Andyg wrote:BZN22 wrote:Andyg wrote:
Do you bother with seatbelts(for example)
New minivans have to be imported with fitted seatbelts, whereas old ones which were manufactured with seat belt as an option, have to install their seatbelts
Ok, but that was an example requirement
What exactly are you asking though
In 2003 my panel van was converted to an eight seater minibus (for private use) with the necessary permission of the local transport authority. Few months ago, a asked permission to increase the seating capacity to twelve, provided that I will produce a certificate by a compitent engineer. This was done accordingly. The engineer wrote in his report that my van can carry up to 15 passengers, so I can apply for a permission of having a seating capacity of 15. I applied for a 15 seater conversion, and was given the go ahead by word of mouth. I changed all seats to three point seatbelt seats and fitted a total of fifteen seats.
Meanwhile after doing all conversion, the person incharge at the transport authority is objecting that although the van was fitted with original windows and seats, it MAY NOT be safe as a minibus. This was said on the assumption that the producer produces different roof structure and chassis for panel vans and minibuses.
I am seeking an official answer to this question: Are the chasis and the roof structure the same for a panel van and a minibus. The local transport authorities seems not having the required information. They are only assuming. I have to produce an official reply. My local Ford agent (in MALTA) is saying that is not compitent of giving this answer.
Is there any help??????? Can I get any official answer from Ford UK that the roof structure and chasis are the same for a panel van and a minibus? By the way - - the van was bought as a panel van from the UK and brought over to Malta. Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks
BZN22
