Welcome to Just Commodores, a site specifically designed for all people who share the same passion as yourself.

New Posts Contact us

Just Commodores Forum Community

It takes just a moment to join our fantastic community

Register

New project..vr calais

ringfeder3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
584
Reaction score
369
Points
63
Age
56
Location
Nsw
Members Ride
Ssz crewman, wm caprice, 2018 prado, hq Belmont u
Over the last 12 months, I have been tinkering with a vp bt1 v6, slowly addressing a multitude of minor problems, generally with success.

The vp has been on the road now since August and I have enjoyed the challenges that the restoration has offered.

Last week a mate of mine offered me a deal i couldn't knock back. He had owned a 5 litre vr calais for 15 years and not been needing it for the last several. His biggest fear was a 'p' plater buying and thrashing it.

So for $1000, which included rego until November, she's mine...

I just drove it 700 km home and have identified several things which will require attention in time.

The motor has 350k on it with a good service history. There appears to be some irregular 'ticking' from the driver's side exhaust manifold. I believe that the gaskets were changed recently and the manifold bolts may have loosened.

The centre panel on the digital dash doesn't display any figures.

The factory sunroof seems to require some adjustment as one corner remains about 10mm higher than the rest when it is closed.

Front passenger window won't close but i have been told that if the switch is pulled out of the console, it comes good. Leads me to believe it's a dodgy switch...

Aftermarket stereo not connected to steering wheel controls... the right one of which has two buttons missing. Also the electrical aerial doesnt work. I'm thinking aftermarket stereo again as there is no seperate control switch.

The plastic shroud which fits above the new replacement radiator doesn't screw into the radiator so has been cable tied... as a result, the bonnet release is compromised.

Left front strut rattles.

Brakes are spongy.

Nonetheless, I reckon it was a great buy and although I'll be sad to let the vp go, i far prefer the 304 motor..

Watch this space as i ask for guidance to address these issues...

H
 

ringfeder3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
584
Reaction score
369
Points
63
Age
56
Location
Nsw
Members Ride
Ssz crewman, wm caprice, 2018 prado, hq Belmont u
IMG_5702.jpg
IMG_5702.jpg
IMG_5704.jpg
ACH]
IMG_5703.jpg
 

VS 5.0

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
7,980
Reaction score
14,096
Points
113
Location
Perth WA
Members Ride
VE SSV Z Series M6
1st job.....ditch those ail lights.
 

ringfeder3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
584
Reaction score
369
Points
63
Age
56
Location
Nsw
Members Ride
Ssz crewman, wm caprice, 2018 prado, hq Belmont u
Rest assured, as soon as I rebuild some husband credits, they'll be gone...unsure about the wheels also.
 

ringfeder3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
584
Reaction score
369
Points
63
Age
56
Location
Nsw
Members Ride
Ssz crewman, wm caprice, 2018 prado, hq Belmont u
Its been a while since a post so here's an update:
Ugly taillights are gone. Hard to find good original ones so the replacements look a bit used.

Feedback cat-back 2.5 inch exhaust system fitted.

New front strut bushes, sway bar bushes, uni joints installed.

New brake pads. Original rotors were good.

New Bootle struts.

All new dash bulbs.

Stereo rewired, aerial now retracts and extends.

Mudflaps fitted.

New driver's side window channel eliminated rattling glass.

New window switch.

Sunroof glass removed, operation checked ok but glass still crooked so won't retract.

Vt interior mirror sourced and fitted.

18 inch wheels temporarily replaced by 15 inch by berlina ones pending better choice.

Driver's door trim and cigarette lighter console lid replaced.

New welsh plugs.

Oil and all filters changed.

I think I'm getting there slowly. Mechanical and electrical challenges before aesthetics.

Interior has cigarette burns so contemplating vr statesman interior I can get cheaply...
 

ringfeder3

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
584
Reaction score
369
Points
63
Age
56
Location
Nsw
Members Ride
Ssz crewman, wm caprice, 2018 prado, hq Belmont u
Post should read 'redback' exhaust and 'Bootlid' struts...bloody corrections.
 

VS 5.0

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2006
Messages
7,980
Reaction score
14,096
Points
113
Location
Perth WA
Members Ride
VE SSV Z Series M6
Sounds like good progress.
 
Top