Body swaps

[ozbox]

yes there are differences and unlike all the torana guys that blabbed it for all the world to see... im keepin the more intricate bits of identification to myself...

[HK1837]

I'll do the same. Bodies are different for Pagewood, Dandenong, Elizabeth and Acacia Ridge. Also differences between series, and also mid series.

[Blocker]

I can understand there would be differences between series, but why would there be differences between plant on the same series?

Weren't the clay sculpts made at Fisherman's Bend, therefore only one set? Then the moulds and machining etc sent to the other plants therefore being the same?

[HK1837]

All panels were produced in the one body press plant, and assembled at different plants, or in the case of vans bodies were assembled at Elizabeth and shipped to other plants for assembly. It was how they were assembled, how they were welded, how holes were cut, how they were painted etc. Plus the differences between Kingswood and Belmont/HOLDEN bodies. Plus options that were fitted to Sandman bodies and not to non-Sandman Belmont/HOLDEN. Add to that changes made mid series (HJ is rife with this) and you have a minefield to negotiate. Best bet is to just do it. If a body is that bad it isn't worth fixing, do a rebody. Just don't claim it is the original body or you'll get egg on your face! And never consider using a WB body, unless that is exactly what you want to do.

[Blocker]

OK. I thought as much that it would come down to assembly.
I worked at GMH Fisherman's Bend back in 79-82 during their end of year shut downs. There I saw how the panels went from drawing to clay moulds and then to panels. Of course each plant would have different methods of assembly due to different equipment, training etc.

My understanding was all 'master' body panels were done at FBend during this time because the other plants did not have foundry lines. I'll have a chat to my uncle whose memory is fading now, but he worked at Holden in Fishermans Bend during the FB-HG years.