HOLDEN GEMINI TX-TG
1975-1985
BODY & CHASSIS
Rust and poorly repaired crash damage are the factors that will separate an immediately usable Gemini from a ‘project’. Some cars will be carrying the legacy of rough repairs performed in years gone by. Before checking in more detail, get the car off the ground and look at the chassis rails behind the front wheels. Rust in this area may spell the end for a cheap car. Next look at the reinforcements between the bulkhead and inner guard, low down on the front mudguards, inner and outer sills, van and wagon tailgates and C Pillars on sedans and coupes. Early headlights are difficult to find, so are good bumpers. We did see a pair needing some work at a specialist wrecker for $100 each.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
These engines seem to have a boundless capacity for high revs and hard-work. Even if one fails, replacements are easy to find and prices for stock engines range from $1200-2000. Obviously you can spend considerably more extracting extra power. With the right advice regarding components and setup turbocharging is also viable. Changing engine mounts before one breaks is sensible and new mounts cost less than $50 each. Upgrading from four to five-speed manual transmission is easy and worthwhile if the car is to be used for long-distance running.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Plenty of smart people have fiddled over many years with Gemini suspension and braking systems so tapping into the knowledge network is sensible. Parts including springs and shocks, suspension joints and good-quality bushings are available and parts for when a full rebuild is due will cost $700-1200. Once completed and unless you’re using your Gemini as a commuter car, the new components are likely to last 10-15 years. Disc front/drum rear brakes are adequate, parts to upgrade not expensive. Squealing discs that take a lot of pressure before the car stops might have their problems remedied via a quick skim however a new pair of rotors costs less than $200.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
If you can find a Gemini with a crack-free dash then buy it and worry about the rest later. Australian sun did bad things to European-spec plastics and finding a car without a cracked and crumbling interior is good news. Seats were flimsy and thinly padded so perhaps budget for a retrim and some new foam padding. New vinyl headlining for sedans costs less than $150, material to suit the coupe just $40 more. Also sighted some replacement door trims for under $100 each but check quality.