1987 VL BT1 Build Thread

[PSI086]

They hold the guard brackets on. They can be welded but make sure the guard is exactly where it needs to be otherwise you will lose the adjustment for it. The holes under the bolts are slightly slotted. I just replaced mine with stainless dome head bolts

[VL-EXEC]

So ive been away on holiday the last 7 weeks, i was really hoping the VL would be painted by now but i guess these things take time.

Welding, body work, and smoothing is all complete and should finaly see some colour by next weekend.

Slow and steaddy...

[VL-EXEC]

All rubbed back and all ligned up, Finaly readdy for paint this week...




Wheels:
Custom 16x4 & 16x? Interceptors and Semi Slicks

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Just a couple of questions
Im getting a set of 16" interceptors Customised, i want 16x4 fronts and not overally sure what size rears...

Fronts:
So before i go ahead i need to work out what width i want, so i want to know tyres sizes to suit?

Is steering an issue with 4" front rims?

Rears:
Im thinking 16x8, but they cut out the centers and order the actual rim, so i need to be 100% on my width then i can organise the offset (want the rears dished) does any know how wide i can go? (my diff has not be shortened and i dont want to roll my gaurds)

With tyres im unsure on what width for price works out best, so i also need to work this out first, im going to go with semi slicks...

I know ive been brief but any input is much appreciated...


Brakes:
VLT 300rwkw Brake Upgrade

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So atm i have a standered VLT Brake set up:
Im looking to upgrade the brakes to suit 300rwkw
So ive done a bit of reading and from what ive gathered

Rears:
Change to Slotted Rotors - Aprox $200
Not sure on brand, any thing recomended?

Fronts:
VT Brake Upgrade
or
R33 GTST Brake Upgrade

After speaking to Hoppers Stoppers they can organise the VT kit ranging from $800-$1200 depending on what rotors are chosen...
+$200 Labor

I also think ill get them to re do the brake lines and install the VT master cylinder


Does the above sound about right for the power im making?

[TUXEDO]

You won't get much dish on your rear wheels without shortening the diff and I HIGHLY recommend rolling your gaurds if you want wide rubber and are going to go racing!

I would go 8" wide on the rear with 255 tyres.

4" front wheels won't be much good for high speed cornering but they're fine for normal street driving, although they will lock up much easier under emergency braking situations.

[leb vlt]

Wat size tyre would u be putting on a 16x4 :-/ Whats the reasoning for the 16s and not the 15s? Tyres will be cheaper and easier to get ahold if last minute if needed (2nd hand)

[VL-EXEC]

Originally Posted by leb vlt

Wat size tyre would u be putting on a 16x4 :-/ Whats the reasoning for the 16s and not the 15s? Tyres will be cheaper and easier to get ahold if last minute if needed (2nd hand)

16s to fit the brakes, 15s won't fit over the brakes...

[86SLVLT]

s5/6 rx7 calipers and vlt rotors. vhr32 sells them adapter brackets

[VL-EXEC]

Slowly getting there

[MBHSV5]

WOW! that paint looks awesome mate. hope its worth the wait!

[VL-EXEC]

yeah mate definitely happy with the job so far, look a lot better in the light too

[VL-EXEC]

Forgot to update as i was going but basically been working on the car when ever i have spare time, i may have missed some photos and stuff on the way...

So i spent a lot of time putting the car back together properly, all the window regulators and rods for the door handles and locks was extremely time consuming, had to do it very patiently as i could find any good info on how to do it. I finally got everything on inside of the doors sorted, the plastic sheets were then put on and finally the door trims and accessories...

All wiring on the inside of the car was then redone, the dash was the hardest part, its hard when you didn't originally pull apart the dash your self...

I have all the original seats, however when i put them in the car i just wasn't happy with the condition of them, although there clean they were just to "used" and worn for my liking, i ended up putting original Beige vl exec seats, they came out of another car i brought for parts which only had about 80,000km on it, they were in perfect condition. ill keep the original seats, i may get them re trimmed back to spec if i ever find some original material for them...

Original Holden fronts lights were reco'd and used, i still want that genuine, original look... Ive put some of the badges on for now, i had an original NOS "turbo" badge and purchased the "SL" badge, i sat the other badges on but just wasn't sure if i like them on, so they will stay off for now. Playing around with the badge location took some time but there were defiantly some helpful threads available.

VS Brake Booster was sprayed in 2 pac, VT master cylender was reco'd and installed, VT front brake upgrade was installed in the front, new VLT rears in the back, new slotted rotors, HEL lines etc etc The steel brake lines were then all redone in stainless and bent up the best way so they went so obvious, Brakes were then bled, hand brake adjusted etc etc, i recommend anyone installing there own kit on their own, its quite basic, i also recommend organizing the brake parts your self individually, prices vary depending on where you go, i found bursons the cheapest for most of my parts...

At the moment the car is back at the workshop, wiring is about to get underway, the aim is to have it on the road registered around the 6 week mark...

A microtech computer is on its way, im still unsure on a radiator, PWR looks the goods but might not be needed, unsure on what injectors as yet so feel free to recommend...

will try and keep updating, but ill let the pictures do the rest of the talking...









---------- Post added 21-03-13 at 18:12 ----------

[BigM22]

Absolutely awesome build mate, I love it when people try to keep he originality of the car rather than hack it to bits.

IMO the badges suit it really well, just add the holden badge on the left side of the boot and it will be all sweet.

Keep the updates coming

[3lturbo]

Looking good! Love the little things like the brake lines too.

[MUS]

Sweet rebuild... Tuff car.

[TUXEDO]

Beautiful build, keep it up!

[vlwagz]

paint work looks perfect. well done

[VL-EXEC]

Gauges:



Exhaust:


Engine Bay:









Finally ready for running this week...

[VL-EXEC]

Got a bit lazy with the updates so here is a quick one...










After getting the car registered and run in we finally got it on the dyno.

Still needing to do some small finishing touches on it, still chasing a couple of badges etc, but just enjoying having it finally on the road and complete...

Will hopefully get some better quality photos (not off my phone) and get a few more updates as things slowly go on...

[CYNICL]

Looks fantastic!
Must feel great to get to enjoy your efforts.

[FLY-03L]

Looks immaculate mate! That bay is mint as, you must be over the moon

[deanoVLCT]

Mint, yeah get the electronic badges for the side, also get some front door map holders brother, love it

[VL-EXEC]

I have all the badges except the rear "holden" boot badge, still chasing map pocket holders...

[deanoVLCT]

Pretty sure I got a spare map pocket at home you can have for nothing!

[priceysVL]

So clean

[VL-EXEC]

Thanks for the kind comments, a few more photos, still some little things to do...











Raced the VL for the first time a few weeks back, it was my first time racing, and still getting used the power and driving it etc...

Trying the slicks...





I drove it there, put the slicks and gave it ago.
First pass was 13.7
2nd Pass was 13.0
3rd Pass was 12.4, R/T .335, 87.98MPH



Hopefully will end up taking it out again in a few weeks...