The story of Glenn Swift's EH Holden panel van is a true legend in the world of street machining. It's a tale of hidden gems, lost opportunities, and the resurrection of a classic beauty.
Imagine driving down a freeway and spotting a forgotten XT Falcon, its body covered in a thick layer of dust. It's like discovering a hidden treasure, waiting to be awakened from its slumber. That's exactly how Glenn felt when he heard about an EH Holden panel van that had been dormant in a shed since 1981.
The Shed Find: A Mixture of Emotions
Glenn's initial reaction was one of skepticism. He had seen too many wrecks and was tired of restoring cars. But something about this van intrigued him, and he decided to take a closer look, trailer in tow.
And what a sight it was! After 15 long years, the van was finally pushed into the daylight. Covered in dust, with seized parts and rusty doors, it was a true shed find. But beneath that dusty exterior lay a solid, windowless panel van, just waiting to be brought back to life.
Restoration or Revolution?
Glenn's initial plan was to restore the van to its former glory. He painted it, reconditioned the six-cylinder engine, and even connected it to the three-on-the-tree transmission. But then, a moment of clarity struck.
"I thought, 'I'm not going to be happy with a six. I want a V8.' So that's what I did!"
And with that, the restoration took a revolutionary turn.
The V8 Transplant: A Whiz of a Job
Glenn sought advice from Rod at Rod's Rack & Conversions in Beaudesert. He decided to use a $500 VC V8 Commodore as a donor for the engine transplant, ensuring that his resto-custom pano would be an all-Holden affair.
The process was intricate. Rod adapted the EH column shift auto selector to the Trimatic transmission, creating a unique mechanism under the dash. The floor was raised to accommodate the gearbox, and the HR Holden crossmember with ball joint suspension was installed. The VN Commodore rear axle was narrowed, and the steering was updated with a front-mounted Commodore rack.
Engine Enhancements
The V8 engine received some love too. The bores were cleaned, new pistons were installed, and the heads were ported. A Crane cam and a balance job completed the engine improvements. A toothed belt-drive was added later, and a 2500rpm stally gave the van a bit more kick.
Exterior and Interior: A Blend of Classic and Custom
The exterior was painted in the original Balhanna Green, a commercial color used on vans and utes. The stripes, a vinyl addition, give the van a unique look that Glenn can easily change if he wishes. The GTS wheel trims add a touch of chrome, and the door handle guards provide a subtle lift.
Inside, the classic 60s appeal was preserved. The front seat was rebuilt and retrimmed to standard specs, and the door trims are the original 1960s pieces. The load area features a splatter-pattern paint job, and subtle updates include retractable seatbelts, a CD player, and a fire extinguisher.
The Underbelly: A Work of Art
Glenn's most challenging task was detailing the undercarriage. Lying on his back, he cut through sound deadener, creating a true work of art. It was a month-long process, but the result is a testament to his skill and dedication.
The Drive: A Universal Appeal
The best part, according to Glenn, is the driving experience. The van handles beautifully, and people of all ages love it. Except for one old grump who swore at Glenn for putting in a V8. But what does he know?
A Man and His Marque
Glenn's love for EHs runs deep. His uncle inspired him with his EH station wagon, and at 19, he owned a hot EH sedan with triple SU carbs. He's wrecked and restored several EHs, keeping every part for future projects.
"I've always been into EHs. I think I was about eight when I knew I was going to work on them."
And work on them he does. Glenn recently acquired an immaculate EH sedan, and he's already planning to get stuck into another restoration project.
So, there you have it, a tale of a man and his EH, a shed find turned street machine, and a V8 transplant that sparked controversy and admiration alike. What do you think? Is this the ultimate resto-custom pano, or does it stray too far from the original? Let us know in the comments!
