Free Gemini! Is it worth it?

Hamal · tinkerer Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Posts: 64

Ok .. a few of you will remember from the 'previous forum' that I was interested in purchasing a Gemini.

Today I found a TD Gemini (square headlights) for FREE.

Problems are:

1. Need 4 new doors as rust has a hold of the current ones
2. Need a battery
3. Need 4 new tyres
4. Need to rebuild motor as he's 'blown the head'
5. Need 2 front seats as the current ones were stripped
6. Minor rust in the boot
7. 4 Speed Manual
8. Needs a Radiator

So let me ask you guys .. is it worth it? All it will cost me is $40 for a trailer and I plan to leave it in the backyard while I do work to it.

I would like to find out what trendy front seats can bolt straight in

What's the best way to patch the rust in the boot (basically only in the left rear well behind the wheel arch)?

Will the doors cost a fortune?

I already have a good idea what to do with the motor but if a few of you have some ideas then go ahead

Oh yeah .. the only rust in the main body, apart from the boot, is a little bit behind the front right wheel arch.

A quick look on the net and I can probly get a 5 speed gearbox for about $100 .. haven't checked to see if it's the Diesel gearbox or not though. Will the diesel gearbox bolt straight in behind the G161?

What's so bad about a TD? TF's and TG's are usually recommended over these models

I hear the VB/VC Radiator will fit straight in (and provide much more water volume)?

Any help or comments will be greatly appreciated

P.S. Window and rear boot seals look good

Benjamin · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 525

Methinks if the body is generally in good condition then go for it. The main thing to watch for is rust in the floor pan as well.

> 1. Need 4 new doors as rust has a hold of the current ones
I have 2 rear TX doors and a left front which are in good condition. Need minor repairs. I am in Central Vic. Doors can be had reasonably cheap if you can find them.

> 2. Need a battery
Not expensive, probably a safe thing to do when buying any secondhand car.

> 3. Need 4 new tyres
Get yourself a bigger set of wheels and stickier tyres anyways. Plenty of options here.

> 4. Need to rebuild motor as he's 'blown the head'
Can be fixed for temporary motoring, there are better options including sourcing a g180 or g200 for more go and will fit in easily.

> 5. Need 2 front seats as the current ones were stripped
I have a complete custom green and silver velour TX interior for sale.

> 6. Minor rust in the boot
Can be cut out and plated, find the appropriate pieces and replace the metal. I may have some TX arse metal to spare.

> 7. 4 Speed Manual
Not a hassle either, keep it for a while unless you're doing great distances. 5 speed boxes bolt straight into TD no fuss. Only watch for tailshaft splines etc. Don't go for a Diesel box, is the general rule. However Gene has been toying with a Diesel box I think.

> 8. Needs a Radiator
A reco one would be fine. I can't comment on the Commodore. Some say LC/LJ Torana radiators fit.

The TD is a great model. You get the best of both worlds in a way. Personally, for anger and sick looks I prefer the earlier shape. The TC and TD received a BUNCH of upgrades from the TX which places them mechanically closer to the TE/TF/TG. Another bonus is the 'lack' of pollution gear compared to later models, allowing you to legally fettle a little easier.

Hope that helps Smile

Mooch · backyard mechanic Joined: 17 Oct 2001 Posts: 573

i've got a 1600 head going for $160, recond. about 15k km's ago, off the car and cleaned so u can inspect. What state? If ur in adel email me @ mygemi@hotmail.com

Cheers
Adam

arnaout · tinkerer Joined: 06 Oct 2001 Posts: 90

i got 4 gem doors in top condition good fresh paint no dents and the locks hav been covered so you can run central locking, im in sydney if u want them

Hamal · tinkerer Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Posts: 64

Hey I'd love to purchase some things off you but I'm in Perth and this project is going to be a lengthy one due to finances Sad

The wheels I've been wondering about, I want to get a decent set of mags but I don't know which size would be the best.. maybe some of you guys could help with that?

The seats I was hoping to get off a different model car, say something kinda sporty looking I could acquire from a wreckers. But I don't want to go modifying mounts!

The motor will be the G161, won't be doing transplants until I get a TG and shove a G200 DOHC in.

As far as sourcing body parts (doors, replacement metal for the boot etc.) what model Gemini's can I strip them from?

Thanks for the info too Smile

I need as much as possible

Hamal · tinkerer Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Posts: 64

I'm looking more for just advice than parts sorry guys, I live in Perth too so a lot of you won't be able to help unfortunately Sad

Thanks for the offers anyway Smile

Woz · tinkerer Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 126

dude, any free gemini is a good gemini.
keep it for parts if you dont do it up.

Hamal · tinkerer Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Posts: 64

Heh .. good enuff argument for me Razz

Corty · tinkerer Joined: 01 Nov 2001 Posts: 126

what would want for the doors ???

i am in sydney and may be interested in them ?/??

Benjamin · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 525

Bugger yr in Perth, I can't sell ya my sh!t Wink

I just remembered that TX seats won't fit in a TD anyway, different mounting system I think.

Sounds like you got some good ideas Smile

SikGem · tinkerer Joined: 18 Nov 2001 Posts: 373

The bare shell doesn't sound too bad. It may be able to able to be brought back to life. But in my opinion, you're probably just wasting your time. If it was me, I'd just take the TD headlights (if it has good ones) as they are worth dollars. The rest of the car is shagged!

Hamal · tinkerer Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Posts: 64

Ugh! Massive hole in the drivers side floor pan.........

Is this easy to fix?