Gday.

Just wanted to get something off my chest... Now, to some this may be taken as highly opinionated from a vanner's point of view, so If you dont like that - dont read on. I dont not intend to recieve replys from `armchair experts'.

When I was looking for a van 12 years ago, all I wanted was a van. Holden, Ford, Bedford... didnt matter to me 'coz I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it and thats travel, pick-up promiscuous beautys, sleep comfortably, party, surf, fish, camp, lug heavy gear around, tow trailors, boats, move houses etc...

I found one 10 years ago to do exactly that, and it was my 1st choice what I wanted, a late H* van, - mainly because I've always liked the SHAPE of the Holden panelvan - so many nice curves on `em. It took 2 years to find, which gave me time to save a little extra to find something in sound / reliable condition.

Now, when I purchased, what I did not even question was if it was infact a `genuine sandman'. WHY? Because I simply dont give a shit... nor can I remember anyone actually caring about that 10 years ago. Remember... I liked those curves and the practicality of the vehicle. Of course I checked the VIN # tho, to confirm it wasn't hot.

I am also new to the NET. The last time I was on around 2000, There was two pages I found online about `Holden Panelvans', one was the `Black Hawk' build up (awesome) & the other I can't remember too well, but it featured a wiring diagram for the HQ, and an article on Identifing a Sandman - I still have a printed copy. That 1st initially got me curious but did not persue.

The last time I searched google for `Holden Panel Van' it came up with 170,000 hits. Great I thought. I then discovered that most of what I clicked on was related to enquiries about `Genuine Sandman Authenticity'.

I read many articles on web pages devoted to confirming van Authenticity.

What a load of f.n. b.s! All this hype seemed to have started around 2004/5. Thus marking the 30th + b/day of the panelvan. Is that what it takes to have a great aussie vehicle put off the road, restored & garaged in the quest for a profit? There are literally 1000's of vans being 'restored' in Aust; no doubt to original specs. Therefore, the market will be flooded & thus restorations aint worth bugger all.

Keep `em on the road I say... use them & enjoy them! ... And you might just find that by not touching them, your ORIGINAL van might just reward you more than you think when it's time to sell.

That times almost right for me due to the hype, as it turns out, 10 years later I discovered that my numbers match. No that doesnt make me appreciate it anymore that I already do, and yes, I would sell or swap it to upgarde to a cheap Winnebago

Thats my 2c, Vanners.

Cheers