Working out design and finish for malachite hz van

**agr071** · 26-06-2015, 05:51 PM

Looks sweet. Sidepipes REALLY finish it off
Well done!!!

**jennie285** · 26-06-2015, 09:31 PM

Thank you all for your kind comments. Yes this is the ducks guts of a custom stato sandman build for us and our last one I think. But all thanks to Adam who helped get it to the stage it's at with his precision panel work and all the interior paint and all paint in fact other than the malachite green. The restored chrome front was all in bits in the back when purchased and has all been buffed, polished and painted to new spec. We spent lots of hours researching and sourcing parts but really it's AdM we have to thank for its re-build. Will post pics tomorrow or after when the bonnet is on. We have a little Surprise with regards to the bonnet.

**jennie285** · 26-06-2015, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by hilta

Hi guys, this build looks fantastic, we are about to start our rebuild soon, there are so many questions I need to ask you guys! like how do you get the gearbox etc looking so good? ie do you sandblast it or pressure wash? the headlight holders? how the hell did you get them looking as new??? any help would be appreciated, like what cleaning chemicals to use etc also just one more thing, the interior! is that a new centre console or recycled? if recycled please tell me how. Better stop harassing you, love your work and hope you can let some of your secrets out! cheers Mark

Hello hilta. Headlight surrounds were painted and chrome was buffed. Gearbox was re conditioned, then painted etc. it's actually a five speed supre box. The bell housing had a crack in it so was repaired as well. The seats were re-covered the console was bought from a swap meet and painted the console armrest was also re covered by the same guy Elias in peakhust who did the door trims and hood lining. Absinth dash repairs sold us a dash fascia, and we bought the steering wheel from rares they do a good repro. I do have an original steering wheel but it needs to be painted so cheated and bought a new one. All the other bits were original and cleaned up door relief vents there is a thread I made under Ozbox workshop on how to clean these. The windscreen washer motor and brake booster and master cylinder were all sent away to be chromed. Lots of things aRe for sale at swap meets we do try to re cycle old Holden parts as fit better, and are more robust than repro. Good luck with your rebuild there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum.

**RodneyHZ253** · 27-06-2015, 10:59 AM

So I have just had an awesome experience by looking in the manual and have found the original owners who have photos on the wall of his garage, his wife is extatic and said he has been looking for this and wondered where it ended up. I have given her info about this forum so they can be part of the rebuild. Will post old pictures when I have some.

**hilta** · 27-06-2015, 12:06 PM

Thanks for your reply, excellent info cheers

**jennie285** · 27-06-2015, 03:35 PM

So this her in original condition

**Innuendo** · 27-06-2015, 04:29 PM

Salesman was my old boss Ron "Double" Cross

**Robbo** · 27-06-2015, 05:26 PM

I bought my sandman ute about a fortnight later, I wasn't the only one starting 1979 with a new holden.

**Big Rob** · 27-06-2015, 11:07 PM

I love the wheels that were on it originally. I'm surprised that someone isn't doing that style in an 18, 19 or 20".

**jennie285** · 28-06-2015, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Big Rob

I love the wheels that were on it originally. I'm surprised that someone isn't doing that style in an 18, 19 or 20".

They were not with the van when we got it, so we're either sold off or Kim has them somewhere. I think they are US racers. We also didn't have the lower grill. So now I am on the hunt for one.