Any structural difference between PV or Kombi??

[JimDiesel]

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….

 

[Deaky]

The body shells are the same, but as you say all Kombi’ s will have twin sliders and tailgate

 

[DXX]

Kombi can be a single slider.
PV have a bulkhead.
Kombi and Shuttle have the steel rear bumper bar under the plastic, PV doesn’t.

 

[Skyliner33]

Kombi can be a single slider.
PV have a bulkhead.
Kombi and Shuttle have the steel rear bumper bar under the plastic, PV doesn’t.

PV usually have bulkhead.
My PV doesn't have bulkhead from factory.

 

[Paynewright]

The PV with bulkhead has a metal attachment lip on the floor and B pillars that is spot welded in. This will need removing if you take the bulkhead out permanently.

The other thing I have read is that there is a difference between OEM and aftermarket window appertures. The blacked out perimeter on aftermarket glass does not hide all of the OEM apperture steelwork.

PVs dont have the seatbelt anchors in the rear though OEM anchor plates can be added, albeit a bit fiddly to insert in places.

 

[Ads_Essex]

Did I read somewhere that Kombi’s have the underfloor brackets already welded in place so seats can be fitted?

 

[Paynewright]

The extra plates are only pop riveted in place under my 9 seat window van.

 

[MikeB]

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

 

[Gavinda]

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

Being built on the same line as the passenger variants probably explains why kombis come ready for 3rd row seat belts.

 

[DXX]

I wonder if the difference in body rigidity between passenger and PV comes into play when a pop top is installed?

 

[Skyliner33]

I wonder if the difference in body rigidity between passenger and PV comes into play when a pop top is installed?

I was thinking that as well.

 

[mmi]

Body builder guidelines - BodybuilderDatabase

Chapter 3.1.3 Modifications to the roof of panel van/window van

 

[DXX]

Body builder guidelines - BodybuilderDatabase

Chapter 3.1.3 Modifications to the roof of panel van/window van

I doubt many converters have read this 240 page doc’.

 

[Spazpecker]

Ah well, I've ordered a PV and im fitting caravelle rails so who knows!

 

[benp1]

That info on the body shell is interesting. There must be different part numbers for that then?

 

[rod_vw]

A Kombi has rear seat belt mountings built into the 'B' pillars where a PV doesn't. Other differences as per comments about partitions and roof line reinforcement etc. as above.

 

[rod_vw]

Ah well, I've ordered a PV and im fitting caravelle rails so who knows!

As above, you may not have all of the seat belt fittings for the rear seats. After market belt threaded plates are available but always dubious if they are actually legal within the construction and use regulations.

 

[Spazpecker]

As above, you may not have all of the seat belt fittings for the rear seats. After market belt threaded plates are available but always dubious if they are actually legal within the construction and use regulations.

Im fitting swb rails for 2 swivels with the belts attached. So I Don't need any body fixings for belts. By far the best way for me to get a flexible space, seating for 4 and loads of options

 

[rod_vw]

Im fitting swb rails for 2 swivels with the belts attached. So I Don't need any body fixings for belts. By far the best way for me to get a flexible space, seating for 4 and loads of options

That's good, for your own peace of mind ensure that the rails are fitted correctly to the floor / chassis. Heaven forbid a front end collision could tear the seats from the floor/rails. complete with a passenger.
My own Reimo 333 seats are fitted to Reimo rails that are bolted through the floor and bracketed around a chassis cross member with the original Reimo fittings.

 

[Spazpecker]

That's good, for your own peace of mind ensure that the rails are fitted correctly to the floor / chassis. Heaven forbid a front end collision could tear the seats from the floor/rails. complete with a passenger.
My own Reimo 333 seats are fitted to Reimo rails that are bolted through the floor and bracketed around a chassis cross member with the original Reimo fittings.

I've bought a caravelle system and have removed it myself so I know where to refill it to the floor. Easy enough. All vw aswell.