The HJ Holden refined the HQ formula with updated styling, improved interiors, and subtle mechanical tweaks. While it shares a lot with HQ, many parts are HJ-only, especially when it comes to trim, interiors, and safety upgrades.
Whether you’re restoring a Kingswood, Premier, Monaro GTS, Sandman, or One Tonner, this checklist will help you avoid costly mistakes and source the right parts the first time.
Engines & Drivetrain (HJ Holden)
HJ retained familiar engines but introduced emissions and drivability changes that affect parts selection.
Factory Engine Options
- 173ci Red Motor
- 202ci Red Motor
- 253ci V8
- 308ci V8
- 350ci Chevrolet V8 (Monaro GTS)
Engine Restoration Checklist
Six-Cylinder Engines
- Pistons, rings & bearings
- Camshaft & lifter kit
- Timing chain & gears
- Oil pump
- Water pump
- Full gasket set
- Stromberg or Rochester carburettor rebuild kit
- Engine mounts (HQ/HJ specific)
V8 Engines
- Pistons & bearings
- Performance or factory camshaft
- Timing chain set
- Oil pump
- Harmonic balancer
- Quadrajet rebuild kit (350)
- Correct exhaust manifolds or extractors
Transmission & Differential
HJ continued proven drivetrains but refined shift quality and emissions compliance.
Factory Transmissions
- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed M20 / M21
- Powerglide automatic
- Trimatic automatic
- Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (350 V8)
Driveline Parts Checklist
- Gearbox rebuild kits
- Clutch kits & pressure plates
- Shifter bushes & linkages
- Tailshaft uni joints
- Differential bearings & seals
- Salisbury LSD centres (GTS models)
Fuel System & Cooling
HJ models run hotter than HQs due to emissions tuning — cooling upgrades are common.
Fuel System
- Replacement fuel tank
- Fuel sender unit
- Ethanol-safe fuel hoses
- Mechanical fuel pump
- Carburettor rebuild kits
Cooling System
- Radiator (HJ-specific shroud differences)
- Fan shroud
- Water pump
- Thermostat
- Heater core & hoses
Suspension, Steering & Brakes
HJ retained HQ geometry but introduced minor refinements.
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 rebuild kits
- Brake booster
- Master cylinder
- Brake hoses & lines
Bodywork, Rust & Exterior Trim
Common HJ Rust Areas
- Front chassis rails
- Floor pans
- Inner & outer sills
- Rear quarters
- Boot floor
- Plenum chamber
- Windscreen & rear window channels
- Lower guards
Exterior Restoration Checklist
- HJ grille (HJ-only design)
- Headlight surrounds
- Front & rear bumpers
- Side mouldings
- HJ badges & scripts
- Door handles
- Full rubber seal kits
Interior Restoration (HJ-Specific)
HJ interiors saw significant updates over HQ — many trims are not interchangeable.
Interior Parts Checklist
- Seat frames, foam & trim
- Door cards (HJ patterns unique)
- Dash pad (prone to cracking)
- Centre console
- Instrument cluster refurbishment
- Headlining
- Carpet kits
- Steering wheel restoration
Electrical System
Electrical Components
- Wiring loom
- Headlight & tail light assemblies
- Indicator lenses
- Alternator upgrade kits
- Starter motor
- Voltage regulator
- Fuse box restoration
Wheels, Tyres & Final Details
Wheels
- Steel wheels
- GTS wheels
- Period-correct alloys
Finishing Touches
- Engine bay decals
- Fastener kits
- Under-bonnet detailing parts
- Period-correct accessories