Buying a Kombi that started out as a Panel. Pros/Cons?

[VanMan48]

Doing a reg search on a kombi I've seen for sale and it says it started out as a panel van. It doesn't state that in the ad, but I wondered if this a common thing these days where folk are getting panels and converting them? Anything to be mindful of?

Assume it should have an updated V5 saying number of seats etc and that the insurance company need to be told about the mods its had done to make it a kombi?

 

[StratosFearXX]

Yes there are loads of converted panel vans ... I'd want to be sure the rear seats had been fitted with the correct spreader plates underneath.

 

[Skyliner33]

One advantage is the windows won’t leak like a factory Kombi.

 

[T32Rich]

Doing a reg search on a kombi I've seen for sale and it says it started out as a panel van. It doesn't state that in the ad, but I wondered if this a common thing these days where folk are getting panels and converting them? Anything to be mindful of?

Assume it should have an updated V5 saying number of seats etc and that the insurance company need to be told about the mods its had done to make it a kombi?

I actually fell foul of this. Panel van converted to Kombi. Really nice job and super happy with the van itself but the V5 had not been updated from 2 to 5 seats (easy enough to do and from memory was £25 for replacement V5). Yes Insurance needed notifying about mods, which of course, put the price up, but overall I'm happy with what I have.

 

[DXX]

There’s no rear steel bumper bar on a panel van, no problem to retrofit though.
From what I’ve seen previously on the Forum there are more body stiffeners on a Kombi than a panel van.
Both points are relevant to passenger safety. The body bracing may have an influence on how many ‘creak’ points a pop top conversion will create.
One of the more rigid pop tops such as a Reimo Easi-Fit with a bonded ABS insert may be beneficial.

 

[Bav]

From what I've read, those in the know can easily differentiate a factory kombi from a converted PV and the factory version is definitely considered more desirable - probably due to the differences @DXX mentions. So, unless your van will be a long-term keeper, resale price and desirability may be a consideration.

It seems a bit off that the kombi conversion isn't mentioned in the ad (maybe the previous owner wasn't aware?), but it is something you can use as leverage in any negotiation.

 

[T32Rich]

There’s no rear steel bumper bar on a panel van, no problem to retrofit though.
From what I’ve seen previously on the Forum there are more body stiffeners on a Kombi than a panel van.
Both points are relevant to passenger safety. The body bracing may have an influence on how many ‘creak’ points a pop top conversion will create.
One of the more rigid pop tops such as a Reimo Easi-Fit with a bonded ABS insert may be beneficial.

Any idea where these additional braces would be fitted? The rear bumper might be something I'll check and there's also mention of C pillar strengthening for Seat Belt Anchors. The Seat in mine is all OEM kit and looks to be correct with relevant plates, but now I'm wondering about the rest

 

[Mixersmate]

My T6 started out as a panel van and was converted to a Kombi, the conversion company sent a letter along with the V5 change documentation to the DVLA explaining what work had been carried out (rear triple bench added, front double switch for single passenger captain) when I purchased, and when the new V5 arrived it was listed as a 5 seat. I've owned for almost 6 years and never had any issues with the converters work.

 

[DXX]

Thread 'Any structural difference between PV or Kombi??'

15 Nov 2021

Hi all, whilst scanning for an already converted camper or base van to convert a friend of mine suggested there may be a difference structurally between a panel van and something like a kombi/shuttle.
Obviously a Twinnie will be physically different to a single slider but is there any structural difference from a pv to kombi?

As the market is so volatile I’m Struggling to find the right camper so now looking for a base to convert/have converted…
I know there’s tonnes of threads for base vehicles but I couldn’t find one that answered this…. Any hints n tips gratefully received….

• JimDiesel
• Replies: 24
• Forum: Camper/Day Van Conversions

And quite a few others.
Have a Search this has been discussed many times.