Ando's VN calais

[Ando227]

Andos vn calais

1989 VN V6 Calais Auto

Bought this as my first car 3 years ago.

Whole car was stock standard except for the gas system in it.

The mods I got for it were:
Tint
2.5 Exhaust
And swapped the 15 inch calais for something a little more.

I replaced:
Water pump
Water reserve
Thermostat
Condensor
Radiator
Fan belt
Fuel pump
And a general service after that.

Sound system:
Replaced all stock papers with a cheap venom brand from jaycar electronics. Simply quick and cheap.
Changed stock headdeck to jvc
Kenwood 1000w amp
2x 12 inch woofers which only just fit.

Since I bought my VZ, its been sitting about. Will start next weekend on it: will try and do progress shots of the project.

Things to fix/change:
Remove gas system
Have car running on fuel once again.
Fix air conditioning.
Fix dints and scratches where car was broken into.
Give a well over due service.
Change the bus wheel to a wooden trimmed steering wheel.
Change dash instruments.
Have the car lowered.
CAI
New leads, spark plugs and injectors.
New lights. Front and back
Boot garnish.
Mags (18" shadow chrome or alloys)
New brake calipers and rotors
Posibly gearbox and drive line if money permits but will see how it is.
Would love for a manual conversion

Will add photos this week.

[Ando227]

Really sorry to those who are interested...

I've spoken to the bank who have agreed to lend me some doosh. So i'll start off with some simple stuff tomorrow and will try to record it all.

Got the battery on charge. Will see it I can get it started and will give it a wash.

Then. Get underneath and have a look a fuel filters and fuel line from there on.

Promise to upload some pics this time.

[jonko]

should be a good project are you keeping it stock colour?

[Ando227]

Well it was white over this burgandy/champagne colour. Looked horible. But since had it sprayed clasic calais silver for bottom half to keep original calais look.

Got to be honest, looks heaps better. Idea will be to maintain same colour to answer your question.

[Ando227]

[Ando227]

So I had a look at her today, and was able to establish a few things.

• Battery is a goner, simply can't hold a charge
  
• The problem in having it start on fuel is not a blockage up to the engine bay.
  
• Fuel + fuel filter will need to be replaced. Fuel had started going quiet dark.
  
• Unsure as to whether or not fuel pump is still in a good condition
  
• Was able to jump start it on gas first turn of the key which I was quiet impressed by (with some assistance of aero-start).
  
• I'd forgotten the note that the 2.5" exhaust makes, brought a smile to my face after thinking about how much work needs to be done.
  
• No oil or power steering leaks.

Still unsure as to whether to spend the money on the Calais or buy a another commodore altogether.

Let me know guys

[jonko]

keep the project going just go slowly thats the plan i have with my vn specially being on 1st year aprentice wages LOL

[jonko]

is the roof lining stock calais? or custom?

[Ando227]

Its still original to my knowledge! Mint condition too, couldnt believe my eyes when I first bought it.

[jonko]

looks good i might have to look into it for my car haha my roof lining have about 200 thumb tacks in it from old owner before me old man haha

[Ando227]

Bought an Idle Air Controller, Fuel pressure regulator and gauge + Filters today. Hopefully I get them by the end of the week so I can fit them this weekend and see if the helps with "No fuel" problem.

I've got the VN Workshop Manual there, will have to get the test light out maybe and test some circuits this weekend too. Got a feeling that's where the problem is.

ALSO, bought a ALDL Diagnostic Kit, will see if it gives me anything extra to go on.