Source for parts

[Absinth]

Totally disagree. Its in the US, and a 308 will be a pain in the @rse.

Why is that Byron? All the parts to rebuild a 308 are available on EBay Aust or can be ordered from companies here in Australia.... No different than us getting engine parts from the US. Not like a 308 is any more difficult to rebuild than a Chev V8.

I don't care what Don does, it's his car... But I do understand people being upset at a desirable car being modified. I also think changing a set of wheels is a lot easier than swapping out an engine and gearbox.....

[HK1837]

Why is that Byron? All the parts to rebuild a 308 are available on EBay Aust or can be ordered from companies here in Australia.... No different than us getting engine parts from the US. Not like a 308 is any more difficult to rebuild than a Chev V8.

I don't care what Don does, it's his car... But I do understand people being upset at a desirable car being modified. I also think changing a set of wheels is a lot easier than swapping out an engine and gearbox.....

Reeason I suggested it is 350SBC and TH400 will be cheap and easy to get in the US. More a matter of convenience for Don than anything else. I reckon he'll buy a good 350 and TH400 for what it'll cost him inc freight for external accessories and gaskets to fit the 308 (water pump, fuel pump, dizzy cap and rotor, etc). Then he has to buy the rebuild kit for the 308 and 4spd, which for everything will be like $1500US inc freight. A complete rebuild kit for a 350 Chev in the US with cam, and everything is like $300 (example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1980-BU...#ht_1313wt_896).

Over her i'd agree that keeping an original engined 308 Sandman together is probably a good idea, but over there not so.

[Barbs77]

Wow a Sandman in the states, I always wanted to do that .... So why a Sandman?

I understand where HK is coming from, and a very reasonable option, but being a rare vehicle in the States I think saying it has the original Aussie 308 in it is a far more interesting converstation piece than the 350 or LS motors. But again just my opinion and it all depends on your finances and essentially what the van will be used for.

Again this is a very cool situation and as others have said I would love to see the progress and direction the van takes.

[Dago]

Don, Fantastic news that there is a terrific piece of Australian Motoring History in the States. Good luck with the resto. I'm keen also to see your journey.