WAV Wheelchair restraint removal

[Karina_T]

Doh, updated link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cf_UvIvgbUc/ - sorry.

I'm about to embark on exactly the same process and would love to see what you've done.
The Instagram link sadly doesn't work for me though. Any ideas?

I just made my first post above. Looking for a solution to the ramp removal process.

So...... the long and short of it seems to be that you can't remove the ramp and leave the hinge in place? Meaning that the ramp itself must be chopped off?
I'm wondering if a different pivot might be fitted along the chopped bumper to give it structural integrity but.... looking at the mechanic's advice in this thread, I get the idea of the structural integrity afforded by the ramp itself.
Shame as I'd have liked to have hung onto that in case of moving amps/gear around when doing band trips.

I can't see that counting as a modification - my new ride is insured as having WAV body mods already - to answer someone else's question I got decent priced insurance approx £650 via Elephant even though I'm not a wheelchair user - no blue badge.
Then I had to retax it as a standard diesel car. So another £165 for the year.

Already learning tons - just a shame it's so close to Christmas or I'd be out there on the floor already! It's going to have to wait till next week - in the meantime I guess I might take an aged relative out for a spin with her mobiltiy scooter!

[Karina_T]

Also....

Just came across these couple of videos that folk might find useful.

The first is of Allied Motors - how they convert the Tourneo in the first place - showing the dropped floor construction etc.
https://youtu.be/5Q1NDYvTUUA

and this is how Auto Campers have converted a WAV Tourneo (like mine) into a WAV campervan.
Most intriguing is their 'suspended bed' design... I like the idea of the slatted alu and rails to go across the van.
https://youtu.be/v0LWxI45ClI

I'm full of enthusiasm but also daunted by the prospect of the road ahead.
I previously 'converted' my exAA T4 as a part time camper and I can still remember the quantity of info I had to digest before getting out the toolbox. And that didn't require any ramp removal.... Hey ho.

[Karina_T]

And my final question for today is:

Has anyone removed the internal trim in their Tourneo to add insulation? Not just sound insulation but thermal?
In my T4 I used sheeps wool in the cavity walls and hemp in the roof (all came from Amdro conversions as a pack) and it was snug in the cold and cool in the summer.
The new bus is terribly ringy which I assume means it's basically hollow.

I'm guessing the roof lining may be my biggest challenge. Is there much space above for example?

Final thing - winch and wiring removal - I guess I could do this when I remove the interior trim?

Sorry to bombard with a million questions as once. There will be more!

[Karina_T]

Doh, updated link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cf_UvIvgbUc/ - sorry.

Hi Stephen,

Alas this link isn't working for me - any ideas? I'm keen to find as many pics as possible before I start with the angle grinder!

Karina.

[5quirrel]

I've moved the photos to a google drive if that works for you: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/157S4Z-FTtTnxKMgY2bkJAt2JYdNX-Ukc?usp=sharing

Stephen

[Karina_T]

Really helpful photographic record of your conversion. Thanks so much.

[CreedThoughts]

Hi Jake.

Did you get a reply or any DM's to this? Or did you make any progress on your own? I am in exactly the same boat the minute for almost exactly the same purpose of use.
Cheers.

Hi all,

Just about to purchase 2017 Ford custom Tourneo independence 2.0 diesel SWB with the rear wheel chair ramp and lowered middle floor basically due to the very low miles, age and price.

I am buying the vehicle to use as an everyday van for me and my family not for any disability use, is this allowed ?. How did you guys go about insuring the vehicle ?. Going through Go Compare for example, when entering Reg it classes the Van as a Car (M1) vehicle as its a disability vehicle. Should I change anything or just insure as its saying has anyone else come across this?.
Also Can anyone tell me what they did with insurance Regarding modifying the vehicle by removing ramp ?.

Long term I will remove the ramp and fit upholstered plyboard across the rear floor of the van to remove the awquard lowered floor. Is weight in the back anything to be concerned about ? what sort of weight have people had in the back of these once the ramp is removed ?. I get out and about so will be hauling push bikes, surfboards, tents and may occasionally stick a mattress down and have a night away.

Thankyou all

Regards

Jake

[wilf1234]

Hi guys

Old thread I know, but I just wondered if these mobility conversions have any other major alterations in addition to the ramp. Is the suspension altered or lowered, and is there a smaller fuel Tank etc, or are they simply a normal van with a ramp cut into the floor..

If anyone has any photos of how the ramp 'stump' needs to be welded, that would be really useful.

Thanks muchly

[virtualp]

@5quirrel Thank so much for your pictures, really helps me understand what the challenge ahead might be

Im looking at a 2019 Tourneo with Ramp which has 50k / £15k (lwb) - which to me sounds pretty good.
We need a 'rear' seat for our little one, and dont want her all the way back on some rock and rolla.

The end result would be a couple of bench seats to the rear, which convert into a bed. Some basic kitchen stuff and a pop top for the little one to sleep in.
Anyone see any major issues before i take the leap of faith into this (never done a conversion of any sort before in my life!)

Any help, ideas, or warnings, really appreciated!

Thanks