What is it and can I get rid of it?

[Justin & Muttley]

Dear All,
I need to replace the curved sections behind the front seat bulkheads on the van - they also form part of the front inner arches - my question is; why are they curved? Can I replace them with flat sheet steel instead? (they just look like they'd be crud-catchers/rust magnets anyway?
cheers all

 

[Justin & Muttley]

No replies yet so maybe I need to clarify which bit I mean:
Imagine you are sat in the back of your van looking forward; at the base of the bulkheads behind the front seats there is a curved large 'dimple' that also forms part of the inner front arches - any help?!

 

[youngbay]

my guess is they are curved for strength reasons

 

[Trikky2]

That is a very good question. I would like to know the answer too.
Looking at the shape of the panel it really doesent look like it would be to strengthen it.
Anyone else got any ideas on this ?

 

[67 BAY]

The shaped like that for strength, the inner bits don't really rust cut some out of duffer and swap sides to keep correct profile.

 

[easy]

I know people are saying that they are like that for strength, which is more than likely, but could they also have the purpose of being extra space for the old feet when seats are fitted????

Microbus styleee?????

You may laugh but it does make a bit of sense. 8) especially if they were not all made like that, as it could be that it was just a one panel for all model situation.

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Not so sure about that Easy - my bus didn't leave the factory as a Microbus!
:?

 

[easy]

I don`t think that it matters if it was made a Microbus or not, they probably made the panels that way instead of making 2 types to keep the costs down. Would make sense if anybody wanted to fix seats.

I dunno :lol:

 

[stodge]

I'd agree with the feet thing, leastways its what I've always thought, Perhaps its a bit of both, if it was only for strength then the why not just press some ribs in?

Regards
Stodge

 

[speedwell68]

Not so sure about that Easy - my bus didn't leave the factory as a Microbus!
:?

My bus is a Westy on a 238 chassis number, which makes it a Kombi, yet it has all the seat mounting plates in the floor as if it were a Microbus.

 

[stodge]

The kombis had all those bits, my 72 is the same is a kombi converted to a dormobile. Like yours it has all the seat mount bits and bobs.

Regards
stodge

 

[easy]

Thats why i think all of these panels were made like this, as its easier to make 1 type of panel.

The strength thing is weird because it would be the odest way to strengthen something. Allot easier and neater ways.

One for the friday thought club! :lol:

 

[speedwell68]

It think the extra foot space for a microbus is the best theory. If you notice there is a similar recess on the sliding door, a arm rest maybe?

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Case closed Colombo! You've cracked it I reckon - good detective work, thanks.

 

[easy]

You see we are not all beauty :shock: :lol:

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Shouldn't that be 'we are not even beauty'?
lol

 

[easy]

yup!