HJ Panel van cut down to ute

[HK1837]

I reckon utes will be worth more in the end as they are a lot rarer but I wouldn't buy a van cut down into one. Long term it will probably have rust issues and I question the integrity of the strengthening member that runs through the quarter where the joint is done, which runs right up to and includes the retractable seat belt mount hole/nut. It may have rust issues where the roof is grafted on plus where the rear cabin is welded in. It'll never be accepted as a valuable, collectable vehicle but for the right $ it may be OK. If it is a really good body otherwise it may be worth getting (for the appropriate $) and keeping your eyes out for a good donor body of the right series and assembly plant. If it is really good (like rust free) it could be possible to graft a van turret back on, this is a lot of work but if the bottom half is rust free it might be the go. I would only bother doing this with a 308 example though, I wouldn't bother with the 6cyl or 253 examples.

[digger]

Thanks.It is a 308 and seems to be a fairly rust free from photos but i am looking for a collectable ute but like you said for the right money it may be ok.