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 ?