Advice on buying a HQ Sandman van.

[wbute]

Yep, second that. Lucky we have a HK1837 here lol!

[brett1972]

he emailed the photos last night so i finding hard to read some of the plates, might of been to many xmas drinks or something like that.
sml tag 8M70LDL266228Q
prod date 03/74
trim 1866-30B
Modd HQ80170
My other concern is the price i`m yet to do a full inpection but from surface it looks like a good project except for the little bit of rust in the seam, but would be nice to own a bit of Australian history.

[Alien DNA]

Fingers crossed for another HQ Sandman saved!!

[adam perth]

if its got a full length console from factory i would buy it , and assume that i had just brought a sandman.

[HK1837]

I've had this one recorded for a long time. All things point to it being a Sandman. Metallic paint is supposed to be Sandman only on a HQ Belmont. M22 is standard fitment when 4spd optioned on a HQ 801 or 802 commercial. They weren't even called an M22 prior to 1974, just a wide ratio M20. Same deal as an XU-1 4spd, these are a close ratio M20. I think the HQ Sandman sales brochure is incorrect in this area where it says the 173 and 202 come with the 3.05:1 1st gear M20 where all other evidence including vehilces found to date shows M22 (3.74:1 1st gear).
If the body is half decent $6k is good buying in my eyes. To me as a restorer it is a better van than a 308 4spd as you can restore it to its former glory colour and trim wise (gunmetal with black is a nice combo) but run whatever driveline you desire like 350 and TH400, 308 5spd, 304EFI and 4L60 or whatever else you like and not greatly affect its resale value as it was only a 202, M22, 3.55:1 diff and most likely 4 wheel drums. Keep the original driveline on a pallet!

[brett1972]

Looks like it is a genuine hq sandman, is it true that they only made a hundred or so these vans ?. They next couple of days I'l have closer look at van for rust etc but as it is I'm pretty happy with it. Does anyone have any photos of these vans so I can use as a reference ? Anyway thanks for your Help...

[HK1837]

No-one knows exactly how many HQ Sandman were built.

[brett1972]

Looks like I will be a proud panel van owner this time tomorrow

In theory sounds great, but I think I have got about two years work in front of me, at least. Did find out that the van was owned by Chris from Echuca who brought it a off a young guy but then sold it on to guy in Tassie, then me.

Some photos
252.jpg

257.jpg

Not the best thing I have ever seen but it is very straight and a HQ sandman with not to much rust yet.
Any way thanks for your help... Brett

[hqgts]

I thought the spec of the van sounded familiar being gunmetal and a six pot.... I spoke to the owner from echuca about the van a few years ago.... He told me the motor was not original but did have a correct date coded block to go in it....

Being non original motor, an original 6cylinder and as HQs are the hardest to id I didnt pursue it.... I love the colour....

As it is not the original motor you should put a 350 in it and have some fun....

Its a shame to see it sitting on the ground lik that.... Thank god someone rescued it

[HK1837]

Good work. I agree with Al. Stick a 350 and TH400 in it.