1997 VS Esteem Wagon (Rihanna)

[seraphic06]

Name: Gary (the car has been named Rihanna)

Model: 1997 VS Esteem Series II Station Wagon

Colour: Panther Mica

Bodykit: Stock

Exterior: Dust Deflector, VS Calais Chrome and Fluted Grills, Black Alteeza Tailights, VX Clear Side Repeaters, Narva Driving Lights, Bonnet Protector, Headlight Protectors, Slimline Weather Shield (Drivers), VS Berlina Station Wagon Tailgate Mould.

Engine Type: Ecotec 3800

Kms: When purchased 184,500. Now 216,XXX.

Engine Mods: Cold Air Intake, K&N High-Flow Panel Filter, Strut Brace, Alien vs Predator airbrushed engine cover.

Power: (in theory) 147kw

Exhaust: 2.5" cat back with chrome tip

Gearbox: 4L60E 4 Speed Automatic (reconditioned at 197,000 km)

Diff: Stock

Brakes: Stock (overhauled at 216,000 km)

Suspension: Stock (Rears replaced at 215,000 with Monroe GT Gas)

Wheels/Tyres: 15" VS Esteem Wheels, Bridgestone ER592 Turanza Tyres

Interior: VS Calais Series II Woodgrain Console, Stereo Surround, Strip Set and Door Trims, Woodgrain Dash Fascia Surround, Dash Mat, Genuine Floor Mats, VS Statesman Velour Sunvisors, VS Statesman Series III Armrest with Cup Holders (I modded it further by adding an accessory/cigarette lighter outlet and console light), Leather Steering Wheel with VY Lion badge, Leather Brake Grip, Leather Gear Selector Knob, Level 3 Dash Cluster/Trip Computer with custom HSV gauge fascia, Cargo Barrier, Carpeted Kick Panels, VS Calais Interior Light (with Courtesy Lights), VS Statesman Rear Courtesy Lights, WK Caprice Interior Light/Sunglasses Holder, Neons in Front Footwells (activated by door), Neon in Sunglasses Pocket, Neon under Centre Console near the Rear Vents (both activated by headlight switch), VS Statesman Analogue Clock, VS Calais SII "Norfolk" Leather/Velour Seats, VS Statesman Chrome Interior Handles, VS Statesman Chrome Interior Window Strips, VY SS Foot Pedals, VE Sportswagon Cargo Net.

Other Mods: - Cruise Control, Midnight Express Tinting, Power Windows, Electric Antenna, Calais Double Horns.

Stereo: Pioneer DEH-P3000IB Radio/CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/iPod compatible Head Unit, Pioneer TS-A1682s 280w speakers (front), Pioneer TS-G1642R 180w speakers (Rear), Pioneer CD-SR100 Steering Wheel Remote

Security: Alarm, Central Locking, Immobiliser, Keyless Entry

Build Date: May 1997

Future Mods: New Headlining. Full leather front seats. If I find a set of alloys that I like for the right price, they might go on as well. VS Berlina/Acclaim Rear Seat Backrest with Head Restraints.

Well I have decided to post my ride. I have owned her since around August 2008. I own my own gardening business so I needed something to replace my rapidly dying Rodeo rather soon, and after looking at countless Alaskan White Wagons, this one found me. I loved the fact she was a different colour to what I was looking at and the fact that it had impeccable log book servicing.

I have since decked her out in VS Calais Series II interior to give it a more refined look and feel.

The Panasonic stereo that was installed I found to be too bright at night, and plus the fact that I am a Pioneer fan, it was soon replaced with a Pioneer head unit and speakers.

The original steering wheel was replaced with a leather one which was modded to fit the badge from a VY wheel. Leather handbrake grip and the gear selector knob have been fitted.

The interior light was replaced with the one with courtesy map reading lamps, and Statesman courtesy lights were installed in the back. Recently I have also installed the interior light/sunglasses holder from a WK Caprice. Neons have been installed in the footwells and are activated by the doors. Another neon was installed into the sunglasses pocket underneath the head unit and connected to that one is another neon that is installed underneath the centre console where the rear vents are. Those are activated by the headlight switch.

No mods have been made to the engine. I installed a CAI with a K&N High-Flow panel. A strut brace has also been fitted.

On the exterior, after a lengthy search I found a Dust Deflector. It a non-genuine fibreglass one. With the help of a friend we prepared and painted it. It was tricky to fit. Because I make trips to the country, the front bonnet and headlights have been fittted with protectors. A weather shield was also fitted.

I may purchase larger wheels down the track but that probably won't happen until my current tyres wear down. I was thinking VT Internationals or VS Senator? Any thoughts?

[seraphic06]

I relaise the bonnet protector makes it look a bit granpaish, but I do travel on dirt roads and I want to protect the duco as much as possible.

[STEALTHY™]

Seen ya about half hour ago, looks ****in awesome! (and i'm the biggest hater of those gay lights, but you pulled it off)


You should look at getting a tailgate mould off a berlina!

[seraphic06]

Seen ya about half hour ago, looks ****in awesome! (and i'm the biggest hater of those gay lights, but you pulled it off)


You should look at getting a tailgate mould off a berlina!

Don't talk to me about those effing lights. I went for a cruise in the hills late last week, went through some road works and heard a stone hit the front of the car that came off the person in front off me. I didn't take any real notice until yesterday. It had smashed the passenger side lens It sill works but now I will probably go back to plan "A" and install genuine lights. I have the bezels but I really don't feel like cutting into my front bar.

Thanks for your comments by the way. Much appreciated. I didn't realise the Berlina's mould was different. I have been toying with the idea of getting the one on the tailgate sprayed the same colour as I hate the bloody thing.

[STEALTHY™]

I ment the rear lights btw, i was about 3 cars back from you, so didn't see the front!

I'm selling a set of genuine spotties if you change your mind



This is a pic of the VP mould, VS is similar, just a little thinner

[seraphic06]

I ment the rear lights btw, i was about 3 cars back from you, so didn't see the front!

I'm selling a set of genuine spotties if you change your mind



This is a pic of the VP mould, VS is similar, just a little thinner

Ahh, I see what you mean - I thought you meant the tailgate finisher. I have never actually seen one before (but then I don't think I have really taken any notice).

Don't you worry, I have your spotties in the back of my mind. If work would stop messing me around I would be in a better position to buy them.

[STEALTHY™]

Haha no probs.


I didn't know they made them for VR/S either until i noticed a few Berlina wagons, and all had them (saw one VR and 2 VS Berlina wagons in the space of a week)

[seraphic06]

That doesn't look too bad. I think it would look nice with the Panther Mica. Now to find one...

[STEALTHY™]

Try holden, they might still have them!

[seraphic06]

Try holden, they might still have them!

Yeah, you never know, stranger things have happened.

[VS_Pete_1]

Never been a fan of plastic woodgrain but I must admit I like the look of yours mate.
You have changed my point of view.
Nice car.

[Surfwagon]

Haha no probs.


I didn't know they made them for VR/S either until i noticed a few Berlina wagons, and all had them (saw one VR and 2 VS Berlina wagons in the space of a week)

Good to see pics of my car being useful.
Your car in black looks great but probably does need something shiny to break it up just a little.
Just watch out for those bonnet protectors rubbing on the front edge of your bonnet and also for leaves getting stuck in there and rotting sometimes causing rust, pretty easy to miss on a black car.

SW

[STEALTHY™]

I love your car man, of course i'm gonna use it for reference pics haha

[seraphic06]

Good to see pics of my car being useful.
Your car in black looks great but probably does need something shiny to break it up just a little.
Just watch out for those bonnet protectors rubbing on the front edge of your bonnet and also for leaves getting stuck in there and rotting sometimes causing rust, pretty easy to miss on a black car.

SW

Thanks for the tip. I will defintely keep an eye on it.

[SweetWagon]

Appears to be an unfused wire running from the battery? I'd change that ASAP. Wagon looks very nice

[seraphic06]

Appears to be an unfused wire running from the battery? I'd change that ASAP. Wagon looks very nice

Heck you are right. Wll fix ASAP. I didn't even think about that. It's my driving light relay.

[SweetWagon]

Heck you are right. Wll fix ASAP. I didn't even think about that. It's my driving light relay.

Yeah i figured, a 15 or 20amp fuse will be fine, just incase it shorts out, otherwise could start a fire! Should always fuse new wires running straight of the battery. But at least you know now

[seraphic06]

I added some Stato rear door map pockets today. They look good.

[STEALTHY™]

i added some stato rear door map pockets today. They look good.

piccccssss

[seraphic06]

piccccssss

Will be available soon. She is currently having the transmission serviced.

[seraphic06]

In the past six days the transmission has been replaced with a reconditioned unit and the alternator packed up. Sigh. It's been an expensive week. At least I had a spare alternator.

[seraphic06]

Just a minor update. A new digital battery terminal has been fitted, along with a replacement engine cover that already had been painted a similar colour to the duco, replaced a dodgy rear window switch and fitted some plastic thingies to stop the car mats from slipping. I also added a fuse to the drivers light circuit.

[seraphic06]

Here are some new pics:

[scrabet]

nice wagon its given me som ideas for my new wagon

[tr3nt]

How much was that terminal mate?