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Posted

Hi all new to this so not sure if im doing it right :)

I have just purchased a 1994 estima 7 seater and want to know if im able to change it to an 8 seater?

Could anyone tell me how and how do i change it on the log book please

Thank you


Posted

Hi all new to this so not sure if im doing it right :)

I have just purchased a 1994 estima 7 seater and want to know if im able to change it to an 8 seater?

Could anyone tell me how and how do i change it on the log book please

Thank you

Welcome to the forum. I used to own an 8 seater previa - the seats were bench seats in the middle and back....then I bought a 7 seater with captains chair type in front and middle and the same bench style seats in the back.

I'd guess the main things you would need to compare is the seat belt mounting points and just as importantly the seat mountings.

The next problem is to get the log book changed and an insurance company willing to insure a "modified car". The latter will probably be the most difficult so try asking some insurers whether they would insure it before you spend any money.

Enjoy the forum!

Posted

found this, it relates to coverting a van but i would think the rules are the same.

------------Information Sheet------------

September 2009

Converting a Van to Carry Passengers in the Rear

Statement

This document provides general guidance and advice on the legislative requirements in Great Britain relating to carrying passengers in the rear of vans. Every effort has been made to ensure that it is factually correct but recipients should check with the producers of this document if they are unsure about the validity of a particular regulation after the date of publication or if they have reason to believe any part is not correct or is now out of date.

General requirements

Q. I want to convert my van to carry passengers in the rear. Are there any regulations covering conversions?

There are no specific regulations covering the conversion of vans into passenger carrying vehicles. However, Regulation 100 of The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended) will apply. This requires:

a motor vehicle, and all its parts and accessories;

the number of passengers carried, and the manner in which any passengers are carried in or on a vehicle; and

the weight, distribution, packing and adjustment of the load of a vehicle,

to be at all times such that no danger is caused, or is likely to be caused, to any person in or on a vehicle or on a road.

This means that the conversion work must allow passengers to be carried safely.

Additional seats should be fitted securely so that they are likely to remain in place in the event of an accident. We recommend that you seek the advice of a reputable garage or vehicle converter.

Q. Do I need to fit seat belts in the rear?

There is no legal requirement for seat belts to be fitted in the rear of a van. However, our advice is that the safest way for passengers to travel is in a proper seat with seat belts fitted and, if you intend to carry children aged 12 years or under, the seatbelt wearing regulations require them to wear a suitable child restraint at all times. When fitting seatbelts, they must comply with the latest British or European standards and be marked accordingly with either the ‘e’, ‘E’ or BS ‘Kitemark’. The seat belt anchorage points should also be designed so that they will be capable of withstanding the high forces of an impact. We strongly recommend that seat belts and anchorages are professionally installed by qualified persons (such as a commercial garage or seatbelt specialist).

Q. Can side facing seats be fitted?

Our advice is that passengers are safest in a forward or rearward facing seat equipped with a lap belt or, preferably, a three-point belt.

Although side facing seats, with or without seat belts, are not illegal, we would not advise that they are used. This is because seat belts are not designed to be used with such seats. In the event of an accident, seat belts on these side facing seats may help to prevent the wearer being thrown around the vehicle or from being ejected, but in a frontal crash they can increase injury risk by subjecting vulnerable parts of the body to higher loads than seat belts used on forward facing seats. You should also bear in mind that child restraints cannot be fitted to side facing seats. In order to fit the required child restraints, you would need to have forward or rearward facing seats with full three point seat belts.

Q. Can I carry children?

If you intend to carry children aged 12 years or under, the seat belt wearing regulations require them to use a suitable child restraint. You should bear in mind that child restraints cannot be fitted to side facing seats. In order to fit the required child restraints, you would need to have forward or rearward facing seats with full three point seat belts.

Q. How many passengers can I carry?

Whilst there is no specific limit on the number of passengers carried, vehicles designed or modified to carry more than 8 seated passengers excluding the driver will fall into the ‘minibus’ category and must comply with specific construction requirements which are set out in Schedule 6 of The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended). It is also important that you confirm the number of passengers and the manner in which they will be carried with your insurance company.

Q. Do I need to fit additional windows in my van?

No. There is no requirement for windows to be fitted in the rear of a vehicle. However, if you choose to fit windows, these should be made of non-glass safety glazing or safety glass. Separate information is available on the requirements for vehicle glazing.

Q. Is a goods vehicle still a goods vehicle, even if it has seats in the back?

That depends on the particular circumstances. A goods vehicle is 'a motor vehicle constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description'. A passenger vehicle is 'a vehicle constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects'. If, by adding extra seats, all the load space was now taken up by passengers and their effects, a court might decide that the vehicle now fell under the description of 'passenger vehicle' rather than 'goods vehicle' and would need to meet the regulations that applied to passenger vehicles. This could affect the requirements for items such as seat belts and brakes, as well as licensing requirements.

Q. Can I carry goods and passengers in the rear?

Although there is nothing specific in the regulations to prevent you doing this, we would strongly advise against carrying heavy goods and passengers in the rear of a van unless the load is secured to the bodywork to ensure it does not move about. Alternatively, if you intend to carry passengers on a regular basis you can create a separate load area by installing an internal partition.

If a partition is fitted you should ensure it is strong enough to stop the load from being thrown about inside the van. Securing the load or fitting an internal partition offers some protection to any passengers being carried, which is particularly important in the event of an accident, as heavy, unrestrained items being thrown about are likely to cause death or serious injury.

If the vehicle has more than eight seats in addition to the driver, it will be classed as a minibus or bus, whether or not it also has room for the carriage of goods.

Q. Does the converted vehicle need to be checked?

There is no formal checking procedure for private conversions. However, if you have installed new seat belts, it is advisable that you submit your vehicle for a seat belt installation check (a class IVa check) which can be carried out as part of the annual MOT test.

Q. Do I need to inform anybody of the changes?

It may not be necessary to have your vehicle’s registration details altered, but you should check with the DVLA (Tel 01792 721000) or your DVLA Local Office. Contact details are in the phone book or they can be viewed at:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/vehicles.htm.

You should also inform your insurance company of the changes made along with the number of passengers and the manner in which they will be carried.

Further information

Consolidated versions of National regulations can be found in Sweet and Maxwell’s Encyclopaedia of Road Traffic Law and Practice (Construction and Use) which should be available at most main reference libraries.

Copies of National regulations can also be purchased from TSO Orders/Post Cash Department, PO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GN; telephone: 0870 600 5522; fax: 0870 600 5533; email: customer.services@tso.co.uk; website:

http://www.tso.co.uk/

The requirements for child car seat use can be viewed at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusare...&page=Overview.

The code of practice for safety of loads on vehicles can be viewed at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehi...onvehicles.pdf

If you require any further information regarding the content of this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:

Transport Technology and Standards

Department for Transport

Zone 2/05

Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 2091

Fax: 020 7944 2196

Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Note: The information in this document is a summary of the Departments understanding of what the law requires. However, ultimately the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts based on individual facts of any particular case. You are therefore advised to consult the relevant legislation and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

Posted

Welcome to the club :thumbsup: .Good luck with the seat conversion and keep us updated :)

  • 9 years later...
Posted

Is there any chance any body can tell me are toyata estima 7 seaters rails where the seats sit on are the same 4 converting into 8 seats nedd to nw how to convert thm 


Posted

Moved to the Estima club.

One point that needs consideration is that the topic is 9 years old, and the Department of Transport information sheet dated September 2009 at the second post may be out of date.

Posted

I asume you are asking if a (replacement) bench seat would sit on the same rails as the current middle two seats.?

Can't see any reason why they wouldn't...but you need confirmation.

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