Hi there guys,

As you can see, I’ve been busy updating VNSS.com.au.

I haven’t got everything right just yet but I’m getting there. I’ve added a heap of photo’s to the site but I’m not totally happy with all the images I’ve uploaded so when I get the time, I’ll definately add a few and delete a few of the bad ones.

So, back to business, well kind of. I’m a member of the VN SS Club, a place where owners of the beautiful VN SS gather online and chat not only about their cars, but also about life in general and have a few laughs along the way. There are also cruises organized through the club that you may be interested in. Merchandise is also available at the club site.

If you decide to join the VN SS Club, don’t forget to mention that I referred you!

For more information, visit www.vnssclub.com

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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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After 18 years, the body deadener in the wheel arches looks a little worse for wear and probably isn’t doing a good job anyway. Some people will advise you to remove the existing deadener if you’re going to replace it, but personally, I don’t think there is any need to.

With your car on a flat level surface, preferably outside, jack the front of the car up and place wheel stands under it ( safety first ).

Remove the wheels and place them away from the car, out of your way.

With a strong cleaning agent, spray your wheel arches and clean them off with a high pressure gurney ( reason for being outside ).

Replace the the front wheels and then do the same to the rear. I’d recommend you let the arches dry overnight before applying the body deadener.

You have 2 options for applying the body deadener to your wheel arches -

• Aerosol Body Deadener
• Brushcote Body Deadener

I prefer to brush it on, rather than spray it. The choice though, is yours.

Applying body deadener to your wheel arches is time consuming, so if you decide to do it, make a day of it.

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I’m completely obsessed with ensuring that my VN SS is rust-free.

The rear gearnish on the VN Commodore is widely known for it’s rust problem. It’s not necessarily the garnish that’s the problem ( it’s plastic ), the perpetrator of this whole problem is usually the nuts and bolts holding it onto the boot itself.

When you open your boot, you’ll see where to unscrew the garnish from the boot. Check the back of the garnish & the nuts and bolts holding it onto the boot and take whatever action needed to repair it – if it needs it, naturally.

As the photo’s below show on my VN SS, I have no rust problem, thankfully. The garnish itself was fine but for whatever reason, I didn’t photograph it.

Whilst the garnish was off the car I took the opportunity to polish the boot, yet another rust prevention measure.

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As with any part of your car that gathers dirt and water, rust can form. I don’t know about you, but me, I’d rather prevent any chance of rust from forming on my cars.

Cleaning the boot seal is not hard at all.

Simply open your boot and lift the rubber boot seal off. Its that simple. Don’t bother removing it totally from the car, you can easily work around it.

Grab a rag and clean the groove in the boot seal. Seal – done.

Now, take that same rag and clean all around where the boot seal sits. Use either a dry rag or chamois to dry the metal surface. I like to polish the boot before I put the seal back on – Why? Because it makes future cleaning easier!

All up, this D.I.Y should only take you about an hour - at most. You’d probably only need to do it once a year as well. Only one hour per year to do a job that could possibly save you from a costly rust problem.

The photo’s below are self explanatory. Remember though, chamois that boot when you wash the car!

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In this section, I’ll provide some basic instructions, along with some photo’s of the small jobs that I do to my VN SS to keep her in tip top condition.

Not only can you save a little money by doing some work to your own car, you do also get the satisfaction of the end result, so it’s a win-win situation.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to add a D.I.Y project you’ve done to your VN SS.

I wrote off to Holden several weeks ago requesting a build sheet for my VN SS. Along with all the relevant mechanical information about what the SS was fitted with, it also provided its’ birth date. July 2, 1991.

So I thought I’d let the whole world know.

Happy Birthday, baby. 18 years old today.