New Year

Ok starting off the new year with a couple hours work on the Madman. Nothing special on the to do list.. so here goes.


Windscreen out, bonnet off - all on my own as well!



I saw this rust early in the piece, it's good to actually get access to it now.



Couldn't get around to removing the front, that'll be next job.





Finally got the tailgate off. Top was original, but rusted to hell. Bottom is in good condition, but a repro.

I'd like to identify the purpose of this hole and bevel. I'll ask the experts.

Original colour showing through - can't wait for the blasting process.

Ok, started removing the LPG gear and things got messy.

The carby will need a good clean up don't you think?





Just below the cowl, anyone know what these holes are for?

Wadaya Know?

Hey it's going to be 35 degrees today, what better way to spend it than crawling around in a tin shed in a metal car! It's was only going to be a quick trip to pull out the side windows, wiring and lights. Also the scariest bit was meeting Wayne, the man I am selling a kidney for to pay for his skilled work.

The first thing he did when stepping out of his car was look at the side of the car and sucked air in through his teeth, wow always an expensive sign!

Anyway after about an hour kicking, picking and poking all the panels, we've decided to get the shell ready for blasting. I have to remove the doors - they are beyond help, tailgate and front end.

I have a gas fuel system if anyone wants it - that'll be fun pulling it out. Anyway a couple more interesting things cropped up while I was tinkering today, the photos will explain.

How the hell did this car even run with the wiring harness cooked well done?

Sean from Fastlane sent me some interesting brochure scans of the HJ. He also mentioned the car never came with chrome taillight surrounds! How interesting, because every photo reference I have gathered so far has the surrounds fitted, even on HJ and HX models. So I'm glad these can go - they are not even a matching pair, both are original Holden parts, but look closely and you'll see the difference, they even weigh different.

Grille off, and Wayne tells me he wants the whole front end off. How did anyone restore cars before the internet is beyond me.

Side windows out, much easier than I expected - thanks Mr flathead screwdriver.

She's had some damage here in the past, been bogged and fiberglassed.

Tailgate to be replaced. The bottom door is a repro, so it's more evidence this car had a rear ender prior to its current paint job.

Cancer of the car. this whole cowl will get replaced, I'll remove it and hopefully everything below is copacetic.

Letters & Numbers

Just thought I would provide some data on the car itself. It's amazing what a compliance plate, VIN and Body tag numbers will provide about the making of the car.

I will get back in contact with the seller, and see if he has any specific history of the car.

VIN - 8M70RFL3xxxxJ

M - Commercial vehicle
70 - Panelvan
R - Engine 4.2lt
F - Year 1976
L3 - GMH Adelaide Plant, Elizabeth
J - HJ Series

Trim Code is 1898-19V - Black

Paint code - 567-15944 - Deauville Blue Metallic

Transmission - M20 - Aussie 4 Speed Manual

GU4 - Rear Axel ratio - 3.08:1

Engine L32 - High Compression 253

There's a bit of a question at the moment if the dash fascia should be black (like trim code) or silver, as a couple people have mentioned that the HQ and HJ models have. Something we'll have to investigate.

Merry Christmas

The presents are under the tree, turkey in the oven and beer in the fridge.. time to work on the Madman.
Went to the shed today and rolled her out. Time to rip out the head lining, pull out the seats and get the dash out too.

The car has had a few mods to it over the years, LPG conversion, stereo and alarm system just to name a few. What has been bugging me these past few weeks is the missing air vent just to the right of the glove box. Once again Warren from Fastlane told me that there were a couple models - forced ventilation and non. Non forced ventilation did not have the additional vents that I have seen, only far left and far right. Weird right?! Anyway this might cause some problems later, because I might need a whole new dash fascia. We'll see.

The crash pad has been relined, so I got the kids working on pulling off the old vinyl to reveal lots of glue and a pretty decent looking crash pad with only 2 minor cracks that can be fixed.



The blue headlining had to go, we need to clean the interior and look for rust.



As can be seen here, water has been leaking in through the side window seals, it's just surface rust at the moment, but left any longer and it would be bad news.





The roof is in great condition.



Getting the seats and dash out was the most rewarding. I got to see even more detail and a bit of history about the car. The dash has been off before, as evidenced by screws that were the wrong type, the bonnet release handle had been broken and moved to just below its original location - riveted in. Oh and it's confirmed, the sunroof leaks.

But she looks all bare and naked - my bare naked lady.













Hey! It's the original GMH speaker still intact and working.





The radio bracket has been hacked beyond help, this will be a part I'll have to find a replacement for.







Anyone got a good auto electrician? I got some work for him ha!

Research

Ok so where did she come from? It's always been tough to identify a real Sandman. GM Holden do not have records, because the manufacturing was done pre computer era so much of the data was discarded or lost in paper work.

The best method I found was through a great website run by some really knowledgeable guys. Firstly I came across Monaroparts which lead onto Fastlane - A huge thanks to Warren and Byron that regularly provide critical info.

Well the quickest way I could id this Sandman was the VIN, Comp plate and Tyre Placard in the glove box, plus the interior light buttons mounted in the door.

At first look the car has been repainted from its original Deauville Blue Metallic it's got funky tadpole blue flames - yea nah that's just not gonna work!

But before it goes off to the shed, it's time for a couple photos.. oh yea and a hero shot!







You'll notice the short centre console, this is a replacement console from a column shift model, also the dark blue door trim. The trim colour is 1898-19V which should be black. Obviously this car has had some changes through her life. We'll uncover some more.