Rusty's Runabout

[Rusty]

Hi Guys,

This is my most recent ride. Bit of a roughy but a work in progress. Runs well and very reliable. I am initially going for practicality and comfort, then some engine mods and finally cosmetic crap. I am open to any suggestions or feedback!

Name:
Rusty
Model:
94 VR Series II V8 S Ute.
Colour:
Hermitage Grey H053
Bodykit:
S Pac Trim
Tubliner
Alloy sports bar and ladder racks
Tonneou cover and bar
BT1 bash plates for Sump and Tranny.
Haymen Reese Tow Bar
Cage for the dog in the back (bling).
Engine Type:
5L 304 V8.
Engine Mods:
Cam
Power:
Untested
Exhaust:
Fat Pipes Custom Exhaust
Gearbox:
Tough shift kit
2200RPM Stall Converter.
Diff:
LSD
Brakes:
Slotted, drilled rears and standard fronts.
Suspension:
King springs
Blupac Shocks and Struts
Mackay Strut top mounts and bearings
Selby front sway bar link pin kit
Wheels/Tyres:
17" AMG Rims
Interior:
Clean VS Seats
Dashmat
Fire Extinguisher
Autotechnica wheel - soon to be deceased.
Other Mods:
HSV Cold air intake
Holley Power Shot panel filter
Top Gun leads
White Line Strut Brace
Deleted tonneou hooks
De badged rear
Tint (on way out)
VT clear side indicators with orange bulbs.
Stereo:
Sony Head deck and unknown speakers.

Recently Replaced:
52mm Alloy Radiator
Front Bumper
Exterior L/H 1/4 Panel.
Radiator cap
Tubliner
Rear tail lights back to OEM.
Top Gun leads
Suspension
NGK Plugs

Awaiting install:
Power windows
UHF
transmission service
Front SS Lip

Sourcing: (Pm if have sitting around)
Side Skirt area re painted
Roof area re painted from removing Maloo Sail Plane
Extractors
SS Lip kit, fog lights and skirts.
New wipers
New carpet
Long range fuel tank
New steering wheel
DIY cupholders!
Tub side rails with tonneou hooks

Wish List
Dual exhaust
H.I.D


Before:


Suggestions and comments appreciated!

[Rusty]

Pictures added, bring the suggestions! I am aware the side skirts and a couple of bits need rust killing and painting but all in time!

[elmaso]

clean looking ute you have there, but i must say, my dog looks 200x scarier hahaha

[Rusty]

clean looking ute you have there, but i must say, my dog looks 200x scarier hahaha

Thanks mate, He is looking a bit guilty as he just finished pissing on his favorite tyre (First pic he is smug as he prob thinks he got away with it). Lil bugger!

[calais24/7]

Looks good mate, how much did you pick it up for? My only suggestion is wash it and change the tail lights

[Rusty]

Thanks mate, definitely needs a good wash and am hunting some genuine tail lights for it as we speak!

I swapped a my old VL Turbo for it that cost me 4k. It still runs so well and shifts nice and firm. I also had a VR SS not long ago and the Ute eats it in every mechanical aspect.

Am considering removing the red strips but not convinced yet.

[VS 5.0]

Looks good. Is that Cherry Black though...or Panther Mica ?

Keep the red stripes and add an SS front lip.

[Rusty]

Looks good. Is that Cherry Black though...or Panther Mica ?

Keep the red stripes and add an SS front lip.

Just googled cherry black and panther mica and they are both pretty similar. You are most likely on the money with panther mica though.

[elmaso]

panther mica is black with green in it, cherry black is like rubens mice but the colour change is waaay more extreme in different lights.

[Rusty]

panther mica is black with green in it, cherry black is like rubens mice but the colour change is waaay more extreme in different lights.

The Rego sticker says PUR if that is any help? Purple i presume? I will dig out the paperwork and do a vin check or something.

[Bizmark]

Nice ute.

I second the notion to keep the red side strips, adds a nice bit of contrast.

An idea is to get the foglight and bezels, so you have factory looking foglights.

Headers, exhaust and a memcal tune would make it a more lively drive.

[VS 5.0]

Check this out for a fine example of Cherry Black.

6 Speed GTS

[Rusty]

SS Front lip is definitely on the cards and looks like the red strip is staying. Previous owner must of had a sikaflex fetish or something! Still not too sure on colour, some panther mica and cherry blacks look the same and I have a crap eye for colour, obviously!

Picking up new sports bar and ladder rack tonight (rear is removable). Looks pretty shmick IMO and will be practical to tie the dog cage down. Will install it all tomorrow, give her a scrub up and post some pics!

Also just got given some HSV seat covers / throw overs that apparently only come with the VE GTS. Mate was going to throw them out when I saw them selling on ebay for over a hundred each. Ridiculous amount for a crap bit of fabric!

Checked error codes with 12, decent result!

[Rusty]

Sports bar and ladder rack arrived. Had to cut chunks out of the ute liner to install the mounts etc but turned out alright.

King Springs arrived, still waiting on the bearings. Payed for and ordered struts, shocks and bumstops today. Also ordered new tonneou cover that will have to be cut to allow for sports bar.

More pics when this rain has stopped.

Also, want to swap my tail lights for your genuine tail lights! The altezza's are so good that I want them gone... asap!

[VS 5.0]

+1 for ditching the altezzas

[Rusty]

Shocks, Struts, Bumpstops and bearing arrived yesterday. Went hunting for ute wrecks at the wreckers today but couldn't find squat. They were chasing $45 for one tail light that I can source elsewhere for $33 a pair new. Such a rip off.

Was also chasing the bar that supports the tonneou / tarp in the back tray. They are apparently hard to find and sell quick. Plan to bend some 10mm re-bar as a temporary fix. If anyone is getting rid of tail lights or a tarp bar thingo please let me know!

What are the best side skirts to suit the ss lip on the front bar?? I never contemplated side skirts or a kit as it was sitting far too low to the ground. It will have heaps of room with the new suspension under her.

Pictures soon.

[VS_Pete_1]

Ute looks good there Rusty
And the dog lol

[Rusty]

Ute looks good there Rusty
And the dog lol

Thanks mate.

Not a great deal been happening with the Ute lately.

Booked in next friday to have shocks, struts, springs, bumpstops, strut bearings, link pins and bushes replaced. Back to standard height whilst it is a daily. I will keep the old lowered setup for when she is retired to fully play with.

Only addition is the Bt1 sump and tranny bash plates. Sourced them from a VNSS Bt1 so am hoping the fitment is fairly straight forward. They are a bit weighty but will be able to run over children and livestock without leaving a dent!

Still chasing the bar / rod that holds the tonneou up in the tray. Also looking for someone to spray a couple of small sections so PM if anyone is keen and experienced in Brissy area.

Will get some pictures up with the new suspension, roll bars, tonneou and bash plates soon. Altezza's still priority on the hit list, saving bikkies for suspension swap at moment though.

[HSV5L]

looks good i lick commodore utes.

[VS_Pete_1]

looks good i lick commodore utes.

Don`t burn your tongue mate.

[Rusty]

New additions:

2x VY SS Black Leather front seats. Didn't really need them but the price was right! The fun bit will be modifying rails and getting mod compliance plate in QLD. Pictures up top (Dora the explorer Toolbox in second pic is NOT for sale sorry guys)

[VS_Pete_1]

Nice will look great

[SP00KSTER]

Hey Rusty utes coming along nice, did you end up gettting the cover to stay on the back without the tie downs???
love to see some pics up mate.

[Rusty]

Hey Rusty utes coming along nice, did you end up gettting the cover to stay on the back without the tie downs???
love to see some pics up mate.

Hey mate, Still playing with the tonneou and how to fit it best around the ladder racks. I currently have it hooked on the remaining stubs from the area the tonnoeu hooks should be. Heading out to pick up more suspension bits and tonneou bar (thanks to VS Pete) and will try to get some pics afterwards.

I'm dying to mount the SS seats but want to replace carpet and the trim strip behind the seats with something black to match. Patience sucks!

[Rusty]

Pictures added after roll bars installed. Pictures of sump and tranny BT1 bash plate and a pic of suspension goodies. Added pictures to top post of when I bought it.

I still need to chop the tonneou to allow for the roll bars. Just purchased new tail lights, death to the altezza's!

Need help with paint code - H053 hermitage grey?. I can't seem to find much info on this for some reason. Is it fairly rare?