MOT time - structural rot and now the brake pipe has burst
Discussion
Working through what's needed for the MOT on my VT2, I figured that the tyres were shot so I'd take the opportunity to refurb the wheels. I've spent the afternoon swapping the wheels for a set of 2005 VXR alloys, which look very smart.
With the wheels off I had a quick look around the underside of the car. There are patches of rot around the shock absorber tops (all four), ends of the sills, in the sills, in the main chassis rails, couple of doors and even the fuel tank straps have turned to crispy brown cornflakes. And the cat pipe is blowing (rotten as fark).
Given how tired the paint is as well, I can see a bill for £3-4K to make it sound again. Then there's the interior to deal with...
So, I thinks chin up, keep calm and carry on. After all, old classics aren't meant to be bought with the head, are they? So with the new wheels on, I washed the car and give it a quick vacuum before taking it out for a Sunday cruise.
Two miles down the road finds me performing and emergency stop (aren't APs good) as a dozy motorist pulls out of a side road. The look on the girl's face was a picture, when she saw how close she came to being totalled. And no, I wasn't speeding - that would be a Sunday blast. After that, the brake pedal went soft, so I limped it home. One of the brake lines has burst and the car is dripping brake fluid like there's no tomorrow. And before Roger says anything, yes it's one of the rears. These were on the MOT fix list.
Old cars - who'd have them
Gary
With the wheels off I had a quick look around the underside of the car. There are patches of rot around the shock absorber tops (all four), ends of the sills, in the sills, in the main chassis rails, couple of doors and even the fuel tank straps have turned to crispy brown cornflakes. And the cat pipe is blowing (rotten as fark).
Given how tired the paint is as well, I can see a bill for £3-4K to make it sound again. Then there's the interior to deal with...
So, I thinks chin up, keep calm and carry on. After all, old classics aren't meant to be bought with the head, are they? So with the new wheels on, I washed the car and give it a quick vacuum before taking it out for a Sunday cruise.
Two miles down the road finds me performing and emergency stop (aren't APs good) as a dozy motorist pulls out of a side road. The look on the girl's face was a picture, when she saw how close she came to being totalled. And no, I wasn't speeding - that would be a Sunday blast. After that, the brake pedal went soft, so I limped it home. One of the brake lines has burst and the car is dripping brake fluid like there's no tomorrow. And before Roger says anything, yes it's one of the rears. These were on the MOT fix list.
Old cars - who'd have them
Gary
ArnieVXR said:
This car was registered in 2000. All UK Monaros are (actually) 2004 and 2005 cars. Not much breathing space. Best get some underseal on EVERYTHING and change the pipes for those fancy copper nickel ones.
Or sell up and buy a car with proper rust-proofing...
Or when the time comes put the engine in a 996, Tiv, RX8, or MX5 Or sell up and buy a car with proper rust-proofing...
ARAF said:
You know that's not an option. 
Last VT2 GTS on ebay went for £6800 with an MOTI could break this one for more:
Last LS1 Engine, T56 gearbox, ECU on ebay went for £4500
Set of refurbished VT-VZ style APs (new discs, pads and braided pipes) with <500-miles on them worth well north of £1000?
Full stainless cat-back with mid-tube headers £500
Rolling shell complete with V5C, full HSV body-kit, 5 x wheels and interior maybe a £1000
Maybe I'm being a little optimistic, but you should get my point.
If I fix it, I won't get any of the extra money back.
True, I would feel bad about breaking it - how many UK VT2s are left now?
t luck! 
ArnieVXR said:
True, I would feel bad about breaking it - how many UK VT2s are left now?
If it is really that bad, then look on it as donating parts to keep others on the road, rather than taking one off the road.If it bothers you that much, keep the shell in the hedge where your Monaro used to sit, and one day it may be worth resurrecting.
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