VX 2 Calais Build (2020-2023!)

[Steve9R]

Looks nice man.. question though.. why did you put Series 1 Calais badges on it when it is a series 2 ?

 

[gr33nbastad]

Looks nice man.. question though.. why did you put Series 1 Calais badges on it when it is a series 2 ?

Great question! Gold star for your attention to detail. Short story is a combination of

1. It is a nightmare to remove and replace the existing badges and keep them all the separate letters lined up
2. I wanted all new badges but the S2 badges are NLA, but I did find one new side badge and a boot one
3. I honestly like the VT/VXS1 script badge better - looks nicer - I even got the airbag badge to match

I know its not purity, but I have got the new badges and one of my old ones taken off as below, so I can back to the proper ones later if I choose. The new ones I have are actually reproductions that I got second hand, but were actually made by Rare Spares, but they don't anymore for some reason!

 

[AB 1000]

Hi! Any updates? How is it running now?

Great question! Gold star for your attention to detail. Short story is a combination of

1. It is a nightmare to remove and replace the existing badges and keep them all the separate letters lined up
2. I wanted all new badges but the S2 badges are NLA, but I did find one new side badge and a boot one
3. I honestly like the VT/VXS1 script badge better - looks nicer - I even got the airbag badge to match

I know its not purity, but I have got the new badges and one of my old ones taken off as below, so I can back to the proper ones later if I choose. The new ones I have are actually reproductions that I got second hand, but were actually made by Rare Spares, but they don't anymore for some reason!

 

[gr33nbastad]

Hi! Any updates? How is it running now?

Yeah she is going great - just haven't had much time to do things - had some leave planned last year that got cancelled. I just went nuts being a bunch of new genuine Holden gear over Christmas to hang on to as well - A/C compressor, starter motor, alternator, rear subframe bushes, front wheel hubs, steering wheel airbag, etc.

Immediate next plans are:

• Install the Monro gas shocks all round, nothing wrong with the original ones just looking ratty
• Put new superpro strut mounts, bump stops etc. in while I am there
• Replace rear handbrake shoes (suffers from the sticky return spring issue so they have been dragging some times)
• Put my new battery tray holder in (someone has spilled battery acid and she is a bit rusty!)
• Do the manifold and TB gaskets
• Put in new genuine (nice and clean) radiator overflow tank, power steering reservoir
• Replace every cooling and fluid hose under the bonnet (preventive maintenance)
• Replace tensioners and pulleys (preventive maintenance)
• Replace water pump (preventive maintenance / while I'm there)
• Put in new power steering cooler (genuine VX, just refurbished) and brand new genuine mounting brackets
• New battery terminals (cosmetic)

Then later:

• Put on new old stock brake callipers
• New brake hoses
• rear Subframe bushes
• Clean/paint rear subframe
• Recondition steering rack
• Touch-up wheel well stone guard spray

The list can keep going! A few beauty shots from a couple of weeks ago:

 

[gr33nbastad]

Finally got around to doing the battery tray on the weekend before our very first show and shine (won a prize woohoo!) Also, yes, tomato sauce removes copper sulphate from the battery terminal! Bonus pic - fixing the fuse block sticker

 

[Fu Manchu]

Where did you get the relay block sticker?

 

[gr33nbastad]

Where did you get the relay block sticker?

This guy is the guru of repro decals - also built himself a showroom quality Sandman panelvan. https://stickthisdecals.com.au/ Note: if you get the fuse sticker, it is quite thin and light so it can be a bit tricky to apply.

 

[VS 5.0]

Also, yes, tomato sauce removes copper sulphate from the battery terminal!

What does it do to your guts ?

 

[gr33nbastad]

That is just what my wife said when I told her what I was doing!!!

 

[Fu Manchu]

What does it do to your guts ?

Just wait until you see what’s in blood.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_human_blood_components