HQ

[Innuendo]

geesus, looks like you guys are pretty polarised about various H series but this was about wether a HQ v8 with metalic paint was worth restoring as much as a sandman?

It was an overwhelming YES it is worth restoring if it is as good as you say for 5 Grand. It doesn't matter that it was factory metallic paint or even factory V8. This isn't really adding any value as it isn't a Sandman.
If it's good and you want one, buy it. Don't get hung up about it's paint type or it's factory engine type/size. Build it as you like as your not ruining a Sandman collectible.
Of course if you decide to restore it to factory spec's, colour, engine etc that's cool also.

[Alien DNA]

Yet another reason why HQs are supreme!

[HK1837]

You can do the same to a HJ as well.

[Alien DNA]

Be quiet Byron

[HJRAY]

So after all that did you buy the van?