For the full story on how it came about and a lot of details, click on the link below when it was discussed on the forum. I�ll also summarise it as well.
http://www.gmh-toran...showtopic=27448
Short Story.
My SS has lived in Newcastle (NSW) until May 2008. It was a 1 owner SS, L31, M21 etc painted in Ilford yellow which was a special rep�s order which makes it a little bit different. Very similar to Jasmine Yellow. The previous owner loved this car and stamped his personal touch on it. Came with receipts, documentation and photo's from original purchase.
First rebuild in late 1980�s when he replaced the original 308 with a highly modified 308, top loader, 9 inch diff etc. It went thought a major rebuild and was stripped to bare metal and repainted in metallic grey. He added flares, body kit, sunroof, gold 12 slotters and a new red and black interior.
Rebuild number 2 commenced in 1998 and into 1999 where the car was taken off the road again and had a bucket load of money poured into it. Hand built 383 chev motor, tremec 5 speed, rebuilt 9 inch, tail shaft, HQ front brakes. And that�s where it stopped.
After spending about $50,000.00 in two rebuilds the car has been off the road since 1999 and has travelled only 120,000 klms documented with log book and yearly inspection reports. The car has always been registered as he always wanted to finish the car but time, lack of money and his health got away from him.
Present condition.
A highly modified car that doesn�t go and a long way from finished.
I know what a lot of you are thinking, he wrecked a good car but that�s what a lot of people did in the 1980�s. They modified their cars and they were worth more than original cars.
How times have changed.
It still needs major work including new rear brakes & brake lines & handbrake etc, new rear axles, full rewire, retrim, repaint, wheels & tyres etc, etc. Basically a full rebuild.
My Plans.
I�ve never taken on an unfinished project as they can be difficult to complete due to poor workmanship, missing parts etc as most of you would know. Anyway, I�m going to have a go and do it in two stages. When finished, have some fun with my car and take it to Toranafest 2009. This is what I am planning to do:
1 Stage - put the car back together and get it going. Sort out the problems of a modified car and make it reliable. Need to buy a few more parts but they are on the way or will be bought. Hopefully have it back on the road in December 2008.
2nd Stage � take the car off the road in February/March 2009 for rebuild No. 3. Retrim the interior back to original, repaint the car back to its original colour (Ilford yellow). Leaving the driveline modified as too much money has been spent on it and I want to have some fun.
Here�s some photo�s to look at and some of the work I have just completed. Will update this thread when things happen.
Regards,
Mick.
Original condition before rebuild no. 1 in 1988. Dealer added stripes and globes as per documents.
Present condition. - damage to front due to no brakes and no shifter to put into gear
Interior (yuck)
Motor (383 chev) Supposed to be putting out over 500hp up front.
Rear axle before (no rear brakes)
Rear axle after - 28 spline mosser axles with VK rear calipers and slotted DBA rotors. Have only done the drivers side as the passenger side axle was cut too short and doesn't engage the diff centre. Still waiting for the other axle.
New shifter fitted today 31/10/08 to tremec 5 speed. Built to handle over 700hp (allegedly) I can finally select gears.
New wheels. I have refurbished these GTS wheels for my SS. 15 x 8 for the front and 15 x 10 for the rear. Was a tough decision which way to go - old school or modern? Even have a GTS wheel for a spare thanks to a forum member.
Rewiring and comparing. Started rewiring the SS today 31/10/08. Have hooked up the rear end, brake lights, indicators, number plate light, courtesy light and fuel sender unit back to the dash. Helps to have another SS to copy off.
Goal - this is what I'm aiming for. My hatch should look very similar to this one. Will be painted in Ilford yellow (acrylic) which is very similar to Jasmine Yellow.
Will keep you informed of my progress.
Thanks.
