certainly cheaper to buy already done. But the pride and joy to have a finished car that you put yourself into.

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Hi HDT134, I take it you are Ivans mate. He did my van panel work. Good choice on the Sandman. Not many of these history on wheels cars around anymore.

Probably should answer the question originally asked.

Where to start? I am sure what I have to say will be eagerly debated by others but let's get the ball rolling.

First off, I reckon a really well restored van will probably be between $35-$40K. The most expensive one I have seen go is $37K. This was a really great resto but not all the desirable qualities that would push the price a bit higher. I have not seen an excellant reesto for sale for ages. Others may recall something recently.

Un-restored is trickier. For an very rusty body and no GTS bits left you are looking at around $1-$2K. Which is just buying the tags basically. Step up to medium rust and a few GTS bits left then I reckon $3-$6K. Up again to a nice original van with minimal rust and most if not all the original GTS bits then$5-$10K. Have not seen many an original vans go for more than this, but that is mailny because they have a bit of rust. Did see one HZ original with no rust go for around $18K a few years ago. Rare though. Easier to find semi restored vans or vans that may have had a basic scrub up, new paint, etc many years ago. These can go for around $10-$15K.

This is my positive and negative list which adds or reduces the price of a van. (not talking utes here)
HQ Model (rare, I like the HZ for the twin headlight front, the better dash after HQ and the better decals after HJ.) +
308 +
Brisbane built and therefore XX7 on plates ++
Cool seventies colour +
original running gear ++
Windowless +
Original books ++
black interior +
power steering / air con +
sitting in someones shed for 12 years +

HX - (not sure why but seems to be the case)
253 -
6 cyl --
on gas -
crap colour like a brown -
sunroof -
non original chassis -- (heaps of discussion dedicated to this on the forum)

Let the debate rage...