Pig with glasses – also known as Helen from Tahmoor

I’d like everyone to meet Helen, from Tahmoor. Helen is a bush pig. Well, that’s being cruel. But it is true.

What does Helen the bush pig have to do with a VN SS I hear you ask ??? Well, Helen (from Tahmoor) sqeals like a pig, in a similar fashion to how the rear wheels of a VN SS sound when being wound up……and Helen the bush pig is always wound up.

So, there you have it. I’ve connected Helen (from Tahmoor) the bush pig to the VN SS…..lol

Mums Bar & Grill – Picton NSW

Hey there fellas, and ladies.

I’ve opened up a new cafe / restaurant in Picton Mall at Picton, called Mums Bar and Grill.

And before the questions start flying, NO, it’s not a restaurant just for ‘mums’. The term ‘MUM’ is what my missus was called at her last job by all the workers – as well as the customers!!!

So, if you live in Sydney and wish to take your other half out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, we’re here waiting for you.

Happy New Year

I’d just like to wish everyone a happy new year, and thank everyone for their kind emails. I’m looking forward to adding to VN SS.com.au in the coming year

QLD – 1990 Phoenix Red SS Manual $8000

I bought it as a one owner car that had been in storage for a fair while. I’ve got the documents to prove this.

• Anyway the car has done 183,000kms
• Has been serviced every 10,000kms (every 5,000 since 175,000)
• It’s been kept garaged and has only been driven about once a week for the last 4 months. Before that it was off the road for 2 months when the pressure plate decided it didn’t want to play ball. That item has since been replaced and I’ve had no dramas since.
• I’ve never had dramas with the gearbox.

Only other issue I’ve ever had with the SS is the ignition module went about 18 months ago. That item was replaced with a brand new unit (along with the coil as I thought that was at fault initially)

The car has never been skidded and has only been driven hard on the track.

Mods thus far have been:

• Cat Back Exhaust
• Greenfoam/Nicefrog Tune
• Lovells Lowered Springs and KYB Short Travel Shocks
• Whiteline Adjustable Panhard Rod
• 18″ HSV WH Grange Wheels (Fitted with 2 BF Goodrich Tyres and 2 Nexen Tyres. All have at least 60% tread)
• Exedy Sports Tuff Clutch, Pressure Plate and Flywheel kit
• 3.45 Diff Gears and Tightened LSD
• Decent Stereo Install (sub, speakers, amp etc.)
• 3 Gauges (Air/Fuel, Volts and Oil Pressure. Only Volts is connected)
• OTR Snorkle and High flow Airbox lid (with K&N Air Filter)
• Central Locking
• Full 3 point Immobiliser and Alarm
• HID Headlight conversion
• Letterbox Grill

I’ve also replaced a bunch of bushes in the rear end of the car.

I’ve got receipts for all work done (including original purchase and rego documents from the first owner) The only receipts I don’t have are for some of the bushes that have been replaced as my mate did it as a cash job.

I’ll chuck in a bunch of extras that I’d planned on fitting but never had the time.

• 4 Door Cards from a VN Calais
• Leather Rear Seat from a VN Calais
• 4 Power Window mechanisms and full set of switches
• 2 Colour coded power mirrors
• Top Gun 8.8mm Ignition Leads
• Velour Rear Seat from a Statesman (this thing is like a bucket seat for the back I’ve never seen another one like it)
• 5 VN SS Stock wheels and tyres
• 1 VN Calais wheel and tyre
• Full set of standard mudflaps
• Pair of VS front door speaker covers
• Spare Coil
• Spare Console from a VN Calais
• Level 3 Dash from VN Calais
• Standard VN SS Grill
• VN SS Group A Grill (unpainted)
• A Spare 235/40/18 BF Goodrich Profiler tyre (has about 70%+ tread)
• ALDL Cable (and if needed I can even provide the software to use it)

That’s everything I can think of that I have for the car but undoubtedly I’ll think of more later.

Now the car does have a few scrapes on the bumper but nothing serious (mainly just from where dickheads in carparks can’t drive) It’s nothing a bit of touch-up paint wouldn’t fix. Also the air-con doesn’t work atm. I believe it’s the heater core. I’ll more than likely have that rectified soon if I get the time.

I’ve always had big plans for this car but I’ve just decided I don’t have the means or time to undertake them. The way the car is it’s begging for a bigger cam and a bit of a tickle up in the heads.

I’m after $8,000 for it and I am FIRM on that price. I’ve seen cars with way more kms and similar mods up for more money. The car has 4 months of QLD rego on it and I will provide a Road Worthy Check for the car.

I love this car more than anything and I’ve always tried to take as best care of it that I can. Just sort of after a change and want the car to go to someone who will appreciate it.

The car made 201HP on the Predator Motorsport Dyno (that shop has since closed) before the tuned memcal went in it and it has done a best of 14.8 down the 1/4 mile (before the memcal and the diff gears)

I’m located in Coomera on the Gold Coast. I work from 9-5 mon to fri and 8-12 on sat. So inspections would have to work around those times.

If you need to get a hold of me (Nathan), please call 0427523044

Sold – 1989 VN SS Atlas Grey Commodore

• Very good condition for its age
• Low 172xxx kilometres (not bad for a 20 year old car)
• No rust no dents, engine and auto are also very good
• It has a new windscreen, new back discs, new back brake pads
• Interior is very clean no rips no saggy hood lining
• B45 Simmons wheels 15×7, new tyres, also will come with original set of SS rims
• Has Cruise Control, Electric Windows, Power Mirrors
• Air con still works – nice and cold
• Should pass a road worthy with out any troubles

Now the bad points !!

• Top of back spoiler little faded
• A few stone chips around mainly the front bar
• Sold as is with no rego or roadworthy

Note this car is pickup only !! Location – North Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

• Bank transfer or Cash on pickup
• Viewing preferred and recommend
• $6700.00 Firm……………………….SOLD.

Reason for selling is i would like to buy an older Holden.

More images can be found here.

SSIVE Photography & Editing

SSIVE Photography & Editing is based in Perth, Western Australia.

What can SSIVE Photography & Editing do for you ?

• Photography
• Editing
• Framing
• Blockmounting
• Printing

Below are some samples of work carried out by SSIVE Photography & Editing

Please scroll the page down when viewing the images as the youtube clip may be in your way. 

Please call 0422 988 225 for more information, or complete the form below and I will contact you as soon as practical.

How much should I pay for a VN SS ?

Are you interested in buying a Holden VN SS Commodore ?

Well, I’m assuming you either like the VN SS, own one, or are looking at buying one, because that’s how you would have came across my website – right ?

The VN SS is kind of ‘being found’ right now by a whole new breed of Holden enthusiasts who are either looking at buying a VN SS to keep as Stock or as a lot of people now enjoy doing – modifying them to their own taste.

My own personal choice is to keep it stock standard, but at the same time, I do enjoy the VN SS modified without touching the body and interior. Engine mods are really the rage on the VN SS, so you’ll definately find a few VN SS’s out their with major engine work done – but be prepared to spend some good money though, engine mods aren’t cheap!

OK, what models are there, did they come with ‘Optional Fittings’ ?

If you don’t know anything about the colours the VN SS came in, or what years they were built – here is that info.

• Atlas Grey
• Phoenix Red
• Alpine White

The VN SS was built between 1989 and 1991. Vehicles built from mid 1990 until late 1991 were Series 2 models. Most of the changes to the car were very minor and mainly cosmetic.

With the Series 1 Model, you had a ‘Power Pack’ option, which consisted of -

• Front and Rear Power Windows
• Electric Antenna
• Power Mirrors
• Air Conditioning

The main ‘problem’ with buying a Series 1 now though, is that many people are opting to install these options and finding that the installation wiring (Looms) are not in place, so you will also have to source all the Looms if you now want to install the optional fittings.

The bonus though of buying a Series 1 VN SS, is that they are generally cheaper than the models that are already fitted with the Power Pack options.

Series 1 and Series 2 VN SS’s had different Front Seats, with the Series 2 having a more padded seat up front.

As with any Sports model that is released by a car company, most go to good homes, but unfortunately some don’t. Most owners have taken pride in their VN SS’s over the years, regularly washing, polishing and maintaining them, once again though, some have not.

You may come across a VN SS that seems to have low kilometres on the odometer and think it’s alright. Look further. I could get into my car and go through a dozen set of tyres without even adding 1 kilometre to the odometer, so be careful. Have the car thoroughly checked over by someone you can trust – and know what they are doing.

Paintwork on the VN SS was pretty good overall. Once again though, if owners looked after their car by washing it, parking in shady areas as well as keeping it polished, the paintwork should still be in good condition. If an owner has failed to properly maintain their VN SS’s paintwork, you may be up for a respray which can cost upwards of $4,000 for a good job.

OK, how much should you pay ?

If you have looked around already, you may see a huge difference in prices. The problem is, many people know that the VN SS is becoming what I call a ’semi collectable’, that is, demand for the VN SS is out-pacing the supply – you need to remember that as the years go by, there will be less available to buy but at the same time, demand will still be at its’ current level, if not greater. (That’s why prices will go up)

You have two different types of sellers. On the one hand  there is the bloke who does not really want to sell it, unless the right money comes along – these are the high prices you see. Then you have the seller who ‘needs’ the money, which can be for all kinds of reasons – a new baby, buying a house, pay off debt and so on.

At the end of the day, the real value of the VN SS is up to you. But you must keep this in mind. The average prices of the VN SS is going up, there is no doubt about that.

What do I believe to be the value of the true value of a VN SS ? 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Average of 20,000 per year (360,000 km’s over 18 years)
• Original Paintwork 8/10
• Original Interior 8/10
• No PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $5,000 & $7,000

  

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Average of 10,000 per year (180,000 km’s over 18 years)
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $8,000 & $10,000

 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Less than 150,000 km’s over 18 years
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $9,500 & $12,000

 

• Completely Stock VN SS 
• Less than 100,000 km’s over 18 years
• Original Paintwork 9/10
• Original Interior 9/10
• PowerPack Options fitted
• Original Fog Lights fitted
• Between $12,000 & 15,000

There are surely going to be people who don’t agree with what I’ve listed above, but as I said, this is a guide to what I believe are the prices. Some sell for more and some sell for less.

Whilst there are many modified VN SS’s on the the market, just remember that the money is in the original setup.

If you buy a VN SS that has non-standard -

• Seats
• Wheels
• Fog Lights (originals can cost up to $700)
• Door trims and ;
• Paintwork

You may decide to restore it to original condition. To do all that I have listed, it may very well cost you close to $10,000. You need to remember that if you do actually buy a standard VN SS and modify all the things listed, it may make it harder to sell in the future – because there may not be too many people who have your taste, with regards to what you might like.

I hope this helps you a little bit in your search for a VN SS, or if in fact you already own one and are looking at selling it.

How NOT!! To Treat Your VN SS

During February 2009, I went on a holiday to Queensland and took the VN SS along for the ride.

Well, it completely rained the whole way up, rained each day I was there, and rained on an off on the way back. The photo’s below were taken the morning after I arrived at the Hotel.

I hate a dirty car, especially when it’s my pride and joy!

Who am I ? And Why did I start VN SS.com.au

Who Am I?

My name is Robert and live in the Southern Highlands region of NSW, approximately two hours drive from Sydney. I have a partner with whom I’ve been with since 2000, she works as a chef and has 3 children to a previous marriage.

I first fell in love with the Holden VN SS Commodore way back in 1990. At the time, I was working at Kingsford Smith Aviation at Bankstown Airport.

My boss had bought a brand new VN SS and it was pretty much his daily drive. That was when the love affair with the VN SS began.

Life sent me into all different directions and although I never got to buy one at the time, I still smiled (and got excited) when I saw one.

Then in 2000, quite by accident really, I drove past a car yard on my way home and saw a VN SS for sale and had a look. It was a July 1991 Atlas Grey VN SS with only 64,000 km’s on the clock for sale at $14,995. When I left the car yard to go home with the missus – she said to me “you want it don’t you?” and I said “yes”. I went straight to the bank and got the cheque, then off to the car yard I went.

When I turned up at the car yard, the salesman came out and started working his magic, but the thing was, I was already under the cars’ spell!! I told him to wrap it up for me and he said “don’t you want to take it for a drive first” and I said no. I handed him the cheque and we went inside.

Anyway, it was mine. Completely immaculate, not a mark on it. I drove it straight home with a smile on my face and my love affair with the VN SS has continued ever since.

It had to happen though, 12 months later I had to sell my baby due to extremely high insurance costs ($5100 per year) due to the fact that the VN SS had a very high theft rate. I was also losing a bit of sleep over it as well because I had moved to a new house and the security was, well, not totally secure.

Below are some photo’s of my first VN SS.

Come August 1, 2008 and a new chapter and love affair began with the purchase of virtually the same car. It is also a July 1991 Atlas Grey VN SS. I can’t say what was paid for it but you may have an idea. It was bought with only 120,500 km’s on the clock – all original km’s, also totally immaculate – it also had Walkinshaw wheels on it like my first VN SS. Since buying Stock VN SS wheels, I have put the ‘Walkies’ into storage, and may use them in the future.

The car, as stated, is a July 1991 Series 2 VN SS and was bought with no power pack options included. Luckily, Series 2 VN SS’s came fully optioned which means all the wiring is in place for such things as power windows, antenna and cruise control. I have since installed cruise control, with the windows and antenna next on the agenda.

The body is in pretty good condition as the photo’s throughout this website will highlight, but naturally, a car that is now over 17 years old is going to have a few marks here and there.

I believe the motor is completely stock, but, as time goes by I’ll have the engine thoroughly inspected so I can find out what, if any, enhancements have been made to it and will provide those details if or when they are available.

I have no plans in the future to modify the car whatsoever. I believe there are enough VN SS’s on the streets that have been modified. My choice is to keep this car as an example of what was, and still is, an excellent Australian Made, 5.0 Litre V8 car, that can still put newer cars in their place – when needed.

Below are the photo’s of my current VN SS as it was advertised on CarPoint.com.au.

Why did I start VN SS.com.au?

I own several websites, for example - 13Host.com.au that I operate from my home. Websites are ‘what I do’, so I guess it was only natural for me to want to own this website – which I registered before I actually bought my current VN SS.

My original plans were simply to ’showcase’ my car to people interested in the model, but I have since decided to also develop it as a way to help VN SS owners with general information such as specifications, D.I.Y tips and the like. I’m building a for sale section where you will be able to buy and sell VN SS’s as well as spare parts for the VN SS, such as wheels, seats etc….

I would also like to use this website to help generate more interest in this model, by updating and improving VN SS.com.au so more people can fall in love with the VN SS, like I did.

There is a Club for owners of the VN SS that now has over 800 members in Australia and New Zealand. If you are interested in the VN SS or currently own one, check out the club site at The VN SS Club. The members are great, are always happy to help you and provide plenty of advice on anything to do with your car. We also have good laugh and chat about pretty much anything.

I hope you enjoy everything that I do here at VN SS.com.au, and look forward to any questions and or comments you may wish to make.

Thanks for visiting VN SS.com.au

Robert.

Rear Seat Cushioning

When I bought this VN SS, I thought I would have to get the seats re-trimmed because the material looked like it had stretched. As it turns out, the material is fine. The problem is the foam cushion used in the seat.

The best way to describe what happens to the foam cushion is ’shrinkage’. Over the years, as it has been used, it loses its’ ’springiness’, causing the material to appear stretched.

Solution ? Very simple really. When you remove the ( lower part ) of the rear seat, you should place it upside down on a suitable surface so you don’t ruin the seat - preferably place it on your lounge room floor, on carpet. 

You will notice the metal frame and the ‘gaps’ between the frame and the foam cushion. When you see these ‘gaps’, you will understand what I mean by the ’shrinkage’ that I referred to earlier.

For this step, you will need some old clothes, or rags. Really though, you can use what you want so long as it does the job. Place the old clothes ( or whatever you are using ) behind the metal frame so as to fill up any ‘gaps’. 

I know that this is a no-frills way of doing this, but it works perfectly.

Once again, the photo’s I’ve provided below are self explanatory.  

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