Aussie icon T Kombined effort T

his 1969 Holden HT Monaro is undergoing a full restoration at Bodymods. So far, the Hamiltonbased company has completed extensive body and panel repairs — including the removal of both rear quarter panels, which have been rebuilt and welded back into position. The left-rear chassis rail has also been repaired and major repairs have been made to the floorpan, firewall, and wiper panel. New aftermarket door skins and an entire front clip have also been fitted.

The owner is still undecided about which direction to take in terms of running gear and final finish, but, whether it’s stock or has a modified twist, this Aussie icon will be one to watch out for. his 1967 Kombi Devon Caravette (with Dormobiletype pop top) camper restoration started out as a request to fix a buckled jacking point, and the owner had no idea that it would end up as a full restoration.

Simon Tippins at Creative Metal Works, who is also a Kombi enthusiast and has restored a number of these vehicles, knew exactly what to look for when presented with the task of restoring this VW.

Old repair work — overlap patches from 18 years ago — had to be redone, with new panels and panel sections butt welded in.

The front of the bus was stripped away, and the right-hand sill, jacking points, and belly pans were all replaced after repairs to the chassis. The original 1500cc engine has been replaced with a 1600 twinport unit out of a 1302S Beetle.

Dennis Syverston Car Painters applied fresh coats of Cumulous White and Sea Blue paint — the VW’S original colour scheme — and the Kombi is currently being reassembled by the owner, the 12-month-long restoration now almost complete.