Not really a bargain, as it'll cost about $AUS7k to get it here. But still a good buy if you want a HZ Sandman van.

The same details that are above 6 or 7 posts above,,not all sandmans had XX7 ,its a myth that people seem to believe ,there has been that much said about it that people think it has to be on there.

Edited by user Tuesday, 22 March 2011 3:16:11 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Ben,Before you get too upset, check out the link on the first post by Byron (up the top ..tags)it explains alot of what we are saying and is a great site too.!

here you go.

http://www.monaroparts.com/sandman.htm#HQ

Edited by user Tuesday, 22 March 2011 5:59:19 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Ben

I wrote the stuff on the monaroparts site. As above, even if it IS a Sandman it will never be seen as one, so pay accordingly for it. There were mistakes made so it well could be one, but without XX7 on a Brisbane build it is just like a $100 note with a zero missing on the identifier. The stuff I sent you to identify is the only possible way to pick a 4spd bucket seat Belmont van from a Belmont XX7 van. As you could see it is no guarantee though as anything could have happened. Getting in contact with the Company formerly known as GMH will get you nowhere either as the original build records they have will tell you that you have a V8 4spd HQ panel van. Tyre placards are no help either as HQ Sandmans were identical in tyres to other HQ's.
At the end of the day you have to remember a HQ V8 XX7 was nothing special, basically the equivalent of a VG-VSIII SV8 ute. Does a VG S ute excite you? Do you think Holden today really care how many VG S utes they made or to even have the knowledge to identify one? The same applies to an old optioned HQ commercial, it was simply a marketing package to sell more vehicles into a niche market. A HQ Sandman was simply a HQ commercial with a 5 x otherwise optionable items (M11, M20, XS6, U21 and N66), 4 x feature changes (GTS bezels, steering wheel, fenders, and 140MPH speedo), some paint blackouts and a box with white or black stripes in it (plus an extra feature change on a HQ Kingswood ute). If no further options were selected you got a 173 6cyl, 4 wheel drum brakes, rubber mats and no armrests. No records of them were kept, they were seen as no different to any other option package like Vacationer, XV4 Kingswood, SS Belmont, Taxi etc. It only matters today because we care.
So in short, if the one you are looking at is a magnificent vehicle, buy it, but don't pay Sandman $ for it because you'll never sell it for Sandman $.

Sorry but can you explain a u21 harness...is it a reference to the dash...any pics available

I feel that with all the work done investigating this car that i now have purchased a HQ Sandman Aquamarine 253 without the xx7 from Brisbane in amazing condition, im so happy with the purchase and want to thank all for their advice.

Im not stressed about the stamp cause it looks, feels and smells like a sandman that im happy enough to buy it as one!

From the fluted gaurds, Sandman decals, sandman steering wheel, roof lining that only goes to the the end of passenger area and all the matching numbers and engine codes to boot alongside original 1974 number plates and sales slip from Holden that confirms that all the numbers are the originals from when it was purchased.
The car as it is, is rare and because it is so original and in such good nick that ill buy it and cherish it as you said Byron...

Cheers boys!

came back as undeliverable to monaro parts so ill try again

Hey Jim or ayone else interested i went ahead and bought the HQ so if you wanna have a look heres the link

http://www.mysandman.com...ms/showthread.php?t=1413

Thanks for your help

Nice Jim...Nice..
Could you please tell me if your HQ has the courtesy light switches in the door if you get a chance?

Thanks for your support of the purchase and also a second opinon.

Legend!

P.S..Thanks Byron for all that incredible information it always makes healthy discussions and is the longest ,most read post I've ever seen in a forum!..jim