Kombi Edition conversion upgrade and learning curve.

[T6Kombi-exec]

After admiring so many and saying one day for a couple of decades I decided now was the right time. I needed to buy a vehicle that was TAX efficient. Although my ideal, Caravelles were out as they could not be classed as commercial, at least for my purpose. I knew it was only weeks before the 6.1 was launching but I wanted to get one and I liked the look of both T6 and T6.1. So in December I took the plunge with a new T6 Kombi Edition DSG. I had tried the local dealerships to attempt to keep local but eventually my £28,075.00 plus £5,615.00 VAT went to Nationwide Cars LTD. This was a hell of a saving off list and that was so important, especially knowing that this base vehicle was only the beginning of my T6 Journey.
So I have my new Vee Dub and already starting to order parts and book in upgrade fittings. So i intend to post regular through my Journey.

 

[RyanGerry]

Welcome mate, I can’t fault mine, it makes me smile every time I drive it

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

Welcome mate, I can’t fault mine, it makes me smile every time I drive it

Now lockdown is easing, i am managing to get a few more miles in and I must admit i am loving it.

 

[Apretext]

We love our edition Kombi, just got it booked in for its conversion

 

[RyanGerry]

We haven’t converted ours, I just had Caravelle floor rails and seats fitted. However, the rear bench turns into a bed so me and my boy tried it for the first time last night and it was surprisingly comfy with an Ikea mattress topper.

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

We haven’t converted ours, I just had Caravelle floor rails and seats fitted. However, the rear bench turns into a bed so me and my boy tried it for the first time last night and it was surprisingly comfy with an Ikea mattress topper.

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Looks like you've had a great night, glad to hear the bed with a topper was comfy.

 

[Deaky]

We haven’t converted ours, I just had Caravelle floor rails and seats fitted. However, the rear bench turns into a bed so me and my boy tried it for the first time last night and it was surprisingly comfy with an Ikea mattress topper.

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How did you get the extra length on the bed without a multiflex board?

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

Job 1 completed, additional door seals fitted . Very easy job and very effective for sorting that tinny sound when slammingthe door shut. Under a tenner delivered-from eBay

 

[RyanGerry]

How did you get the extra length on the bed without a multiflex board?

So we used the two single seats, folded them flat and put a box in the middle, it was comfortable for outside the house and one night but I need invest in a multiflex board

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

Job number 2 underway .
Fitting fake rear windows with blackout from van style. Not a difficult task and for £115 i think it gets a little closer to The Caravelle look I like. Took a couple hours but I like it.

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

Job 3 - Today I have fitted my OEM cycle carrier so that I can keep the bike out of the cab from now on. Also booked in with Oxford T5 for Caravelle rails install in a couple of weeks so need to get ready for no bike zone anyway.

 

[Jayjmac]

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Job number 2 underway . View attachment 71351
Fitting fake rear windows with blackout from van style. Not a difficult task and for £115 i think it gets a little closer to The Caravelle look I like. Took a couple hours but I like it.

learnt something new today! Didn’t even know this was a thing until I read this!! Were they easy to install?

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

Yes very easy, items arrived by courier 2 days after I ordered them, I watched a fitting video online from vanstyle ( the firm I bought them from) before fitting them as I am not a great competent DIYer. It looked straight forward so I made a start- flowed the instruction and 2 hrs later all done. Very pleased with myself. Even the wife commented that it looked like I knew what I was doing. Haha

 

[Jayjmac]

Yes very easy, items arrived by courier 2 days after I ordered them, I watched a fitting video online from vanstyle ( the firm I bought them from) before fitting them as I am not a great competent DIYer. It looked straight forward so I made a start- flowed the instruction and 2 hrs later all done. Very pleased with myself. Even the wife commented that it looked like I knew what I was doing. Haha

Looks really good! I’m thinking about it it’s one of those things I’ve got to have a think about though as once it’s in that’s it..

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

So been busy with sound deadening and getting ready for seat rails, new side bars , painted trims and brake calipers.

 

[T6Paul]

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Job number 2 underway . View attachment 71351
Fitting fake rear windows with blackout from van style. Not a difficult task and for £115 i think it gets a little closer to The Caravelle look I like. Took a couple hours but I like it.

I’m 90% sure I’m going to do this to mine. How does the colour match the other windows? It is obvious they are fake? Your photos look smart, have you tinted any of the door windows ?

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

I’m 90% sure I’m going to do this to mine. How does the colour match the other windows? It is obvious they are fake? Your photos look smart, have you tinted any of the door windows ?

I haven't tinted my original windows yet as i am waiting for the van to be completed in all other internals before i do, as in my past experience it (tinting film) scratches quite easily. There is no way you can tell they are fake until you are in the van , they look just 100% black out original wondows. so when i increase the other tints at the end they will look all just limo tint.

 

[vwski]

is your caravelle seat conversion expensive or difficult to do? either the seat cost or fitting? thanks

 

[T6Kombi-exec]

is your caravelle seat conversion expensive or difficult to do? either the seat cost or fitting? thanks

I have had the rails and seats fitted using Colin at @VWVC (Previously OXFORD T5) at a cost of £5000. He took in part exchange my almost new rubber Kombi floor and triple seat bench at £500 so I paid £4500. He fitted the Caravelle floor at an acceptable level of competence but as he cut and joined bits of old floors (the floors were from twin sliders to fit my single slider) it does not give a factory or one piece floor finish. I have found it to be not great finishing in my opinion resulting in my having to replace the floor at an extra cost of £1200. He did supply two middle seats and a rear bench(bed) in cloth finish in that price and they were all of a good quality (although i plan on having them recovered along with the two front captain chairs to my spec).
So in short , Its not cheap , its not exemplary finishing but this wouldn't stop me recommending him as a competent fitter.

 

[vwski]

Thank you. Interesting read with honest comments by the sound of it