Help Please?

[mauser]

I had a 1981 Hilux and drove it for 20 years pighunting everywhere right up to Cape York. Only got rid of it when the cab and back had holes in it you could poke your hand though... amazing cars.

Once I ditched the 18R I used to buy 21R's for $400 bucks from Japan and put them in... never change the oil and drive them to death. After another 150k or so the motor was cheaper than the cost of the oil... :-)


Mauser

[wbute]

That old one tonner is a tough as they come! I learnt to drive in it so its a bit sentimental.
Yeah that GTS flute is where the rust was cut out. It got a bit dangerous as the bottom of the guard was flapping all over the place.
Mum and Dad traded there HG/K/T (not sure which) wagon in on it and bought a HJ Wagon at the same time. I can just remember coming home from Mudgee on its maiden voyage aged 3!

[playwme]

I have a 75 model down at the farm that the neighbours gave me when I was 12 as my farm car. It had Fred flintstone floorpans and about a foot rusted out of the exhaust pipe before the muffler. It always ran though. That thing went some places a 2wd really shouldn't go. After about 4 years (and several crashes into various farm implements) I discovered that the drums for the front brakes were behind the seat. Stopped a lot better once they were put where they were supposed to be.

[wbute]

I have a 75 model down at the farm that the neighbours gave me when I was 12 as my farm car. It had Fred flintstone floorpans and about a foot rusted out of the exhaust pipe before the muffler. It always ran though. That thing went some places a 2wd really shouldn't go. After about 4 years (and several crashes into various farm implements) I discovered that the drums for the front brakes were behind the seat. Stopped a lot better once they were put where they were supposed to be.

That made me laugh! Great place for the brakes!
Yeah they go places they shouldnt, thats for sure. Something to with not really caring about damage to the vehicle I think.:Chin:

[Rico]

Ok! I think I have these right!

Blocker: Ta 4 the heads up on that, a great help, much appreciated!

Jennie: Thanks for the link, Ill be sure to research that one! Bloody awesome van BTW lookin like a top ride!

1 Bad: I had similar thoughts to you on that 1......

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Jennie and Gaddy, I scoped that link...ta 4 that, similar pics to what I had at some stage, just didnt think it would work. $2K isnt bad money for a flawless finish. Then I realised where I had seen that van before! I seen it and a Esky down @ Geelong docks! nice work that 1 I tell ya.

Gaddy: unsure of budget at the moment, doesnt have to be a genuine Sandman, am happy to just resore an old van (Belmont/Kingswood) into a nice peice of of somthing that was once the pride of GMH. So at this stage just doing some research on 'how to and how much' at the moment Im thinking HJ-WB van, Prem Front Clip (HJ-HZ) Prem or Stato dash/seats (GTS if I can afford it), Mags, 253, 4 speed, GTS guards, Sandman Blackouts, Sandman/GTS Steering Wheel, Black enterior, tint windows......Hmmm and the colour.....ooooohhh mama that'll have to wait.... hahaha but I digress here...gotta finish me hilux first and sell it to maker way for the van. ohhh and I forgot, murals down the sides. Plus spider web tatts on me elbows, door hinges on the insides of me elbows and grow back me mullett...hmmm Bankstown Square circa 1970's anyone??? hahahaha

So yeah thats it

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I did have another idea that I may do yet.....but thats a secret.....

[ozbox]

someone said bankstown square?

[Rico]

Yeah man! Thats the stuff..... think "the FJ holden" Kev, Deadlegs and Co....great movie, if ya aint seen it, grab it on DVD

[Vombil]

Rico also look into Uerathane as an option. This was discussed over the weekend and as yet I don't think anyone has done it.

there is a rust god in Perth who does van fill ins by putting a recessed edge on the filler panel, then urethane followed up with a few spot welds for good measure. Minimal distortion = minimal bog and dolly action!

my advice - be patient and buy a genuine windowless. As with 1Badvan ive never seen a good fill in job. I think it also depends on how fussy you are

[agr071]

As with 1Badvan ive never seen a good fill in job.

Ians looks shit hot in the flesh, and if didn't know that it had windows, i would never had guessed it.

[Rico]

Yeah your right, In the mean time a mate of mine in Melb who is involoved with Wasteland Vanners has alerted me to a HQ in a paddock near here, gunna check it out in a few weeks hopefully, in turn Ive found him a neat as GS Panno. Ok ok a Ford I know and thats a dirty word round here but Its a good price and damn near Ridgey Didge! we all know how rare that sort of find is. Holden, Valiant or Ford. Anyone who preserves a van shoul be praised in some way, keeping a vital slice of Australian Motoring history alive!

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As Ive seen it can be done, but you need to have the right person do it. Trust is a large part here. If after 10-15 years it needs redoing...Id do that,be time for a new coat of jam by then probably anyways! Keep all the help and advice coming guys please! I really appreciate it!