My HX Sandman P/Van

[Absinth]

I wouldn't worry about that ... its an improvement anyway ... the most important thing is to get her on the road to enjoy.

I really want to get into it but I have the small problem of limited space and dirt floor.... I have the slightly larger dilemma of whether to just build a shed and get stuck into the Sandman against renovating the house.

The renovating the house argument is well ahead at the moment...:cry:

[hj308]

Did I read somewhere before where you stated you were a builder by trade? I'd imagine half a dozen weekends and you could have both jobs finished Its a tough call but I am sure to keep the peace the house reno's come first then you can work uninterupted on the van. I am in similar situation , van sitting outside and about to put plans in for a new shed then can attack the van resto, but to be realistic I think it will be about 3-4 months before I get to turn a spanner on the HJ, good things come to those who wait.

[Absinth]

Well I felt a little energetic today and as I was home by lunchtime from work I thought I would do a bit on the old girl.... the van not the missus...

The previous owner went a little nuts with the Kwik Grip and screws installing carpet on the sides.... the glue isn't a problem but I have a shitload of 1/8th holes to weld up. The good thing is the van appears to have never really carried a load or been used as a work hack because the rear is absolutely dent free.



As can be seen I also removed that beautifully installed sheet steel covering the window holes. 56 bloody pop rivets, some bog and a tube full of white Silicone.





After sanding and grinding all the bog and rubbery crap off I can see why they removed the windows and covered the holes with sheet metal... you guessed it... RUST.... I was considering just fitting glass back in and keeping the windows but there is probably as much work in doing that as making it windowless.




I also pulled out one side of the headlining to see what the roof looked like.... bloody perfect... woohoo




I'll get to the other side on my next early day from work.....

[ozbox]

absinth...i have been told there is a guy in melbourne with nos side panels at around $390 per side...i think it may be holdent...ive been meening to chase them up and buy some just for the sake of having them....note to self..do next week when im back at work...

i decided to do it right away..he has left hand only around that figure i just stated above and buy the sound of it there is a few..buy 2 left sides and chop one up for the right side..just a thought if your cashed up..

[Absinth]

When I moved the van under the house the tyres on the mags were flat and I rolled them off the beads so I decided it was time to fit a crappy set of rally II rims I had with tyres on them.



Looks slightly better with it's original style rims...



This side looks better...


Doors are getting pretty bad but I have a couple of decent ones to replace them and another good bonnet as well. A bit of a shame really as all the panels are original to the van and still fitted with the original rubber seals..