Barry's HJ Ute

[Valencia]

Someone needs there happy pills i personally dont like the tarps either but they do serve there purpose
each to there own i say carry on

[hx-sandman]

I've never come across an original ute without tarp hooks. Perhaps the tarp was treated as a no cost option.

[jennie285]

Hi Sandaro,
When I say the next level, meaning taking it back to original colour Absyinth yellow, inner guards, same as body colour, a touch more hot rodding, more detailed engine bay, leather seats, change door trims, plush pile carpet, etc, my son is a motor and marine trimmer so interior is easy.

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Hi Jennie,
That is a very nice looking ute. What drive train does it have ??

253 4spd no idea the diff as never looked. Prob standard, it runs on gas

[SLR_dave]

Wow guys! (Huge Grin!) But hang on, are we helping Barry here!
Still, its interesting, seems reading all, if the tonneau was optional (hooks installed or not), it wouldnt have been flat and had clips?

So does that mean, if Barry wants to go back to orig, he doesnt have to drill and find replacment hooks, he could just remove the clips (or keep them if he chooses too, its his ute, and tonneau is useful).
Maybe thats what happened, maybe it was orig with no tonneau, and then an aftermarket (flat) clip on tonneau was fitted? Its still part of the vehicles heritage if that happened of course.

I agree Innuendo, removing the service panels and having a good look (maybe with a torch and a mirror) should be pretty conclusive.

[Barry White]

Boy certinally opened a tin of worms with the flat clip tonneau cover.
Will go to the shed in the next week or so and pull off an inspection plate and check the quarter panel for evidence of tie down clips.

[Innuendo]

Still, its interesting, seems reading all, if the tonneau was optional (hooks installed or not), it wouldnt have been flat and had clips?

Yes that is right, flat tonneau with clips was never a Holden option. It would have been either rope and hooks or none at all.

[SLR_dave]

Yes that is right, flat tonneau with clips was never a Holden option. It would have been either rope and hooks or none at all.

Yep! Great discussion.

It gives a few options on the tonneau then I reckon, (for any owner with an after market clip on tonneau I spose) if there are no original hook holes evident, probably was factory without, if its H series with clips its aftermarket (although perhaps useful), and I dunno but if the clips aren't letting water in or causing rusting to the body I spose its a pretty easy later modification to bring it back to original at any time. Thoughts?

[Innuendo]

Well the first point is they are not "H" series you are referring to, but we understand peoples confusion. HQ-WB are built on the "W" platform and lets not forget the HD-HG.
I'm my eyes the clip down tonneau "looks" far better especially when stickered up as a Sandman. Practicality the rope tonneau is more useful for sure but covers the stripes and tailgate wording on later '70's Sandman's which must have had the designer shaking his/her head. I always like loading a Ute that had elastic hooks (but that's another thing!) A big downfall of the rope & hook version is it removes paint from the quarters through rubbing. It's horses for courses and whatever your personal preference is. Personally I don't disagree with either outside of aesthetics.

[SLR_dave]

Yep point taken, I started referring to H series to mean only HQ-HZ a while back when talking about Sandman, and realised its potential innaccuracy then, shouldnt have let myself get into the habit, it was just easier abbreviation, lazy of me, wondered if I was gonna get picked up on it, but wasnt and now I have been, yep, its easy enough to give the correct designation. Thank you Innuendo, I concur.

[rocky]

put the old torno back on and get rid of the long bumper