HZ Kingswood Panel van - Project

[GNGBNG]

Hey people, long time viewer of the site, now the time has come to participate.
I came across this van at a mates property near Narrabri. It's been sitting in its current location for around 3 years, and prior to that sitting in someone else's shed for over 8 years out near Pilliga.
So because of these locations, the van has minimal rust from what I have been able to see.
Some of the details of the van:
1979 HZ Kingswood Panel van in Jasmine yellow (very faded) no windows, no sunroof.
253 V8
Column auto
Yellow needle GTS dash
That's about it.

I don't plan on making this a replica Sandman. I would rather restore it as it was, a Kingswood in its factory Jasmine yellow with a 253. I would though prefer a manual transmission floor shift, most likely a 5 speed.
And I want it lowered over some 15x7 & 15x8 GTS style steel wheels.

There is a lot of work ahead of me, and I would like to tackle as much of it myself.
Any way, it will be a slow project as i have little experience, and a young family, but I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time.

Here is one picture, I will add more tonight when I get on the home computer.

[HZSanFan]

Looks like the old girl is in good shape...except for the rear wheel or axle maybe? Make a great project...Just a suggestion but don't go too overboard on the modifications as they look great with factory optioned add on extras such as bucket seats, centre console and the such and will add extra value to the Van....Good Luck, great to see another classic saved!

[GNGBNG]

Rear axel is fine, someone took the rear wheel and just sat that one under the drum brake.
Don't worry, I like the factory look, so no custom trim, or fancy fit out in the rear.
I would like a HZ premier or statesman seats, consol and door trims though.

[Valencia]

Nice looking kinga jasmine yellow with GTS wheels cant go wrong with that combo
i had one the same years ago but in atlantis blue

[Frosty]

try buffing it

[Valencia]

try buffing it

Looks beyond that craig that paint has oxidised for sure

[GNGBNG]

Ok, found some more photos.

[GNGBNG]

Just to give you an idea of what kind of standard and style I like, here are two of my previous Holdens.
Wish I still had the HJ Monaro, 308 4 speed.
The WB Caprice was immaculate inside and out.

[thatotherguy]

great starting point,body looks nice and clean.

[HK1837]

That's the way to get them, factory V8 and not rusty.

I like the HJ's style, don't like the WB's wheels and too low for me. I reckon you should make the HZ van just like the HJ, looks cool. 15" rally rims will look good too.