437 replies to this topic

[hawk]

Hi Guys,

After selling my last UC 4 or 5 years ago and hunting for another one for the last two years I finally found one.

This one popped up at the right time and for 6k I couldn't say no. It's a 173 auto SL. Picked it up today.

It needs the general maintenance they all do, front end bushes, brakes gone over and the like but thankfully is almost rust free. One of the cleaner shells I've seen in a long time.

Plans are to overhaul the suspension and brakes. Repco the steering rack and then either source a new traumatic or do a manual conversion then enjoy driving it for a while.

Anyway here is a few photos to start things off.

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[N/A-PWR]

Very nice Steve,

 

 Well done on getting a Torana again,

 

with the prices they are becoming now.

Edited by N/A-PWR, 25 October 2020 - 03:48 PM.

[RallyRed]

Nice work, add a bit of barn dust and you could double you money there I reckon!!

[hawk]

Thanks guys, this one will be a keeper. I'm not making the same mistake twice. Honestly never thought I'd be able to afford another one although always kept my eyes and ears on the lookout.

[rodomo]

Driver's seat and carpet look good for age?

Low K's? One owner?

[yel327]

Clean for today alright. Looks similar in condition to cars I used to see turn up at the wreckers in the late 80’s, back then they were $100 cars though! Did these have painted hinges or has someone done that?

[hawk]

It's got about 200k on it, I think it's 2 previous owners although not too sure.

I'm pretty sure the painted hinges was a factory thing on the UC, my red one had painted hinges too.

Ordered my first few parts today. Nolathane rear bushes, nolathane Kframe to body bushes and lowered lowered pedders rear springs.

They don't have a listing for the sway bar bushes so I'll have to get them matched when I pull them out.

The rest of the front end bushes will be rubber.

I also have a manual pedal lined up already.

[yel327]

Aussie 4spd? There is an MC6 near me pretty cheap? These were standard in lots of UC:

https://www.gumtree....opytopasteboard

[yel327]

Just looked on EBay, maybe not so cheap!

[Heath]

Great call. I think you've done REALLY well for the price looking at this.

 

Nice to have you back.

[hawk]

Thanks, grown up a lot since I was last here and learnt a few lessons along the way. Time to do things right the first time.

[Heath]

I guess that means a manual conversion straight up, this time?

[mitchg]

Great pickup and looks like it should be a reasonable build to start enjoying it. Plans sound similar to what mine were before it spiralled out of control lol

[hawk]

Yes, planning the manual conversion straight up but will be keeping the old 173 for a while.

I'll try keep it simple with an Aussie 4 speed.

I'm hoping it won't spiral too much although I've already spent a bucket load on parts.

All suspension parts are now ordered except front springs and sway bar D bushes. Going to run Monroe gt shocks with pedders springs for now.
Both rack ends and some rack bearings ordered. New rear wheel cylinders, brake shoes and retainer set ordered. Front rotors and wheel bearings for all 4 corners too.

[Shtstr]

So are you keeping the 6 pot or going to an 8.
If staying with the 6 pot I have an M20 4 speed with bellhousing to suit cable clutch commodore type for sale if you are interested. PM me on here and I will give you my number.

[Heath]

Nice. That or an MC6 would be my advice.

 

Full cable is my pick for sure. 

[skap]

Nice Hawk.

 

LX conversion next on the cards

[hawk]

Thanks for the offer shtstr. once I've got a bit more saved up I'll be in touch. Ran out of money after ordering all the suspension gear, brakes and wheels.

Aussie 4 speed and full cable for now as I should be able to get it done on a budget. I'll save up after it's registered and do a V8 conversion.

Why would I do that skap, it's perfect as is.

Picked up some 14x7 hotwire yesterday and most of my bushes today. Waiting for a couple more orders to turn up. Teardown will start on the weekend.

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[claysummers]

Well done picking up a tidy car for six k hawk. Instant fun mate.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[hawk]

Couple more bits turned up. I pulled the diff and rear arms, they are off to get the bushes pressed out. Then I'll get them blasted and paint them.

Also a pic of the nastier side of the car. I was supplied the mouldings that came off it with the car. So now it's just a waiting game for a couple of weeks.

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[Heath]

Nice. So the left hand doors are a bit second hand? Or only the rear?

By the way, make sure the drain holes in those doors are flowing freely. Seeing the rusty drip lines on the sill under that rear door is not normal.

[hawk]

Yeah both are pretty average. No rust holes yet and the rear door is quite banged up. also a bit of bog in the rear quarter on that side too. No signs of rust or bog on the inside of the quarter so I'd assume its had a light hit there at some point.

I'll address the drain holes when I tidy up the doors a bit. Its undercover and shouldn't be getting any more water in there for a while yet.

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[claysummers]

Doppelganger


Please view this ad:

1978 Holden UC Torana,
https://www.gumtree....roid_VIPGallery

Price: $8,000

Download the application from the Google Play Store.
https://tinyurl.com/n4b7djy

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[hawk]

Clay, the link doesn't work for me :(

So a few more parts turned up.

got the rear bushes pressed out and the shop that did it pretty much destroyed them. Quite warped and crushed where the bushes were pressed out.

Going to pick up a good set next week hopefully.

Also a few photos of inside the boot. has a bit of scale but no holes. Should clean up well when I'm ready to do it.

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[Shtstr]

I have a full ser of arms that I fully recoed for mine that I'm now selling due to going full adjustable arms.
Had the full treatment from sandblasting new bushes and boxed. Painted in kbs so will never rust.
If you are interested they are listed on Ebay for $475.

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