On 20 Oct, 21:45, Owain wrote:
On 20 Oct, 20:42, John L wrote:

Colin Bignell wrote:
Fitting side widows behind the driver's seat makes the vehicle a car
for VAT purposes, which may affect its resale value.
... *I must stress again that I
have no intention whatever of using this van "for profit or trade": it's
for recreation!

Your insurer will also have to be informed of non-manufacturer
approved modifications to the vehicle, and may be unwilling to insure
a van (even if it's been turned into a car) on a SDP-only policy

Owain

Some car insurers get snotty about vans for private use, lot more
common than it was though and van insurance is available on all the
comparison sites.
Get whanged on spares for a commercial vehicle though, even car
derived ones, exhausts , brakes, alternators all the consumables are
more expensive.

Would the VAT issue not only affect it if you fitted more seats , or
is totally on more glass, and does a sunroof keep it out of the
minefield?

Vans hold value well, but for similar money can get a lot better
specified hatchback, things like air con tend to get left out.

Use carpet or underlay behind ply lining overlaping edges, then cut
back after its screwed in, it adds heat and noise insulation, stops
some of the paneling drone, and most importantly squeaks that will
have you leaning in the back for weeks with bits of foam.

Floor , Dont screw it down, being able to pull it out and ,shake /
brush is invaluable, layer of cardboard under hardboard `floor` add
carpet and underlay to taste, keeps road roar down and makes cheap to
replace surface, keep a tarp as a van liner for grotty jobs.

Window tint is worth it, its a van you can black rears out , but a
reflective or deep tint still allows use of rear view mirror. Velcro
and spring clamps enable a curtain behind the seats, add 12V accesory
sockets in the rear, try charging 2 phones on one fag lighter
socket...

Vans are handy, but not a particulary cheap option.

Cheers
Adam