Panel van side windows

[Blocker]

There's a real trend amongst restorers that a windowless van is better than windowed.

What do you reckon? I've driven both and with windows it's easier to drive, do you think it adds more value having windowless even though you could order side windows... doesn't make it any less genuine if it is a Sandman.

[Alien DNA]

I like the look of the long, clean lines of a windowless......but the blindspots are a pain in the arse. I guess what was on the van from factory is what will determine more value. Any changes after that will naturally decrease its value.

Havent looked Blocker, but is there a function on this board to make threads with polls?

[HX Bordeaux Met Sandman]

Blocker, how can you determind if your van left the factory with or without side windows if it has been through the hands of many owners and could have been done through this period of time. My van has the two side windows.

I myself just like the clean look of windowless. Although having the windows "Filled in" could be a problem if not done correctly. I have been watching this forum for some time, before becoming a member. This is a very helpful forum for gaining information about sandman's and the fellow forum members are great and offer good info.

Regards,
Matt.

[Blocker]

Havent looked Blocker, but is there a function on this board to make threads with polls?

Definitely! When you post a new thread you have the option for making a Poll

Blocker, how can you determind if your van left the factory with or without side windows if it has been through the hands of many owners and could have been done through this period of time. My van has the two side windows.

I myself just like the clean look of windowless. Although having the windows "Filled in" could be a problem if not done correctly. I have been watching this forum for some time, before becoming a member. This is a very helpful forum for gaining information about sandman's and the fellow forum members are great and offer good info.

Regards,
Matt.

Matt - unless you have the original sales receipts or if you have HQ-HJ a broadcast sheet that options the windows from factory then no you wouldn't know (I can be corrected here).

[HX Bordeaux Met Sandman]

Thanks for the advise Blocker. I guess the ones fitted into my van were done after market. What ever "Fool" fitted the windows did them back to front. The edges of the windows don't face at the same angles. Also do you know if sides below the join and roof are worth cutting off a wrecking van before I get it crushed.

Matt.

[playwme]

Also do you know if sides below the join and roof are worth cutting off a wrecking van before I get it crushed.

Matt.

Bloody oath. Straight panel cuts from a windowless van should net you a pretty good amount on ebay. Even better if there's no rust in the joins.

--- Updated ---

As for the original question, windowless all the way. Blind spots, who cares? If in doubt plant your right foot before merging. I pretty much learnt all my on-road driving in a windowless Sandman. Had been driving on the farm for ages but my first experiences with traffic were in the van.

[Alien DNA]

Definitely! When you post a new thread you have the option for making a Poll

Excellent..thank you

Is it too late to change this thread to a poll, or is that something that is set in stone once its online? Sorry for the 100 questions mate

[b-rock-05]

I agree with HX Bordeaux Met Sandman, i just like the clean look,and yes it is a pain with the blind spots,and i hope my windows turn out fine, just have to wait and see.

[agr071]

IMO, SOME windows look cool.
I prefer the smaller type ones. Anyways - Windows add character!!!!

[hdt134]

Windowless for me!!