Specialist Conversions
Often we are asked to undertake specialist builds, for various types of vehicles.
These builds are often very unique and built for a variety of reasons and special
purposes. The type of work ranges from adapting vehicles for disabled use, dog
vans, promotional vehicles, specialised work vehicles, educational and
entertainment vehicles, the list goes on. Here are just some examples of
specialist conversions that we have undertaken.
VW T5 Sportline Driving Simulator Vehicle / Educational Vehicle for Emergency Services
Based on a VW T5 Sportline, the task was to create a vehicle to carry the latest
state of the art driving simulator, with 3 large internal PC screens, a massive 55"
rear TV offering viewing from the rear tailgate, state of the art PC software and a
14 speaker, fully amped Kenwood sound-system. All this housed in sleek, custom
made Exploria bulkheads, lined with custom panels and wrapped in a stealthy
looking matt vinyl with various decorative LED lighting to increase its overall
aesthetics........ AND WHY - you might ask??
Road traffic accidents (RTA’s) have seen a significant increase over recent years.
The concept was to have an eye catching vehicle that creates an initial interest
at various shows and meets, especially with the younger drivers. The idea is to
target a range of drivers from the over confident, the naughty, the boy racer
etc.......... and then to educate them. The driving simulator allows them to
experience how poor / dangerous driving can lead to severe and fatal accidents.
All whilst the rest of the crowd can witness the actions of the driver and their
consequences on the large TV screen at the rear. It’s hoped that these vehicles
will educate young drivers, reduce the number of RTA’s and ultimately save lives.
We were asked by the emergency services to make this vehicle better than
anything they had seen before. They were very pleased with what we delivered
and we are confident that it would take some beating to get a vehicle like this, in
terms of looks and function.
Mercedes Citan - Motability Vehicle
The brief was to give this new model; the Mercedes Citan a more sporty look.
The aim was to achieve a mobility vehicle that was different to the rest of the
mundane offerings in the current mobility market. We sourced and developed a
body kit to transform the exterior of the Citan, as well as adding some larger
alloy wheels. The interior panels were treated to a cosmetic upgrade with many
panels transformed into carbon. The seats were re-upholstered in leather, with
corporate logos on the seats and door cards. A Kenwood DAB Radio CD unit
replaced the standard Mercedes stereo. All in all, the vehicle stood out from the
crowd and we will see what the future holds for the ‘Citan on steroids’.
Promotional Airstream Caravan for Sports Company
The purpose was to create a unique, eye catching vehicle for promotional work
and to also act as a central hub for the team riders. The vehicle needed to
provide a great social area, with unique custom interior styling, custom audio
system, a huge 130 litres of refrigeration to ensure that there was enough
beer/energy drinks?! to go around, a large panoramic sunroof, bespoke windows
and custom wrap around sofa offering plenty of seating and an occasional
sleeping area.
Band Bus for European Tours
Built for a rock band from Yorkshire, the requirement was to add additional
seating and rear bunk beds to allow members to ‘get their heads down’ during a
5,000 mile tour around Europe. A simple sound and visual system with additional
electrics were added to make the trip that little more enjoyable and comfortable.
Part Conversion of a New Type of Fire Fighting Vehicle
We were approached by a large vehicle conversion company to provide M1
Certified seating and flooring for small fire fighting vehicles. Rear seats were
installed and a full bonded aluminium M1 tested floor to meet fire service
approval. These were done to full Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approval.
View Specialist Conversion photo gallery
Windsurf Test Vehicle
A VW T5 conversion designed for everyday use, whilst also providing storage for
large & varied types of windsurfing equipment. Fully lined, sound-proofed and
insulated this conversion included a custom made Kombi bed with sail storage
down the sides and a full adjustable height shelf which can be used either for
storage or sleeping on.
VW T5 Dog Van Camper / Day Van
Built to accommodate 2 large Newfoundland rescue dogs, as well as being used
as a daily drive and as a camper van for most weekends throughout the year.
Includes an Exploria bespoke rear dog cage with access from the front and rear,
complete with secure locks which allows the dogs to be safely left in the van with
the rear tailgate open. Includes a plastic spray coat to the floor and sides
ensuring a robust, waterproof and low maintenance area. Dedicated electrical
system with large 3Kw inverter and 240v charging system to allow the drying of dogs.
Fitted with a Reimo elevating roof and Exploria roof bed, it offers sleeping
facilities for two people, as well as providing rear standing height. Driver and
passenger swivel bases make it comfortable seating for two. A great audio-media
system means the dogs will never get bored! A Thule fixed awning, complete
with LED awning/party lights (plus Dave’s mirror ball!) means dancing and
howling all night long.
Exterior body kit so that the dogs could arrive in style. Overall, a cool looking,
streetwise 4x4 to get out of those muddy campsites and fields.
Bike Vehicles
Frequently we are asked to build vehicles to carry bikes. Whether it is for
business or pleasure, we have an unlimited range of ideas and options available
to create what you need.
Slipstream Cycles required a vehicle to carry road & track bikes, that didn’t
involve having to strap them down, but be secure enough for travelling purposes
without the risk of the bikes sustaining any damage during transit. The main
requirement was to be able to access and store bikes safely, with the minimum
of fuss and hassle. The exterior was also treated to lowered suspension, 20” alloy
wheels, lower front valance, stainless steel side bars and an up-rated, amplified
stereo system. The way the vehicle was converted also meant that it doubled up
as a perfect showroom when out at events, shows and meets.
Wheelspin Cycles required a vehicle to carry both push bikes and an enduro
motorbike, as well as carrying rear passengers in a safe, clean environment. Due
to the size of the enduro bike, the van was built around this, bearing in mind that
we also needed to fit in a rear double seat. We created and shaped a bulkhead
that wrapped around the double seat and the motorbike. We made the entire
rear area waterproof and washable due to the nature of the intended use. This
also ensured that the travelling area for all passengers was clean and dry, with
any unpleasant smells kept out. The travelling area was fully trimmed and
additional LED lights and 12v sockets were also installed along with a Webasto
diesel heater.
BIKE Sportline Kombi Van used to transport 2 up and coming British Cycling stars
of the future (and obviously all their equipment!) to race meets and training
events. This Kombi was fitted with a VW bulkhead and fully lined out to make the
vehicle nice and comfortable and as quiet as possible. Rear bike holders meant
that the latest state of the art bikes could be transported safely without
sustaining any damage. Additional LED lighting was added to help loading and
unloading at night. Rear flip down roof monitor was added for passenger
entertainment along with some additional rear speakers.
VW T5 Caravelle Adapted For Mobility Use
Adaptations to this Caravelle were made to make rear travelling more
comfortable for wheelchair passengers. Due to the raised seating height in a
wheel chair, we removed a section of the Caravelle’s headlining and then
re-trimmed the raised area to match the rest of the vehicle. It required
alterations to be made to the air conditioning ducting, ensuring full functionality
was maintained. Other adaptations included adding an electric, slide out step to
allow easier entry and exit from the vehicle.
