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Carat conversion questions
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:35 pm    Post subject: Carat conversion questions Reply with quote

I have done the search and read all the threads about doing a GL to Carat conversion but I still have questions.

First: If any one has pictures of their conversion or stock Carat interior I would appreciate as many as possible.

Second: I don't have the latch pins for the rear seat, can I fab something or will I need to find these? As for the bolts and spacers for the rear seat I'm assuming these can be fabbed, right?

Next: The side paneling, I also don't have (or maybe I do and don't realize it) the brackets/channels for mounting, other options or a must? The table, I think I may be missing something for mounting, I have a bracket that goes behind the paneling with the holes for the table hinge, what else is there? It seems people where talking about something on the floor for mounting the table.

Lastly: The jump seats, I know I have to weld something in the floor for the bottom pins, I'm covered there. The brackets for the wheel wells, do they have to be welded? I was told they could be bolted in, just to make sure the bolts weren't going to hit the tires or anything else. Is there any other parts for the jump seats I'm missing?

Oh one other thing, I read the rear seat belts are different for the Carat seat, how and will the GL belts work?

Thanks
As much info and pics as possible is greatly appreciated.
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akyrie
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am also interested in eventually putting a table in my van ironically named Eventually. I have installed the rear facing jump seats, those are pretty explanatory after you make the holes for the bottom seat posts. I used brass fittings inlayed into wood flooring for mine, then it is only lining up the back bracket and bolting it on.

Good luck and post some images of how you install that table.

Ash
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 2:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have multiple complete Carat interiors and many of the specific mounting parts needed for a factory install.
I convert vans all the time for clients.

Pmail me if you would like to purchase anything.
I have the ability to ship, even the large pieces.

dylan
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

insyncro- can you give any info on what I may need to do this conversion or pics of the mounting pieces for the paneling and table. Also can I fab the rear seat latch bolts or do I need some out of a donor Carat?

Thanks
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SteveVanB
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

87vanagon wrote:
insyncro- can you give any info on what I may need to do this conversion or pics of the mounting pieces for the paneling and table. Also can I fab the rear seat latch bolts or do I need some out of a donor Carat?

Thanks

When I did my swap, I started to cut out the latch pins from the donor. I decided it was too much hassle and fabbed up some using the original ones along with some added steel. I'd be happy to take some pics tomorrow if needed.
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

bigsteveob- pictures would be awesome, if it possible can you take pics of the way your paneling and table are mounted also, these three areas are my biggest concerns. I pretty much have the rest figured out, at least in my head we'll see how it goes in a couple of weeks.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 12:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have the luxury of placing the donor Carat in the work bay next to the recipient van.
I remove all the interior from the recipient and start replacing everything piece by piece.
I have a plasma cutter and rotary tools that make quick work of the factory welds holding the parts needed inplace.
Measure everything attached, as to its location in the van before removing it.
This will help with the alignment of the table latch and side panels.
I tac weld everything inplace and reassemble the interior.

Remove any fiberglass insulation found in the van and do not replace it as it holds moisture.
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sadly I don't have a donor van or any interior dimensions to go off of that is why I started this thread. I bought a trailer full of Vanagon parts which included the paneling, table, and jump seats, I then traded one of the full size rear seats for a Carat rear seat.

It seems quit a few people have done this conversion but no one has been able to answer my questions.
Quote:
I convert vans all the time for clients.

Can you give some DETAILS about the mounting procedure for the table and paneling? Maybe a brief description of the mounting hardware for these areas.

Doesn't anyone pictures of their conversion or stock Carat?
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ajdenette
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For the table there is a suport brace to mount the frame work to, and the plastic panels for the sides of my weekender interior are kind of cliped into a metal u chanel rivited to the body.
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ajdenette wrote:
For the table there is a suport brace to mount the frame work to, and the plastic panels for the sides of my weekender interior are kind of cliped into a metal u chanel rivited to the body.


Thank you, can you tell me what the support brace looks like, I have a long skinny "U" shaped piece for the table is there another piece for mounting.

The U channel for the paneling, is that just on the top or is there on for the top and bottom?

Thanks again, now we are getting somewhere.
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Top only, it goes along the 2 panels next to the rear seat as well.
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The panels I have there are only two. One really long one for the drivers side (with the table) and one shorter one for the passenger side from the slider back.

Am I missing some?

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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[/img]
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SteveVanB
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry it took so long, I forgot it was my anniversary today Embarassed Yup, You're missing a couple pieces. There should be a couple more that go more towards the rear.Here's the bottom of the table bracket.....
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Heres the bracket for the table.....
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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James 93SLC
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's all my 91 Carat has. It's really just those two panels and the jump seats that are really distinctive Carat items.

Looking again there might be one more panel for that farthest rear on the driver side.
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You need the plastic panels that go on the sides in the luggage compartment.

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SteveVanB
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It looks like you're only missing one, on the table side. Also, There were some pieces that go up the rear for the A/C equipment. I've heard there are panels for Carat's with out A/C. I have yet to find some. They would go where I have the funky printed stuff.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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You can get a rear washer resevior cover for the oval hole on the pass. side.
Oh yeah, get the cup holders from a marine surplus store. Little cheaper Wink
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87vanagon
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


So it looks like I could just weld some "L" brakets in for the table at the bottom

Heres the bracket for the table.....
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
[/quote]

I have all the black hardware here with the table attached, what are the copper colored pieces.

Thanks for the pics and info
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SteveVanB
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I have all the black hardware here with the table attached, what are the copper colored pieces.



Those are the spacers for the z-bed.
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
what are the copper colored pieces.

Spacers for the back seat
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SteveVanB
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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