Converting defender 90 hardtop to station wagon

[abbotsmike]

Is it possible/cheap/easy?

Looking at a defender again, and there are some really nice examples of hardtops about at much lower prices than equivalent station wagons, but I could really do with the extra seats. Being 23 insurance isn't that cheap on a hardtop 'van', but is much more palatable on a SW.

Would I feasibly be able to convert one so that the insurance company, DVLA, MOT etc would accept it without horrendous cost?

I wouldn't be so worried about windows in the back even, just some extra seats!!

[anonymous-user]

My local indy will put pattern part SW windows in a van for £99 a side. Interior trim is up to the individual and some panels can be hard to come by but seats are easy enough. Just be careful they're correct for the year of manufacture. Late model seats can go in older trucks, but older seats aren't allowed in new trucks.
AFAIK it is possible, but not exactly quick, to get DVLA to alter the V5 to reflect the vehicle's new status.

[Bill]

I'm sure I've seen smoked glass side panels that look really smart.

[Bill]

Hmmm, not cheap and I'm less convinced now I've looked for them: http://www.masai4x4.com/landrover-defender-panoram...

[anonymous-user]

Those panoramic things are bloody awful. Look great on the outside, but inside you're still left with a sheet metal panel with an aperture cut in it and, unlike traditional SW windows, no trimmed edges as such. Pointless blingy tat.

[abbotsmike]

Also, any way to confirm what is a SW and what is a van? Quite a few SW's for sale have come up as vans on some insurance quotes... Are they all converted or are Land Rover a bit imaginative with their V5 naming?

[anonymous-user]

The key is the V5.
It'll say either Estate or Van. Insuring a van that's been converted can be a real grey area as it'll be listed as only having two/three seats.

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 7th November 17:01