Barry's HJ Ute

[jennie285]

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I agree this is our HX sandman ute Barry

[Sandaro]

A wash and a polish, that's all that ute needs Barry. If as you say you're taking it to the next level, then as close to factory specs would be the way to go if future resale value is important to you.

[Innuendo]

Can't understand why anybody would want tonneau ropes. Ugliest thing since the UC Sunturd or any modern day Toyota. They cover the gordy Sandman stripe breaking the style aspect and are a very antiquated design. That said, filling all those holes that get drilled and ruin the quarter panel is no easy job to get them straight again. If you are NOT going for 100% original perfection and the quarters look straight there is no way I would be drilling out all them holes again.

[Barry White]

Hi Sandaro,
When I say the next level, meaning taking it back to original colour Absyinth yellow, inner guards, same as body colour, a touch more hot rodding, more detailed engine bay, leather seats, change door trims, plush pile carpet, etc, my son is a motor and marine trimmer so interior is easy.

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Hi Jennie,
That is a very nice looking ute. What drive train does it have ??

[Valencia]

Just do it Barry you only live once

[Vombil]

Can't understand why anybody would want tonneau ropes. Ugliest thing since the UC Sunturd or any modern day Toyota. They cover the gordy Sandman stripe breaking the style aspect and are a very antiquated design. That said, filling all those holes that get drilled and ruin the quarter panel is no easy job to get them straight again. If you are NOT going for 100% original perfection and the quarters look straight there is no way I would be drilling out all them holes again.

i think the rope makes them look oh so authentic. that said innerz id have to agree. if welded up.... leave well enough alone.

[Innuendo]

i think the rope makes them look oh so authentic. that said innerz id have to agree. if welded up.... leave well enough alone.

Real authentic is actually no tonneau cover at all (just like your avatar). I understand if you have an original or wish to go back to original. Just think that they are pretty ordinary looking things, especially when covering a Sandman stripe and tailgate wording.

[Sandaro]

Can't understand why anybody would want tonneau ropes. Ugliest thing since the UC Sunturd or any modern day Toyota. They cover the gordy Sandman stripe breaking the style aspect and are a very antiquated design. That said, filling all those holes that get drilled and ruin the quarter panel is no easy job to get them straight again. If you are NOT going for 100% original perfection and the quarters look straight there is no way I would be drilling out all them holes again.

Barry's ute is not a Kingswood, doesn't that mean no hooks originally installed? May have never had holes. I agree with not covering decals, but this would have early style decals, so rope not covering.

[Innuendo]

Barry's ute is not a Kingswood, doesn't that mean no hooks originally installed? May have never had holes. I agree with not covering decals, but this would have early style decals, so rope not covering.

So true, I overlooked the fact it is a HJ and would have the cool stripes. I was thrown by Rodney's photo.

[SLR_dave]

Intersting read, what then was the tonneau option for HJ Sandman? Clips or hooks?

I prefer the look of the raised tonneau over the flat look, and the hooks are pretty easy to use, I've seen a few clip on tonneaus with tears round a clip or two in one corner too. Always made me grimace a bit undoing the clips on a friends EH when genuinely working (and say its raining) and unloading quickly. (Whats a tonneau for a mates car worth if you tear it?!! ouch)

Still re-drilling would be a potentially tricky job I imagine, (unless they are just bogged, then you could gently knock/abrade em out - working blind up inside the cavity - maybe??)

So perhaps a question is, was there a flat tonneau option on HJ Sandman? If so maybe its orig and there are no hook holes there anyway. Or if there was a nill tonneau option for HJ, maybe there was no tonneau originally and the clip on tonneau is after market, - if so thats easy, keep em as is, (or go back to orig and lose the tonneau).