How to tell the difference of a sandman to a standard ute

[gjb65]

I was looking at the compliance plates of the hj series, what is difference on the plate to a standard kingswood ute

[HK1837]

There isn't a difference. There are pointers, but no definitive differences in HJ. HJ Holden is the same as HJ Kingswood too, ie virtually impossible to pick. The main difference between identity picking between Holden and Kingswood Sandmans is on later HJ's (5/76 on) with HX paint. On these metallic paint on a Holden ute or van is a good pointer towards being a Sandman, but not so with Kingswood as metallic was available on Kingswood. Earlier HJ's had metallic available acroos the whole model range.

[gjb65]

thankyou for the info, so i'll be carefull buying one then

[HK1837]

There are things you can pick up on the ID plates that rule out a HJ ute (whether it is a Holden ute or a Kingswood ute) from being a Sandman. These are 3 seat capacity or M15 transmission or in rare cases a paint formula next to TOP on the BODY plate. These 3 things by themselves mean NOT a Sandman. But a 2 seat capacity, single colour paint and M20, M21, M22 or M40 transmission codes means you need to inspect the body.