Could this be a sandman - Chassis swap

**ambientgoat** · 15-09-2011, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by mauser

Some of us are not concerned about the re-sale/over capitalisation of the vehicles. I think it's rare that anyone makes money on any hobby... otherwise we would do it for work, those that do are extreamly lucky
Mauser

I don't think anyone is saying that's not valid. More they are saying if resale and value is going to be important to you. These are the facts you need to look at.

My sandman is an example of a poor candidate for restoration. It could vary well be an xu4, plus it's has a rough past so all the original features are long gone. If I was sensible I'd sell it on and find an all matching numbers car. But I always wanted a mint julep van so I leave it in the shed and slowly tinker when motivated.

**HK1837** · 15-09-2011, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by mauser

I guess it's how you look at it Byron...

Anybody been game fishing for Marlin??? I'm sure I could of brought the few Marlin steaks for a lot less than the 200 liters of fuel I have burnt each time I went out and cought nothing.

Some of us are not concerned about the re-sale/over capitalisation of the vehicles. I think it's rare that anyone makes money on any hobby... otherwise we would do it for work, those that do are extreamly lucky.

I just want to drive mine and have some fun... and knowing my driving I'll probably be the one to bend the rails in it. haha

Mauser

Probably right. However it still is silly to spend $25k restoring a non-matching numbers vehicle that cost $2500 to buy, when you could start with a $5,000 numbers matching vehicle that'll be worth twice as much once done. No drama for those of us that just want to make up a car to drive that costs $8000 all up though.
I have always believed that you should never start with the "i'm never going to sell it" idea, always keep in mind that one day you might have to. Same as a house. Wives leave. Blokes cheat. People get sick. Shit happens. This is why you'll never see me spending big bucks personalising a car that looks like crap to 75% of people. Not talking about ugly fibreglass kits on VN Commodores, but $60k spend uglying up a Gemini and making it a foul colour. I'll always spend money making a car look as original as possible with only unboltable mods in a colour that pleases at least 50% of the population, or the original colour. I always do the same with a house, ie no blue roofs, purple bathrooms, no painted render etc. Sandstock bricks, colourbond roof, timber floors, neutral colours, quality appliances. Just my philosophy anyway!

**mauser** · 15-09-2011, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by ambientgoat

I don't think anyone is saying that's not valid. More they are saying if resale and value is going to be important to you. These are the facts you need to look at.

My sandman is an example of a poor candidate for restoration. It could vary well be an xu4, plus it's has a rough past so all the original features are long gone. If I was sensible I'd sell it on and find an all matching numbers car. But I always wanted a mint julep van so I leave it in the shed and slowly tinker when motivated.

haha mine's had more rebuilds than a Hollywoods actress has had procedures!!!

Mauser

--- Updated ---

Originally Posted by HK1837

Same as a house. Wives leave. Blokes cheat. People get sick. Shit happens.

haha I think I have had my share of bad luck... You are right Byron. I'm definitly on a budget so I guess my perspective is different. That's why this site should inform but not critise people with different views.

My view is I could go buy a new HSV GTS but it would drop heaps more than the van will ever cost the moment I drove it away. Can't see Id be any happier bouncing down the road.

Mauser

**HK1837** · 15-09-2011, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by ambientgoat

I don't think anyone is saying that's not valid. More they are saying if resale and value is going to be important to you. These are the facts you need to look at.

My sandman is an example of a poor candidate for restoration. It could vary well be an xu4, plus it's has a rough past so all the original features are long gone. If I was sensible I'd sell it on and find an all matching numbers car. But I always wanted a mint julep van so I leave it in the shed and slowly tinker when motivated.

What your van is good for is a modified van. Like my Yellow HK GTS327. Far too hard and had too much of a hard life to restore to original. Best bet is to fix the outside up to look original, and modernise/modify what is underneath. In my case that plan means 427, M22 muncie, 12 bolt posi, 330mm 4 wheel discs and 18x8 CV8 rims. Interior will look original but i'll probably have a "show" roll cage and harness. In the van's case, maybe a correct Sandman resto outside, but EFI 304, TH700R4, 4 wheel discs, 15" GTS rims and interior to your taste. Again, just my way of thinking.

**Rico** · 15-09-2011, 12:49 PM

"12 bolt posi"

What is this HK??

**Blocker** · 15-09-2011, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Rico

"12 bolt posi"

What is this HK??

12 bolt Posi-trac diff.

**HK1837** · 15-09-2011, 01:52 PM

As Blocker says. These were optional on HK GTS327 and HT GTS350 manual. Big, tough diff, equal to or tougher than a 9". Standard fare on Camaro Z28 or 396/427. Also found in Australia in Impalas and Parisiennes. South African HQ's with 350 SBC engines had them too. A 1967-1969 Camaro 10 or 12 bolt is the exact same width as a HK-HG diff and already has 4.75" PCD stud pattern (HQ-WB). The only difference is the Camaro has the spring perches in a slightly different spot. You can buy a new one of these from Moser complete with Camaro drums or bare or whatever with positraction centre, detroit locker, tru-track, air locker or whatever you like for under $2000 US. You'll probably find a 1970's Camaro or Firebird diff is the same width as HQ.