Source for parts

[HK1837]

This size Holden came standard with 350ci SBC and TH400 (in 1971-1974 HQ) and the HJ facelift was designed for a 400ci SBC. Myself or someone else here will be able to show you the bits you need to convert it. Keep the original 308 block in case it ever comes back over here.
You will be able to modify the crossmember and shorten the tailshaft there, but will need a tailshaft end with 1.125" uni for the TH400.

Bits you will need to buy from over here:
Engine mount adapters and mounts.
Speedo cable.
T-bar and harness.
Console insert for T-bar.
Radiator hoses.
TH400 rear engine mount (heaps thinner than the one on the 4spd).

Things you'll need to modify:
As already mentioned, tailshaft and gearbox crossmember.
Radiator (bigger core and swap spouts around) or buy new one from here.
Engine end of throttle cable bracket.
Engine wiring harness (use 308's senders).

You can buy off the shelf headers over here too for SBC into HX with TH400.

You want the TH400 with the tiny 4" extension housing too.

[Absinth]

Your pretty lucky being in the States, lots of go fast bits readily available at reasonable prices and far less restrictions on old cars than us. Be aware that Holden used a lot bit from the Pontiac parts bin.... Pontiac Rally 2 rims will bolt straight on with Pontiac wheel nuts... You should have no problem getting 15" rims to suit that are correct looking and then just grab a set of wheel cap decals from Rares. There are plenty of other bits from 60's and 70's Pontiacs that will fit, also from some Chev. I got a Nova indicator switch for mums HG Monaro, rebuilt 4 barrel Rochester carb for my ute years ago, Nos Firebird steering wheel also for the ute which I now wish I'd kept.

Stickthis on this site does the decals so getting it back to fairly original should be pretty easy. White with slate black trim, 308 4sp is a fairly desirable combination here in Aust. and it would be a shame not to keep it fairly original if you have all the original drivetrain. There is no shortage of hotted up modified cars in the US so a genuine restored Aussie Sandman would really stand out. However it is your van and you can do whatever you like to it, plenty of members on here will be happy to help you out and I look forward to watching the build on this one.... Please start up a build thread on here and keep us posted of your progress.

[Innuendo]

Shoving a SB Chev in it is a cop-out. Yeah easy and all that etc. The fact the Sandman is in the States for me would mean keeping it Australian.
Totally original the way GMH intended. That is what people will be blown away by.
It's not like it's a poverty 253ci, Tri-matic. L32/M40 tagged combo.

But as already stated, your Sandman ruin it if you like. It's all yours to do with what you what.

[Flamenco_not_Flamingo]

Shoving a SB Chev in it is a cop-out. Yeah easy and all that etc. The fact the Sandman is in the States for me would mean keeping it Australian.
Totally original the way GMH intended. That is what people will be blown away by.
It's not like it's a poverty 253ci, Tri-matic. L32/M40 tagged combo.

But as already stated, your Sandman ruin it if you like. It's all yours to do with what you what.

A bit harsh mate

[Innuendo]

A bit harsh mate

Yeah well, I'm like that!

[Flamenco_not_Flamingo]

Yeah well, I'm like that!

Ah mate, I'm the exact opposite, just like to see people enjoy their thing especially if they aren't hurting people.

[Absinth]

A bit harsh mate

Not really..... There are plenty of Yanks that would be pretty pissed if someone in Australia had a matching numbers 69 SS Camaro 350 4sp and then went on a US Camaro forum talking about whacking a VE Commodore 6.0L engine and auto into it... No offence meant to you Don....

MySandman.com.au is mainly a Sandman restoration forum... Not a modified van and ute forum... Plenty of other forums offering that. As such, most of its members are more interested in restoring their Sandman to as built original condition and talking about modifying a matching numbers one is likely to get up some members noses...

[Innuendo]

Shoving a SB Chev in it is a cop-out. Yeah easy and all that etc. The fact the Sandman is in the States for me would mean keeping it Australian.
Totally original the way GMH intended. That is what people will be blown away by.
It's not like it's a poverty 253ci, Tri-matic. L32/M40 tagged combo.

But as already stated, your Sandman ruin it if you like. It's all yours to do with what you what.

I'm not suggesting that Don can't make his own decision on the point I was making when I offered my opinion but let me put it another way closer to Don's heart.
Let say you have a quite rare model A or model T commercial. You pretty much have the only one in the country and it is all factory original with matching numbers.
The motor is in pieces though uncommon to you. So because of that you decide to fit a Ford Pinto motor in it with a turbo! It just doesn't sit right.

I would also say that this car is ruined.

OK, so that might be a little extreme but I hope you can see my point.

[Alien DNA]

Way to go Don

I'd love to see the reaction you get when its finished

Try these guys for parts as well .... http://www.kingswoodcountry.com.au/

How are your panels? Any rust to repair or replace panels? Might be pretty steep in price to ship bonnets/doors/guards

I'd like you to see it mostly stock.....but apart from that, enjoy what is uniquely Australian

[Alien DNA]

No, hes right. He could be a bit more encouraging and upbeat. If he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed...stay in bed.