Hold(en) my beer - Monaro, Ute and Commodore content

[Jader1973]

I think the colour is Voodoo blue, which was a VE colour. The Series 2 colour was Perfect Blue (like the one I posted earlier in the thread).

The colour code will be on the body plate under the bonnet. Voodoo is 608R.

[SturdyHSV]

You guys know your stuff, Holden plate say 608R for paint and FE2 for suspension. It's the L98 as expected based on the year.

It also has an HSV Individual plate in there, the options being 'STR' and 'GAR'. From a quick google, I think this accounts for the Steering Wheel Red and presumably Gearstick Automatic Red as both have some, erm, tasteful highlights to them.

Definitely aftermarket headers, as it has aftermarket plug leads too with the flexible boot instead of the factory style ones. It's surprisingly clean under the bonnet, benefits of a predominantly Australian life I imagine.

Rather more comically, I gave the bus its first proper prod of open road, and upon cresting 100mph, the sunroof glass exited spectacularly into the air

Fortunately there weren't any vehicles around to catch it when it landed, it also managed to totally avoid the roof, and given I had time to register what happened and then look in the rear view to see it land, I suspect it shot largely straight up. That would explain the wind noise then. Looking at where the glass was, it has presumably been in a bad way for some time...



It was installed by a Holden dealer, but was an aftermarket sunroof, so I'm (perhaps foolishly) optimistic that it'll be a relatively standard size and replacement won't involve shipping the car to Australia / making it a convertible

In Ute news, replaced the seats with the VX SS ones, these feel like they sit a little lower, either way they're in much nicer shape and have slightly better side bolstering. They also include side airbags but alas Sheila has no connector for those! Surprisingly as well the power connector for the driver's seat eletrical adjustment is slightly different, I'm 50/50 whether to swap the new seat on to the old base, or have at the connector... The connector for the new seat is 3 pinned whereas the existing connector is only 2 pin. I fail to see what additional sophistication the VX seat has that requires 3 pins, it looks to still just be 12v and ground...

Also gave the interior a good hoover and a clean whilst the seats were out

Edited by SturdyHSV on Monday 7th September 10:28

[Jader1973]

SturdyHSV said:

You guys know your stuff, Holden plate say 608R for paint and FE2 for suspension. It's the L98 as expected based on the year.


It was installed by a Holden dealer, but was an aftermarket sunroof, so I'm (perhaps foolishly) optimistic that it'll be a relatively standard size and replacement won't involve shipping the car to Australia / making it a convertible

In Ute news, replaced the seats with the VX SS ones, these feel like they sit a little lower, either way they're in much nicer shape and have slightly better side bolstering. They also include side airbags but alas Sheila has no connector for those! Surprisingly as well the power connector for the driver's seat eletrical adjustment is slightly different, I'm 50/50 whether to swap the new seat on to the old base, or have at the connector... The connector for the new seat is 3 pinned whereas the existing connector is only 2 pin. I fail to see what additional sophistication the VX seat has that requires 3 pins, it looks to still just be 12v and ground...

Also gave the interior a good hoover and a clean whilst the seats were out

Edited by SturdyHSV on Monday 7th September 10:28

I just checked Carsales and did a bit of googling There were so many blues over the years that all look the same but are supposedly different according to the Colour and Trim bods (I miss those meetings "This black is too red") that they only way to tell is to see what is for sale and work it out from there

As for the sunroof, again based on some googling it might be a Webasto Hollandia 700 based off this presentation (wagon on page 12)
https://www.webasto.com/fileadmin/webasto_files/do...

And err....
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/webasto-pr...

Could the 3rd connector be airbag related? Be careful if you decide to mess about with them - I saw someone drop a driver's airbag once and it went off

[SturdyHSV]

Jader1973 said:

I just checked Carsales and did a bit of googling There were so many blues over the years that all look the same but are supposedly different according to the Colour and Trim bods (I miss those meetings "This black is too red") that they only way to tell is to see what is for sale and work it out from there

As for the sunroof, again based on some googling it might be a Webasto Hollandia 700 based off this presentation (wagon on page 12)
https://www.webasto.com/fileadmin/webasto_files/do...

And err....
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/webasto-pr...

Could the 3rd connector be airbag related? Be careful if you decide to mess about with them - I saw someone drop a driver's airbag once and it went off

That sounds very likely then, and an excellent find, thank you very much!

Usefully airbag / SRS related connectors are yellow, so easy to identify. There is a yellow connector for the seatbelt pre-tensioner, and an additional yellow connector for the in seat side airbag (this is also labelled to be extra helpful )

There is then a simple translucent plastic 3 pin connector with red / black wires coming out for the power adjustment of the base, alas this connector is a 2 pin from the car. I've got the Holden Service Manual that covers VT to VZ so can find out what the extra bits are for, it is funny when looking at VZ bits, it's almost always then a link to the VY section, that then says it's the same as the VX and so on

Agree airbags are scary things if they go off and you're nearby

Also, by virtue of it now being a large uncovered container, rather like a skip, then Skippy seems a suitable name for the wagon

I've 'submitted a claim' (sadly no opportunity for compo face) through the SunroofCheck website they list, and have also just e-mailed Webasto UK directly to enquire. It looks like the product is still listed in their literature etc. so hopefully this won't be particularly complicated to get sorted out.

Edited by SturdyHSV on Monday 7th September 14:44

[SturdyHSV]

Just another thank you Jader, Webasto have been in touch, the sunroof is covered by the recall, they've put me in touch with the nearest dealer (30 miles away) and the replacement will be covered.

Bloody good service!

[Quinten]

Oh my, how did I only just find this thread?! I've been lusting after that Holden estate since I started to realise I need a V8 back in my life again. You should show me around... please?

[JakeT]

SturdyHSV said:

Just another thank you Jader, Webasto have been in touch, the sunroof is covered by the recall, they've put me in touch with the nearest dealer (30 miles away) and the replacement will be covered.

Bloody good service!

I've followed this for some time but never commented. That, however is fantastic. One of those issues where you think it will be a load of expense and hassle to fix has suddenly gone away. Great news!

[SturdyHSV]

Quinten said:

Oh my, how did I only just find this thread?! I've been lusting after that Holden estate since I started to realise I need a V8 back in my life again. You should show me around... please?

Long time no speak Quinten, I'd be very happy to show you around, you did give me a hand with moving the fridge after all!

You're welcome to pop over whenever, if you'd like a ride around probably best to wait until the sunroof is replaced as it's a bit drafty otherwise

JakeT said:

I've followed this for some time but never commented. That, however is fantastic. One of those issues where you think it will be a load of expense and hassle to fix has suddenly gone away. Great news!

You're not kidding, big relief having only just got the car

As the thread title has been updated, a little fleet pic from when Skippy still had a sunroof!

Edited by SturdyHSV on Tuesday 8th September 11:52

[Quinten]

SturdyHSV said:

Long time no speak Quinten, I'd be very happy to show you around, you did give me a hand with moving the fridge after all!

You're welcome to pop over whenever, if you'd like a ride around probably best to wait until the sunroof is replaced as it's a bit drafty otherwise

Seeing as I'm currently serving my 14 days of UK government issue quarantine, you've got some time still to fix it But yes, would be great to meet up again and catch up. I'll be in touch!

[morgs_]

SturdyHSV said:

Well it's time for an update... To put it concisely, the diff is fked

I'm staying in Le Mans this eve but it'll be a recovery job tomorrow. Baaaaad noises around roundabouts / in a straight line, generally everywhere. Who would have thought that all my wanton abuse would come back to bite me

I have managed to randomly end up in the hotel the (non-mechanic) corvette team use during the 24 heures, the most friendly receptionist said to come see her during next year's race as she gets a few passes, we shall see!

Of a more PH vibe her Peugeot 307 has so far been all over France, Austria, Germany and England, and she's having it flown (at no small cost!) to America next year, fascinating people's attachments to metal boxes!

Currently sat by a lake with a beer so it could be worse, Sheila will be getting a truetrac as she deserves and all this one wheel peel mess will be resolved once and for all.

Hopefully 2021 then!

Loved reading through the read (and checked out the Alfa one off the back of this for the full story), excellent man maths going on

[AceOfHearts]

Can't believe I have only just seen this thread!

I have owned a 2002 Holden SS Ute (VU with earlier headlight style) for the last 18 months and use it as my daily too.

Funnily enough mine also suffers from a drony aftermarket exhaust and slightly knocking non functioning LSD

Bought mainly as I love a V8, transport my motorcycles quite a lot and couldn't bring myself to drive a van every day. In the time i have had it its been great reliable transport and I can't see me getting rid any time soon (unless a newer model ends up becoming available at vaguely sensible money)

Edited by AceOfHearts on Tuesday 8th September 14:05

[SturdyHSV]

AceOfHearts said:

Can't believe I have only just seen this thread!

I have owned a 2002 Holden SS Ute (VU) for the last 18 months and use it as my daily too.

Funnily enough mine also suffers from a drony aftermarket exhaust and slightly knocking non functioning LSD

Bought mainly as I love a V8, transport motorcycles quite a lot and couldn't bring myself to drive a van every day. In the time i have had it its been great reliable transport and I can't see me getting rid any time soon (unless a newer model ends up becoming available at vaguely sensible money)

Sweet, sounds ideal putting it to work

It turned out not to be my diff clunking and just a wheel bearing that had properly shafted itself (some of the needle bearings had turned sideways!) so was randomly giving toe out and grinding etc which caused the weirdness.

The diff is still too worn out to lock up though which is a crying shame, Sheila definitely needs the TrueTrac I promised her last year! Fortunately burnouts with the brake does at least spin both up, but any lairy launches just send the inside wheel to hell which is a poor show.

EDIT:

You snuck the pic in after I'd quoted, looks awesome, love the colour too

Edited by SturdyHSV on Tuesday 8th September 14:27

[AceOfHearts]

SturdyHSV said:

Sweet, sounds ideal putting it to work

It turned out not to be my diff clunking and just a wheel bearing that had properly shafted itself (some of the needle bearings had turned sideways!) so was randomly giving toe out and grinding etc which caused the weirdness.

The diff is still too worn out to lock up though which is a crying shame, Sheila definitely needs the TrueTrac I promised her last year! Fortunately burnouts with the brake does at least spin both up, but any lairy launches just send the inside wheel to hell which is a poor show.

EDIT:

You snuck the pic in after I'd quoted, looks awesome, love the colour too

Edited by SturdyHSV on Tuesday 8th September 14:27

Thanks mate

Yes my diff gives a slight knock occasionally coming on / off the power, and ive checked the rest of the drivetrain and can't find any play anywhere else so im sure thats it, plus I also suffer from 'one tyre fires'

Where are you looking at getting the new diff from and what sort of cost are they if you don't mind me asking? So far I have just been ordering any parts I have needed from Australia and fitting them myself so don't know of any good parts places in the UK.

I have just ordered a standard airbox assembly from Oz to replace the ill fitting over the radiator intake that it currently has, so thats next on the list along with getting the aircon working

[SturdyHSV]

AceOfHearts said:

Yes my diff gives a slight knock occasionally coming on / off the power, and ive checked the rest of the drivetrain and can't find any play anywhere else so im sure thats it

Oh yes, the patented 'Monaro clunk', I know what you mean, yeah it's just general slop in the drivetrain, people have had the most luck with Wavetrac diffs for lessening that, I have a TruTrac in my Monaro and the clunk is still present, but it's taken so much abuse I don't think it's anything serious, very much a case of 'they all do that, sir'

Sourcing a diff is, erm, 'diff'icult as they're mostly US made, so it ends up costly whatever you do. Personally I've had a TruTrac in the Monaro for about 7 or 8 years and have found it flawless, so given it's half the price of the wavetrac, I'l go that route again, apparently the Wavetrac is better because it fixes the 'problem' of torque going to the unloaded wheel if you have one of the wheels in the air, I've always assumed if I get a rear wheel into the air in the Monaro then where the torque is going will be the least of my concerns

LS Performance Parts is a relatively new bunch that are on the Holden owners pages and things and are supporting the Aus cars over here, they may be able to work on the prices a bit, we could look in to combining shipping on a few units to perhaps save on those costs

The truetrac itself is pretty cheap, ~800AUD / 600USD ish, but shipping and installation is where it gets costly if you can't do it on your driveway

e.g.

https://www.tuffcarparts.com.au/vt-vx-vy-vz-holden...

Also, seeing your rear ride height with a motorbike in the back, I think perhaps my investing in some Ute specific rear lowering springs would be a good idea, as I suspect what I've got on there now is too soft (although brilliantly low )

Edited by SturdyHSV on Tuesday 8th September 15:10

[fred bloggs]

Have a look at the kaaz diff. It is the only diff that properly locks. But don't expect it not to clunk.
I've had one in two different cars now. You can set them 25/ 50 /75/100 percent lock, but only before fitting.

[motomk]

SturdyHSV said:

Just another thank you Jader, Webasto have been in touch, the sunroof is covered by the recall, they've put me in touch with the nearest dealer (30 miles away) and the replacement will be covered.

Bloody good service!

Excellent news Sturdy! Good work Jader1973!
I was looking on ebay Oz last night and there were some original Sedan sunroofs on there, I can't remember if there was a sunroof available on the wagon from the factory on the VE wagon or not.
The VU-VZ utes never came with side airbags. I believe I am looking at the same diagrams as you and I can only see that the Caprice has a different connector. Incidentally, on a related note, if you look around you should find a "similar" thing for the VE Omega, if you know what I mean.

SturdyHSV said:

3 holdens

AceOfHearts said:

I have just ordered a standard airbox assembly from Oz to replace the ill fitting over the radiator intake that it currently has, so thats next on the list along with getting the aircon working

Are there no stock Monaro airboxes around over there? Surely someone would have one spare?

Must admit, it is a bit addictive looking for parts for things, like a big puzzle! Maybe I just like puzzles!

[SturdyHSV]

motomk said:

Excellent news Sturdy! Good work Jader1973!
I was looking on ebay Oz last night and there were some original Sedan sunroofs on there, I can't remember if there was a sunroof available on the wagon from the factory on the VE wagon or not.
The VU-VZ utes never came with side airbags. I believe I am looking at the same diagrams as you and I can only see that the Caprice has a different connector. Incidentally, on a related note, if you look around you should find a "similar" thing for the VE Omega, if you know what I mean.

If I remember I'll post up some pictures, I haven't been through the manuals yet, but if you like puzzles then it'd seem rude not to give you some more breadcrumbs

The sunroof was a dealer fit aftermarket job, so a Webasto H740 RSE apparently (according to the Webasto support guy based on my serial number). The sunroof slides back above the roof mounted DVD player / drop down screen, surprising amount of room above the lining it seems!

fred bloggs said:

Have a look at the kaaz diff. It is the only diff that properly locks. But don't expect it not to clunk.
I've had one in two different cars now. You can set them 25/ 50 /75/100 percent lock, but only before fitting.

The Kaaz is a bit more expensive and requires some maintenance I believe? Personally I've never had one wheel spin up in the Monaro since having the TT fitted, I'm not fussed about the clunks and it's taken so much abuse I'm happy to stick with it. The Kaaz is no doubt more sophisticated but I think it's overkill for my usage



Tiny shudder of tramp visible at the end there, top of 2nd as road speed had finally caught up to the wheel speed of about 70mph

Edited by SturdyHSV on Tuesday 8th September 16:56

[Jader1973]

SturdyHSV said:

Just another thank you Jader, Webasto have been in touch, the sunroof is covered by the recall, they've put me in touch with the nearest dealer (30 miles away) and the replacement will be covered.

Bloody good service!

Wow! That is great news. I didn't think Webasto would be interested in a car that was no longer in Australia 9 years after they issued the recall.

[Rensko]

I was about to suggest getting in contact with Webasto - pretty sure that the 'sunny roof' was never a factory option and was aftermarket.

As for colours - try www.redbook.com.au - it should have the colour options when you select your year/model for the car.

[Jader1973]

Rensko said:

I was about to suggest getting in contact with Webasto - pretty sure that the 'sunny roof' was never a factory option and was aftermarket.

As for colours - try www.redbook.com.au - it should have the colour options when you select your year/model for the car.

Yup - wagons and utes never came with a sunroof from factory. They are all aftermarket.