losh1971
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2010
- Messages
- 22,383
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- Location
- North Tas
- Members Ride
- VE Series I SS Ute
Ok, as many know I have placed a deposit on this ute. It needs a few things fixed, to which I am already in the process of chasing parts. The ute is a 6L manual with mild cam, headers and I think Manta exhaust. It's definitely got a rumble to it, and people will know when I'm coming and going. The interior requires a couple of replacement parts. It looks like the radio surround has been damaged with solvent as there are two finger marks. The seats have been reupholstered and the headliner has also been done.
It look to have had the headlights replaced as they are too clear for 13 year old car. The tailgate has some minor dents, which could be fixed with PDR. It also has a crack in the trim that sits above the number plate. However I have found a complete really good cond tailgate for $150, which I will grab on the weekend.
It is silver but PDR or repairs in five spots on my current tailgate will be at least $200, then I have to buy the plastic trim at another $50-$60. My tailgate needs a paint regardless as it has a few marks on it, so it won't be anymore to get that done and I can throw mine in my other shed for a spare. It may even be something I can get the father in law to help me paint anyway. The other good thing is I can get the silver one painted and then bolt it on at my leisure or pay to have it fitted without waiting for paint to be baked, which means less time off the road.
As for power I hope to get a copy of the dyno graph. What I can say it it has some serious power from around 3000-3500. The bloke had it advertised at $25k but when I saw it I knew it wasn't a $25k one. It has 197k on the clock so even in perfect shape I still feel it would be a $23-$24k one (Tassie prices). Apparently it has LS7 lifters, which means little to me as I'm not too familiar with with the LS anyway.
I was chasing an SSV but when I was able to get this one for $21k I knew I had enough to spend some coin on it and not lose out. I have noticed there are a few things the SSV has over an SS but they are minor now, as this one has full leather seats.
Once I pick it up I plan to book it in for a full inspection and see what I have not been able to find on my inspection. Then I will also book it in for diff and trans services but that will likely be a three month wait to get in. I could drop the driveline fluids myself but then I need to get the additives and then I won't know what I'm looking for, in the way of wear.
Once I get it home I will give it a wash and I will go over all the paint and look for marks and see what can be buffed out. Then I'll clay bar all the duco and put on the turtle wax ceramic.
I want to find some original wheels at a reasonable price, $500 would be nice. There is a set for $1000 but they are not perfect, and even then, if they were I don't think SS rims are worth $250 each.