BROCK TRIMMER
HQ HOLDEN UTE

“I have a 1974 HQ Holden ute that I’ve been building in my dad’s shed for the past four years. It has an LS2 swap with the matching 4L80E ’box using a lock-out 2800rpm stall converter, so it rips, but it will still drive like a normal car.

“It also has big Brembo 355mm disc brakes from an SS-V Redline Commodore up front, a shortened 9in out back, and Weld wheels all ’round to give it the right look. Inside, it has a set of Recaros and air conditioning.

“Being a panel beater, I did an LX Torana for the mechanic next door at work in exchange for him building my LS, and we’re going for a modest 450-500rwhp.

“All the bodywork’s now done in primer, ready for a second prime and paint. I’m really looking forward to seeing the end of it, but it’ll be worth it.”

TIM WRIGHT
VN COMMODORE SS

“This is my 1990 VN SS, which I got as a rolling shell around eight years ago with most of the interior still intact.

“It was originally meant to be a parts car for my other VN SS, but I decided it was too good to wreck. It copped a respray not long after.

“I initially built it with an LS1, VCM 710 cam and a T56; it made 380hp at the tyres. I kept it that way for nearly three years, but about four years ago, the LS1 was swapped out for a freshly built COME Racing 383 Holden stroker, retaining the T56.

“That made just over 408hp on a hub dyno. But now, the T56 has been replaced by a Paul Rogers-built, 1000hp-rated TH400, and the 383 will be getting fed boost from a Harrop 2650 supercharger that I’m currently fitting. The SS also runs a Haltech 2500 ECU, iC-7 dash, WB2 and flex-fuel, along with a heap of Lowe Fab bits like the catch can, trans cooler and DBW pedal bracket.

“It’s been lowered on the usual King Springs and Monroe shocks, and sits on colour-matched Walky wheels – 20×8.5 on the front and 20×10 on the rear. The interior remains mostly stock apart from a B&M Stealth ratchet shifter hidden under the console, Alpine stereo, and an SV-style MOMO wheel. I have done most of the work either in my own shed or mates’ sheds with help from them.”

COHEN WISEMAN
VK BERLINA

“This is my 1985 VK Berlina, known as 202BRA, which I bought when I was 17. It started life with a 202, which I then managed to blow up driving home to Brisbane from Rockynats.

“I have resprayed the car myself with my dad; it’s the original colour with a bit of a spin! Recently, I pulled the broken 202 out, and it’s now running a 403ci LS2 from Jase at Cowies Performance Engines, sitting in a fully shaved engine bay that I did myself.

“I still have lots to do, but it’s getting closer by the week. Next is a possible sheet-metal boot and tubs! Summernats is my main goal; I want to have it there in a couple of years. I’m super stoked with the car and my progress so far for a 19-year-old.”

PAUL DI SALVATORE
HZ HOLDEN UTE

“This HZ ute started as a joint project between me and my dad after we purchased it from my engine builder. We wanted to create something special from the ground up, so we’ve transformed it into a tough pro street machine.

“It runs an LS conversion, mini-tubs, Weld rims, and a bulletproof 9in rear end with 35-spline axles. The combination gives it the perfect stance and the foundations to handle some serious horsepower.

“The plan for now is to build it as a clean and reliable street cruiser that can be enjoyed on the road, but eventually it will evolve into a drag-and-drive car, capable of handling both street duties and serious track time. Whether that future includes a pair of turbos or a blower sitting proudly through the bonnet is still undecided, but one thing is certain: this ute is will be tough.

“More than anything, this build is about the memories made along the way – working alongside Dad and turning a vision into reality is what makes this project so rewarding, and we’re only just getting started.”

CHRIS HATCH
FJ HOLDEN UTE

“I have always wanted an FJ ute since the day I rode in the back of a mate’s older brother’s example when I was about 14 years old, and I finally bought my dream car three years ago.

“I stripped the ute back completely, had it sand-blasted, then sent it to the great blokes at K&S Customs in Clontarf, Queensland for paint and panel repairs.

“I’ve left the grey motor and all the running gear original but converted it to 12-volt, and it has twin Stromberg carbies and a set of headers.

“The paint colour is a tribute to my time in the army. We’ve blacked out all the chrome, and I will look at lowering it and an adding an external sun visor once it’s registered.

“I’m redoing all the interior upholstery myself. This build has been a labour of love, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

EUGENE CASSAR
VH COMMODORE

“Back in 2023, I was lucky enough to buy Benny Leat’s old red VH (SM Jun ’16). It had a very mild 308 in it when I got it, and I decided to drive it around for 12 months before pulling it off the road and giving it a few upgrades while preparing its new running gear.

“My mate Sean Mionnet looked after the paint and body, which was still in good condition. It needed very minimal work besides the engine bay, and we did a new bonnet with a hornet scoop for the nostalgic 1990s/2000s street machine look.

“At the rear, I installed some SL/E tail-lights and chrome moulds. The front end was given some upgrades with a Fab House adjustable lower control arm kit to bring the front wheel track in with the Weld rims. It has ShockWorks coil-overs and Wilwood front brakes, which are assisted with a brake vac pump. Kane Goodliffe at HellBent Fabrications put in some chassis connectors and made a custom rear sway-bar. The diff was upgraded with 31-spline billet axles, 3.9:1 gears and a full spool. Kane also fabricated the stainless exhaust system.

“Next, I sent the engine to Danko at Adicted Performance to freshen it up and switch it to FuelTech EFI. It made 548.4hp, which isn’t bad for a donk that’s been around since 2008! It will be backed by a transbraked Powerglide that John at Pro Automatics put together, with a Dominator Eliminator 5500rpm converter.

“The interior also got some love, with new carpet and some of the parts repainted and repaired. I’m hoping to have this bad boy back up and cruising by year’s end, but we all know to never put a date on things.”

Got a sweet ride that’s currently in the build and want to share it with our readers? Email photos of it (2MB+ each) along with some details on the build to inthebuild@streetmachine.com.au