VS 2000 ute (ex ambulance)

[fxr00]

Hi everyone

I've just finished the young family and baby scene family car routine and decided its time to buy my first ute and live again!

I chose a LWB VS because I need to carry special other vehicles in the back.

My ride is an ex ambulance by Jakab - Tamworth. (much different from my old HJ Caprice - my last GMH). These are 600mm longer than the standard VS and extended in the area between the cab rear and the wheel arches.

I bought it with 89k on the speedo and with the ambulance pod still attached. I've been slowly bringing back to a decent ride, my ride.

Returning it from an ambulance to a ute included:

Disconnection of the A/C and electrics to pod
Purchase of 6 side panel covers and 2 fuel tank covers for the ute tub (removed to reduce weight apparently).
Purchase of rear window
Purchase of tail gate
Purchase of 2 bumperettes
Purchase of 4 tonneau rails (they remove these for fitting of the pod
Regass the A/C
Relocate the number plate lights back to their original position

And thats about the start.

Next is:
Suspension
Roll bar
Tub cover (hard or soft?)
Sound
Tint


The SS wheels helped a lot and the whole unit gets heaps of second looks.

Any hints, tips or comments most welcome.

Mate do you still have the ambo pod ? as i am after a few parts
Regards Rory

[CNsylvester]

I see you have a spare slot where the demister switch would go on a sedan/wagon. The Berlina/Calais/Statesman had a security light that looked like a switch (due to those models having climate control) and slots into that hole in the dash surround. Why don't you buy the security switch and wire it up?

Good call, thanks, might just do that.

[CNsylvester]

I have a decent size space underneath the hatch in the floor in the back of the ute. The petrol tank only takes up about 30% of the space.

I'm intending to hinge the oversize cover at the end near the cab and add two gas lift actuators (same as the bonnet).

End result will be I can easily lift the cover to access a "utility" area for general storage.

Has anyone been down this path before?

Cheers

[CNsylvester]

I see you have a spare slot where the demister switch would go on a sedan/wagon. The Berlina/Calais/Statesman had a security light that looked like a switch (due to those models having climate control) and slots into that hole in the dash surround. Why don't you buy the security switch and wire it up?

I was at the wreckers today picking up some things, remembered the Security Light idea, he had one, said just take it (no charge), installed it as suggested above, dream idea, worked a treat.

Thanks again.

[CNsylvester]

ThHere is an extended ute coming up for auction this Tuesday 23 June in Brisbane, already converted to a ute.

Just type go to Car auctions, truck auctions, damaged car auctions | Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Adelaide Hobart | ManheimFowles
and type in the search window VS UTE and it will appear (up until 23 June)

[bobvr]

Just brought a 5.0l one in sa. I love it

[STEALTHY™]

just brought a 5.0l one in sa. I love it

pics !

[bobvr]

when i brought it it had 16" wheels on it. now have put vr clubby wheels on it. My plans are to make it into a full clubsport replica ute. putting side skirts on it. fixing all the paint, momo wheel, clear taillights, hsv embroaded in the seats, CLUBSPORT across the tailgate etc.
cant wait till its done will post more pics then, will be about three weeks.

[bobvr]

HERE ARE THE SEATS WITH THE HSV ENBROADED N THEM. CHEERS BOB

[CNsylvester]

Nice one! did you put the power windows in?

[bobvr]

no they were in it when i brought it, it also has electric mirrors

[STEALTHY™]

Just bumping up for anyone interested, theres one of these (i assume for sale since its with other cars that are) parked just off bridge road where little car spares used to be. Still has the pod on it aswell.....

[CNsylvester]

Looks nice with the skirt, power windows would be nice too!

Do all VS utes have that vinyl storage bag between to the two seats or is it just ex Ambulances.

My Bridgestone type shop now has 3 of these utes, plus mine from time to time that makes four on site occasionally.

Question 1 - does anyone have any rear mudflaps with chrome GMH symbol for sale?
Question 2 - my air bag light stays on. At service, GM said the system is saying rear door bags are low. There are no rear doors. GM clear the error, light goes out but within a few days its back again. Can I remove the dash globe? Whats the cost of a replacement airbag system 4door to 2door?

[CNsylvester]

Here is a photo of my ex ambo with 2 (of their 3) of the same belonging to my local Bridgestone store.