HZ Sandman

[Jeza]

I've had the Van in for a quick 'tidy up' with some rust removed and some painting here and there. I'm really happy with the outcome, paint was matched up really well - I can't pick where it was blended.

I got a couple of sets of RTS rims from WA - 4 X 8 inch and 4 X 6 inch. Ended up fitting 8's all round but the back have a deep dish with outward offest and stick oout a little too far with the 265/50's, so will have to swap around and put 6's on front and get some new 225's.

A few other little bits and pieces to do in the short term. Hopefully get the decals on this week (was supposed to be last...) and then in for a road worthy next Monday and all going to plan, rego ready for Xmas.

Need a pair of bucket seats too. Not sure what type of seats in it at the moment but they are crap...

You know I was really 'hung up' about about getting a windowless van but since getting this one, I haven't really been that worried. Perhaps its just that I'm content with it at the moment and enjoying it as is, knowing that when I do a 'full job' on it in the future, that I will have the windows removed.

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[Innuendo]

Looks good, must be nice to be close.
Good luck with the roadworthy and happy Christmas cruising.

Regards, Smooth

[thatotherguy]

looks great

[RAEME]

I've had a van in the past with windows in the side and I loved them, I fitted a full set of bubbles and it really set the van off. I came extremely close to putting the bubbles in my HZ but just couldn't bring myself to cut those pristine sides. When it comes to reverse out of nose in parking they are invaluable.

[mauser]

I have welded up the one window mine had in it... I guess we will see how that looks when the paint is applied. If it was four I would definitly go the bubble windows, I think on the right van they look way better than the flat glass...

Mauser

[Innuendo]

If it was four I would definitly go the bubble windows, I think on the right van they look way better than the flat glass...

I agree, bubbles are definitely the go if you want to improve the look of a Van already fitted with side panel glass. Some look very tough if they have the right amount of bulge and the tint isn't an odd colour.
They only run second to no side panel glass in my mind. I had bubbles in my first HT Van and only bailed out of it when I found a mint black full panel Van to replace it.
An issue that did arise was people writing words or drawing pictures on them when dusty. Not so great on perspex.

Regards, Smooth

[hj308]

Looks great Jeza, the windows seems to suit that colour as well in it Windsor Blue? van looks in pretty good nic, good job !

[mauser]

I have welded up the one window mine had in it... I guess we will see how that looks when the paint is applied. If it was four I would definitly go the bubble windows, I think on the right van they look way better than the flat glass...

Mauser

[hzvan]

This was my good mates van back in the late 90's that got me in to my first van.
He bought it of another mate that had it for a few years and i belive that it was used at the canberra race track to tow the starting gates around the track
When my mate bought he put the dual gas tanks in it, the honda seat and he swaped the gts wheels for dragway 5 spokes
We striped the body back and he had it beated and painted
He sold it to a girl that scuba dived and i remember seeing it around 2001-2002 at the all holden day here in canberra and it had a lot of rust coming out then and it was converted to a auto
I always wanted it but i bought a windowless sandman and then he decided to sell it and then i seen it come up for sale i could not bring my self to go have a look as i would want it.
it would be good to see some more pics of it
steve

[Jeza]

Sandman camping at Lake Elizabeth - Dec 2012 2.jpg

Sandman camping at Lake Elizabeth - Dec 2012.jpg

wow, its good to hear a bit of history about it. I'd like to hear more! I bought it from the girl who reckoned she'd had it for about 10 or 12 years.

I've given it a bit of a 'tidy up' and removed the rust from seams, sills and rear quarters by a mate of mine. He did a great job matching and blending the paint through repairs and also resprayed the roof as it had a lot of peel. He also resprayed the black outs which aren't right but I'll live with it for the time being... My plan is to enjoy using for the next couple of years, then remove the windows, put a pair of GTS guards on (I know they’re not a factory option, but I love them and have got a great original pair in the shed) and then complete paint job.

I've put some GTS rims back on, put stripes on and have been looking for some original seats to replace the Honda seats. I will leave it on gas and leave the 308 and auto as well. I don’t have any plans for it in the short term other than the seats, perhaps some door trims and putting in a small removable dickie seat and reverse camera/GPS that I got for xmas.

I haven't really got any more good pics at the moment but will take some. I'll post a couple of pics from when we took it camping last week.

Like to hear a bit more about it if there is any more you know about it? Sounds like it spent the last 20 years around Canberra. Its a Brisbane built one so I assume that it would have been sold through a Qld or Northern NSW dealership, as I would guess that anywhere else in NSW or ACT would have been manufactured in Sydney? Cheers, Jez