For those who know me, it's been a while. Just had other things going on so I apologise for lack of communication. One reason for this is I have been working on a car I purchased back in Jan. It's a 1975 HJ Sandman Panelvan. Rather repeating everything again, here is the description of the vehicle I typed up for when I take it to car shows.
1975 HJ Holden Sandman Panelvan
After authentication, (I have never owned a Sandman Panel Van before purchasing this one, but found out they are very hard to prove original), purchased this Sandman in Jan 2008. Car was bought from Mildura, Vic.
Letter of authenticity from GMH stated the car was purchased new from Adelaide, S.A. in 1975. Car was a customer ordered Sandman, ordered with the following from the factory �
1. Model: 1975 Holden HJ Belmont Panel Van � (8WM70)
2. Engine: 253 c.i. (4146) 8 Cylinder � (L32)
3. Transmission: 3 Speed Trimatic Automatic Transmission � (M40)
4. Axle: 3.36:1 Banjo Type (GV4)
5. Paint � Cotillion White
6. Trim 63V � Gazelle Vinyl
7. L32 - 253 V8
8. Power Steering
9. Brakes: Disc/Drum
Most Sandmans had black interior with 4 speeds, so to find an auto with brown interior is quite rare.
On initial inspection of the car, found the body to be almost rust free. Being an inland Sandman its whole life was quite rare indeed as most were either modified or rusted out coastal cars.
On delivery vehicle had fresh paint, brakes & exhaust done.
The following was commenced to have the car finished in time for the 2008 Van Nationals at Port MacDonnel, S.A. at Easter.
Full rebuild of front suspension. This include the following �
1. Complete dismantle of components
2. Sandblasting
3. Repainting
4. Replacement of all ball joints, tie rod ends, springs & bushes.
5. Engine on inspection which was found to be non-original, was in bad shape. A replacement 1978 253 V8 was installed. Motor had been fully rebuilt which is balanced & blueprinted, with a Elderbrock inlet manifold & brand new Elderbrock 500cfm carburettor for performance purposes, (original manifold & two barrel carburettor have been retained for originality). Electronic ignition was also fitted.
6. Transmission & 3.36 differential were found to be in need of repair so were rebuilt as well.
7. Interior was non existent, so the following was commenced �
a. Dash installation with HZ GTS Facia fitted (HJ GTS facia in good condition unable to find).
b. Fully ordered Gazelle vinyl interior from Eastern Upholsters in Melbourne, which included, seat covers, carpet, door trims, kick panels & full roof headlining (still awaiting). Fitment of period correct radio.
8. Rear section was prepped & painted.
9. Lowering of van 2 inches all round.
Sandman was completed to where it is today in Mar 2008 (not bad for 6 weeks work). Only large remaining part of the Van to do is the fitment of the full length roof lining & seatbelts plus other minor things.
This Sandman has been a labour of love & in time will be finished.
Apart from the painting aspect of things & some minor help from my mechanic 90% of the work I did myself.
I must add that not wanting to spend up to $3000 on a new motor Heath (Allan) from the forum sold me his old 253 out of his Torrie. He informed me the motor had only done 28,000kms since its rebuild but that it had been done some years ago, but was nothing wrong with it. Having met Allan before & finding him to be a descent & down to earth bloke, bought the motor with a Elderbrock Performer inlet manifold & electronic distributor for $400. Well what a great buy that turned out to be. Car was finished at 7.30 pm thursday before Easter. Was concerned as I didn't have any time to clock up reliabilty km's prior for a 7 am leave the next morning. Good Friday left Albury/Wodonga & drove to Torquay (gateway to the Great Ocean Road) stayed the night then off to Mt Gambier for the 2008 Van Nationals for 3 days then the return trip home (2000 kms all up). Well the car didn't miss a beat & if you ever get the chance drive "The Great Ocean Road" as it's bloody spectacular.
I have included some photos of the rebuild & the trip for you all to see. Sorry for the draw out story. Tried to condense it as much as possible.
Edited by hux454, 30 March 2008 - 02:43 PM.
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