Quote Originally Posted by HK1837 View Post
That's what I meant, the 2 x piece gearstick must have appeared late '73 or early '74 hence why both of your 1974 HQ's don't have the plate. In 1974 there were 2 x 4spd van bodies, Sandman and not-Sandman. Due to the Sandman needing the seat separator / console bracket but the not-Sandman (bench or buckets) not having the bracket. Both of your 5/74 HQ's are Sandmans if the brackets are original and there is a hole there for the shifter.
I have what I believe is a hj ute ( no plates) hj dash , square wiring plug ,square accelerator cable hole and it has the small plate with two screws covering the notch when I'm back at home I'll take a shot if needed.