Restoring & Saving An Aussie Icon From the Junk Yard - Holden VZ Commodore Ute

[@HughJeffreys]

Did my subscribers get sent a notification (for those who have them enabled). Just clicked the wrong button when I uploaded and didn't schedule the video.

[@adamtheminecrafter7877]

Yes, I got a notification.

[@ShawnJbarr1988YT]

yes I did

[@Redbuild_]

Yes

[@WTC7]

I turned off notifications because spying is easier

[@TheGangster-uc4rk]

Yes

[@santorfo]

You need to collab with DankPods now, you even both have a mate called James to help you out!

[@Legofan2676]

But did this James save a Magpie from a chicken coop? Therefore the other James is better and still a Hero

[@channelofchannels7845]

Get them together and have a James off Item. think danks James will win tho he's just superior

[@ayrproductions]

Except this one is a lot more like Psivwri’s car repair videos than anything Wade and James do.

[@mprebbz]

This obsession people seem to have with forcing a collaboration with dankpods ... Two completely different personalities, and i can't stand dankpods so stop trying to make "fetch" work !!

[@ayrproductions]

@@mprebbz nothing wrong with DankPods, but this is much more like Psivwri’s car videos than a Garbage Time one.

[@felipeferreira00]

Did not expected a Hugh Jeffreys video about cars. But as weird as it initially seemed, it was amazing. Thanks Hugh

[@ayrproductions]

Yeah that’s been more of a Psivwri thing

[@MainInternetUser]

​​@@ayrproductions i feel like many australian tech youtubers does this Dank Pods, Psivewri, him

[@paulsz6194]

He burning question is, will it have Apple Car Play?? 😅

[@ayrproductions]

@PillsCureMyDepression not in this way though. This is much more like Psivewri

[@Kyrptum]

the aussie youtubers need to collab: dank pods, hugh and Pseviri. that would be truly epic

[@tobyharrison4323]

It would be better than Spiderman in telling ya

[@tokutoomuch]

dont forget dank's james!

[@_Midori]

Hugh kinda did one with Pseviri with the MacBook Air lot

[@YourLocalFilipinoTopHat]

smoorez:

[@triplelol]

Shame Australia doesn't make these beauts anymore, very nice restoration of (imo) my favourite era of Holdens

[@ayrproductions]

Best model, but worst motor though. Needed an LS for a decent VZ. Alloytecs are just money pit motors.

[@isaacsorensen8377]

​@@ayrproductionsHere in the US it's called the High Feature V6. It's one of the worst GM engines ever produced. Can't believe they went from the 3800 which was bulletproof to a horrible V6 like the 3.6.

[@BarrySmoother]

@@ayrproductions 100% I don't think I'll ever own a v6 VZ or VE alloyrattletech. Swear most of them permanently have timing chain issues. They're still great engines if they're looked after but definitely not as reliable as the good old ecotech. Love my VY commodore Hopefully I'll never sell it aha.

[@ayrproductions]

@@BarrySmoother an ex of mine had a V6 VE. Was a money pit of a thing, and that was without even needing to replace the timing chain on it. It was reasonable on fuel (actually used less than my third generation Subaru Liberty), but my WH Statesman’s LS1 used less that it, was more comfortable, and (for those in the Calabrian Mafia), you could store two dead bodies in the boot comfortably while still having enough room for two sets of golf clubs and an overnight back containing your best Armani suit, tie and Italian loafers to impress your mistress once you’ve arrived at the Hilton in Sydney after dumping the bodies in the harbour and burning the evidence in a 44 gallon drum on Bondi.

[@jamescooper5159]

@@BarrySmoother funny thing is the only rattletec i know of my family owning was my dads vz v6 crewman and he owned it for 100xxx odd kms (50xxx-150xxx) and never had any trouble with the timing chain, it just had an overheating problem which even while being a mechanic, he couldn't figure out what caused it. He did tow ridiculous amounts with it, travelling the length of New Zealand with 3.5-4 ton behind it when they were rated for 2.5 ton.

[@AmtrakFlareon]

I’m happy you’re willing to try something new to keep things fresh! Keep up the good work my friend! :)

[@Matthew93256]

Yeah, this new schedule of him uploading a new vid every other week works wonders :)

[@camb9319]

Nice work! Never underestimate the value of good ole fashioned work and elbow grease! That car looks 100% better, outside and inside!

[@shanepatrick641]

Agreed, I used to get other people to change my bulbs but for the first time ever I did it myself. Saved money and had the satisfaction of getting the job done myself 🙂

[@mintynuggets]

clicked expecting psiwry but got my second favorite aussie restoration channel instead, Not complaining!

[@ShoelessJP]

Car restoration, hell yeah I'm definitely on board.

[@dressysquid]

Me too. This is smart

[@the6ig6adwolf]

You should call Wade and James. Those boys are wizards when it comes to old nuggets.

[@ayrproductions]

Except when it comes to Tony, but then he is a stubborn Polish thing.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@@ayrproductions I hate Tony so much

[@tridatnguyen3588]

Correction. NUGGETS

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@@tridatnguyen3588 fixes

[@MoikeIsJesus420]

THE DONKEY VAN MAAAATEEE​@@tridatnguyen3588

[@thatguy94345]

As an American, I wished utes would have been available here. I loved the El Camino and we haven't had anything like it since it was discontinued in the 80s.

[@huleeyaxerssius7]

Had actually come close to getting the El Camino in the late 2000's or so, when the ute version of the VE Commodore was being considered being brought over & badged as one. Bummer it didn't happen make it's way there though.

[@SayAhh]

​@@huleeyaxerssius7 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. It was not meant to be.

[@kclefthanded427]

If it's 25 years or older, you can import one into the US. Be sure it's the V8

[@huleeyaxerssius7]

@@SayAhh Shame too, that it didn't happen. But have seen some road-registered VE Utes there in the US even, so some people have made it happen.

[@Joshtheweatherman]

@@kclefthanded427The Holden Commodore UTE came out in the year of 2000, so we would have to wait another few years. Can’t wait to see them here in the US, I would love to have a UTE. We haven’t had a car with a bed since the late 80s.

[@SamK4074]

Thank you for everything you do. More than ever, we need to keep these older vehicles going, as not only are they more reliable and built better, they are usually easier and cheaper to work on. Most new cars I've seen are built like junk and rely far too much on electronics - this is where the overlap between cars, smartphones and Right to Repair issues occurs. YMMV depending on what vehicle you have, but my 2001 Holden VX Commodore with over 275K on the odometer has been incredibly reliable in the 6 years I've owned it and anything that has broken or needed maintenance, has been super easy and cheap to do. I'll keep my VX on the road for as long as I can before I ever consider a newer car. Even then, I'd likely opt for another older Commodore.

[@FBobby]

Now you're speaking my language. I'm so happy you're saving this Ute. I love these things. Btw the stuff on the back brakes was probably Disc Brake Quiet. Also glad to see you using Bendix. That's what I run on all my cars too.

[@yash.kapoor]

"I said, "do you speak-a ma'language?""

[@FBobby]

@@yash.kapoor and he just smiled and gave me a SUPER COOL AUSSIE UTE!!!!!!

[@andoletube]

Nice one, Hugh. Keeping old cars on the road is a hell of a lot greener than buying new EVs.

[@patrickcannell2258]

Well said. I drive an old school Volkswagen. Can fix it.myself 330000 km.

[@DennisHuntersons]

Correct.

[@el_dogetaco812]

Aussie legend! Dont let her die Hugh, dont let her die. Utes are beautiful and i defo see this becoming the channel's mascot car

[@ZingOnMate]

Great to see some people go from tech to cars, onya mate 👍

[@fylucas]

You did a great job hugh, thumbs up!

[@leahsdreams]

Really lovely refresh!! Loving these older Aussie cars as time goes on and they get less common. I'm sure the comments will give you a bunch of advice for things to do next time, but my 2cents is to make a small slit in the headliner fabric to slip the nozzle of the spray adhesive in, and spray the inside before re-adhering it to the ceiling. Hope to see more content like this again

[@drarkan]

Hugh Jeffreys fixes it all! Love it man! I did alot of engine work with my previous cars, and though I didn't enjoy the cost I did enjoy saving what I could have paid, and from Oil change, to Breaks, and even suspension parts, I found it rewarding to do the hard work and save money.

[@danielirvine7468]

My son just got one of these in red 2003 and it needs some love like this and then some I came on here to see if anyone has any fix up vids and there you are . Thanks for the vid mate

[@RebeccaGriffin-b8n]

New roof liner for a ute is only $120. Rob's Roof Liners Central Coast of NSW. No it not me, but I've had my wife's VE sedan done by him.

[@Bennyboy-dog]

Older cars aren't going to beep at you, tug the wheel from your hands or kill the engine because a sensor went bad. Well done.

[@dewaldsteyn1306]

Yeah all these sensors and computers are top unnecessary.

[@Vicwavy]

Love the car content Hugh! Very unexpected and I’m here for it!

[@s.baldrick3807]

10:10 The most important part of these kits is the sealant - if you just polish off the oxidation, they'll fog up again within a few weeks.

[@drwarner]

For the headlights, I use Brasso, the tin with the wadding in it, not the liquid. It does a way better job than the kits you can buy or even polishing compound. Just remember to apply a coat or two of clearcoat or similar afterwards.

[@bobewing8339]

Nice change of pace Hugh! It reminds me of myself as a young man trying to make my old car look presentable to the ladies. I lost that battle, but managed to upgrade as I got older. Cheers!

[@SombreroKnight]

Really love to these old Holden Utes. If only the sales of the El Camino never dwindled we could have had these in the ‘00 as a “modern” El Camino.

[@Legofan2676]

BRUCE NOOOOO

[@felipeferreira00]

A modern El Camino would be sick

[@8888k]

If the GFC never happened and Pontiac wasn’t shut down, you guys would’ve got these… Pontiac G8 ST (Sports Truck)

[@petru_idk6245]

Really looking forward to the Holden Astra Restauration - i own a Opel Astra - same generation myself (it is the european LHD version).

[@JoshMackey-pn4fv]

Love the change up in repair videos.

[@JustAPersonWhoComments]

This is the only time Hugh Jefferys made a car video. What a cool car from Australia!

[@AndyK.1]

He does feature in some of James working on a Green rover, from years ago

[@denikec]

didn't expect car content here, loving it

[@jamesfrench7299]

Amazing how much little fixes add up to a big difference in the entire car. Very motivational.

[@TwinTowerTwo]

I'm a longtime viewer in UK, I do a lot of my own car repairs daily and some phone repairs occasionally, I'm teaching myself to do soldering soon and learned so much from your priceless work Mr Jeffreys, you are an inspiration!

[@MagnaLynx21]

Really enjoyed seeing another car video, especially seeing another Aussie creator that's enthusiastic about the rich Aussie car history! It's also great to know we now have both an ol' mate James, and a new mate James in the Aussie car KZbinr lore.

[@niherrm]

I did not expect this content but I love it anyway. Love all of your videos❤

[@Owensti]

Did not expect a car video from Hugh. But I’m all for it as a car enthusiast myself I hope to see more videos like this 🙏

[@karloshagen]

Love your work Hugh! Your passion for keeping machines and equipment operational is a great quality to have for the future!

[@jakesdronephotography224]

The Holden commodore's are great cars. I still own a 2001 vx commodore with over 260 thousand kms, and it's still running like a dream👌

[@dv.singh97]

“Hey guys ChrisFix here”

[@samosas_n_mimosas]

I've been watching you for some time now. It's great to see how far you've come along when it comes to being on camera. Best wishes for the future!

[@LouisAdventures]

I like Holdens this is so call as a American Holden fan I think it's cool you are restoring a piece of Aussie history.

[@flooofyyyy]

Man I miss the VZ, literally lost mine only a month ago. So happy to see you keeping these lil guys alive :)

[@goxy287]

Never gets old improving old cars bit by bit

[@Dropido-r9g]

As a mechanic I can't say that I was enjoying this video but for first time working on a car you did good Keep it up man❤

[@Aldo.flores]

Fixing the King of Aussie Nuggets!! Ps, the ceiling it’s glued with contact cement but when time passes the synthetic sponge starts a degradation process, you can spray it again (after a good cleaning) with 3M scotch spray on both sides and after a couple minutes glue both parts, this spray glue have an applicator tube (like the WD40) and if the area its to big and you have a bigger pocket, you can to make a tiny hole with a needle and insert the tube, from the button part to the exterior.

[@speedwaynutt]

Not going to lie I'm loving seeing a lot of Videos of Holden restorations. In a perfect world the might Holden would still be making cars.

[@triumphofsteel13]

AU car content is always welcome especially utes

[@giovannifoulmouth7205]

I'm definitely much more interested in watching videos of you fixing cars than the same old phones and ipads.

[@elcael]

I love, loooooove watching videos of car restos with little money. Thanks Hugh!

[@TheGangster-uc4rk]

I hate we never got these in the US 😢, it’s such a versatile form factor as opposed to the oversized trucks sold here

[@Techlevel1534.]

Oversized truck is better

[@SombreroKnight]

Maybe if they bought these in limited numbers as an El Camino in the early ‘00 there could have been a resurgence sucks that never happened.

[@basedanetto]

I saw one in California not too long ago, and it was more exciting to me than seeing a Lambo or Ferrari 😅

[@KevinFields777]

The cars can't be imported into the US, but the body shell can, and put on a Pontiac G8 frame.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npu3gHiOYtZ9eJo

[@mjc0961]

The oversized trucks here in the US suck. They're terrible for hauling things since the high bed is a pain to load and unload, they're terrible for front visibility but great if you want to squash pedestrians, and they're terrible in a collision because unless you also have an oversized vehicle you get crushed. The only thing they're good for is hauling the fragile egos of their owners. I'm sad to hear that those pieces of garbage are appearing in other parts of the world.

[@illiteratebeef]

one big upgrade I do for older cars is a sew-on leather steering wheel cover. Superior automotive for the leather, then some artificial sinew or waxed thread from a leatherworking store. It's a challenge on the fingers, but adds some cushion and looks heaps better.

[@chroumet]

In the quest for ever larger repair projects, Hugh reached the desirable step of car restoration. I wish you all the best with the new endeavour!

[@Dominikcz1264]

Omg, I didn't expected car video from Hugh! Super 🎉

[@argreenboo]

i would love a follow up for the uta adding a few small things like replacing the cd console with a monitor/touchscreen and adding a back cam to the truck that could be a fun mod, also it would be interesting to just change out the headline fabric scrape off the old glue and remove the fabric and buy new glue and fabric takes about 2-3 hours but you will not have to worry about it for another 10-12 years.

[@TheReaperYouTube]

Does this James know someone called wade and own an old fiat 👀

[@rtyt2007]

Love your videos was so excited to see some Aussie car stuff on the channel. My parents drive a 2006 VZ commodore wagon and it’s great. Has been faultless all throughout its life. Currently sitting at 175,000kms and still going strong. If you take care of these cars they will take care of you 👍

[@nathanromain8821]

Make more videos like this please ‼️

[@RDKLInc]

Great video! Love car restorations

[@danielvaher]

Cool to see a different content, well done

[@MaloRaoul]

I swear every car restoration isn't complete without the friend James coming along, hello Garbage Time

[@RealMineKD]

Would be really interested in more car centered videos! I feel like I know next to nothing about them (don't care about racing cars and those super fancy ones), though I recently heard a quote about "keeping a car running" and it really resonated with me!

[@jack8356]

Good old pad slapping. Always resurfaced the rotors when adding new pads. Ive done pad slap before it didn't end well.

[@Creamypie626]

That's a really nice restoration. fortunately the car is in a really good shape so no excessive repair is needed but man, wait until you get to emissions. Hopefully it's not too bad for this vehicle because classics like this are kind of hard to find nowadays.

[@animatedbreak]

Hearing the same background music you use when you're fixing phones while fixing a car, is just damn delightful. 👏🏾

[@rtxrt73]

The closest we got to that Ute was the G8 from Pontiac which was basically a Holden commodore...but pretty sound advice to those who have older vehicles that a bit of sweat equity goes a long way to keep them on the road

[@Castawhere]

Greetings from nz. Can say holdens are a dying breed here as well. Even less of the Aussie Ute’s.

[@adrianmetelli5751]

My last 2 cars had repco pads installed as part of roadworthy. I've been impressed with their performance, no noise and low dust. I would recommend

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Good to see some genuine Aussie content.

[@banksiasong]

Yes, love the car restoration films. Still remember the old vehicle you did with your dad, it was a very special one, and switched me on to not throwing stuff out that can be fixed with a bit of nouse and effort.

[@garishanth]

Imagine a Hugh Jeffreys, Psvwieri & DankPods collab? That'd be the 🇦🇺 trifecta. 😅

[@Dragonista89]

great video, HughFix!!!

[@randommanlady]

I would love to see some more car content especially if they are Australian sedans utes and hatchbacks. We hardly have any manufacturers here in the states making them anymore.

[@okkrom]

I suspect bleeding the brakes is what the system really needs if you feel the pedal is spongy. Brake fluid does go bad, especially 20 yo one!

[@drsaif343]

I had a 2002 commodore sedan. It was a fantastic car. 3800cc of pure power. the best car I have ever had.❤❤❤❤❤.

[@panagiotis1519]

Buy another one!

[@the_grand_tourer]

They don't use pentalobe screws on these ? that's refreshing. You shined up the lights without pulling them out with spudgers, good job! they'll still be waterproof.

[@MuscleCarLover]

I love that you conducted this video in exactly the same way you do a tech repair. Also, from memory I think the Holden by Design badge was basically put on anything with optional extras put on, so that's neat to see on a ute. Maybe someone will see that in 20 years time and do a restoration on it

[@jasem8221]

I hope you can collaborate with Psiveri on the restoration of your mom's car. It would be truly epic.

[@fleetSRT]

Wow.. That's a sick car. Wish we had those back in the States. Pickups here are getting outrageously expensive and unnecessarily oversized.

[@vic8695]

at almost 300000km you will have to look at a complete engine rebuild: pistons, piston rings, re-bore cylinders, con-rods, camshafts, crank shaft, valves, head gasket etc. will cost 3X more than the car is worth.

[@flame5891]

I really enjoyed this! I'm in the states but my daily driver is a Holden Caprice, one of the few Holden cars we got here.

[@elijahmccormick1166]

As an American looking at this, I really want one of these Commodore UTEs. Good on ya for keeping this one going!

[@theodoros_1234]

Great video! I'm not that much of a car guy, but I still really enjoyed watching this. Definitely watching any future car videos you upload.

[@M1U5T0N3]

Cars are Tech too and i love it just like Smartphones, Laptops and all that... Awesome Video!

[@ezzbuttheyshouldntleavethe5529]

If you do something like this again i'd love to see you partner with dankpods/Garbage Time and/or James, we need more aussie car content!

[@84GordonShumway]

Always love your videos Hugh! Love them even more now knowing you are a car guy!!!! Always a great satisfaction in saving a classic!!! Best of Luck in all future videos!!

[@andljoy]

MIni pickups like that made out of a car base over a truck are super handy. We used to have them too in the UK but only a few and they stopped in the 90s :(.

[@DecayingReverie]

I really enjoyed this. I would love to see you repair a wider variety of things. I think you're thesis is kind of not throwing things away that can still be useful. I would be interested to see what all kinds of things you could figure out.

[@thomasandrews9355]

Really enjoyed this, your channel shows the everyday individual can restore something!

[@al78cck48]

For a minute there, i thought it's James from dankpods. Anyway, good to see these inexpensive diy car repairs where anyone can do if they put in some effort. Before MCM is like this, now they are full blown car mods channel where not everyone can afford. Keep up with these videos.

[@thedarkknight1971]

Hugh... RE: The headlights... FOLLOW THIS EXACTLY and this WILL work... Buy: - Soft wool buff pads & drill polishing attachment (about £7) - Arm & Hammer Baking Soda ToothePaste (about £2.50) - A cheap plant 'Spritzer' spray bottle (for clean water) (£1) - A bottle of Anti UV coating for plastics/headlights* (£5 upwards) Action: - Wash & rinse the headlights thoroughly - Mask off area (as you demonstrated) -** Dampen the headlight and wool buff pad - Smear a good dollop (an inch to 2 inch) of toothpaste all over the headlight with finger - Set cordless drill to low speed/1st gear - Start buffing in small circles the headlight with light-ish pressure, making sure you go over the whole headlight. - IF the headlight looks like it's getting a little dry SPRITZ IT! With the sprayer bottle that has clean water, BOTTOM lINE IS KEEP THE HEADLIGHT DAMP while polishing (this helps the polishing action and STOPS you melting the surface of the headlight) - Perform this polishing action for a good 5 minutes, then... - Use a clean paper towel/tissue to wipe a small area clean (maybe where you knew headlight was the worst affected by fogginess, - IF the headlight needs a little more, then repeat steps from ** - Repeat as necessary (for 10 to 15 minutes), 'SLOW AND STEADY wins the race' as they say. - Once the plastic headlight looks more like a 'Glass' headlight, ie nice and clear - Wash the headlight of all the toothpaste and such, dry with a microfibre cloth and then, - Wipe on/polish on the Anti-UV protectorant* Then perform the above steps for the other headlight. A simple 15, 20,25 minute (depending on how 'Foggy' the headlights are), and a decent job done too if you don't try to rush it. * WITH Anti-UV protectorant I've had plastic headlights last MANY years (some I don't know about as I had sold the cars) WITHOUT Anti-UV protectorant, well, the best I got was about 8-12 months before they started to mist up again. How many cars have I successfully done this on? At least 15 that I know of... How much is this setup? Well... A HELL OF A LOT CHEAPER than those, erm... 'Profeshnial produkts' 🤔😏🤣🤣 😎🇬🇧

[@thedarkknight1971]

Our mate Wade (Dankpods) might be able to give you some pointers if you get a little stuck... 🤔😏😉👍 😎🇬🇧

[@jamesmurphy1446]

I got a kit by mother's with a drill bit fairly inexpensive for the headlights so much better than the other kits

[@fisshuman]

I clicked the video not knowing it's from you, then you appear and I quickly read the channel name "HughJeffreys" Am I dreaming? Dude. I love cars and also love electronic tech that you've been doing for years, I'm shocked you also work on a car, I love it! This feelings, never have it before.

[@XGHAFGHAFGH]

Oi, I’m looking for a Holden Ute and then thought I’d type Commodore Ute VZ into KZbin and this was the first vid that I clicked on. Bravo. I hate seeing drongos who trash and neglect Commos. They should be a protected species.

[@jeanlucblack3088]

Hugh Jeffrey’s and DankPods collab where he tries to fix everything that’s been one grit, and both James can see how many magpies they befriend with Curtis from cutting edge

[@st3amedham683]

As a car and tech guy i'll tune into this a whole bunch Hugh!!!

[@foxyfoxfilms]

I like how all the Australians KZbinrs I know are making car videos now. Hugh jefferys, pisiveri, and dankpods.

[@ms_enj]

Looking great, Hugh. That steering wheel looks like it's just got a heavy coating of hand gunk which will clean up nicely with soap and water...

[@alfredoecf]

Nice change of pace! Looking forward to the next one.

[@MACHOCHICKWING]

Loved the video, definitely do more!