HQ Sandman - Consoles

**mauser** · 03-06-2011, 07:22 PM

Hi Fred,

Nice to hear from you.

I think it goes something like the early HQ models had a bright finish. Late in '73 the ADR's changed and the bright finishes were painted in a non-reflective manner. The Sandman's and GTS/4 models would have this finish in '74.

If that coupe is correct the blackouts on the bonnet are a later change in the GTS range as well I think. Im not sure about the fonts on the guages but the speedo has an after-market sticker instead of the true 140mph\220kmh speedo. Unsure as to the retractable seat belt, large hole console on a coupe as well. The orange indicators and the air filter having the bit on the snout are later as well.

I'm sure OZBox on this site would give you a much better explanation as to the exact times the change happened. He knows HQ details extensively.

Mauser

**ozbox** · 03-06-2011, 07:56 PM

fred,that pic isnt brilliant but to me it looks like the correct fishscale lid on the console..

as for the silver/chrome fascias...when i was involved in the extensive research that went into the reproduction hq gts fascias we could not 100% find proof that they existed, but we did find pictures that showed them but these were not backed up with part number changes..
we spoke to all the old guys and true experts and the best we came up with was that the silver fascia could not be ruled out as being there in very early models..first couple of months in hq 1971 models..
it was the public that wanted the silver/chrome fascias because they believed it was right..needless to say they were done and thats the story...
one thing that was found was that early gts fascias had a grey transluscent paint over the chrome scales and then was changed to a green tinge over the chrome.
as for adr changes in paints for non reflective surfaces we could not 100% pin that one down to a date but conclude it was again in 1971.

**HQ SS** · 18-06-2011, 12:41 AM

Just to add a bit to this.
On the ADR side of things
ADR 12 Glare Reduction in Field of View was 1/1/73 going by Government documents.
But checking on Adelaide built HQ ADR tags the earliest I have seen it listed was Jan 72.
So a year before the Government date said it had to be done.
Which also coincides with what Oz has said time wise.

On the fascias themselves
I go with the silver to start with and then painted to use Oz,s words
a grey transluscent paint over the chrome scales and then was changed to a green tinge over the chrome.
But there does seem to be a bare black plastic fascia as well.
I have one of these straight bare plastic GTS type fascia in my car. ?

On the consoles has anyone any ideas about the differences in the front of the HQ consoles.
Straight front and angled front.
The difference can be seen in this picture.

It seems to be a early type console difference.

Cheers Paul.