Newbie Conversion Questions

[khblue]

Hi,
Hope I'm in the right forum, if not please point me somewhere else.

We're about to have twins and still want a couple of spare seats, so need a six seat vehicle.
I can't afford a Peugeot Expert Teepee ! So I'm looking at converting, or buying a converted van, possibly Transit.

I didn't realise how mind bending this was going to be, so I've lots of questions.

What are the different vehicle license classifications that I could use for a 3 seat to 6 seat converted van ?
If I buy a converted van, and the license already says '6 seats' will I still have to get an IVA in April 2012 ?
What do rear windows have to do with anything, it seems they have an effect ?
If I buy a 2005 van with a conversion using non-M1 classification seats will I have to get them replaced in 2012 ?
How would I know if it was a factory built 6 seater or a conversion (assuming that I didn't trust the seller) ?
Do I still need documentation for the insurer even though it was converted when I bought it ?
Which insurer can I phone to get clear answers and a sensible approach ?

Please help, I hope you can see where I'm at and give useful advice. I thought this was going to be a cheaper route to a 6 seater small van and it's starting to explode my head.

Thanks
Kevin

khblue

Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:34 pm

[MinorMatt]

Why not get a tourneo and take the rear seats out?

[khblue]

Thanks,

Definitely one of the options, though not cheap and the bodies seem to disintegrate.

There are things like low mileage Sudo/Expert/Dispatch wheelchair conversions that go cheaply, but come with having to figure out all the legal issues.

[pedracer]

I own a 5 seat vw t4, it was supplied to the aa in that spec, registered as a "diesel car". TBH it's far superior to transits, in build and handling. but you pay relatively huge money for them. Having said that, 44mpg at 70mph on the motorway, and 35mpg when towing or driving "with spirit" somwhat softened the purchase price.
There may be aa/rac transit versions out there with 5 seats, they use a multitude of different vehicles now.

[AlanN]

Theres a forum for those little things.

[furnitureman]

I converted mine to a 7 seat end of last year I contacted insurance (NFU) no problems with them then I contacted dvla all they asked was were the seats I fitted ford and with either built in or separate seat belts then asked for some pictures they also like the van to have windows I got the v5 back and it was altered too 7 seats panel van with windows hope this helps have a look at my post viewtopic.php?f=27&t=78871