mySandman to host the Van Nationals

[ambientgoat]

As I was saying to you on the way back ski, it'd be cool to see a 'best original' category, for those who wish to go that way.
It seems to very much about customs at the moment.

[Absinth]

I think a good start and to include all would be

Best restored
Best unrestored
Best replica

[RodneyHZ253]

Agree shorn also best period display some people go to a lot of trouble to add surf boards ,esky's etc
Best informations display to people that provide restoration information

[Mazdragon]

All good points and views.... my 2cents worth? It'd be a fantastic idea if mysandman.com.au sponsored a trophy (or 2) for sandmans and maybe another category. What I noticed doing the trophy list this year, is yes, it's all about customizing. But should it be? As I have no idea on judging and what to look for, if you want a trophy for all original restorations etc.. you would need someone(s) who really know their stuff, not just holden, but ford and chrysler as well. Unfortunately, they are far and few between and those that may know, aren't interested in judging anymore, hence the issue keeps cropping up of "we need judges". Re originality... i was going to keep Beigy original... clean him up good and proper... but i have come to the realisation that originality doesn't count for anything, so i'm customising... but having said that... i'm not a trophy hunter (but if one did come my way, who am i to reject it...LOL). Anyhow, i wish you all the best of luck... contact Panther Van Club in WA and sponsor a trophy in Perth next year... 2013 we're going to qld... 2014....???? SA????

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Agree shorn also best period display some people go to a lot of trouble to add surf boards ,esky's etc
Best informations display to people that provide restoration information

this one does have the category of "Best Individual Display" along with "Best Club/Group Display"

[Sandman]

Maz, I think if MySandman were to sponser any trophies they would be for Sandmans only not all vans. Therefor we would only need judges who know their Sandmans like Byron, knowledge of other makes would not be necessary.

This is all hypothetical at the moment anyway.

[ozbox]

Maz, I think if MySandman were to sponser any trophies they would be for Sandmans only not all vans. Therefor we would only need judges who know their Sandmans like Byron, knowledge of other makes would not be necessary.

This is all hypothetical at the moment anyway.

[Absinth]

Hmm, I've re-read this thread and think clarification is in order.....

Frez asked "if MySandman hosted the van nats" ..... so obviously all vans would be welcome and all classes catered for I would assume....

Sponsoring a trophy was then mentioned.... So I assume MySandman is not hosting the nats.... so would be sponsoring a trophy/trophies for a Sandman catagory, hence only needing judges who know Sandmans.....

Would be a bit silly if MySandman sponsored a trophy for best Sundowner or Drifter????

I for one would be more than happy to supply a trophy if a Sandman catagory was included in the Van Nats....

I'd love to see all makes and all classes catered for...... but again... this is all just hypothetical at the moment....

[Elegantly Wasted]

Thanks for your input everyone. The factory look sandman needs to have an award category due to increase in popularity since 2000. Just like the millenium category (vans built since 2000) was introduced in recent years. However, all van awards are reflective of the number of pre-entries received (usually prior to DEC 31). The Top Ten is a minimum. If five Sandmans are pre entered, one award may be on offer. Ten Sandmans, maybe three awards - its all upto the organisers of the event, which vary every year from state to state.

It may appear that the Van Nats is geared towards customising, but this is not the case. Since about 1993, detail, is the focus. Apart from the last two years, standard bodied vans seem to be up the top end - no one builds a custom van to win these days, customising is just personal choice. Sandman502 was runner up a few year ago due to the amount of detail - I don't think it would have got any extra points for the engine swap.

More soon - laptop battery low...

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Home with 240v now...

There is one other area that needs clarification.
Judging at the Van Nats these days is an even points split between three areas. Motor Drive (Engine Bay/Undercarraige, Exterior and Interior. A neat looking Sandman was at the Van Nats a few years ago and it turned a lot of heads. Great body and plenty of detail and original interior. One would think it was a top ten contender. However, throwing a Kmart Sandman doona and pillow cases in the back stopped this van from challenging the competition. You need a complete package if you want to compete for Top Ten. On the other hand, best original, best restored awards for Sandmans need to clarify what interior options should or shouldn't include - leave the rear section as per factory, or allow some non standard upholstery. This issue can't be decided at a Van Nats organising committee meeting, its totally up to Sandman owners.

While I'm rambling on...
Apart from Sandmans, Sundowners and Drifters, standard vans straight out of the factory were usually dead-ugly. Vanning started by making ugly vehicles look good. Who would want to restore a WB belmont van (commercial front). Sandman restorers are bringing a new element to our Easter event and I look forward to more Sandmans and a proportionate number of awards in the coming years.
From someone who has been involved with the organisation of two Van Nats, if you want to be heard and taken seriously, the first step is pre-enter by 31 Dec - do we have ten mySandman users from WA ?

[Rolla]

Now, now, now - have we forgotten what the Australian panel van is really about?! I recall someone calling it a girl catching sinbin! We need to stay true to this!

I'd like to see a 'how many girls can you catch in your sinbin at once' trophy! You can never get enough action in the back of your Sandman!

[Mazdragon]

let's not forget how many boys u can catch toooooo