Quote Originally Posted by ambientgoat View Post
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.