Remember a few issues ago I mentioned the concept of ‘backdating’? Where some car enthusiasts fit earlier-model panels, lights and other bits to their project car to make it look older than it is? While discussing this ‘older-is-cooler’ stuff, I mentioned my plans for a ‘keeper’ early Holden Commodore project.
Well, folks – here it is!
It’s a 1979 VB Holden Commodore wagon and has sat for a couple of decades in Flynn’s Wrecking Yard in Cooma, southern NSW, where I bought it.
Does that sound familiar? Well, yes, it is! Regular readers will recall I’ve bought a couple of cars from Flynn’s treasure-trove: a blue-with-patina 1981 VC Holden Commodore and a bright red 1986 Ford XF Falcon GL. Both these sedans were brought back to life on site at Flynn’s, before being driven on to a trailer and towed home.
The ‘Coomadore’ VC project was resurrected and is now living with a happy new owner. My ‘Loose Change’ project Falcon was given heavy-duty suspension, off-road tyres, an on-board 12V fridge and the safety equipment required to do the most Aussie of classic Aussie road trips: it’s an outback charity trek car!
My plan for this Commodore wagon project is the same – but different. I’ve become a big fan of ‘patina’ builds in the past few years, and I know plenty of other people enjoy this honest style too: Many dozens – if not hundreds – of you have come to say g’day and take a look at Bombodore and Coomadore (before I sold it) at service stations, pubs and events such as Summernats and cars ‘n’ coffees I’ve cruised to. Thanks, everyone – I really appreciate it!
There are no prizes for guessing I’ll be leaving this ‘new’ wagon’s paint and appearance the way it is!
So, what’s different? Well, this tatty wagon was originally fitted with Holden’s ‘red’ 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine and manual gearbox. As I bought it without an engine, I won’t be starting it in Flynn’s yard and driving it on to a trailer – like the other two. With no original motor, my plan is to instal a later-model fuel-injected V8 engine from a VN Commodore. Happily, I already own the V8/auto engine and driveline.
This base-model, vinyl-seat Commodore wagon was equipped with the optional integrated factory air-conditioning system – one big reason I bought this car – so I will rebuild and upgrade that too, so it will be a comfortable cruiser, any time of the year.
For legal registration anywhere in Australia, the EFI 5.0-litre V8 transplant requires (in fact, mandates) upgrades such as four-wheel disc brakes and heavier-duty suspension. As with the engine, I’ve already sourced most of these parts and have them stored, waiting, for when I begin the project.
Actually, I’ve been driving the idea of this car around in my head for several years. I began collecting components – such as the EFI V8 driveline, the better brakes, and some lovely interior parts – before buying the car. So you can imagine my happiness when I found this patina-packed, but structurally rust-free wagon during one of my treks
to Flynn’s! It’s perfect for my plans.
In fact, I bought this car almost two years ago and after scribbling ‘SOLD GT’ on the windscreen, Wayne Flynn was kind enough to baby-sit it.
I really must put aside some time for a road trip to collect my new toy…!