Jenny and Gerry Griffiths are sharing the restoration story of their 1980 TE Holden Gemini.
The Starts Art 60 readers bought the popular compact four door about four years ago as a restoration project, following in Jenny’s brother’s footsteps after he had done up their dad’s old Gemini.
Cars and restoration have been a common theme for Jenny and Gerry throughout their lives. Gerry, aged 65 started his apprenticeship when he was young as a motor trimmer, then he worked for his brother selling cars on Parramatta Rd, Burwood. After that Gerry went out on his own back to motor trimming before taking on his current career as a painter, something he has been doing for the past 30 years. Jenny, aged 61, works with Peter, refurbishing the interiors of units in a retirement village in New South Wales.
We have taken out and repaired a bit of rust in the boot and replaced one front mud guard, due to rust. It has also had a quick spray job on the outside to tidy it up.
Not much goes into the upkeep as it is always garaged, so just your general services
We are the third owners bought, from the second owner who had the car from three years old.
The only unique special features are the original kilometres and the black Aunger sun shade on the back window.
Jenny’s first car was a 1963 EJ holden while Gerrys was a 1959/60 Fc holden.
Definitely Holdens or Izuzu four-wheel-drive.
It’s in the blood right through my family.
Take your time and do it properly, and you will be happy with the final outcome.
Jenny remembers driving her EJ and always running out of petrol. The couple also used to buy and sell LC and LJ Holden Torana’s. They would bring them home, detail them and sometimes Gerry would put in a new set of carpets and fix any seat repairs.
V8 Landcruiser
Just take your time in buying and restoring.