VP Ute Project - Advice

[CirrusC2]

G'Day Guys,

I have a 92 V6 Column Shift Auto VP Ute that i've been kinda letting go. I've decided that i'd like to hang on to it and so need to sort out some issues with it - hopefully you'll be able to give me some advice.

Problem 1 - When the fuel tank is full, the cabin smells like fuel
I've taken it to a mechanic on this one and they haven't been able to find anything. As a result I never fill the tank ($20-$30 at a time usually). It did have a fuel pump replaced a few years ago but it wasn't just afterwards that the smell started

Problem 2 - The headlining has collapsed. Anyone recommend someone in Adelaide to fix/replace it?

Problem 3 - The transmission slips badly, particularly when cold. I am going to do a trans oil & filter change, and probably use some of that Lucas Transmission Stop Slip stuff - any other ideas?

Problem 4 - There is an odd smell that I notice at times, often when I pull up at the lights. I thought at first it might have been leaking freon but I don't think thats what it is. Is it possible that Problems 3 & 4 are the same thing?

Problem 5 - The seats are totally shagged. Because it's a column shift auto it's not so easy to find replacements. Will a normal pair of VN/VP/VR/VS seats bolt in, and then i could get something done with the centre seat? Or is it only the drivers seat that is a normal bucket?

Problem 6 - The tailgate is covered in dings - has anyone bought one of the eBay jobbies and painted and fitted them? Are they ok? Is it worth repairing the one I have instead?

I know these are a lot of questions for one thread, so thanks heaps if you can help me out. I'm planning on taking photos of every step as I go.

Cheers,

Nick.

[joshooaahh]

hi my vp has the same problem with the auto and the mechanic suggested its just time for a new gearbox im going through a wrecker and there fitting a second hand one with a warranty for 600 installed,
with the headlining ive seen ppl use these pin/clip things to stick it back to the roof however it doesnt look very good and if u love the ute i would just get it done again i dont think it would cost too much
not sure about your fuel smell maybe there is a hole on the top of your tank maybe from rust and that is going into the cabin somehow :S i really dunno
and with your tailgate maybe look into calling a few wreckers around or as you said check on ebay for one as for painting it it depends on how much you love the ute as the job is never as good and will stand out like dogs balls

[CirrusC2]

Hmmm, ok. Thats bad news about the gearbox, but I might first try giving it a service anyway just in case.

Yeah, I've got the headlining held up using thumbtacks but I want it to be schmicko so need to find a solution.

I don't reckon there would be too many straight tailgates at wreckers? I could be wrong.

Thanks for the advice mate - cheers.

[CirrusC2]

If I do have to replace the transmission, does anyone in adelaide know a source for picking one up? I can fit it myself.