Is my hj a real sandman

[Mixtevns]

Hi I'm I've been researching a panel van that has been in my family for the last 15 years and now I own I've been to a lot of different stories on how to tell if its a real sandman but I'm still none the wiser just confused it doesn't have xx7 or xu3 on the tags but is a factory v8 2 seater with gts options it has a full roof lining with the factory hooks at the back where the hood lining attaches to has arm rest on the doors which I've been told is only in sandmans. I no it was built I'm Melbourne and I've been told they didn't make them there? I d also been told its an ambulance pack which I have no idea what that means its a 253 with a 4 speed on the floor the tyre plaquard says it has 14 inch wheels
Model: HJ8WM70
Body: 181833-A no idea what this means
Trim: 1898-19V
Paint: 567-15944 deville blue
L32. M20. GU4
GVM: 1950kg
Seats: 2. 3/76
BHJ13519M
And chasis matches any help would b really appreciated so I can once and for all no if its the real deal or not

[HK1837]

It most likely is. Won't be an Ambulance with 1950kg GVW. The only other thing it may be but which is very unlikely is a HJ Holden van with option code B30 (comfort package) which gives you carpet and full length headlining, but these are VERY few and far between. I'd be 99% sure it is a Sandman but you can't tell from those ID plates. The only thing that a Sandman will have that the Holden van can't is a console, so if it has factory front and rear console brackets (not welded on afterwards) it will be a Sandman.

Can you post up the VIN? Will be close to 8M70RFJ5144xxJ. It will help me resolve a fair few cars around it. I have one with BODY number 181834-A, and some VIN digits missing so yours will help me nail it down. Plus a few others around it.

181833-A is the Elizabeth, Adelaide body plant body sequence number. The hard trimmed and painted HJ van bodies were shipped to Dandenong and Pagewood for assembly.

[Mixtevns]

Thanks heaps that's the best info I've had yet it does have factory console brackets 8M70RFJ514304J thanks again

[Mixtevns]

So the one u have came of the production line after the one I've got so is the van u have a real sandman ?

[HK1837]

Yes it is, but it wasn't on the assembly line straight after yours. These two were assembled on the Dandenong (Melbourne) assembly line, but the bodies were constructed, painted and hard trimmed in the Elizabeth (Adelaide) body plant. They most likely were consecutive at the Elizabeth body plant, but unless they are the same colour or trim it is unlikely they followed each other through the Elizabeth paint process. I don't know what criteria put them in order at Dandenong, possibly paint colour as the guards, nose and bonnet were painted there, but it could also be other factors like trim, driveline or simply delivery time requirement. Remember these would have gone down the Dandenong line with Toranas. Dandenong only did ute, van and tonner in HJ, mainly utes and tonners which would be something like 85% of their HJ production.

[Mixtevns]

Ok cool thanks your a wealth of Info cheers mate I'm in the process of a full resto at the moment hoping to have it completed towards end of the year

[Mixtevns]

Hi hk1837 how can I tell if I have the original motor still in my sandman any ideas ?

[HK1837]

Hi hk1837 how can I tell if I have the original motor still in my sandman any ideas ?

If it has QR721977 in it it is the original engine.

[adam perth]

has it got black or white stripes? as deaville blue had the choice of either colour

[HK1837]

has it got black or white stripes? as deaville blue had the choice of either colour

White was the stripe colour for HJ in 1898 Adam. If you wanted black you optioned XY5, same as all other colours.