VX 2 Calais Build (2020-2023!)

[gr33nbastad]

Strictly this isn't a build, but a freshen up of my VX 2 Calais that I bought off of FB Marketplace mid-pandemic in 2020. The original plan was to get a skid-pig, but I found this old girl with 73xxx Ks on it, and just started to go a bit crazy. I have been doing a few things over the last 8 months, but she is going in for some surgery over the next couple of weeks and so I thought I would record the journey here.

Details:
Sept 02 Build
Tungsten Mica H114 Paint
4L60e 4 speed transmission
Gen III LS1 5.7l

This picture is just after her first wash - the camera and filter hides a lot of little flaws, but they are/were tiny.

 

[gr33nbastad]

First job was of course bonnet struts - can't do anything under the bonnet if its smacking you in the head every two seconds. These are just some Calibre brand ones from Supercheap. I try to use OEM everywhere I can but genuine Holden items were ridiculously expensive. I did the wiper arms and blades also and had to get a new wash sponge to be sacrificed for the first wash.

 

[krusing]

That looks fantastic !!!
Great find
May I suggest to get a Polish on it,
and a Carnauba Wax, and it will stay looking very nice,
and will be easy to keep clean.

PS: I had a VX 02 Berlina Wagon, and it was Delft Blue, another great car I have had the pleasure to own and drive.

 

[gr33nbastad]

That looks fantastic !!!
Great find
May I suggest to get a Polish on it,
and a Carnauba Wax, and it will stay looking very nice,
and will be easy to keep clean.

PS: I had a VX 02 Berlina Wagon, and it was Delft Blue, another great car I have had the pleasure to own and drive.

Thanks! It as actually going in for a respray in a couple of weeks with some nice high solids clear over the top. When that is done I will make sure it is sealed and waxed The camera really does hide its flaws , it has a few scratches and the clear is all in tact but getting a bit thin. I had considered doing a colour change to Delft blue, it is a great colour. In the end I will live with what I have and keep as it came off the showroom floor

 

[gr33nbastad]

Step 2 - more cleaning! Plus - first job under the hood - change out the rocker cover gaskets - super easy and I got to see how things looked in the valvetrain.

 

[krusing]

Looks pretty clean on the top end,
That’s a good sign.

 

[gtrboyy]

Still good for skids just stop before tyres blow or belt slap it

Some really nice skid cars out there using all sorts of things to protect quarters & bars etc these days.

 

[gr33nbastad]

Still good for skids just stop before tyres blow or belt slap it

Some really nice skid cars out there using all sorts of things to protect quarters & bars etc these days.

Hah! Nah , no skids for this girl..

 

[gr33nbastad]

Time do a quick fix on the headlights to make sure I can pass roadworthy. The drivers side is always the worst! Below is after doing a pretty rough and ready sanding job. Then I wacked a few coats of Septone acrylic clear on them. For anyone who wants do this, I would avoid the Septone and either go for a U-Pol or Color-Spec Crystal Clear , or even the SprayMax 2k Clear for the best and longest lasting results.

If you look closely, you can see the runs in the bottom left side of the one below!!

 

[Lex]

SprayMax 2k Clear for the best and longest lasting results.

I used the spray Max 2k last week on my headlights. Seemed to come up o

k.