The exterior panels were taken back to Holden’s specifications. Why mess with something that looks so damn good? Like the engine bay, plenty of effort was put into the body shell and hanging panels getting them in better than new condition in readiness for colour. For Michael, the colour of choice was Platinum Gold Metallic from the Glasurit colour book. Terry at Kairouz Kustoms laid down the new colour and clear coats along with the familiar black out that the GTS was well-known for. Proving that quality starts with the preparation, you’ll be surprised to know that paint has been on the Monaro for over ten years and still looks as good as new. With the factory mouldings and badges back in their rightful spot, the body was ready to get its insides sorted. Michael decided to keep the interior almost how the factory had intended. The factory seating, door trims and headlining were restored back to original by Peter and P&L Quinlan Auto Upholstery in Oak Flats. But Michael is a street machiner at heart, so there was always going to be custom elements added to the Monaro’s interior rebuild. The dash facia now holds no less than nine AutoMeter gauges along with a selection of switches. The Holley EFI controller sits at the bottom of the dash, just in front 28 of the Hurst shifter. The interior is practical and purposeful and ready for plenty of miles with the family on board.
29
Michael spent plenty of time smoothing out the engine bay, knowing full well that this Monaro was never going to be a fully restored original car. When it came to adding the driveline, Michael had just one request. It had to be blown. “I’ve always wanted a blown street car,” said Mick. “I was always a nitrous guy, but when the bottle’s empty, the fun is over. The blower offers incredible power and its on tap instantly and all the time.” But that was back quite a while and sometimes priorities change. With part of the blower and the two carbs fully exposed for all to see, Mick got sick of looking over his shoulder every time he took the Monaro out for a cruise. Thinking it was only a matter of time before the boys in blue with their defect books at the ready would catch up with him, Mick went for a new engine combo featuring a more street-friendly induction system.