Fitting out a panel van

[BlackstarUK]

Good morning all

I'm looking at a getting a 2018 T28 Highline panel to convert to a Kombi rather than pay the premium for someone else having already done it.

My question is.....does anyone know of a reputable firm in or near Manchester.... than can fit carpets / side windows / maybe reupholster the seats to leather ?
Would also be good to get a steer on cost

All replies appreciated

Thanks

 

[AJCConversions]

Hi,

We’re based in Glossop so not a million miles away and always happy to help or provide a quote.

Feel free to give me a call on 07723459872

Thanks Brandon

 

[t6blo]

Welcome.

My thought process was similar for my previous van as I wanted a Kombi and had no intention of converting to a campervan. So I bought a panel van, removed bulkhead and fitted side windows, genuine rear Kombi seats and belts and a single front passenger seat and base.

Rear seats, brackets, reinforcing plates and belts were approx £1000
Single front passenger captains seat with base was another £1000
Windows were approx £500

With other bits and bobs e.g. tools to take out the bulkhead it came to £2600 - fitted by someone would have added another £500-£1000.


With my current van I bought a factory Kombi as it still gets used the same and is still not a campervan. It was literally 3 years old to the day when I bought it and I estimate I paid approx £5K premium over a panel van of the exact same condition, spec, age and mileage.

So yes, it is slightly cheaper to buy a PV>Kombi over a factory Kombi.

But, for me, having done the conversion once I couldn’t stomach doing it again, so wanted to get a factory Kombi that was ready to go so the extra spend was more than worth it to me.

*I have left off the cost of deadening, insulating and carpet lining as I did this on both vans.

 

[DXX]

I’m fairly sure that there are some additional body stiffeners on a production Kombi and the rear bumper bar is longer. Basically safety features for passengers.

 

[Pedro20001]

I believe the rear bumper reinforcement is replaced with steel / alloy strengthener bar instead of polystyrene on a panel van

 

[david173]

According to this conversation I had a while back, elsewhere, they are seemingly not the same.

View attachment 136735

View attachment 136736

dont know how true this is but there was talk about additional reinforcement in the roof line

 

[Salty Spuds]

Good morning all

I'm looking at a getting a 2018 T28 Highline panel to convert to a Kombi rather than pay the premium for someone else having already done it.

My question is.....does anyone know of a reputable firm in or near Manchester.... than can fit carpets / side windows / maybe reupholster the seats to leather ?
Would also be good to get a steer on cost

All replies appreciated

Thanks

So you’re still going to pay someone to do the work, rather than save “proper” money & DIY. And at the end, you won’t have a Kombi, you’ll have a looky likee. In the big scheme of things, if all you’re going to save is a couple of grand, I’d buy a genuine factory Kombi. It will be worth more when you come to sell it.
Just my 2 penneth

 

[DXX]

I hate to raise it again but doesn’t the 60 / 70 MPH speed limit thing influence matters?

 

[t6blo]

So you’re still going to pay someone to do the work, rather than save “proper” money & DIY. And at the end, you won’t have a Kombi, you’ll have a looky likee. In the big scheme of things, if all you’re going to save is a couple of grand, I’d buy a genuine factory Kombi. It will be worth more when you come to sell it.
Just my 2 penneth

Yes, hadn't thought about resale. Good point.

I hate to raise it again but doesn’t the 60 / 70 MPH speed limit thing influence matters?

Oh lord not that big can o worms

The way I approach this (having driven commercial vehicles both at work and at home for many years) is the Type Approval on the V5.

N1 (Panel van, Kombi, 7.5t) = 50 A roads, 60 Dual carriageways, 70 Motorways
M1 (Shuttle) = same as a car 60 A roads, 70 Dual carriageways, 70 Motorways

I have no issue cruising along at 60 on a dual carriageway or 50 on an A road.

So PV>Kombi or Kombi would be the same.