HX Sandman - What's it worth ?

[Adam1]

Hi All
I have had my Sandman for years and am wondering what it might be worth ?
Briefly its a 1977 HX Sandman Panel van that's been cut down into a ute (not by me and done back in the late 80's).
It's mint Julep in colour
It is all original including the motor.
The motor, chasis and compliance plates numbers all match.
I still drive it around from time to time, but a few times people have tried to steel it so I don't take it out much anymore.
Anyway I'd be glad to hear some feedback on it from everyone. I plan on restoring it one day and have a van lid sitting in my shed ready to go.
IMGP1051.JPGIMGP1029.JPGIMGP1033.JPG

[pj350]

Adam it's like ..how long is a piece of string. ..
But if it's all genuine and never been crashed chassis is not damaged body work is no rust no dents my thinking is starting from any where ...you only need 2 interested people and could end up way above what you are thinking ....but then you could put a ridiculous price on it and it will just stay in your possession ...so
I'd drive as is looks very nice ...but definitely not be spending
40 k plus minimum restoring it then have these big expectations and be stuck with it. Only be doing it up if you intend on keeping it.

[Innuendo]

We have seen high factory spec, desired coloured junk sell for 20k at auction and others that need 10K minimum spent on them sell for close to 50K lately.
Others over this price struggle to sell unless they are close to perfect and top spec. If your photos are current and all the numbers line up I think it looks around 25K roughly.
It is going to be worth more money as a panel van that matches the tags (but it will need to be the correct roof and done well etc). Original paper work help price also.
Windowless turret?

[wbute]

Probably the hardest to value are vans cut into utes. If you plan on restoring it then I guess the value is irrelevant as you would value it after.
However, if the predictions of a housing market crash are proven, it may all change very quickly in the car game.
You say the numbers all match, but match what? A HHS certificate or original books? They are the only thing the engine number will match. That will have a big influence on price.

[Adam1]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I am definitely keeping it. It great to drive and always starts conversations with like minded people when I'm out for coffee. When I restore it I intend to make it look like it did when it was new from the factory.
Yes I have a windowless turret to go on it. I believe it's off a HQ because it has the small air vents either side. I've been told apart from the vents there's no difference so I was just going to have the vents removed when I get it installed ?
As I am not overly familiar with the whole compliance plate thing, I believed the engine was identified on the plates but I could be wrong. I haven't looked for years but I remember there was something that told me the engine is the original one. I might have to look into it again. I think you can confirm it by contact GMH ?
Cheers.

[Innuendo]

A HQ turret will be a problem for originality, even with the vent flutes welded up. But if it's for your own personal driver then I guess it doesn't matter. The difference is in the air ventilation system and you need the full roof lining bows and finishing teeth strip near the upper tailgate (HQ's never had these). GMH won't tell you much. You need to contact Holden Historical Services (nothing to do with GMH) www.holdenhistoricalservices.com.au and obtain a report. The records may show the correct engine number for the car (might not also). Original sales papers and car history are best and add the value more than any other. Anyway get onto Ben at HHS.

[Valencia]

Aircon and power steering win win

[Adam1]

Thanks for the info
I wondered why the bloke that sold me the turret gave me these long metal strips with teeth cut into them, he did say something about that. I bought that turret about 10 years ago for $1000. It's got no rust or dints anywhere and came with a top rear door and window.
Do you think it would be better/cheaper to buy a HX van shell and just replace the whole body. I'm kind of against this idea because I'm trying to keep the car as original as possible.

[Adam1]

yes I do love the air con and power steering. I had the air con updated and fitted a new compressor. The only trouble was I put the car in the shed and didn't drive it for a year, the modifications leaked and the bloke that did it wouldn't repair it because of the time that had passed. So currently the air con doesn't work and is on the 'to do' list.

[wbute]

What is different in a HQ turret to any other turret, bar the gills on the side of the early one? What is different in the ventilation in the turret?
Stickthis does the bow and teeth kit.