XU3??? And an idea

[Rockape]

Hi all.

I'm not sure if I am posting this in the correct forum, but wasn't sure where else to post it.

Before I get into it I want to explain the reasons for posting this, and make a suggestion re the forum. Bare with me.

I'm a relative novice, Libido ( my van in Black Listed thread ) is my first 'build', and I peruse this site for tech info, ideas, to check out everyone's vans, but most often, for answers. Sometimes I find them, others not. I'm sure I'm not the only one whom is easily confused with Kingswoods, commercials, XX7's, derations, and a gluttony of other things.

For example, I want to know if my engine number in my van is correct for it. I want to know, but I don't want to make a thread for every stupid question I have. Making a thread for every question I have is not healthy for the site (imagine if everyone did it) so I didn't. I notice too that so many threads on here have 5 or less replies, which probably isn't ideal either, so I have an idea......

On my footy site we have a thread titled 'questions that don't warrant a thread, thread'. And basically, it is exactly what it says it is. Would a similar all encompassing one off question thread work on MS? Maybe 'Ask an Expert' thread or 'Quick Quistion' thread, where an Ape could simply post his question, in this case his engine no, and get a quick answer, instead of opening another meaningless thread that gets 2 replies.

It's just a thought, I know I would use it often.

Ok,



As this thread title suggests, I am very keen to have XU3 explained to me. I typed this prompt into the search bar and got nil results.

My van is factory 03/77 Tuxedo, 18V trim, L31, M21, 1950kg, 2 seat, console mounts, headlining teeth, GTS dash and wheel. BUT it is an N on the build plate, not M. I have had people suggest to me I have an XU3 variant, but I have no idea

With the 1950kg why would it be a Kingswood? I.E what benefits are there to a customer ordering this combo, or Holden building it? Is this a rare thing or quite common?

Which leads to my Main question - Is XU3 a vehicle with all Sandman attributes but built as an N? I.E, is my van an XU3? Or am I way off the mark? I would really appreciate this being explained to me, I find it fascinating. I'd really like to know the bare facts of XU3. What it is, why it is.

And adding to this, some more questions......

In my head I 'think' the only vehicle which can be concluded as a definite, without doubt, genuine Sandman is any Queensland built vehicle with XX7 stamped on tag, on a matching chassis. All else seems to be totally up to interpretation and conjecture - except of course a vehicle being accompanied with original sales papers identifying the guise under which it was originally sold. At least that is my limited grasp on things so far. Is this a fair conclusion, or again, am I way off? I won't be insulted being told if I'm wrong, it's why I'm asking!

So, a Queensland built van rolls off the line in '76 with XX7 stamped on plate. Genuine Sandman. 2000k away the identical twin to that vehicle rolls off the line in Melbourne, obviously no XX7 stamp, but still a Sandman. Is that Melbourne van still referred to as a XX7 Sandman? I.E, was XX7 the code for ALL Sandman vehicles but only Qld deciding to stamp them as such?

i realise this stuff might be old hat to a lot of you, but it isn't to me, and I suspect many others. Knowledge is power, as they say. I'm sure there are many on here whom could simply answer these questions, and many others that I have and am sure to have as the build goes on. It's awesome learning about these cars, im hooked on the numbers and history as much as the physical build sitting in the shed.

Any info will be much appreciated and long contemplated over.

Cheers all. Rockape

[wbute]

XX7 and XU3 are just Holden production codes to indicate the load capacity of the tyres. Acacia Ridge just happened to stamp it on the tags. As far as I know the lower GVM was only available on Sandmans hence the unique code. Yes all Sandmans had the same codes (it was only introduced during HJ I believe so that should add to confusion)but it was only stamped in Brisbane.
Your HX is a Kingswood. It's not a Sandman as they were not offered in HX or HZ Kingswood. This is purely because the Kingswood had the mouldings up the side and they got in the way of the stickers.
There are some unique codes that prove some Sandmans from other plants eg 18V trim on a 8WM in HX. But some others are never able to be proved beyond doubt.
I agree that the search feature is next to impossible to use. Too many threads with titles that have no relation to the content. Plus you can't use three letter searches. Great if you want to look up XX7 etc.
it would be much better if the expert had not been discouraged from taking part in the forum. The best way now to get his advice is through HHS or other sites. I know he is on Fastlane often and no doubt others.
There are probably errors in my limited knowledge so hopefully it will be corrected.

[Sandaro]

Lots of questions there Ape. Basically XX7 and XU3 are both sandman codes applicable after about 10/75 (prior to that just xx7 with commercial tyres and normal GVM) The difference after about 10/75 was passenger tyres fitted as standard to sandman and lower GVM as code for xx7 and option to fit commercial tyres and therefore up GVM-code XU3.

My understanding is that if a non sandman got passenger tyres (by original owner ticking the option box) then it was designated XU4.

Back in the day the advantage of having a lower GVM was cheaper rego, so I believe this was a sales point of offering the sandman- a recreational vehicle-with passenger tryes and who cares if you could only carry 500kgs and not 750kg.

[playwme]

As above.
Basic answer. XX7 and XU3 are both Sandman codes.
XX7- passenger tyres- lower GVM
XU3- commercial tyres- normal GVM

N and M are irrelevant here.

XU4 - not a Sandman, but has passenger tyres and therefore a lower GVM.



As for your idea, it's a good one for other forums but don't think it would work well in this case. Things would get lost in amongst all the various questions and confusion might take over.
May I suggest you do a thread on your own van, and simply ask all your questions in that thread. That way all answers should be relevant to your van.

[Sandaro]

BTW, you're right Ape about only Qld sandmans having the stamp on the plate, yet xx7 sandmans from other plants need to prove their identity by other means. Most of the time this is possible by the experts, and recently holden historic services (not run by holden-but using holden records) can also verify for $90, which is good value-especially I think if your spending good money to buy one and aren't sure.

I hope your not hung up that your van isn't a sandman. Its pretty special in its own right. An XU4 black 308 4 speed. The way I see it someone wanted the power with features without the show. Bit like ordering a 6.2l Calais V now instead of an SS Commodore

[DNO62]

Excellent thread, thanks for asking the questions, and for the folks that responded, a big thank you as well.

[GNGBNG]

I agree with Playwme, if you want to ask questions and not get ridiculed, start a thread on your van. That way you can ask all the questions you want.
I'm sure you would get plenty of people checking out your van, don't forget pictures, we like pictures.

[stickthis]

This thread i did a while back may also help exxplain

http://www.mysandman.com.au/forums/s...for-what-model