Creature Feature

NAME: Demetrius

VEHICLE: NZ New VJ Regal 318V8

Aucklanders may recognise this car - it has done many miles in the hands of its proud owner.

Purchased from us just before Xmas last year, the VJ was a primered cruiser with Tritons and Eagers - just like loads of others.

Demetrius likes to stand out, having owned some eyecatching vehicles in the past, including some race-prepped Jappas and the 'Knight-Rider' Trans Am.

Not long after getting the beast home, work began transforming the Val into a General Lee Clone. As per original (TV Series) wheels were fitted, a boot mounted aerial, front nudge bar, paint scheme and, of course, the appropriate air horns. Recent mods included a custom grille that hides the headlights.

The end result is a cruiser that turns heads wherever it goes. A+++

If you should see The General out and about, say 'Hi' to Demetrius. He's a top bloke and a good friend of mine. He is very approachable and always keen to meet like-minded enthusiasts.

Demetrius' VJ is the first Valiant that he has owned or driven. Ongoing discussions confirm that he is now a true Chrysler convert, showing that style beats top speed hands down and proving that you don't have to spend a ton developing a unique ride.

Congrats Big D, she looks fantastic. I hope you can make it to Geraldine in October. I look forward to cruising in your pride and joy.

Charger Update

It may not look like it right now, but things are moving ahead here in Southland with our Charger rebuild.

We have a sheetmetal engineer on side now to fabricate the new panels we require and of course Ben Wornall (of Wornall's Panelbeating) is as fizzy as hell to get started on it.

We've purchased a big block 383 aand 727 trans for it as this will fit nicely. But we will untimately look to replace it with something with more firepower and less weight. Read into this what you will . . . but twin turbos and lexus/supra engines have crossed my mind more than once being light and very, very quick.

The 383 will remain basically stock in order to keep the day to day running costs down. However, 'stock' is definately not the term I would use to describe what we have in store for the rest of the car. With increased track, performance brakes/suspension, and a number of other performance mods to compliment the exaggerated front and rear quarters. Think industrial, gothic . . . think low, wide and loud . . . definately something different.

Sheetmetal work begins in two weeks. Stay tuned for updates.

Check out Hemisix on TradeMe for some choice, original Charger parts that we won't be needing for this rebuild . . .

Its been a while . . .

We've had a lot going on down here, as you do! But I've put off procrastinating . . . time for an update . . .

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new family member. Born 1973 CJ Limosine, colour Limelight.

She's a beauty - air conditioning, electric seats, electric windows, power steeringetc. Done some 60 000 miles from new. 360 V8 of course, 17x8 cragars, reconditioned motor and diff . . . and I have the original white walls and dress caps.

Future plans (reversable) will be: a stereo, upgraded brakes, four barrell card/intake and headers/twin exhaust.

Keep an eye out for us because this car has a lot of work to do. We have a big trailer and this car makes light work of it. Plus, with the comfort and overall condition we look forward to getting some miles out of it!

Mopars in Geraldine

MOPARS IN GERALDINE 2008

An Invitation is extended to owners of Mopar (Chryslers Corp) Vehicles to join Members of the NZ Mopar Registry for a 2 day Car Event in Geraldine, South Canterbury over Labour Weekend.

This event is open to anyone with an interest in or who drives a Mopar.

There is no club affiliation and you don’t have to have your car registered on the NZ Mopar Registry.

Details for this event can be viewed on: www.nzmoparforum.co.nz

Click on – “Events” section on the home page.

Topic is: “South Island Get Together Geraldine 2008”

Registrations of interest should be made to moparsingeraldine@live.com

Accommodation food and drinks is by your own arrangement.

If we get enough numbers a BBQ tea will be arranged as a fund raiser by the local Lions club for Saturday or Sunday evening. This is also at your own expense.

Hardtop Progress Report

Well....

The last couple of days has been an education for me. I am not usually too bad for procrastinating but I must admit I have been walking past the hardtop every day for months now and have not done a thing to it.

The main reason for this was a couple of extremely ugly areas that I feared were riddled with cancer. Rather than know the true extent of the infection, I have been trying not to look at/think about these bits as I obviously imagined the worst.

With the Mopar registry Twizel run coming up this year ( see sidenote ) I figured that I had better get my arse into gear and get one of our beasts on the road. The hardtop is basically complete and so I figured a nice lazy cruise in her would be achievable ( although likely to still be a work in progress ) by the time the run rolls around.

So, a deep breath and out with the sander to see what I am dealing with.....

By crikey, it is all shiny!!!

The ugly filler was covering a good welding job ( jobs ) and all that is really needed is a professional finishing.

There are a couple of small rust holes to fix but these were ones I knew of, not surprises at all. I guess the moral here is that we are all vulnerable to fear of the unknown, and in not knowing what we are facing, we can sometime blow things out of proportion to the point where we do nothing at all.

I have included a few pre- and post- sanding photos so you will see why I was pessimistic.

The other great thing about taking the plunge was it has given me a new enthusiasm for the project as now I have begun, eventually there will an end. Based on what was uncovered, the end will be sooner and at a lower cost than I had anticipated.

Yeehaa!

Stay tuned for progress updates, you will see it all here.

BIG Question . . .

Take a look at the Charger in our drive. Notice anything unusual? Like the rear guards . . .?

Personally, I love them. I grew up in the era of 'post-apocalyptic V8s and leather' movies and this car certainly fits the bill. I think Chargers should have left the factory with an 'arse like that'!

The question is, from a rebuild perspective, do I finish the guards as shown (flared/tubbed) or go back to original?

What would you do? Let me know what you think. Vote in our poll and feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

Opinion Polls & Market Research