Possible HJ Sandman

[Rookiepilot]

Hi Everyone. First time poster.
I sold my L31 HJ Sandman 20 years ago and have always regreted it. I regreted it so much I sold it as a roller. Still have the engine in my shed. The bloke who bought it cut the roof off and turned it into a ute which was a common thing to do back then.

I have been on the lookout for another the last few years, but the minister for finances will only allow me a project car. I think I have found one but I need help. Everything is pointing to Sandman but I'm not sure. The car that I have found is only a shell with tags, chassis, dash and one seat which is making it hard to identify.
This is what I've found.
Dandenong built 4/76 HJ8WM70, L31, M21, 2 seater, 1950GVW, white needle 6 digit speedo, black fascia, full head lining. Vin number 8M70TF confirms 308 and 76 model. Chassis number matches as well. Brackets for center consol are present as is holes for interior light switches, although I haven't been able to find the wires.
The worrying parts are
Long tailgate hinges, Rear taillight surrounds not painted, Vinal floor present behind the seats as well as black loop pile carpet, holden badge in the middle of the tailgate.
The trim is 1887-19V. There is one black passenger seat present and the hoodlining seems to be a off white colour.
Should there be air vents in the door jams behind the doors? Is there anything else I should be looking for?
Many Thanks Steve

[GTS]

2 seater, 1950GVW,

That'll do it

full head lining. as is holes for interior light switches,

That'll do it

The worrying parts are
Long tailgate hinges, Rear taillight surrounds not painted, Vinal floor present behind the seats as well as black loop pile carpet,

A hit up the rrs could discount the hinges....a lot of folk put chrome tail light surrounds on vans way back when, because they look better and how long will a 35 year old carpet last..really.

holden badge in the middle of the tailgate.

Right where it should be on a HJ

The trim is 1887-19V. There is one black passenger seat present and the hoodlining seems to be a off white colour.

19V = Black trim and, from what I've read, black trim vans had a chamois (off white) hoodlining...so that'll do it.

Should there be air vents in the door jams behind the doors?

Yes.

And if it has the "toothed"strip above the tailgate for the the hoodling to mount to, as well as the side strips for same, then I (as a novice) would be prepared to say you have a genuine Sandman....although I stand to be corrected

[HZSandman]

Nothing wrong with the longer hinges at all for a HJ.

[HK1837]

That'll do it





That'll do it



A hit up the rrs could discount the hinges....a lot of folk put chrome tail light surrounds on vans way back when, because they look better and how long will a 35 year old carpet last..really.



Right where it should be on a HJ




19V = Black trim and, from what I've read, black trim vans had a chamois (off white) hoodlining...so that'll do it.




Yes.

And if it has the "toothed"strip above the tailgate for the the hoodling to mount to, as well as the side strips for same, then I (as a novice) would be prepared to say you have a genuine Sandman....although I stand to be corrected

I'd say 100% yes but not for any of the above reasons. 1950kg GVW and full headlining are really good starts too. Send me a PM with the ID and i'll make sure it all belongs together for you too.

[ozbox]

hj had both short and long hinges in my experience..

[Rookiepilot]

Thanks for all the replys. Makes me feel a bit easier.

A couple more things, does the body number on the compliance plate appear on the body anywhere like the firewall?

And the door light switches. Are these a push in fit like the torana's? I've seen photos of HJ's on this site which appear to be showing the door light switch attached with a screw below the hole.

If I do any good with the owner on Monday, I'II post some photos up for all to see
Steve.

[ozbox]

door light switches are all push in type...
and i wouldnt be trying to figure out if its a sandman on this fact at all..:Chin:
wb statesman is the only one with a switch with screw..

[HK1837]

BODY number on the ID plate doesn't appear anywhere else on a Dandenong van, it is an Elizabeth body number to start with!

[Rookiepilot]

BODY number on the ID plate doesn't appear anywhere else on a Dandenong van, it is an Elizabeth body number to start with!

Now I'm confused.

VIN-8M70TF J520518J. Dosen't J5 indicate Dandenong built, or were the bodies all built at Elizabeth?

[stickthis]

Now I'm confused.

VIN-8M70TF J520518J. Dosen't J5 indicate Dandenong built, or were the bodies all built at Elizabeth?

EDITED. Got it very wrong.