VC Restoration

**vc resto** · 13-04-2009, 12:47 PM

hi, first post here, nice site!

I have a VC Wagon (Vacationer) that we have had since new. i am currently putting in a LS3 V8 (LS376/480) while having the vehicle fully restored inside and out. looking for ideas or suggestions (and maybe some parts).

the idea is to have the exterior look completely original (only a slightly larger exhaust) with pin stripes, roof rack all as new. exterior is brown (sort of goldy brown)

the interior is to be redone in leather (x27 - porcelain in colour from Mercedes S and CLS class)

creature comforts include DVD (in headrests for kids), Nav, bluetooth, ipod interface, new a/c, new power steering, power windows from an SL/E, new or refurb seats and whatever else needed to make a comfortable ride

17 or 18 inch wheels depending on brake requirements - looking for styling from the period or soon after...will also try to source the following from an SL/E

- SL/E steering wheel (or may go after mkt)
- SL/E centre console with power window controls
- SL/E power windows and door trim if reqd
- SL/E rear seat headrests

intention is that it is replacing a nice german wagon so needs to compete well with it on comforts and gadgets if not ride quality and handling

anyway, whatever ideas or questions you have i would love to hear them, especially on what parts i could use from an SL/E and where i might find them!

thanks for reading

**SL/ENUT** · 13-04-2009, 04:20 PM

what era SL/E, VB, VC or VH?.
For the steering wheel, i would prefer after market, the SL/E wheel just doesn't look right.

Great project though. I'm wanting to do something like this to my VC SL/E 6 banger

**Captain Kermit** · 13-04-2009, 10:22 PM

I was thinking the same thing steering wheel wise. Find something woodgrain and throw that on instead.

**vc resto** · 14-04-2009, 01:59 PM

yeah, the steering wheel's from then were not the best...will have to look around for something decent

**vc resto** · 14-04-2009, 02:02 PM

to answer the SL/E question, i am not really fussed, which SL/E i get parts from , so long as they match well and do the job

**jakbob** · 18-04-2009, 12:15 AM

Mate if you do that you'll have one freakin sweet car. I'd love to do something similar with my vc daily after i get my vk on the road. It looks terrible with surface rust and flaky faded paint, I figure maybe I'd just fix the rust and leave it with grey primer. Then squeeze a blown ls2 and 6 speed manual into it. It'd be an awesome sleeper.

**vc resto** · 21-04-2009, 01:40 PM

thanks
should be done within a couple of months
still looking a for a decent steering wheel - any ideas?

also would anyone know if there is a wrecker or parts dealer with quality SL/E parts like the console, pwer window motors, buttons, headrests etc?

**red_vb** · 23-04-2009, 10:23 AM

i have a vb sl and a nice wood grain with chrome center i think it looks nice its a bugger when the sun catches the chrome and the light shines in ur eyes, but oh well.

**fuzzy2308** · 04-02-2010, 03:34 PM

got any pics or updates

**VKCOMMO** · 04-02-2010, 04:35 PM

This thing sounds like a monster. i'd love to see some pics...

**DerekP** · 04-02-2010, 04:55 PM

Man am I reading right? Did you say a 6.2 litre V8??!!! Woohoo crankin!

Sounds like a cool project but is it a wagon you need especially? You could just get a SL/E that has all those goodies already.

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:27 PM

will try to post some pics, they are not great shots

i still need a few bits and pieces like power window motors for the front, chrome inserts for the rear doors and rear quarter panels

otherwise, she is almost done

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:43 PM

some pics
the photos dont really do it much justice

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:45 PM

paint job progress, this was a while ago

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:46 PM

still on the paint job

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:47 PM

some close ups,

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:51 PM

dont have any with the engine in, its waiting to go back in now

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 06:58 PM

the car was pretty straight with no real damage or rust - i had it in storage for about 8 years after my folks stopped driving it - just waiting for the time and chance...

ended up choosing a momo wood grain steering wheel that is having shifter buttons installed on the underside.

hopefully be finished this month, although i said that in november

18 inch wheels from a VT GTS (silver)

**vc resto** · 04-02-2010, 07:07 PM

half finished the update, will get some more pics up soon

**vc resto** · 19-03-2010, 03:10 PM

almost finished, just looking for that damn power window motor...will have near final pictures up on monday

**ari666** · 19-03-2010, 03:25 PM

beautiful, just simply beautiful.

**greenfoam** · 19-03-2010, 04:23 PM

This will win trophies if you enter it in any kind of show, very nice

**vc resto** · 04-07-2010, 09:49 PM

so i had a few delays getting bits and pieces sorted but im almost there

im wondering whether people think the interior is too light (its supposed to contrast with the chocolate colored carpet but looks very light)

anyway, any ideas or suggestions are welcome

**AitchEBoy** · 07-07-2010, 03:03 PM

Looks like a great restro job. I have heaps of spare parts such as fuel tank, headlights and covers etc that I had got for my VC. Unfortunately my VC is no more. Pmail me if you need anything. Ray