{"id":2027,"date":"2026-03-31T11:34:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T11:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/?page_id=2027"},"modified":"2026-04-17T04:44:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T04:44:26","slug":"complete-vb-commodore-restoration-parts-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/complete-vb-commodore-restoration-parts-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete VB Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/\">Commodore Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/\">VB Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4tAzzml\">VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The VB Commodore is a true classic and a milestone in Australian automotive history \u2014 Holden\u2019s first Commodore, produced from 1978 to 1980, introduced a more European-inspired design while remaining tough enough for Australian roads. Today, fully restored VBs are highly collectible, but restoring one requires a specific parts strategy to ensure authenticity, performance, and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine &amp; Transmission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Options:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2.85L (173ci) Inline Six \u2013 base engine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3.3L (202ci) Inline Six<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4.2L (253ci) V8 \u2013 popular for performance builds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5.0L (308ci) V8 \u2013 rare, highly desirable option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Restoration Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete engine rebuild kits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timing chain &amp; gear kits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water pump &amp; thermostat replacement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil pump &amp; engine mounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carburettor rebuild kits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valve seals and gaskets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air filters &amp; intake components<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transmission &amp; Driveline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manual 4-speed or Trimatic automatic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gearbox rebuild kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clutch kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive shaft &amp; universal joints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Differential rebuild kits &amp; seals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suspension &amp; Steering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The VB Commodore\u2019s suspension is a mix of robustness and simplicity \u2014 perfect for restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Front coil springs &amp; heavy-duty shocks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Control arm bushings &amp; ball joints <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rear leaf springs &amp; shackles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steering box rebuild kit <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tie rods &amp; idler arm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Upgrading or restoring brakes is critical for safety and collector value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Front disc brake rebuild kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rear drum brake kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Master cylinder &amp; brake booster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brake hoses &amp; fittings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Body &amp; Exterior Panels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rust is the biggest enemy of VB Commodores, especially in sills, floor pans, boot floor, and rear quarters. Replacement panels are widely available, but sourcing VB-specific panels is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rust repair panels (sills, quarters, floors) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Front grille &amp; headlight surrounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tail light assemblies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Door handles &amp; badges <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rubber weather seals <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Windshield &amp; window seals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior Restoration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The VB Commodore interiors are simple but iconic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seat covers &amp; foam kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Door trims &amp; panels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dash pad &amp; instrument cluster restoration <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carpets or rubber mats <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steering wheel refurbishment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electrical System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many VB Commodores have aging electricals that require attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full wiring loom replacement <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternator &amp; starter motor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headlights &amp; tail lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switches &amp; fuses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voltage regulator<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Factory steel wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Period-correct aftermarket wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tyre size recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hubcaps and centre caps <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/\">Commodore Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/\">VB Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4tAzzml\">VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\"><br \/>\n{<br \/>\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",<br \/>\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",<br \/>\n  \"mainEntity\": [<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"What engines were available in the VB Commodore?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"The VB Commodore came with 2.85L and 3.3L inline six engines, as well as 4.2L and 5.0L V8s. The 5.0L V8 is rare and highly collectible.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"What body styles did the VB Commodore have?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"The VB Commodore was available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Which areas of the VB Commodore commonly rust?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Common rust areas include the sills, floor pans, boot floor, rear quarters, and door bottoms.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Can VB Commodore parts be used on VC or VH models?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Some parts are interchangeable, but many suspension, body, and engine components are VB-specific and should be sourced carefully.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Where can I find parts to restore a VB Commodore?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Parts can be sourced from specialist Holden restoration suppliers, online marketplaces, and affiliate links provided in restoration checklists.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    }<br \/>\n  ]<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commodore Home VB Commodore VB VC VH VK Commodore Repair Manual The VB Commodore is a true classic and a milestone in Australian automotive history \u2014 Holden\u2019s first Commodore, produced from 1978 to 1980, introduced a more European-inspired design while remaining tough enough for Australian roads. Today, fully restored VBs are highly collectible, but restoring [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":43,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2027","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Complete VB Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist - Australian Holden<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The VB Commodore is a true classic and a milestone in Australian automotive history \u2014 Holden\u2019s first Commodore, produced from 1978 to 1980.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vb-commodore\/complete-vb-commodore-restoration-parts-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Complete VB Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist - 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