It is obvious that this is (and will continue to be) an emotive issue with very strongly held differing views. From what I have read most are in heated agreement and my opinion is that there is nothing wrong with someone wanting to "do-up" their van or ute into a replica. Where the issue arises is when that replica is advertised for sale without any mention of it being said replica (ie; counterfeit) - then it becomes a rip-off. How many more "XY Phase III's" (with plastic shakers and 6000rpm dashes etc) were getting around in the early 90's than were originally produced by F... Fo.... For... (I can't even say it)? Gawd knows but I bet there were better than 20% more than ever produced getting around then.

The issue of re-bodying I don't know the ins and outs of suffice to say that while the body is a significant part of the whole unit, occasionally they reach their use-by date where they are no longer viable. So I guess the adage "what maketh the beast?" (ie; is it the sum of its parts or the whole of the vehicle) holds true and it may well be what is a genuine item to one person may well not be to another. Same deal with a rusted/damaged chassis rail. Everyone will have their own ideas of what is acceptable to them is what I am saying - some will see it as a Sandman with a new lease on life and others will see it as a bodge-up. From what has been said obviously all states are yet to get their vehicle laws aligned still (thought that was supposed to have happened 10 years ago). Ozbox has documented his experience with that issue first hand so he's in the know there as far as the legalities in NSW.

Back to the original topic. If I could put forward another scenario: What if you took a very close look at your own vehicle (non Sandman) and found certain identifiers on it that you know were as fitted/delivered from the factory (as for what ever reason you knew the vehicle history and/or original purchaser) that identified it as one? What would you do with it?

Me, I like 'em as they are, but I can certainly appreciate a well done replica or one with a new body or major component for a genuine reason (ie; rusted-out or totalled in some other way). I don't agree with just removing tags from one completely stuffed complete vehicle and just afixing them to another one but others might I guess. Flame away, I've got a thick skin.:shifty:

Regards,

Dave.