Guys thanks very much for the interest/advice/comments - i am slowly learning the art and reading up as much as i can on rebuilds and your input is very much appreciated. This site has been a god send. (thanks to those behind the scenes). I hope you dont mind but you will probably be bombarded with my questions for a while...

Im in Melb and it has been pissing down non stop so when i get a dry day this week i will take the cover off and wheel it outside and get a decent photo for you to see and offer further opinions.

I am aware of how rare windowless vans are - which is why i just grabbed it when i found it regardless of rust. Cost me $900 and it was a complete registered driveable car. - 1974 HJ.

This was a few years ago and thanks to a missus that won't stop loading me up with house rennos it has lay dorment until now - i have done my chores and now its time to get stuck into my hobby.....

Unfortunately i cant afford to buy a genuine sandman so this will have to do - although in the long run resto on this will probably cost in excess of initial outlay for a real one!

I have stripped it to a shell and got rid of the running gear (6cyl) and interior etc and got hold of new upper and lower tailgates, front panels, gts front apron, bumpers etc etc

Plan on making a HZ sandman replica - my dream machine. Loved them ever since i was a wee boy.

I am presently chasing a HZ chassis which leads me to another question regarding rust - is it common to have the body mount holes rust where the rubber used to be?

like this -

http://s1028.photobucket.com/albums/...804_095000.jpg

Also, i understand that the chassis number on the Kingswood era is the primary identification number that governs what year the car is registered as - how do vicroads know (or me for that matter) what year the chassis is from just a number? Do they contact Holden or something?

Thanks again guys

Dave