the tyre cover on the boot are "R" series Vals or if you look for late 50's early 60's Plymouths on Ebay US you will see a similar model.

Same shape but no spare mould on the boot is an S series and they are fairly cheap to buy and own and for a car nearly 50 years old still stand up to modern traffic and highway speeds well and with a 225 cubic inch (3.5 lt) Slant 6 engine they are economical as well without compromising on power.
Cheap to add go fast bits too.

[AKW]

I have a '78 xc ute that i've hade since '81 that may have to go
when i get the sIIa on the road.

I would love to get a commer knocker (early '60s truck).
My grandfather use to run them, when i was a kid
we would go down there and i would play in these old cabs
under the trees(suppose that's why i drive truck now).
There were all these old engine bits and at least 1 complete
engine lying around, i never knew what they were back then,
now i do it's all long gone.

Andrew

'93 200tdi disco
'65 88" sIIa

[juddy]

This is my other car i tinker with:D.Its a Rover SD1 with a 3.9 V8 and TO4 turbo running straight LPG.Its about to get all the bushes replaced and have the new springs and adjustable shocks fitted up.It use to be my road car but the boys in blue werent happy with me so now its currently been turned into a track car.Already has the roll cage and a 5 spd Supra Gearbox conversion.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/531.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/532.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/533.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/534.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/535.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/536.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/537.jpg

wow a rover thats got no rust, where many of these sold in oz??

[SPROVER]

Lol probably not.It has a tiny bit of rust around the windscreen.But its not to bad considering its age.:) I just fitted the Gaz adjustables to the rear with lowered springs:D Just have the front inserts to install along with lowered springs and replace all the bushes through out.

[Mick_Marsh]

Tony,
Good to see another Landy/Merc tragic
A friend has a W116 450SEL 6.9. A beautifully engineered car.
I have a W112 300SE restorers delight
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=33622&d=1298281541
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=33621&d=1298281485
and a W109 300SEL 3.5 money pit.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[tony66_au]

Nice Finnie Mick, I have a soft spot for them but wouldn't take one on.

Picked up another 450SEL a few weeks ago, a bit rough but everything works well so I couldn't let her go to someone else.

I know they are not a Classic in the true sense but they are really growing on me.

As for the 6.9's? well Im saving my car tinkering budget to buy one I sourced out your way but its a roughie and sat still a while so she will need oil seals and TLC.
But its worth it for the sheer smile factor when you plant your foot in a 6.9.

Tony

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/06/1116.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/06/1117.jpg

[tony66_au]

Oooops

[TomBrulinski]

This is my other ride. 89' Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign. It's a great car. :D
Only mod I've done to it is the Lenso Wheels. mmmm.. They suit the car so well! :D
36597

[Mick_Marsh]

Nice Finnie Mick, I have a soft spot for them but wouldn't take one on.

Picked up another 450SEL a few weeks ago, a bit rough but everything works well so I couldn't let her go to someone else.

I know they are not a Classic in the true sense but they are really growing on me.

As for the 6.9's? well Im saving my car tinkering budget to buy one I sourced out your way but its a roughie and sat still a while so she will need oil seals and TLC.
But its worth it for the sheer smile factor when you plant your foot in a 6.9.

Tony

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/06/1116.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/06/1117.jpg
Tony,
The 6.9 you're looking at isn't Colin's by chance?