Vehicle Details
1970 Holden HG Monaro coupe, finished in a stunning Orbit Orange respray. Powered by a 383ci Chevrolet stroker V8 backed by a Tremec T56 6-speed manual. Full rotisserie restoration with modernised running gear, upgraded suspension, and refreshed interior while retaining the classic Monaro silhouette. Originally found as a tired shell in rural Victoria — brought back to life over three years.
April 15, 2022
Brought the Shell Home
Towed the HG Monaro shell from a paddock in Bendigo back to my garage in Melbourne. Stripped everything out to bare metal and assessed the full extent of the rust. The floor pans and lower quarters needed replacing but the chassis rails were solid.
September 10, 2022
Rotisserie & Rust Repair
Mounted the body on a rotisserie and cut out the rusted floor pans and lower quarter panels. Welded in new sheet metal, treated the whole shell with rust converter, and applied epoxy primer. Three months of panel work.
February 20, 2023
Engine & Drivetrain Sourcing
Sourced a 383ci Chevrolet stroker V8 from a local builder in Dandenong. Picked up a Tremec T56 6-speed and had the bellhousing adapter plate fabricated. Also grabbed a 9-inch diff from a Falcon for the rear end.
July 5, 2023
Suspension & Brake Upgrade
Installed RRS front coilover suspension and rack and pinion steering conversion. Fitted Wilwood 6-piston brakes up front with slotted rotors. This completely transformed the front end — night and day from the old Kingfront setup.
November 18, 2023
Paint & Body — Orbit Orange Respray
After weeks of blocking and prepping, the shell went to the painter. Resprayed in Orbit Orange — the same colour as my dad's old HT Monaro. Clear coat laid down beautifully. Seeing it in colour for the first time was a special moment.
May 2, 2024
Engine Install & First Fire-Up
Dropped the 383 stroker in with the T56 behind it. Plumbed the VPW fuel system with surge tank, wired up the ECU, and ran the dual 2.5-inch exhaust. Turned the key and she fired up first go — the rumble was incredible. Nearly cried.
January 25, 2025
Interior Trim & Final Assembly
Full custom black leather retrim on the bucket seats, door cards, and console. Installed Vintage Air A/C, power windows, and a hidden Bluetooth stereo. Fitted the digital gauges behind a period-correct dash fascia. Bolted on the Coy's wheels and she was done.
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