HX Sandman project.

[wbute]

Well I guess I might start on my ute. It’s got some rust and I tossed up doing a body swap. There are no good value bodies about it seems. So I am going to change the left quarter first. I started to repair it but I reckon that it’s going to be easier and better to just swap it with a Rares one.
This is new to me, never having pulled a welded on panel off before. I am hoping it goes ok. I bought a spot weld drill and a set of panel chisels.
This is on a budget of nothing so I have to try and do it all my self. The time frame is hopefully not too long. I think I bought it in about 06/07 so I guess I haven’t rushed into yet anyway. $600 for a Sandman ute rolling shell at the time.

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[maxsandman]

Good on you for starting the project, WBute.

I know its probably already been posted on the site, but out of interest and continuity for your thread, could you put up the original specs of your ute, please.

Maybe a wish list of parts you are looking for......

good luck with the build
cheers
Max

[wbute]

Good on you for starting the project, WBute.

I know its probably already been posted on the site, but out of interest and continuity for your thread, could you put up the original specs of your ute, please.

Maybe a wish list of parts you are looking for......

good luck with the build
cheers
Max

It’s Deauville Blue, 253, 4 speed. 18V slate black trim. 3:36 diff.
I don’t have the engine or gearbox that matches it. I am not going to stick to closely to original I don’t think. It will be as per factory on the outside but I have a308 and 4 speed for it that a mate donated. I really want to go with a fuel injected 5 litre though, sort of 90’s retro tech. I am not certain I want slate black seats either. My WB is down the original line and I don’t really want two exactly the same. Oh I have a full factory AC system for it too.
I hopefully have everything thing I need here, except I have to actually get the motor and box from Dubbo yet.

- - - Updated - - -

It will take some time, so be patient, you will have to use the cutoff wheel at bottom of 1/4 to remove from sill.
There is not really enough room to drill out from the inside.
And again reattaching the new 1/4 to sill is difficult, hard to get your head and welding helmet down from the inside at the same time.
Have always wondered how the assembly sequence went in the factory.
Enjoy the rebuild.

Thanks for the tip! I am just working it out as I go. I was wondering what I was going to find along he sill.

[Sandaro]

Good work WB. Nice colour combo with the stripes you got

[Kiwivan]

Looking forward to progress pictures

Cheers Kiwivan

[Valencia]

Good to see you start i know the feeling only to well its a daunting task can only go forward from here

[stickthis]

About bloody time

[Robbo_NZ]

It will take some time, so be patient, you will have to use the cutoff wheel at bottom of 1/4 to remove from sill.
There is not really enough room to drill out from the inside.
And again reattaching the new 1/4 to sill is difficult, hard to get your head and welding helmet down from the inside at the same time.
Have always wondered how the assembly sequence went in the factory.
Enjoy the rebuild.

[damienengland]

Nice one wbute! $600 for a Sandman ute is a pretty good deal.

[playwme]

I’ve got a HX ute parts car sitting on the farm. I’ll try to remember to get some pictures in case you need any little patch panels. Can never remember if the body is any good.