Who still owns a Holden?

[Swordie]

I joined this forum over 20 years ago and purchased my new 2003 VY Commodore Wagon with Factory FE2 and still have it. My car has just clicked over 20 years old. It is still going strong and a very enjoyable car to drive. The only thing I have upgraded is the stereo and speakers.

Who else has their Holden? If you don't have it what did you replace it with?

[whitels1ss]

I still have my white VT II SS but hardly ever drive it, it still looks very original & in excellent condition. (With a number of great modifications.)


I have 4 other cars which are an Audi TT, Pajero diesel, V8 Fairlane & an old Corvette C3 Stingray.

[C4B]

I still have my VTII GTS. Bought it new 22 years ago (23 years this year). I bet there aren't too many one owner examples left.

Our other cars are: V6 Amarok, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Skota Octavia.

[Smitty]

...................

Who else has their Holden? If you don't have it what did you replace it with?

smee.... had more than 30 of them and still have the last and best!

My missus had a few Holdens but after the Astra converible started getting a few things wrong
(windows would not shut, electrics for roof played up etc) we thought after 9 years it had to go
so ... she wanted a BMW she saw, liked it so we bought it... 1 series M coupe back in 2015.


and of course I have another one... a VK Grp A based race car (ike think we they ran around Bathurst in 1986)

the current HSV Tourer does duty as tow vehicle for this


10178

[whitels1ss]

the current HSV Tourer does duty as tow vehicle for this


10178

Nice cars Smitty,

I am sure the tourer would be very capable but how close would that load be to it's legal towing limit?

(I thought they only had around 1600kg limit???) :confused:

[VLSteve]

I've still got my '07 VZ Thunder which has about 230k on the clock.
And my '86 VL Calais "project" which I'm still finishing off which has an LS3 and TH400

[jc_sv8]

Still using my SV8 that I bought new on 23rd Jan 2003:as my daily.
Just had a new clutch and sump/heads/rear seals done and is now as tight as a drum.
Closing in on 170K kms.

Missus car is a 2010 MX5 which is a hoot but needs another 100 horses.

[Goo]

2003 VY Calais, bought in 2013.
268k on her & a few things starting to go wrong.
Don't know how much longer I can keep her going, sadly.

[VXSS346]

All Holdens here still.

Still have the VXSS, a one owner car since 2001. Just over 100,000kms.
In a bit under 3 years it will be going onto Club Rego. :cool:

There's also a VF and a VZ (for every day driving) as well as a VP, also to go on Club Rego soon. All 3 are V6's though. :hide:

Why change brands? :D

[Smitty]

Nice cars Smitty,

I am sure the tourer would be very capable but how close would that load be to it's legal towing limit?

(I thought they only had around 1600kg limit???) :confused:

depends... Holden rated the Tourers two ways - Autos get 2200kg limit and manuals 1600kg (so says the owners manual)

I quizzed a Holden Field service engineer I know (knew) about that and he said the reason is, and I still don't believe this -
The VF chassis is rated at over 2500kg but the auto is set at 2200kg to protect its oil pump and the manual at 1600kg...
so we don't get field clutch warranty issues!

Back to mine, its a manual... the trailer is 440kg (so says the ID plate) and the car is ABOUT 1150kg... depends if the tank is full
and what wheel/tye combo it has. According to the scales in the scrutineering bay at PI (which I reckon would be pretty accurate)
the lightest it has been is 1140 something from memory (1142?) . The Holden manual says a SL sedan kerb weight is 1219kg
and mine is stripped out... no carpet, factory seats gone (replaced with 8kg race seat) no radio, heater air con and NO spare wheel
and an alloy radiator (not copper and brass) unwanted wiring removed and a very short race exhaust etc but it does have a 40 kg roll cage
(see pic, I based it on the FIA homologated one HDT and Roadways racing used). So yeah, lets say 1160kg :driving:

When going to the track, all the extra stuff (helmet, race suit, extinguishers, tools etc) go in the wagon so I reckon I am ok
Also, the ball weight limit is 120kg and mine is 110 so again ok


10181

[Peter B - CV8]

I still have my 2004 Monaro (V2 series 3) - which is the only brand new car I've ever purchased (I usually buy cars 1 or 2 years old). It's just about to hit 115,000 k's & runs like a dream.

[Red CV8 R]

I still have my 2004 V2 Series 3 Monaro CV8-R too. Purchased new as the last Manual CV8-R left in the country after the VZ came out as I had been waiting for that model but then wasn't a fan of the cosmetic changes. So, bought the last of the V2, which was the September 2004 build Series 3 CV8-R. Still love the car, it's been a great vehicle in general. Other than needing a new radiator, only issues have been related to parts of the car I've modified.

[Blown Monaro]

Yep, I still own my 2004 S3 Monaro, 40k kms.

[whitels1ss]

depends... Holden rated the Tourers two ways - Autos get 2200kg limit and manuals 1600kg (so says the owners manual)

I quizzed a Holden Field service engineer I know (knew) about that and he said the reason is, and I still don't believe this -
The VF chassis is rated at over 2500kg but the auto is set at 2200kg to protect its oil pump and the manual at 1600kg...
so we don't get field clutch warranty issues!

Back to mine, its a manual... the trailer is 440kg (so says the ID plate) and the car is ABOUT 1150kg... depends if the tank is full
and what wheel/tye combo it has. According to the scales in the scrutineering bay at PI (which I reckon would be pretty accurate)
the lightest it has been is 1140 something from memory (1142?) . The Holden manual says a SL sedan kerb weight is 1219kg
and mine is stripped out... no carpet, factory seats gone (replaced with 8kg race seat) no radio, heater air con and NO spare wheel
and an alloy radiator (not copper and brass) unwanted wiring removed and a very short race exhaust etc but it does have a 40 kg roll cage
(see pic, I based it on the FIA homologated one HDT and Roadways racing used). So yeah, lets say 1160kg :driving:

When going to the track, all the extra stuff (helmet, race suit, extinguishers, tools etc) go in the wagon so I reckon I am ok
Also, the ball weight limit is 120kg and mine is 110 so again ok


10181

Fair enough Smitty, have not seen a car trailer that light, most light weight trailer I have seen have been up around the 700kg mark

& the heavy duty one that a mate of mine owns which I use a bit
will carry a 2500kg car weighs around 950kg with its spare wheel, ramps, jockey wheel, manual winch & breakaway brakes.
(It is quite a light trailer for such a large capacity load.)

I have no idea how your trailer could have been so light.

As I said, I am sure your tourer would be up for the task easy though. :yup:

[LS1VT]

In 2019 I bought a fairly cheap 02 vyss in good condition as a project car. It's been an expensive few years but I'm enjoying it.

[Wonky]

Have the E1 LS3 Senator I bought from SenatorMike (ex mod on here and still good mate). Just ticked over 72k, so I've added 60k and only thing that's failed is alternator, 2 batteries and years ago it had new brake pads all round.

Still in touch with the guy who bought my SSV sedan and also my SSV ute, though haven't heard from him for a while. While I had all 3 and did around 200k total they've been very reliable and cost me SFA except in mods. :burnout:

[Souljah]

Still have my Series 3 CV8.
Was daily driven but retired a few years ago. Every other sunday type car now.
The young bloke loves it.

[FrangaFry]

Near on 20 years and just shy of 300k now on my VY SS Wags .......... yeah she makes a few noises and have the odd gremlin, but good lord I LOVE driving it!! Looks great still, goes like a rocket, sounds SH1T HOT, handles pretty sweet and stops when you need it to. Still my daily and I'll probably get buried in it ...........

I was dead keen on a VF SSV Wagon when they came out but Minister told me "no way, wait until they are 2nd hand and get one then.... " ........... Pffffffffft the bloody things with 100k on them are more expensive than when they were new (God damn it) ...... Oh well, not the first boat I have missed in my life ....

[amckiwi]

Still got my VE Ute, recently clicked over 57k
14 years old in a few weeks

[Goggles]

Yes. She will be 10 years old this year. Have the W310 pack and an aftermarket android auto kit.
10192

[Pickles]

Still have my Series 3 CV8.
Was daily driven but retired a few years ago. Every other sunday type car now.
The young bloke loves it.

We've owned a S111, & after that a VZ GTO, both very good cars.
But you've had yours for a long time, so just wondering, any servicing/spare parts issues etc, as I was thinking about maybe finding a nice CV8Z?
Pickles.

[BLACK 346]

VE Calais 2010 with a few mods and VU SS 2002 which I have spent a tidy sum on getting it back to as nice a condition as possible. The Calais gets driven about once a month but has done Adelaide to Melbourne recently and will be doing Adelaide to Canberra and Nowra return shortly. The ute gets driven regularly including carting our bikes to Victor and dump runs etc. They are pretty reliable cars in my experience, but parts are getting scarce for some things as we all know.

[Smitty]

VE Calais 2010 with a few mods and VU SS 2002 which I have spent a tidy sum on getting it back to as nice a condition as possible. The Calais gets driven about once a month but has done Adelaide to Melbourne recently and will be doing Adelaide to Canberra and Nowra return shortly. The ute gets driven regularly including carting our bikes to Victor and dump runs etc. They are pretty reliable cars in my experience, but parts are getting scarce for some things as we all know.

heads up ... the roads from Canberra to Nowra are shite, absolute rubbish
potholes 80cm-100cm across x 30cm deep or more

my grandaughter (studying in Nowra) drove to Canberra (after Christmas on her way home here) to catch up with my nephew and partner there
and on arriving, asked me to check out the suspension and underneath of her car... it has major gouges in the subframes and cross members of her KIA
and a flattened engine exhaust (I replaced it) from going thru these. She said they are unavoidable as whole sections .. both sides have been torn
up by heavy transports.

Canberra to Braidwood is bad but not too bad... Braidwood to Nowra Hill/South Nowra is a shocker
def don't drive at night

[johnfhall]

2013 Gen-F GTS only 66,000km. Never put a foot wrong. The car that is, not me...:driving:

[BLACK 346]

heads up ... the roads from Canberra to Nowra are shite, absolute rubbish
potholes 80cm-100cm across x 30cm deep or more

my grandaughter (studying in Nowra) drove to Canberra (after Christmas on her way home here) to catch up with my nephew and partner there
and on arriving, asked me to check out the suspension and underneath of her car... it has major gouges in the subframes and cross members of her KIA
and a flattened engine exhaust (I replaced it) from going thru these. She said they are unavoidable as whole sections .. both sides have been torn
up by heavy transports.

Canberra to Braidwood is bad but not too bad... Braidwood to Nowra Hill/South Nowra is a shocker
def don't drive at night

Geez, that is a shame, thanks for the heads up. Those roads were pretty good back in the day. We lived in Nowra for over 10 years early 90's to early 2000, was posted to NAS Nowra 5 times between sea posting's whilst in the Navy. Wife worked in Vincentia for years, we regularly traveled to Batemans Bay and other towns.

[motomk]

Stupidly went through half a dozen of them at the end and kept 3 of them. Magnum Ute, GEN F2 Senator 30th Anniversary and a VFII SSV (close to a Redline but not quite)
Old VTII SS Battlecruiser is owned by Execjims nephew.

Bought a new toy before Christmas, VW T-ROC R. What a silly machine that is!

[Smitty]

Geez, that is a shame, thanks for the heads up. Those roads were pretty good back in the day. We lived in Nowra for over 10 years early 90's to early 2000, was posted to NAS Nowra 5 times between sea posting's whilst in the Navy. Wife worked in Vincentia for years, we regularly traveled to Batemans Bay and other towns.

Nowra to batesmans Bay is pretty ok (some of it has been upgraded to dual lane divided road) as it should be for a major road
The Nowra to Husskison stretch was new when we went to Nowra (to visit the grandie) early last year

[QIKMIK]

Still got the E1 Senator and that's not going anywhere anytime soon. 246k on the clock now and enjoying a well-earned rest. It retired from daily duties when I discovered bikes about four years ago but, as committed as I am to scooter lyf, sometimes you need a car and the Senny doesn't go to the supermarket any more.

First purchase was a VYII V6 Tonner which was loved and pampered until it met with Skippy one night last year (everyone was ok, except Skippy. He sleeps with Timmy down the well). Has since been replaced with a VZ V6 Tonner that does everything I need it to do (yes Alloytech but the previous owner did the chains in 2021).

The rest of the driveway is taken up with my brother's VE Calais V and son's WM2 Caprice. He certainly caught the bug from me. Only 18 and this is his third GM after a VT Exec and WL Stato.

Mick

[HOLDAN]

I have a 2017 VFSSV Redline. It's been off the road for almost 3 years getting some mods done. I have a separate thread on that.

I had a 2005 VE SS bought it new. Some mods including 407 stroker. Made 550 rwhp NA. Sold it to a great guy in Melbourne.

[VL Executive]

Still have mine. Added to them over the years. When I first joined here in 2004. I had a VL Commodore SL 5 speed manual, and a VL Executive auto. Both non turbo RB30 6 cylinders. And a 1999 V6 4x2 Holden Rodeo single cab trayback.

Since then I still have the VL's. The SL 5 speed I've had for 21 years (was my first car) has now morphed into a manual Calais Turbo replica with all factory standard parts. But I hardly drive it. Still have the Executive. But its been a dust collecting shed ornament since 2011. I got a VK Berlina in 2005 restored it and put it on the road in 2006. But I haven't driven it that much in that time. Got my first LS1 in 2010, my VY 2 SS ute, Still have that. I love it and could never part with it. Still going well but having A/C issues at the moment. Only real trouble with the car since I've had it, and its only just happened recently. Its still mainly stock, with only an exhaust high flow cats HSV Y2 extractors, HSV intake, short shifter and centre binnacle gauges. 129,000 km on it

Had a VL Berlina from 2004 till 2020 when I sold that.

VX Supercharged V6 S pack in 2014, still have.

Sold the Rodeo in 2016, and got my only non Holden. A 2014 3 litre TD Hilux single cab 4x4.

Got my 30/6/2017 built VF SSV Redline Ute in August 2017. Bought brand new. Apparently was the very last SS Ute sold from Ross Gray Holden in Bundaberg

VP Commodore ute 5 speed V6 which is my daily driver in 2019

So thats my History of Holdens since Ive been a member here

[Red CV8 R]

This post above made me think. I've owned heaps of different cars but when I looked back, quite a few Holden's. Including company cars, I've had 12. I really have a soft spot for the old VL Calais Turbo though. My first two cars were genuine Calais Turbo. I was very close to buying a VL Walkinshaw when I purchased my VP HSV Senator 5000i instead. 136/136.

I dropped a bundle sorting the HSV and then sold it to someone from here for peanuts. It would have been more sensible buying the Walkinshaw without doubt. :lol: Odd sentiment for the winged wonder vs a sensible Senator, I know. But it was one of the few HSVs still rising back in those days. Let alone now, of course. Pity my Girlfriend at the time told me she would dump me if I purchased such a hideous looking car. :lol:

Still, I was very sad to hear my Senator was apparently written off in Perth. I did love that car but I ended up unable to insure it as such a young fella, and had no where to store it. I would have held it otherwise. Not a car you can replace.

[Pickles]

I don't own a Holden at the moment.
Holdens I've owned. '58 FC Special, EH 179 Auto, HR Premier 186m, A9X sedan, VK Group A, VL Group A P.P., VN Group A, '04 CV8 Monaro, HSV VZ GTO, and we've recently sold our VF GTSR.
They've all had their good & bad points.
I'm really missing having "something" in the garage, spare parts for some are a bit of a worry, so maybe I'll buy another Holden, maybe I won't, I don't know at the moment, the stratospheric prices for some is a little "off putting" as well. Several of the cars I've owned, I simply couldn't afford now.
Karen's had a series of Audis (what's that got to do with this thread you may say!), and recently took delivery of a new RSQ3, which is a small SUV/S.W. sort of vehicle, but it's a rocket with a 2.5L 5 cyl turbo 400hp engine with Quattro (A.W.D.) & it's a great little machine, it would easily outperform most of the cars I've owned, so riding in this has eased the pain (of not having a Holden V8 in the garage) somewhat, but OF COURSE, it does not have the "magic" driving experience of a Holden V8.
Anyway, I just have to say, I really miss the "Holden Brand".
Pickles.

[whitels1ss]

I don't own a Holden at the moment.
Holdens I've owned. '58 FC Special, EH 179 Auto, HR Premier 186m, A9X sedan, VK Group A, VL Group A P.P., VN Group A, '04 CV8 Monaro, HSV VZ GTO, and we've recently sold our VF GTSR.
They've all had their good & bad points.
I'm really missing having "something" in the garage, spare parts for some are a bit of a worry, so maybe I'll buy another Holden, maybe I won't, I don't know at the moment, the stratospheric prices for some is a little "off putting" as well. Several of the cars I've owned, I simply couldn't afford now.
Karen's had a series of Audis (what's that got to do with this thread you may say!), and recently took delivery of a new RSQ3, which is a small SUV/S.W. sort of vehicle, but it's a rocket with a 2.5L 5 cyl turbo 400hp engine with Quattro (A.W.D.) & it's a great little machine, it would easily outperform most of the cars I've owned, so riding in this has eased the pain (of not having a Holden V8 in the garage) somewhat, but OF COURSE, it does not have the "magic" driving experience of a Holden V8.
Anyway, I just have to say, I really miss the "Holden Brand".
Pickles.

Very impressive list there Martin. :thumbsup:

Sorry to hear you sold the GTSR. :bawl:

What are you going to get to fill in it's space in the garage? :cheers:

[BLACK 346]

I don't own a Holden at the moment.
Holdens I've owned. '58 FC Special, EH 179 Auto, HR Premier 186m, A9X sedan, VK Group A, VL Group A P.P., VN Group A, '04 CV8 Monaro, HSV VZ GTO, and we've recently sold our VF GTSR.
They've all had their good & bad points.
I'm really missing having "something" in the garage, spare parts for some are a bit of a worry, so maybe I'll buy another Holden, maybe I won't, I don't know at the moment, the stratospheric prices for some is a little "off putting" as well. Several of the cars I've owned, I simply couldn't afford now.
Karen's had a series of Audis (what's that got to do with this thread you may say!), and recently took delivery of a new RSQ3, which is a small SUV/S.W. sort of vehicle, but it's a rocket with a 2.5L 5 cyl turbo 400hp engine with Quattro (A.W.D.) & it's a great little machine, it would easily outperform most of the cars I've owned, so riding in this has eased the pain (of not having a Holden V8 in the garage) somewhat, but OF COURSE, it does not have the "magic" driving experience of a Holden V8.
Anyway, I just have to say, I really miss the "Holden Brand".
Pickles.

Some pretty desirable Lions have passed through your shed Pickles. There is a small article on the VN Grouip A in the latest Unique Cars mag. One in showroom condition went for
a record $266,000 and one that was described as in unremarkable condition went for what they said is a disappointing but realistic $126,000. As you say, a lot of money when you see what you can get new for half of that money or less. Only reason I got a second Holden (my VU SS Ute) was that I was able to find one in pretty good nick a couple of years back for what I considered was reasonable money. Even saying that though , I had to pour quite a bit into it to get it where I was happy.

[Red CV8 R]

I understand where Pickles is at. I have to be honest, despite my history of Holden's, if I had not owned mine since new, I doubt I would have one. Parts availability being my biggest concern (let's be clear, that doesn't just affect Holden's either), plus I would have to consider what else the same dollars could buy me.

Classic, performance Holden's and HSV cars are a lot of money for what they are. Supply and demand though. Group A cars in particular. I couldn't justify the prices these cars pull when I could own some exotic cars for the same dollars. I feel you either need to be an investor, collector or for these particular cars to be your ultimate dream to pay these sorts of dollars. Then, they usually get hidden away and not used at all. I would rather own a Porsche and get to drive it how I want.

It would have been nice to have owned a VL Walkinshaw or VN Group A Holden, (R32 GTR as well actually), but the reality is that I would not have purchased my Monaro if I had if purchased any of these back in the day.
I only had space for 2 cars and insurance was bad enough on the Monaro (not $21k per year in 2002 that was the best offer on my VP Senator though). To me, my warmed over Monaro is my ultimate Holden. I would not trade it for any other HSV or Holden. I love it! So, no regrets!

[Pickles]

I understand where Pickles is at. I have to be honest, despite my history of Holden's, if I had not owned mine since new, I doubt I would have one. Parts availability being my biggest concern (let's be clear, that doesn't just affect Holden's either), plus I would have to consider what else the same dollars could buy me.

Classic, performance Holden's and HSV cars are a lot of money for what they are. Supply and demand though. Group A cars in particular. I couldn't justify the prices these cars pull when I could own some exotic cars for the same dollars. I feel you either need to be an investor, collector or for these particular cars to be your ultimate dream to pay these sorts of dollars. Then, they usually get hidden away and not used at all. I would rather own a Porsche and get to drive it how I want.

It would have been nice to have owned a VL Walkinshaw or VN Group A Holden, (R32 GTR as well actually), but the reality is that I would not have purchased my Monaro if I had if purchased any of these back in the day.
I only had space for 2 cars and insurance was bad enough on the Monaro (not $21k per year in 2002 that was the best offer on my VP Senator though). To me, my warmed over Monaro is my ultimate Holden. I would not trade it for any other HSV or Holden. I love it! So, no regrets!
Yes, I see that I have some "common ground" with you.
I'm glad that you mentioned spare parts, that is a concern that I have should I ever buy another Holden product.
Which model Monaro do you have, & how do you find spare parts, servicing etc?
Regards, Pickles.

[Smitty]

I don't own a Holden at the moment.
Holdens I've owned. '58 FC Special, EH 179 Auto, HR Premier 186m, A9X sedan, VK Group A, VL Group A P.P., VN Group A, '04 CV8 Monaro, HSV VZ GTO, and we've recently sold our VF GTSR.
They've all had their good & bad points.
I'm really missing having "something" in the garage, spare parts for some are a bit of a worry, so maybe I'll buy another Holden, maybe I won't, I don't know at the moment, the stratospheric prices for some is a little "off putting" as well. Several of the cars I've owned, I simply couldn't afford now.
Karen's had a series of Audis (what's that got to do with this thread you may say!), and recently took delivery of a new RSQ3, which is a small SUV/S.W. sort of vehicle, but it's a rocket with a 2.5L 5 cyl turbo 400hp engine with Quattro (A.W.D.) & it's a great little machine, it would easily outperform most of the cars I've owned, so riding in this has eased the pain (of not having a Holden V8 in the garage) somewhat, but OF COURSE, it does not have the "magic" driving experience of a Holden V8.
Anyway, I just have to say, I really miss the "Holden Brand".
Pickles.

nice list Martin....

I won't do all mine .. coz I had a habit of buying my GMH company cars (kept for a while, handed to the missus and sold off mainly within the family)
some are notable in that they are are... HZ Prem wagon, full electrics with 308 4speed, one of the first VB SL/e 308 4 speed '308' sports packs built
VC L wagon, special build (coz 308s did not go in wagons) 308 4 speed.. country suspension, HD axle, drove it the gates at Salmon St and 10 days later
it was in Katherine (NT) via Quilpie and Birdsville. pity the GMH car rules got me... you buy them or hand them back at 6 months or 10,000
(Had 17 Holdens in my time there)

the L wagon? I drove in the gates the first day back from holidays with 12,000km on it ( I came home via Mt ISa and Townsville)

Other notables I had.... HD Special sedan, manual X2 version.. white over green, manual big tank HT GTS350 Monaro (loved that car but fuel costs killed me)
so it went as a trade-on on a LJ XU1.

Then more recent... VR 5.0 manual Berlina 'HSV Improved', VT SS sedan with the last of the Holden 5.0 engines .. traded for a VX SS for the new 'LS' engine
(TOTAL disaster that car... engine rebuilds, new diffs (2) and gearboxes (2) plus... electrics, power windows kept dying) then VZ SS wagon (nice...)
a couple of VE SSV wagons (painful having to wait for manual versions to be built) then a E3 manual Clubbie wagon

and of course my current ride... a manual (dealer and HSV said it was the last built) GenF Clubbie R8 wagon (I ordered it with the SV engine too)

spares....? I have been quietly talking to dealers, on Fleabay and Gumtree, FB market places picking up the odd spare part.. not the usual
rad hose or PCV valve but body parts (B pillar covers) and trim.. console and seat parts and the like

Ownership will be harder in the future, that is certain

[Red CV8 R]

Yes, I see that I have some "common ground" with you.
I'm glad that you mentioned spare parts, that is a concern that I have should I ever buy another Holden product.
Which model Monaro do you have, & how do you find spare parts, servicing etc?
Regards, Pickles.

I own an 04 Monaro CV8-R.

Unlike most, my goal has been to make it a factory style performance car, a GTS + if that makes sense. It has the usual bolt on plus a baby cam and heads. I've made a lot of "reliability" mods with the engine changes. In tandem with the 04 LS being the best of the breed (basically an LS6 without the 243 heads), I hope it will be reliable for the life of the car. Especially as I don't do big KMs. The car ran mid 12s in 100% street trim, so it's not slow compared to the new stuff.

I've spent decent coin on suspension, brakes and tyres, plus stuff like 3.9 diff gears, True-Trac, short shifter etc. This all keeps the car feeling modern but it looks like a standard CV8-R. I would not have been happy with the standard Monaro performance wise, this car now feels amazing on the street.

Maintenance / modifications was hit and miss for me. I had two shops I happily used for over a decade, one for maintenance and one for performance work. I didn't ever take this car to a Holden dealer. The car has been extremely reliable. The performance shop got too popular, uncontactable due to work load. The general mechanic shut down. I then had a lot of "interesting" experiences through various shops. I've now got a good mechanic for maintenance and had all the engine stuff redone by a former forum sponsor who got my combo humming again with my chosen cam. It's where I will go from now on.

The downside is without doubt parts. I'm lucky as far as I have not needed much at all so far. However, replacement of Monaro specific parts is difficult. CV8-R parts, nearly impossible as there was only 300 odd 04 cars made. Probably worse than most HSVs. I'm hoping I don't need any of these parts any time soon. However, I have been trying to get those simple door strikers mentioned in the other thread. A few years ago, easy and cheap to get. Now, impossible to buy new. That's the parts future we face. Not alone there, common for performance heroes of the 2000s now, think WRX, EVO etc. We can only hope the aftermarket will step up.

I think if I were looking for a new toy now, unless I was buying something with ultra low KMs, new condition and a known history, I would skip the probable pain with a used Holden/ HSV and buy something else. I particularly like Porsche not only the performance and style, but for the robustness of their cars, and the way they keep up the supply of parts for most older cars. You pay though, and Covid made that worse.

[Pickles]

nice list Martin....

I won't do all mine .. coz I had a habit of buying my GMH company cars (kept for a while, handed to the missus and sold off mainly within the family)
some are notable in that they are are... HZ Prem wagon, full electrics with 308 4speed, one of the first VB SL/e 308 4 speed '308' sports packs built
VC L wagon, special build (coz 308s did not go in wagons) 308 4 speed.. country suspension, HD axle, drove it the gates at Salmon St and 10 days later
it was in Katherine (NT) via Quilpie and Birdsville. pity the GMH car rules got me... you buy them or hand them back at 6 months or 10,000
(Had 17 Holdens in my time there)

the L wagon? I drove in the gates the first day back from holidays with 12,000km on it ( I came home via Mt ISa and Townsville)

Other notables I had.... HD Special sedan, manual X2 version.. white over green, manual big tank HT GTS350 Monaro (loved that car but fuel costs killed me)
so it went as a trade-on on a LJ XU1.

Then more recent... VR 5.0 manual Berlina 'HSV Improved', VT SS sedan with the last of the Holden 5.0 engines .. traded for a VX SS for the new 'LS' engine
(TOTAL disaster that car... engine rebuilds, new diffs (2) and gearboxes (2) plus... electrics, power windows kept dying) then VZ SS wagon (nice...)
a couple of VE SSV wagons (painful having to wait for manual versions to be built) then a E3 manual Clubbie wagon

and of course my current ride... a manual (dealer and HSV said it was the last built) GenF Clubbie R8 wagon (I ordered it with the SV engine too)

spares....? I have been quietly talking to dealers, on Fleabay and Gumtree, FB market places picking up the odd spare part.. not the usual
rad hose or PCV valve but body parts (B pillar covers) and trim.. console and seat parts and the like

Ownership will be harder in the future, that is certain

Some VERY special cars there my friend, Obviously you had some very special times with Holden,.....maybe you could start a thread, "My times with Holden"?....I'm absolutely positive it would be very well received & create a lot of interest on this forum.
My favorite of "Your" cars,....DEFINITELY the 308 HZ Premier Wagon,....haven't seen an original 5L one of those for many years,...must be the scarcest of the scarce.
Regards, Martin.

[Pickles]

I own an 04 Monaro CV8-R.

Unlike most, my goal has been to make it a factory style performance car, a GTS + if that makes sense. It has the usual bolt on plus a baby cam and heads. I've made a lot of "reliability" mods with the engine changes. In tandem with the 04 LS being the best of the breed (basically an LS6 without the 243 heads), I hope it will be reliable for the life of the car. Especially as I don't do big KMs. The car ran mid 12s in 100% street trim, so it's not slow compared to the new stuff.

I've spent decent coin on suspension, brakes and tyres, plus stuff like 3.9 diff gears, True-Trac, short shifter etc. This all keeps the car feeling modern but it looks like a standard CV8-R. I would not have been happy with the standard Monaro performance wise, this car now feels amazing on the street.

Maintenance / modifications was hit and miss for me. I had two shops I happily used for over a decade, one for maintenance and one for performance work. I didn't ever take this car to a Holden dealer. The car has been extremely reliable. The performance shop got too popular, uncontactable due to work load. The general mechanic shut down. I then had a lot of "interesting" experiences through various shops. I've now got a good mechanic for maintenance and had all the engine stuff redone by a former forum sponsor who got my combo humming again with my chosen cam. It's where I will go from now on.

The downside is without doubt parts. I'm lucky as far as I have not needed much at all so far. However, replacement of Monaro specific parts is difficult. CV8-R parts, nearly impossible as there was only 300 odd 04 cars made. Probably worse than most HSVs. I'm hoping I don't need any of these parts any time soon. However, I have been trying to get those simple door strikers mentioned in the other thread. A few years ago, easy and cheap to get. Now, impossible to buy new. That's the parts future we face. Not alone there, common for performance heroes of the 2000s now, think WRX, EVO etc. We can only hope the aftermarket will step up.

I think if I were looking for a new toy now, unless I was buying something with ultra low KMs, new condition and a known history, I would skip the probable pain with a used Holden/ HSV and buy something else. I particularly like Porsche not only the performance and style, but for the robustness of their cars, and the way they keep up the supply of parts for most older cars. You pay though, and Covid made that worse.

Yes, we definitely have "common ground".
I'm hopeless mechanically, so would definitely require someone to look after it for me. Most of the cars I've bought have been new & serviced by the dealer, which of course isn't the same these days.
And yes, "spare parts",...definitely an issue, & a worry too. Surely with such low ks your door strikers would be ok, and wouldn't they be the same for all VZ variants?....but for sure, Yes, I share the same concerns,....I've been considering a CV8Z & those two issues, service & spare parts are the main issues for me.
The other aspect of my driving, is as I've said, & that as I am of "advancing years", & as Karen's RSQ3 is such a great all round vehicle, and it does go pretty well, (Karen rarely if ever gets beaten at the lights if she's trying), I might just be happy with that, because I know, that being as particular as I am, I would be REALLY stressed if I couldn't get any part necessary to keep the CV8Z in "as new" condition!
Regards, Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

Yes, we definitely have "common ground".
I'm hopeless mechanically, so would definitely require someone to look after it for me. Most of the cars I've bought have been new & serviced by the dealer, which of course isn't the same these days.
And yes, "spare parts",...definitely an issue, & a worry too. Surely with such low ks your door strikers would be ok, and wouldn't they be the same for all VZ variants?....but for sure, Yes, I share the same concerns,....I've been considering a CV8Z & those two issues, service & spare parts are the main issues for me.
The other aspect of my driving, is as I've said, & that as I am of "advancing years", & as Karen's RSQ3 is such a great all round vehicle, and it does go pretty well, (Karen rarely if ever gets beaten at the lights if she's trying), I might just be happy with that, because I know, that being as particular as I am, I would be REALLY stressed if I couldn't get any part necessary to keep the CV8Z in "as new" condition!
Regards, Pickles.

I work behind a keyboard. While I understand a lot about cars, I'm completely useless with a spanner. I've always had other people (professionals) look after my car. It's generally worked well but there's been some bad times with a few of my car's. There's certainly some less than honest people in the car game.

An example, my door strikers were swapped out when my car was having work done. Nothing I could do but not return to that shop. I also had another impossible to buy CV8-R part swapped on my car too. It's basically impossible to prove. Door strikers are shared across many models. I think as far back as the VR but certainly VT-VZ. Thus, many people have replaced them and exhausted supply. I've tried many Holden dealers and none could assist me with new ones. None of the aftermarket parts places either. There's a shop in the USA reproducing these, however I'm yet to take a punt on them. They're an unknown. I was holding out hope of obtaining genuine items. I'm close to giving up on that. I am like yourself, I find it annoying not being able to find parts to keep the car "as new". It's the only reason I've ever contemplated if I should sell up.

RS Audi are quick! Back in the day, I had mates with lots of different performance cars, including a number of the JDM heroes. Strip performance and street performance were often two different things. The main car to give me a hard time on the street was my mates tickled S3 Audi. The way it could launch on street tyres was impressive. These cars only got faster with the RS3s (same mate later had two of these but we never crossed paths). I can't imagine the newer cars are slower. If you want an easier ownersip experience, I completely understand just staying with the Audi's or the new BMW M cars. All of these would show our old cars a clean pair of heals, while offering warranty, parts availability and easy dealership maintenance. Will they feel special though?

[Smitty]

Some VERY special cars there my friend, Obviously you had some very special times with Holden,.....maybe you could start a thread, "My times with Holden"?....I'm absolutely positive it would be very well received & create a lot of interest on this forum.
My favorite of "Your" cars,....DEFINITELY the 308 HZ Premier Wagon,....haven't seen an original 5L one of those for many years,...must be the scarcest of the scarce.
Regards, Martin.

thanks Martin....

HZ Prem wagons with 5.0 engines and T400 trans ( I think they had back then, not T350s.. too early and not Trimatic) were a fave of the higher level GMH
Manager (Personnel Grade 8,9 and 10.. I was an 8 at that stage) especially those with kids, once word got around just what a good weekend jigger they were
and they were very going towing (boats trailers too) I had to wait a bit for a manual version once the staff order went to Manufacturing, bit rare...

and a 'my time at GMH/Holden' thread? haha... funny that, good mate of mine who lost his job as one of the senior HR/Personnel and Super managers at Holden
when it all went to poo and they shut up shop, has suggested the same thing.

Currently, I am abusing him online via emails .. he and his partner are in Japan skiing (senior guys with long employment history were given generous redundancies)
2 weeks ago, he was in the Austrian Alps Bastard.. those are on my bucket list! He does stir me up when he send me stuff like this :)

10219

[Pickles]

thanks Martin....

HZ Prem wagons with 5.0 engines and T400 trans ( I think they had back then, not T350s.. too early and not Trimatic) were a fave of the higher level GMH
Manager (Personnel Grade 8,9 and 10.. I was an 8 at that stage) especially those with kids, once word got around just what a good weekend jigger they were
and they were very going towing (boats trailers too) I had to wait a bit for a manual version once the staff order went to Manufacturing, bit rare...

and a 'my time at GMH/Holden' thread? haha... funny that, good mate of mine who lost his job as one of the senior HR/Personnel and Super managers at Holden
when it all went to poo and they shut up shop, has suggested the same thing.

Currently, I am abusing him online via emails .. he and his partner are in Japan skiing (senior guys with long employment history were given generous redundancies)
2 weeks ago, he was in the Austrian Alps Bastard.. those are on my bucket list! He does stir me up when he send me stuff like this :)

10219

So, when will your "My Time At Holden" thread commence?!
Regards, Martin.

[Pickles]

I work behind a keyboard. While I understand a lot about cars, I'm completely useless with a spanner. I've always had other people (professionals) look after my car. It's generally worked well but there's been some bad times with a few of my car's. There's certainly some less than honest people in the car game.

An example, my door strikers were swapped out when my car was having work done. Nothing I could do but not return to that shop. I also had another impossible to buy CV8-R part swapped on my car too. It's basically impossible to prove. Door strikers are shared across many models. I think as far back as the VR but certainly VT-VZ. Thus, many people have replaced them and exhausted supply. I've tried many Holden dealers and none could assist me with new ones. None of the aftermarket parts places either. There's a shop in the USA reproducing these, however I'm yet to take a punt on them. They're an unknown. I was holding out hope of obtaining genuine items. I'm close to giving up on that. I am like yourself, I find it annoying not being able to find parts to keep the car "as new". It's the only reason I've ever contemplated if I should sell up.

RS Audi are quick! Back in the day, I had mates with lots of different performance cars, including a number of the JDM heroes. Strip performance and street performance were often two different things. The main car to give me a hard time on the street was my mates tickled S3 Audi. The way it could launch on street tyres was impressive. These cars only got faster with the RS3s (same mate later had two of these but we never crossed paths). I can't imagine the newer cars are slower. If you want an easier ownersip experience, I completely understand just staying with the Audi's or the new BMW M cars. All of these would show our old cars a clean pair of heals, while offering warranty, parts availability and easy dealership maintenance. Will they feel special though?

"Door strikers swapped",....that is simply SHOCKING, there is definitely some scum (the only way to describe such people) around that's for sure. How long did it take for you to notice?...a guy in the Monaro Club mentioned to me that his were worn so He has "rattling doors"......do yours now rattle?. Anyway, an awful experience for you, I don't know how I would handle that,..like I said, Parts & servicing are a major question mark for me, & may be the reason why I decide not to buy.
Thanks, Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

I noticed when I got home. With the long doors on the Monaro and the car being close to the garage wall, I literally look at the door strikers as I weave myself into the car. The coated versions were there when I left home, not there when I got home, just the bare metal strikers where the coating had worn off and visible screw driver marks. Passenger door the same (it's hardly ever used).

Correct, the coating is there to cushion the doors as the car moves over bumps. Without it, you have metal on metal and you're more likely to get a rattle. My car is pretty tight, so it's not as big an issue as it may be for cars with more kms.

I would like to say that's the worst thing that has happened to my car, but it isn't. For example, it was moved out of the empty car park of a former forum sponsor (by the owner) where I dropped it off and onto the street that was having road work done. My perfect car was then damaged. If that wasn't annoying enough, I was simply told, not my problem, put it through your insurance. Which not only blemished my perfect record, that turned into a mess too. That was very annoying. However, that sort of thing can happen at a dealership too.

So, all this is very much a consideration, especially buying a car that is not known to you. You never know 100% what parts have been fitted, or how it's been treated. However, I have to say that a Monaro seems to be one car that people have put away and kept like new. So, that's a positive.

[Pickles]

I noticed when I got home. With the long doors on the Monaro and the car being close to the garage wall, I literally look at the door strikers as I weave myself into the car. The coated versions were there when I left home, not there when I got home, just the bare metal strikers where the coating had worn off and visible screw driver marks. Passenger door the same (it's hardly ever used).

Correct, the coating is there to cushion the doors as the car moves over bumps. Without it, you have metal on metal and you're more likely to get a rattle. My car is pretty tight, so it's not as big an issue as it may be for cars with more kms.

I would like to say that's the worst thing that has happened to my car, but it isn't. For example, it was moved out of the empty car park of a former forum sponsor (by the owner) where I dropped it off and onto the street that was having road work done. My perfect car was then damaged. If that wasn't annoying enough, I was simply told, not my problem, put it through your insurance. Which not only blemished my perfect record, that turned into a mess too. That was very annoying. However, that sort of thing can happen at a dealership too.

So, all this is very much a consideration, especially buying a car that is not known to you. You never know 100% what parts have been fitted, or how it's been treated. However, I have to say that a Monaro seems to be one car that people have put away and kept like new. So, that's a positive.

I agree 100% with your sentiments.
As far as the strikers are concerned, someone mentioned to me getting them plastic dipped?.....I don't know anything about that procedure, nor do I know any organization that could/would do it.
I was talking to a restorer the other day who said that He can get pretty much any part He wants for a HQ, but later model Holdens are a real problem.
I know Rare Spares are pretty good on earlier models, maybe one day they'll do VT-VZ?!
Regards, Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

I've actually spoken to rare spares, not sure they're really interested in the newer cars, at least yet. Probably got enough business with the older cars.

Good suggestion, but apparently, plastic dip is not the right sort of coating for this purpose, at least that's what I read.

However, some good news. It looks like there's a reproduction door striker on the market. I found these on eBay. Not OEM, but I'm tempted to try them.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/144913680774?hash=item21bd874986:g:j0gAAOSwc0ljzv4 W&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8JvB2%2Bi9h6iJA9XkuSBLz5RYky2 NUR8PStefE2imJ6Y%2BcffPzC1bfkFkzJ46JPm966nC6yUEPA8 y10cTQzlz4eOzFCujTcm1KnLyysWINDrp%2Fi2zms7VQn%2BzJ V0c952RbKNDW%2FpQ9%2FrooIJRNNZVyVtfipCHPttE9dsZRjk Q%2FZtMus1mQI0G87dpg1qiNy0Mu8JTo%2Fcy6BPfaGdX1rXJ9 j0N6Ka0tXG7hllgICbHcUPfCobxFakvH%2Fc8fOVhvitAjg2Bd i3kPD5taZixe0S%2BFRFd%2Bnrb49lLMNlYyBQ4kRXYGC3Iuh9 BE8tMCPdQGNYoyQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM3r6OyMph

[Toddler78]

I've actually spoken to rare spares, not sure they're really interested in the newer cars, at least yet. Probably got enough business with the older cars.

Good suggestion, but apparently, plastic dip is not the right sort of coating for this purpose, at least that's what I read.

However, some good news. It looks like there's a reproduction door striker on the market. I found these on eBay. Not OEM, but I'm tempted to try them.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/144913680774?hash=item21bd874986:g:j0gAAOSwc0ljzv4 W&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8JvB2%2Bi9h6iJA9XkuSBLz5RYky2 NUR8PStefE2imJ6Y%2BcffPzC1bfkFkzJ46JPm966nC6yUEPA8 y10cTQzlz4eOzFCujTcm1KnLyysWINDrp%2Fi2zms7VQn%2BzJ V0c952RbKNDW%2FpQ9%2FrooIJRNNZVyVtfipCHPttE9dsZRjk Q%2FZtMus1mQI0G87dpg1qiNy0Mu8JTo%2Fcy6BPfaGdX1rXJ9 j0N6Ka0tXG7hllgICbHcUPfCobxFakvH%2Fc8fOVhvitAjg2Bd i3kPD5taZixe0S%2BFRFd%2Bnrb49lLMNlYyBQ4kRXYGC3Iuh9 BE8tMCPdQGNYoyQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM3r6OyMph

I just bought a set red, I’ll let you know how they go as my strikers are buggered(the metal is so worn) if they are any good I’ll happily go you halves and sell you the other two as we only need 2 each.

[Pickles]

I just bought a set red, I’ll let you know how they go as my strikers are buggered(the metal is so worn) if they are any good I’ll happily go you halves and sell you the other two as we only need 2 each.

That's great feedback, & it'll be good to know what you think. Did your doors rattle, & how long before you fit these items. I did read that there was a special way to fit these items, I think I read there's some sort of "plate/cage" inside the B pillar which the retaining screws screw into, so there's a special sequence to change them over, so as not to lose this "plate" which is threaded, so I'll be interested to know how you go?
Pickles.

[Red CV8 R]

I just bought a set red, I’ll let you know how they go as my strikers are buggered(the metal is so worn) if they are any good I’ll happily go you halves and sell you the other two as we only need 2 each.

Thanks for the thought, mate but I've jumped in already :) Will let everyone know how I go.

[BLACK 346]

Great find on the door strikers, they sell them in pairs also, might just grab a pair to throw in my spares cache. On the parts topic, I have been looking for a drivers side sill seal for my ute since the day I bought it, they are non existent. Unfortunately the ute is different to the sedan also, so makes it even harder to find. Each time I find a wrecked ute it is either gone or worse than the one I have.
On a side note, does anyone know any Ford owners? Are they having the same issues with similar aged cars ie GT Falcons from say 1990's and onwards?

[Uncle Tone]

Holdens all gone.

Replaced the GTTS with a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.

[jc_sv8]

Thanks for the thought, mate but I've jumped in already :) Will let everyone know how I go.

Just looking at a close up of the piece and it looks as if the plastic coating doesn't go all the way around. Could they be slip on replacements?

https://i.imgur.com/bbVg7yy.jpg

[BLACK 346]

Just looking at a close up of the piece and it looks as if the plastic coating doesn't go all the way around. Could they be slip on replacements?

https://i.imgur.com/bbVg7yy.jpg

Well spotted. I just ran my finger around the near new OEM ones that I put in the ute and they definitely have the coating all the way around. Not sure how much difference it would make but for the price I think they are worth a gamble.

[Wonky]

Great find on the door strikers, they sell them in pairs also, might just grab a pair to throw in my spares cache. On the parts topic, I have been looking for a drivers side sill seal for my ute since the day I bought it, they are non existent. Unfortunately the ute is different to the sedan also, so makes it even harder to find. Each time I find a wrecked ute it is either gone or worse than the one I have.
On a side note, does anyone know any Ford owners? Are they having the same issues with similar aged cars ie GT Falcons from say 1990's and onwards?

I just bought an 2010/2013 E2/E3 bonnet in order to get some air in to help cool the s/c. No problems getting a bonnet but then found nobody has any of the vents! (Same as G8) NLA :mad: :mad: :mad:

[whitels1ss]

I just bought an 2010/2013 E2/E3 bonnet in order to get some air in to help cool the s/c. No problems getting a bonnet but then found nobody has any of the vents! (Same as G8) NLA :mad: :mad: :mad:

That would hurt! :banghead:

[Red CV8 R]

Just looking at a close up of the piece and it looks as if the plastic coating doesn't go all the way around. Could they be slip on replacements?

https://i.imgur.com/bbVg7yy.jpg



Interesting. Will find out soon, they're on their way. I don't really have a choice though, so I just went for it. Not a lot of cost. Especially compared to the US sourced versions.

[whitels1ss]

Just looking at a close up of the piece and it looks as if the plastic coating doesn't go all the way around. Could they be slip on replacements?

https://i.imgur.com/bbVg7yy.jpg

Well spotted! :cheers:

[Wonky]

That would hurt! :banghead:
My wallet in particular..... :bawl: Had to buy a set from USA and even then was lucky to find somewhere with some as most are same as here. Part unavailable. Ridiculously expensive!

[whitels1ss]

My wallet in particular..... :bawl: Had to buy a set from USA and even then was lucky to find somewhere with some as most are same as here. Part unavailable. Ridiculously expensive!

Did you end up getting it fitted?

[Wonky]

Did you end up getting it fitted?

They won't arrive till near end of Apr so I'll get the panel shop to spray the bonnet just before then. Looks like retail price in the USA was $US460 EACH side :shock: according to gmpartsgiant.com who I've used before and seem good on pricing. Fortunately I got a new pair for less than that but add shipping and GST. :bawl:

10235

[whitels1ss]

Wow! that is not cheap!

I buy quite a few things for the Corvette from US & I hate the way everyone I have encountered
seems to charge approximately 22% for tax even adding this onto shipping costs.

Shipping is also a ripp off, so often get hit for around $30 shipping for something like a small stick on decal
that easily & legally fits in a normal postage letter envelope. :doh:

[Wonky]

In this case no US tax added, though I'm expecting to be hit by GST when they arrive. Shipping was a very reasonable $US36 pr and stayed the same when I bought 2 pairs! Obviously coming by boat, hence the low cost, but I've been without the bonnet for 8 years so another few months won't matter.

[Red CV8 R]

Interesting. Will find out soon, they're on their way. I don't really have a choice though, so I just went for it. Not a lot of cost. Especially compared to the US sourced versions.

Ok, I received my aftermarket door strikers today. I'm not sure these will last like the factory versions. I have a feeling the coating is not as strong. Also, they are not the same as the factory items as pointed out, the coating does not run all around the bracket. The picture shows the silver rectangle not covered. I don't think they are a slip on though. Still dipped.

However, I will give them a run. Others will know faster than I do how they last, since I don't do that many KMs. Considering the situation with parts, these were cheaper than the originals from Holden, much cheaper than the also unknown US versions, I guess you need to keep your expectations in check. I will still grab any new OEM ones I find.

10236

[Pickles]

Ok, I received my aftermarket door strikers today. I'm not sure these will last like the factory versions. I have a feeling the coating is not as strong. Also, they are not the same as the factory items as pointed out, the coating does not run all around the bracket. The picture shows the silver rectangle not covered. I don't think they are a slip on though. Still dipped.

However, I will give them a run. Others will know faster than I do how they last, since I don't do that many KMs. Considering the situation with parts, these were cheaper than the originals from Holden, much cheaper than the also unknown US versions, I guess you need to keep your expectations in check. I will still grab any new OEM ones I find.

10236

Well, at least you got some.
It would be good if you could let us know how the fitting goes. I read somewhere that there's a threaded "plate" in the b pillar into which the screws holding the striker are screwed, apparently if one removes both the screws at the same time upon removal, that plate can slip down, which means that you can't screw into it? If Toddler has fitted his, maybe He can advise?
Pickles.

[BLACK 346]

[QUOTE=Pickles;2188369]Well, at least you got some.
It would be good if you could let us know how the fitting goes. I read somewhere that there's a threaded "plate" in the b pillar into which the screws holding the striker are screwed, apparently if one removes both the screws at the same time upon removal, that plate can slip down, which means that you can't screw into it? If Toddler has fitted his, maybe He can advise?
Pickles.[/QUOTE

I took mine off completely (both screws) whilst changing out in the ute and zero issues putting screws back in mate. Maybe the plates is tack welded or secured in some way and I just got lucky not to knock it off?

[whitels1ss]

I read somewhere that there's a threaded "plate" in the b pillar into which the screws holding the striker are screwed, apparently if one removes both the screws at the same time upon removal, that plate can slip down, which means that you can't screw into it? If Toddler has fitted his, maybe He can advise?
Pickles.


I have replaced many of these & have never had any problems with the plate slipping.

I am sure that that plate is somehow "caged" from the rear so I can't imagine the plate dropping or falling "out" too far.....

BUT..... as there is movement in the mounting for adjustment of the positioning of the striker I always mark around the outside of the old striker

so I know where to position the new one, otherwise you would have more problems positioning it in the right place.

[BLACK 346]

I have replaced many of these & have never had any problems with the plate slipping.

I am sure that that plate is somehow "caged" from the rear so I can't imagine the plate dropping or falling "out" too far.....

BUT..... as there is movement in the mounting for adjustment of the positioning of the striker I always mark around the outside of the old striker

so I know where to position the new one, otherwise you would have more problems positioning it in the right place.

Yeah Ed, I failed to mark my old ones and had to muck around a bit to get them right, good advice there :)

[whitels1ss]

Yeah Ed, I failed to mark my old ones and had to muck around a bit to get them right, good advice there :)

Yeah, I did that once (or twice) :lol: not knowing / remembering that the plates move.

[my_Berlina]

Upgraded from my VT Berlina with the SS good bit to a GenF GTS in 2013.
140,000km on her now, with a bunch of that on a track.

GTS is now retired from daily drive duties with a Kia EV6 taking on that role from Aug last year.
However the rear shocks in the GTS are buggered, still waiting to get new ones.

1024210243

[FrangaFry]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/374476946153?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110 013%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIMRXI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20 190806114717%26meid%3D994162d4317e4c1e8167282e2db8 8e6d%26pid%3D101100%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26itm%3D37 4476946153%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2380057%26al gv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebNoToraCoCoViewsNoHighIdf OrSortByFinalScoreBlender%26brand%3DOZ&_trksid=p2380057.c101100.m3021&amdata=cksum%3A374476946153994162d4317e4c1e8167282 e2db88e6d%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAABIBS1ch97WVA1APl5r2akcf6H 7euV7oh94H2E3PkS6upt3KNC9XwppsZ2dhnN3podPVhP5ILusT u9P4zuJUupl6rcdN3wOjiam2SGGu13RsQqw6wGRMHoc6%252Bf k5KCK8zT6fdjPoVUj3LDhfJcjtXkJUwfkpPYP6%252Fm7SqOtg wK%252BpNGTvwFzR4S%252BvYkL8thmrqnJuZDrt81TJxXG%25 2FlExSNHhe9949H%252F1EOv7JiKN6WEAsmzD3WprP9z0kvLvr WTy0Kiqjc56Udh82HE%252FaH1dWTDVBmQYCPzsR6G5O4aCjG% 252BCOAhpqK0awLdq15oHYmQpwdXMuLledPR9g9YPnfyLPf9nX fD2lKxL%252BWyG%252FchQg8Y3uuhXNweE2H3SwNBF4Hk9atb eQ%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2380057&_trkparms=pageci%3A331842d4-b1dd-11ed-99f0-72e88449ae03%7Cparentrq%3A73cabd931860a6e6ae58196e fffd6bec%7Ciid%3A1

[BLACK 346]

Upgraded from my VT Berlina with the SS good bit to a GenF GTS in 2013.
140,000km on her now, with a bunch of that on a track.

GTS is now retired from daily drive duties with a Kia EV6 taking on that role from Aug last year.
However the rear shocks in the GTS are buggered, still waiting to get new ones.

1024210243

Be super interested to hear your thoughts on day to day living with an EV mate, especially considering you have a very nice HSV to compare it to. What are the pro's and cons compared to the petrol powered car? Can it fill the void 100 percent or are they still heavily compromised? What enticed you to make the switch?

[Smitty]

Be super interested to hear your thoughts on day to day living with an EV mate, especially considering you have a very nice HSV to compare it to. What are the pro's and cons compared to the petrol powered car? Can it fill the void 100 percent or are they still heavily compromised? What enticed you to make the switch?

yes.... interesting comment and question


just back from adding a few thousand kms in SW Vic, SA and NW Vic to the Tourer .. doing what it was built for (see below)
and being the fleet manager at wrk, I watch what is popular, what people are driving.

Observations... zero EV traffic is rural areas (NOT a Tesla to be seen after we left Melbourne 'burbs) and probably NOT
helped by no charging stations anywhere. None in any of the servos I refuelled at and we also stopped in a few
parks (in Horsham, Gambier, Narracoorte etc) to have that coffee or use the local WC and again zero charging stations.

I did chat to a woman refuelling a Toyota RAV Hybrid in Horsham ... and she is dark on Toyota. Her RAV uses MORE fuel
than her old standard ICE version. Why?... bigger engine than the old and it weighs a tonne (actually 220kg more)
AND at highway speed, the forward motion all comes from the petrol engine! So don't believe the greenies ... and
motor vehicle manufacturers

long way from home...

10262


silo art is big these days

10263


this is a lake (serious!)

10264

[whitels1ss]

I think Harry Metcalfe does some great reviews on his channel, I am subscribed & watch most of them.

Here is a recent one.........



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCywUzKJs30

[whitels1ss]

Another review on an electric Honda.


BTW. ... I think this thing is one of the ugliest new cars I have seen in a long time :spew:

& no way would I think of buying one. :nono:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV9sdN-eVHM

[whitels1ss]

yes.... interesting comment and question


just back from adding a few thousand kms in SW Vic, SA and NW Vic to the Tourer .. doing what it was built for (see below)
and being the fleet manager at wrk, I watch what is popular, what people are driving.

Observations... zero EV traffic is rural areas (NOT a Tesla to be seen after we left Melbourne 'burbs) and probably NOT
helped by no charging stations anywhere. None in any of the servos I refuelled at and we also stopped in a few
parks (in Horsham, Gambier, Narracoorte etc) to have that coffee or use the local WC and again zero charging stations.

I did chat to a woman refuelling a Toyota RAV Hybrid in Horsham ... and she is dark on Toyota. Her RAV uses MORE fuel
than her old standard ICE version. Why?... bigger engine than the old and it weighs a tonne (actually 220kg more)
AND at highway speed, the forward motion all comes from the petrol engine! So don't believe the greenies ... and
motor vehicle manufacturers

long way from home...

10262



Where abouts is the Royal Hotel Smitty?

Looks like you would have had a nice road trip mate. :cheers:

[whitels1ss]

Where abouts is the Royal Hotel Smitty?

Looks like you would have had a nice road trip mate. :cheers:

Just out of interest Smitty, what sort of fuel economy did you average on your trip mate? :cheers:

[Smitty]

Just out of interest Smitty, what sort of fuel economy did you average on your trip mate? :cheers:

the Royal is at Sea Lake (no idea why that name, over 330km to the nearest see in a straight line)
there is a sign on the wall in the pic but its a bit hard to read

and consumption of hydrocarbons in the form of PULP98... pretty chuffed at 8.2lt/100km for the 2400km journey
but
the best bit is the price. Did some research before we left... with petrol prices for ULP at 2.09 in Melbourne
and PULP98 at 2.35 (!), I thought by the time I really get into rural Australia I would be paying $2.50/litre

Nope... the further I got from Melbourne, the cheaper PULP was. I paid $1.89/lt for PULP98 in Horsham
that blew me away !:woot:

[whitels1ss]

PULP98... pretty chuffed at 8.2lt/100km for the 2400km journey


Got to be happy with that. :goodjob:

[SASLS1]

Be super interested to hear your thoughts on day to day living with an EV mate, especially considering you have a very nice HSV to compare it to. What are the pro's and cons compared to the petrol powered car? Can it fill the void 100 percent or are they still heavily compromised? What enticed you to make the switch?


Interestingly... it's been 5 years and 3 months... since Elon Musk first launched the Tesla Semi way back in November 2017 which was going to be first delivered / available in 2019 which never happen...

Its basically still not available and the Tesla Semi unladen weight which is a closely guarded secret by Tesla, still hasn't been revealed to this day.


Thunderf00t explains all the reasons why its a flawed design, and highlights all of Elon's False claims.

Thunderf00t is a British Chemist with over 1 million subscribers, and does a great job at busting peoples claims with Science / Chemistry / Physics / Maths...

I've been following him for years.

Here is his latest video from just 2 months ago... just after Elon relaunched the Telsa Semi for the Umpteen Time...




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3dCDNIRM34

[SASLS1]

Here is Thunderf00t's follow up video on the Telsa Semi the following day after the video posted above...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U07ZxBE6iY8

[A^K^T]

03 VY One Tonner S (bought it new)
02 VX SS , its a little rough but has a freshly built engine (long story) and I need to tune it.
71 LC GTR Torana. Last time it ran was on leaded petrol and is in bits. still as it stands is the most valuable car I own.

I did have a V6 VY wagon that I bought for $400 (licensed & running)
That was a reliable and cheap car to own , I sold it to a mate when I got the SS as he needed a car .
It's still running but has needed a few minor fixes.

[my_Berlina]

Be super interested to hear your thoughts on day to day living with an EV mate, especially considering you have a very nice HSV to compare it to. What are the pro's and cons compared to the petrol powered car? Can it fill the void 100 percent or are they still heavily compromised? What enticed you to make the switch?

Short answers:
Pros:
No more standing in a puddle of diesel to fill with 98.
Being AWD, WOT is a lot more approachable. It is really hard to break traction.
Much happier letting others driving it.
As it is not a HSV rear bumper, I was happy to cut it for a towbar - it tows my trailer without effort.
I can drive it from my key fob - only forward and back, but when someone parks too close for my fat arse to get in......
Cons:
Need to be more mindful of pedestrians, who don't hear me - and a quick rev won't wake them up.
I sometimes miss the theatre of the GTS - luckily I still have it.
If I ever stuff up and run out of juice, it will take more than a jerry can to solve. But there are a lot of nannies to help me.
Remote start doesn't make me grin like a child, or help me find the car in a car park.

I could happily live with the EV6 as my only car, it is no more compromised than any other car.

Why switch
I see climate change as serious, and oil companies as greedy arseholes.
I love driving my GTS, and at 140,000Km and 9 years it needed a break from daily duties, as I will be keeping it.
Given I was keeping the GTS, there was no real risk.

It really is an unfair comparison to the GTS, which is a truly magnificent car. I can see why so many car reviewers gush
over EVs when comparing to a regular car. Equally, the EV6 is not a cheap car, my AWD GTLine was $89,000, so cheaper
than the GTS, but still a lot of coin.


Long story:

I have been pleasantly surprised with using the EV6 for day to day driving and beyond. There has been nothing that I need to do that it cannot. I utterly enjoy driving it.
I felt safe getting an EV knowing I would still have the petrol car, but those concerns have proven to be unfounded.
It is not as capable as the GTS when pushed. But that capability gap between the EV6 and GTS is an area you should not really be exploring on public roads.

When I first decided on getting an EV for my daily drive, I had the idea that it would mostly be for around town, and I would still be using the GTS for big trips.
I also want to mostly charge with home solar. I figured that if I cannot get enough charge from the sun on the weekend due to bad weather, then one sunny day I could
just leave the EV at home, and take the GTS instead. This has happened twice since August.

I was initially considering a smaller, less capable EV with that in mind. But as I looked, and thought about it, I realised "I needed a HUD", and needed reasonable
performance as my gap recognition is tuned to the GTS, plus it brings me joy! I have always argued that if you have to spend $X to get the car you need, spending
50% more to make it fun is only a cost of 50%.
So to get the features I "needed", I also ended up with a car that has a huge battery, and thus a long range. So I have done all my big trips (CBR-SYD, CBR-Coast, CBR-Hunter Valley)
in the EV. I will still do some big trips in the GTS, where it makes sense: HSVFest, Bathurst 1000 (not sure I want to leave an EV in the Bathurst car park just yet), My wife and I are still keen to do a driving trip around Tassie.


The big concern that is always raised is charging compared to petrol filling.
Home:
I don't have my final home charging solution in yet, but mainly because my interim solution has proved so effective.
I already had a 15A point in my garage for welding, so simply bought a 15A charger from ebay. I program the car to only charge in sunshine hours (10am-6pm) and charge enough on the weekend for a normal week driving 250-300km, keeping the charge between 20 and 80%. It is very convenient, and much better than using a servo.
Long Trips:
This is the harder one, though not really that bad. Back in the 80s I had a UC Torana. It had a range of only 300km. When I went to visit my parents in Central Queensland from Canberra, I would plan my fuel stops - was not too hard in NSW, but needed a lot of thought once north of the border, especially understanding opening hours. And I even ran out once, because I was travelling faster (using fuel faster) than my plan allowed.
There are plenty of tools to help you plan your trip, I always plan backup charging options also, but have not needed to resort to one yet. On the recent Hunter trip, I ended up charging
where we were staying at 8A over the 2 nights, and did not even visit the planned charger.
The fast charger, tops my car up the planned amount (normally from 30% to 90%) as fast as I go to the loo, and get something to eat. Though it still feels a bit funny plugging in
and walking away from the car.
Note: I have also been told recently, that I will also need to plan my Tassie trip in the GTS, as 98 is not as abundant as you might expect.


Performance

We were doing some testing of some new timing software at the local hill climb (so not a Motorsport Australia sanctioned event). It did a few timed laps in the EV6 (happily
avoids any complaints about noise). I did not run flat out, as there were no flag marshals to warn about roos....... but I gave it a fair nudge, especially off the line.

With the GTS, I would do some tyre warming, start in 2nd, and feed the throttle in progressively, on the edge of breaking loose, and cover the 1st 20m in 2.65s if I get it all just right, 2.9 if I don't. With the EV6 I just slammed the throttle, and got 2.25 or 2.26, no skill or finesse required.
For the whole lap, the GTS, when my shocks had fluid on the inside would manage 47.2s, now I am only managing 47.8s. The EV6 did 52.3s, maybe if driven harder I could get it to 50s.
Despite being quicker out of the blocks, it is less willing to change direction and not as confident under brakes as the GTS. But with that performance would be a solid mid field placing on
a normal hill climb day.

Our HSV club held a skip pan day recently. I took both cars. The GTS was much easier to get to step out, and hold it there, and was a lot of fun. The EV6, being AWD, was much
harder to get sliding. It would take a combination of throttle and steering abuse, to get it to brake loose, and some times it would just grip, and accelerate hard where the wheel was
pointing. Then once I got it to step out, I could then hold the slide for a little while, but it was always gaining speed, so I would need to back off. Still a lot of fun, and gave me a chance
to feel it how it behaves on the edge.


It really is an unfair comparison to the GTS, which is a truly magnificent car. I can see why so many car reviewers gush over EVs when comparing to a regular car. Equally, the EV6
is not a cheap car, my AWD GTLine was $89,000, so cheaper than the GTS, but still a lot of coin.

[vy2ttr]

Yep, still got my vy ss 383 tt, has a massive 90,000 ks on it..
I dont drive it much buts brings a smile to my face every time i do
and just got a wm 6 litre caprice.
I have lurked into the diesel side of things and have just finished a few more mods on my ram 2500 with the 6.7 cummins in it.
I fitted a s400 467 turbo along with new fuel pump and injectors, also o ringed head and fitted a stud kit. And backed it up with a 1000 hp rated billet trans...
Thing went over 550 rwkws at 1600 nm..... thing tows like an animal and will light up the 35s with very little ease...
Get some weird look gapping a v8 commoder or falcon in a ram lol

[SaintMike]

Yes - I still have my 2014 Calais V - and still get comments on how nice it looks - esp the colour "Alchemy". Colour seems to change depending on sun/shade/rain etc.

I was going to lodge a photo as my avatar but can't see how - is there a rule on this - ie post numbers etc ?

I gave my old Calais V (2009) to my son when I got the 2014 one. He still has it and it still goes well and looks awesome.

My favourite Calais was the one before the "09". It had these coffee cup holders that use to swing out from the dash - so good. :) They stopped doing this and when I asked Holden why I was told to many people use to snap them off - accidentally - and it cost a fortune to replace them - so they went back to the centre spot. A bit like those petrol flap "doors". Apparently they get snapped off all the time.

One thing I love in my current Calais V is the HUD. All cars should have this.

Cheers