{"id":2035,"date":"2026-03-28T11:35:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T11:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/australianholden.com\/?page_id=2035"},"modified":"2026-04-16T04:16:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T04:16:12","slug":"complete-vl-commodore-restoration-parts-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/australianholden.com\/index.php\/australian-holden\/commodores\/vl-commodore\/complete-vl-commodore-restoration-parts-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete VL 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\/vl-commodore\/\">VL Commodore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The VL Commodore was produced by Holden from 1986 to 1988 and is a highly sought-after classic Commodore, thanks to its updated styling, fuel-injected engines, and improved safety features. Restoring a VL Commodore requires careful planning, and having a complete parts checklist ensures your restoration is authentic, safe, and increases the vehicle\u2019s value.<\/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>3.3L Inline Six (RB30) \u2013 Fuel injected <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5.0L V8 (308ci) &#8211; Carburetted and Fuel Injected<\/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>Engine rebuild kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuel injection system rebuild kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiator, water pump, and hoses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine mounts &amp; vibration isolators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil pump &amp; filter kits <\/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>5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 3-speed automatic <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gearbox rebuild kits <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clutch kits &amp; pressure plates <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive shafts &amp; U-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>VL Commodores have updated suspension geometry for improved handling and comfort.<\/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; shock absorbers <\/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>The VL Commodore offered disc brakes on most models, improving stopping power.<\/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 replacement<\/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 common in older VL Commodores, especially around sills, rear quarters, and the boot floor.<\/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, floor pans, rear quarters <\/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>Windscreen &amp; window seals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interior Restoration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The VL Commodore\u2019s interior included updated dashboards, new trim, and optional features like digital instruments.<\/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 restoration &amp; instrument cluster<\/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>Electrical upgrades are often needed to restore or modernise VL Commodores.<\/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 &amp; hubcaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Period-correct alloy wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tyre sizing recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hubcaps &amp; 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\/vl-commodore\/\">VL Commodore<\/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 VL Commodore?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"The VL Commodore offered 3.3L inline six engines, and 4.2L and 5.0L V8 options, including fuel-injected versions.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Which body styles did the VL Commodore come in?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"The VL Commodore was available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"What are common rust areas on the VL Commodore?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Common rust spots include sills, floor pans, rear quarters, and the boot floor.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Are VL Commodore parts interchangeable with previous models?\",<br \/>\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {<br \/>\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",<br \/>\n        \"text\": \"Some parts may be interchangeable with VK and VH models, but engine, suspension, and body panels are often VL-specific.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    },<br \/>\n    {<br \/>\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",<br \/>\n      \"name\": \"Where can I source VL Commodore restoration parts?\",<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 this guide.\"<br \/>\n      }<br \/>\n    }<br \/>\n  ]<br \/>\n}<br \/>\n<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Commodore Home VL Commodore The VL Commodore was produced by Holden from 1986 to 1988 and is a highly sought-after classic Commodore, thanks to its updated styling, fuel-injected engines, and improved safety features. Restoring a VL Commodore requires careful planning, and having a complete parts checklist ensures your restoration is authentic, safe, and increases the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":51,"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-2035","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 VL Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist - Australian Holden<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The VL Commodore was produced by Holden from 1986 to 1988 and is a highly sought-after classic Commodore\" \/>\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\/vl-commodore\/complete-vl-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 VL Commodore Restoration Parts Checklist - 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