Just another set of plates and a vehicle for discussion (HX)

[Lupine]

I guess we'll just start photographing and getting a good look at more stuff as we pull it down to address the rust issues. It also has 2 compliance/modifications plates... Codes are LA1 and LB1 on a plate dated 2006. Other plate is code LH7 from 2001. One would be related to the engine swap I would imagine. But the other 2 I've no idea.

I know that bucket seats were recently replaced with a bench/folding armrest.

I know the dash has been replaced/or otherwise not correct through the presence of the auto tranny indicator.

[Sandaro]

I guess we'll just start photographing and getting a good look at more stuff as we pull it down to address the rust issues. It also has 2 compliance/modifications plates... Codes are LA1 and LB1 on a plate dated 2006. Other plate is code LH7 from 2001. One would be related to the engine swap I would imagine. But the other 2 I've no idea.

I know that bucket seats were recently replaced with a bench/folding armrest.

I know the dash has been replaced/or otherwise not correct through the presence of the auto tranny indicator.

In QLD those first 2 codes are for substitute engine and trans (originally a manual- now an auto?). The other is for body/chassis mods. Probably accounts for the stuff you know has been changed since original. Also look for signs of the original paint (sienna is an orangy/brown colour I think) in hard to paint or overlooked areas, a suggestion take off the vent in the door jam near the catch and look up inside

[Lupine]

Thanks for the efforts of replying everyone.

Re: keep lookng around, this ute kind of fell into our laps through friends with a reasonable pricetag and it's more of a "may as well do it up/nostalgic thing" than a "we are enthusiasts looking to make the one" if you can make sense of that. It'll be the first and last project car we ever tinker about with and if it takes another 20yrs to find the $ and time to complete then so be it.

Re: other places to check for colour we'll have a look when its being pulled down. Under the blue is a orangey/red visible in places on the tray as well as behind the seat. Were the undersides or inside the foot wells painted with body colour or some other across the board colour/protectant?

Re: looking for welds there's really not any sign of anything other than a ute being a ute
Re: drain holes yes they are present.

Yes its had a VR commodore V6 and auto transmission put into it << which will be changed again at some point back to a V8 and manual, any suggestions on that?