The HQ Holden marked a turning point in Australian motoring. It was bigger, wider, safer, and more luxurious than anything Holden had built before — and it spawned some of the most collectible models ever made, including the Monaro GTS, SS, Statesman and Sandman.
Because the HQ range is so broad, restoring one properly means understanding body styles, trim levels, drivetrains, and year-to-year changes. This checklist breaks everything down clearly so you don’t miss the expensive or hard-to-find bits.
Engines & Drivetrain (HQ Holden)
HQ had the widest engine lineup of any Holden, making engine-specific parts accuracy critical.
Factory Engine Options
- 173ci Red Motor
- 202ci Red Motor
- 253ci V8
- 308ci V8
- 350ci Chevrolet V8 (Monaro GTS & SS)
Engine Restoration Parts Checklist
Six-Cylinder Models
- Pistons, rings & bearings
- Camshaft & lifter kits
- Timing chain & gears
- Oil pump
- Water pump
- Full gasket set
- Stromberg or Rochester carburettor rebuild kits
- Engine mounts (HQ-specific)
V8 Models
- Pistons & bearings
- Camshaft upgrade kits
- Timing chain sets
- Oil pump
- Harmonic balancer
- Quadrajet rebuild kit (350)
- Correct exhaust manifolds or extractors
Transmission & Differential
Factory Transmission Options
- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed M20 / M21
- Powerglide automatic
- Trimatic automatic
- Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (350 V8)
Driveline Parts Checklist
- Gearbox rebuild kits
- Clutch kits & flywheels
- Shifter bushings
- Tailshaft uni joints
- Differential bearings & seals
- Salisbury LSD centre (GTS/SS)
Fuel System & Cooling
HQs are known for cooling and fuel delivery issues, especially in V8 cars.
Fuel System
- Replacement fuel tank
- Fuel sender unit
- Ethanol-safe fuel hoses
- Mechanical fuel pump
- Carburettor rebuild kits
Cooling System
- Radiator (6-cyl vs V8 specific)
- Fan shroud
- Water pump
- Thermostat
- Heater core & hoses
Suspension, Steering & Brakes
HQ introduced all-new suspension, much of which was later reused through HJ–HZ.
Suspension
- Upper & lower control arm bushes
- Ball joints
- Coil springs
- Shock absorbers
- Rear trailing arm bushes
- Panhard rod bushes
Steering
- Steering box rebuild kit
- Idler arm
- Tie rod ends
- Rag joint
Brakes
- Front disc brake kits
- Rear drum brake rebuild kits
- Brake booster
- Master cylinder
- Brake hoses & hard lines
Bodywork, Rust & Exterior Trim
Common HQ Rust Areas
- Front chassis rails
- Firewall seams
- Floor pans
- Inner & outer sills
- Rear quarters
- Boot floor
- Plenum chamber
- Windscreen & rear window channels
- Lower guards
Exterior Parts Checklist
- HQ grille (model-specific)
- Headlight surrounds
- Front & rear bumpers
- Side mouldings
- Badges & scripts
- Door handles
- Full rubber seal kits
Interior Restoration (HQ-Specific)
HQ interiors vary massively between Belmont, Kingswood, Premier, Monaro, SS and Statesman.
Interior Parts Checklist
- Seat frames, foam & trim
- Door cards
- Dash pad (very prone to cracking)
- Centre console
- Instrument cluster refurbishment
- Headlining
- Carpet kits
- Steering wheel restoration
Electrical System
Electrical Components
- Complete wiring loom
- Headlight & tail light assemblies
- Indicator lenses
- Alternator conversion kits
- Starter motor
- Voltage regulator
- Fuse box restoration
Wheels, Tyres & Final Details
Wheels
- HQ steel wheels
- GTS wheels
- SS wheels
Finishing Touches
- Engine bay decals
- Fastener kits
- Under-bonnet detailing items
- Period-correct accessories