I have a nice sedan which I have owned since new for 12 years. Its a V6 3.5 litre Magna. As it has only 139k on the clock and no rust, I don't want to get rid of it. Even though it is not really a travellers' or trade car.

So in the spirit of this link;

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=jiQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA142&lpg=PA142&dq=sedan+car++bed+conversion&source=bl&ots=7wmu8Gd0ne&sig=WaXqY-jjOjY9gz8fZRMDKAnWYto&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wWpvUZmyDemOigfGqoGgDQ&ved=0CGQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=sedan%20car%20%20bed%20conversion&f=false

(I don't know how to add a proper link) 

I pulled out the back seat and added a deck. I can still carry a passenger in the front and have 200CM of length space from the boot to the back of the front seats. If I want to sleep in it I can slide one panel forward (with the front seat forward) behind the passenger side which then gives me 240CM. It's only for the odd one or two nights or carrying tools. Its 16mm craftwood and seems OK to carry my weight (100kg) without extra support. I have cut it in neat so no permanent fixing was required. The frame behind the seats is nailed together, but just sits in position. I would sleep with my head behind the passenger seat and my legs going into the boot. I won't be rolling over during the night, but it allows me to stretch out flat. I will only use a thin mattress or similiar. Also removing the back seat allows the front seats to recline almost horizontal, when the frame is removed. 

-- Edited by arthur on Thursday 27th of March 2014 04:20:20 PM

-- Edited by arthur on Thursday 27th of March 2014 04:24:55 PM

The book!

Good to see you are up to date with your reading

Bugger me  .. Is that a 1942 book?

I have made up a bed in the back of the Patrol. ...

Remove the 2nd & 3rd rows of seats

Push the passenger seat right forward with the back rest in the full forward position

slab of ply over the 2nd row of seat foot well (a tool box provides support).

Drop down a foam mattress that is stored on its side along the cabin side behind the driver.

All the gear goes into the 2 man tent outside, or under the lean to along the side of the truck.

Hang an LED light & old trannie from the grab handles

A couple of old doonas & favorite pillow &  I'm set for the night in any weather.

chopit wrote:

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A very neat job. Well done.
Not wishing to be a wet blanket but would the wallopers frown on altering the seating capacity.?( removing seat)
I have thought to remove the rear seat in out twin cab for more storage space.
I haven't done it in case some "powers that be" deem it an unauthorised modification.
Anyone able to enlighten me ?
Cheers

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 Don't know if it's legal or not, but I took out the third row in 1999 just like  the previous, original owner had done too.  They're in the back shed under a pile of junk.  I hope the bolts are still there.

I always take out the second row when traveling with the van & no passengers.

chopit wrote:

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A very neat job. Well done.
Not wishing to be a wet blanket but would the wallopers frown on altering the seating capacity.?( removing seat)
I have thought to remove the rear seat in out twin cab for more storage space.
I haven't done it in case some "powers that be" deem it an unauthorised modification.
Anyone able to enlighten me ?
Cheers

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Yep unauthorised modification as your compliance plate probably says ADR category NA and 5 seats,,, and so it should remain unless approved mod.

That's the way the system works. 

Delta18 wrote:

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The book!

Good to see you are up to date with your reading

 

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 Wow, thanks Arthur and Neil, that made interesting reading !!

Nice job Arthur.

Thanks for the compliments on the job.

Baz421 wrote:

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Yep unauthorised modification as your compliance plate probably says ADR category NA and 5 seats,,, and so it should remain unless approved mod.

 

 Oh fudge! 

arthur wrote:

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Baz421 wrote:

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Yep unauthorised modification as your compliance plate probably says ADR category NA and 5 seats,,, and so it should remain unless approved mod.

 

 Oh fudge! 

-- Edited by arthur on Friday 28th of March 2014 09:04:19 AM

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 Don't worry about it Arthur, you've done a great job and as it's not a structural, power or safety alteration, it's fine. The number of seats is to stop putting more people in the vehicle that it's registered for, not for less. it's the same with a bus a friend of ours has, it's registered for 57 seats and 28 standing, he took all the seats out but 4 and carries lots of stuff to markets and sales in it. Took it to the rego people and they told him they didn't care how many seats he took out, as long as he didn't carry any more than the compliance plate and they were the original seats. If he wanted to put in new seats, he would need them inspected, so he left them in.

This is what I had for my Outlander Arthur, I didn't have to remove the seats as they folded forward enough and the Outlander had a tail gate for the mattress etc.   

See; http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t51371068/new-toy-mitsubishi-outlander-rear-end-tent/ 

I have sold that now and the rear end tent etc and have just bought a 2012 auto Hyundai Imax van which I am in the process of making a "Sleeper" I will not call it a campervan as it will only have minor changes to the interior.

I have removed the rear seats, put additional carpet on the flat floor, and have had a 100amp Redarc dual battery system in and an auxiliary battery for my Evakool Portable fridge, also has a two ciggy sockets on the battery case so I can use a fan or other item as well.  The aux is fitted behind the passenger seat next to where the Evakool will sit also.

I bought a wooden single bed from Good Samaritans for $40 which I strengthened a bit and added some extra slats which I have three access points to (two sides and rear).  In the process of fitting curtains for some privacy at the moment (some left over from my first home made camper from over 30 years ago, LOL) and some café curtains I bought from Spotlight.

Other than some storage boxes and carrying a portable gas stove for cooking, camping chair and table which I already had that will be about all I am doing with it, also doubles as my home run about vehicle, minus the bed and portable fridge until needed to save fuel.

One good thing about the Imax (and ILoad) is they have the engine at the front, not under the seat, and have a nice flat floor and with the one I have you can walk through to the cab if needed (bucket seats).   I notice the latest Iload has a dickie seat in the middle with a fold down back/cup holders and tray etc. 

native pepper wrote:

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arthur wrote:

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Baz421 wrote:

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Yep unauthorised modification as your compliance plate probably says ADR category NA and 5 seats,,, and so it should remain unless approved mod.

 

 Oh fudge! 

-- Edited by arthur on Friday 28th of March 2014 09:04:19 AM

---

 Don't worry about it Arthur, you've done a great job and as it's not a structural, power or safety alteration, it's fine. The number of seats is to stop putting more people in the vehicle that it's registered for, not for less. it's the same with a bus a friend of ours has, it's registered for 57 seats and 28 standing, he took all the seats out but 4 and carries lots of stuff to markets and sales in it. Took it to the rego people and they told him they didn't care how many seats he took out, as long as he didn't carry any more than the compliance plate and they were the original seats. If he wanted to put in new seats, he would need them inspected, so he left them in.

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Well Federal VSB 14 applies to seat removal and it has to be certified. The main reason for this is that a new buyer of the vehicle may illegally add more seats that do not comply with the applicable ADR's>

Here's an extract from VSB 14

4 REMOVAL OF SEAT(S) AND SEATBELT(S) TO REDUCE SEATING CAPACITY

Seats and seatbelts may be permanently removed to reduce seating capacity of the vehicle.

The vehicle must be certified to represent the new seating capacity. All holes in the bodywork

must be blanked off.

Any removal of seats and/or seatbelts to achieve a reduction in seating capacity must not

interfere with the vehicles Supplementary Restraint System (SRS). For example removing a

front seat and seatbelts with pre-tensioners may disarm the entire vehicle SRS and therefore

would not be able to be certified.

If the reduction in seating capacity results in a change of vehicle category the signatory must

show that the vehicle complies with all additional ADRs that may now apply to that vehicle.

Please be aware that you need to contact your state registration authority to check any state legislation and who can certify etc OR any other requirements your state has.

I believe it is VERY POOR ADVICE "NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT". Make sure you comply Arthur as you've invested time and money here so dot the I's and T's is highly recommended.

If your state allows it without formal certification so be it.

Arthur,,, further to my last post I did a quick check and all states and territories (except Vic which I couldn't find  a clear answer to) call up,,,, ie include VSB 14 as the relevant standard for Light vehicle modifications.

Victoria appear to say you need to notify them of what you do.

Hope this helps.

Cheers baz

Baz421 wrote:

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Please be aware that you need to contact your state registration authority to check any state legislation and who can certify etc or any other requirements your state has.

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 Thanks, point taken.

Baz421 wrote:

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snip......further to my last post I did a quick check and all states and territories (except Vic which I couldn't find  a clear answer to) call up,,,, ie include VSB 14 as the relevant standard for Light vehicle modifications......

---

 Baz, what was WA's position when you did them ?

Chopit.......I removed two rows of rear seats from my Imax van, and plugged all the holes, not sure of the legal ramifications though, but will follow it through.

I do not intend replacing the seats (or carrying passengers in the back), had to get rid of them as I didn't have anywhere to store them.

If I do sell it later down the track, it will have to be sold as a light cargo van unless someone wishes to buy and replace the seats to make it a passenger vehicle again....

SnowT wrote:

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I had an old XB sedan that I used for Work.. and Play..

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I had an XB also. I remember being impressed with the boot size and space at the time. cheers

Vic41 wrote:

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Baz421 wrote:

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snip......further to my last post I did a quick check and all states and territories (except Vic which I couldn't find  a clear answer to) call up,,,, ie include VSB 14 as the relevant standard for Light vehicle modifications......

---

 Baz, what was WA's position when you did them ?

Chopit.......I removed two rows of rear seats from my Imax van, and plugged all the holes, not sure of the legal ramifications though, but will follow it through.

I do not intend replacing the seats (or carrying passengers in the back), had to get rid of them as I didn't have anywhere to store them.

If I do sell it later down the track, it will have to be sold as a light cargo van unless someone wishes to buy and replace the seats to make it a passenger vehicle again....

-- Edited by Vic41 on Friday 28th of March 2014 09:17:16 PM

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Hi Vic

I only scanned briefly but you need to apply and seek approval. Here's a couple of links.

 http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/licensing/LBU_F_VS_ModificationLightVehicles.pdf

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-a-light-vehicle.asp

Cheers Baz

SnowT wrote:

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I had an old XB sedan that I used for Work.. and Play..

I never carried more than 2 people.. so..
I removed the Back Seat and Replaced it with a solid Shelf I made.. With Lock down point's that held in place the boxes I carried..
The Rear Rest got Replaced with a Solid timber piece and was sealed..

there was enough room for me to sleep and play,,,lol in the back so it was a nice little conversion..

1 - issue was road noise.. you might of noticed that there would of been almost no insulation under the seat's.. [the seat's act as the insulation for road noise..

I'm not to sure But I think if the Fuel tank is accessible via the Boot  nah fuel tanks generally are not accessible via the boot maybe a small panel to access fuel pick up or on newer cars the electric pump.. you have a Panel/seal between you and the Boot space..

Juergen

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Baz421 wrote:

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Vic41 wrote:

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Baz421 wrote:

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snip......further to my last post I did a quick check and all states and territories (except Vic which I couldn't find  a clear answer to) call up,,,, ie include VSB 14 as the relevant standard for Light vehicle modifications......

---

 Baz, what was WA's position when you did them ?

...................................................................................

I only scanned briefly but you need to apply and seek approval. Here's a couple of links.

 http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/licensing/LBU_F_VS_ModificationLightVehicles.pdf

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-a-light-vehicle.asp

Cheers Baz

---

 Thanks Baz, I'll check them out when my download quota resumes on the 5th April....

There is no way any Motoring Authority would OK my changes. I'll just use it for a month or so and change it back. 

arthur wrote:

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There is no way any Motoring Authority would OK my changes. I'll just use it for a month or so and change it back. 

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 Honestly, I think it's getting so I might have to get govt permission to carry the porta-potti.

All I can say is that my van will be original if/when I decide to sell it

There are some things that I prefer not to know.

Maybe this issue highlights much of what is wrong with our over regulated society.

But then on the other hand I would rather this problem than that of "The Land Of the Free'  the good 'ole US of A where they seem to have an inbuilt dislike of regulation.......

China of course is another story  ..  The range of self built or modified vehicles is astounding.  They also have some very strict driving & licencing rules, perhaps even more prescriptive than ours in many areas, but every one seems to ignore them.  They have a well established culture in getting round regulations.

So as I waffle on, I am starting ti think that maybe our regulations are not so bad after all.

ps. (edit)  Still a great mod in the original post.

The dog lady wrote:

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 Honestly, I think it's getting so I might have to get govt permission to carry the porta-potti.

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 Please see attached application form 

Possum3 wrote:

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Removing third row of seats that are bolted in makes vehicle non-compliant and insurance companies will most probably void your policy - if you are doing it permanantly check local motor engineer have it certified and carrying capacity reduced.

My son's Prado has rear row that unclips to increase storage which doesn't require a re-engineering certificate. Pity my Patrol dorsn't.

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 Hi ....  

Thanks for that ....  

Under what circumstances do you think that they would 'void your policy'

I had a ding last year or so in which I tail ended a little Nissan MIcra .. poor little thing.   My fault.

The assessor looked at the Patrol (that had two rows of seats removed at the time) and arranged repairs.

Has anyone  

     - Had a claim refused because of removing seats, or

     - Know anyone who has, or

     - Confirmed this view with an Insurance company.