Day van/camper conversions

[Greg Ledder]

Hullo all!
Has anyone done a full or part camper conversion on a previa and if so how did you go about it?
Granted,it would have been easier to use an Estima/Emina as some models (?) already have swivelling seats and curtains but hey,I'm up for a challenge!
I have been mulling the idea over and would love to have a go using a similar idea to the Mazda Bongo whereas you have removeable units.
As far as a pop top goes it would probably totally ruin the lines of a previa (but there may be some way around it............?), not sure I'd want to go down that route.
I know that this would probably be classed as a micro camper as they don't have the boxy,roomier shape of the Bongo but still, t'would be a really interesting project.
Any ideas would be much appreciated!!
Cheers,
Greg.

[Townaceclive]

I've seen a Townace conversion.

Middle seats removed. Rear seats removed and replaced by a futon type seat with the bottom on runners, this pulled out to make the bed. Underneath were storage boxes on wheels I think, at the back was a cooker and mini sink again pulled out from under the bed with fixed storage above. It meant you stood out side to use the kitchen.
Towards the front was under construction but the thinking was to put the cooker in board along with the telly etc.
Mains leccy hook up and all that.
Also seen a Hi-Ace that was converted with a side awning and he had every thing.
Neither had elevated roofs.

[roverman]

i saw an advert somewhere recently for a fully converted estima with an elevating roof direct from japan so i guess it must be feasable!!

[Chuckle]

I am going to attempt a part conversion on my estima. Originally I was going to leave the middle row of seats in as these swivel but having laid them down along with the front seats to form a bed I changed my mind. It was way to bumpy. So what i plan to do now is to take the middle seats out, leave the back seats in and then make a extending bed base that will sit behind the front seats when not in use and then just pull that out to make the bed..I will be getting a kitchen unit from ikea or somewhere which will sit behind the drivers seat, this will be removable, Im not going for a proper camper hob as these are way to expensive for me and i dont want to extra hassle of having to drill a vent for the gas.
Well that is the plan, just need to get motivated now to do it

[Old Bird]

On the kitchen part behind the seats, don't foget to make a kind of lid, in metal that will shield the seats from teh heat of a little camping cooker...like the top of a camp kitchen that folds flat when not being used.

A little sink with a pipe from the plug hole to a water container underneath is a good way to go too.

Get crockery holders from camping shops....like clips to hold the cups etc still in the cupboard while you are driving, and put them in before you put the cupboard together....much easier to fix in place on a flat than having to get most of yourself in a tiny cupboard to put a screw in....

Does your front seat tilt back like the Ace one does for engine inspection? Make the cupboard moveable....but try to figure out some way of fixing it too...

Ang x

[Chuckle]

Just seen a toyota space cruiser campervan on ebay item 180247585810 . Was wondering if there is much difference size wise between the estima aand the space cruiser. Quite like the converion so may be changing my mind again !!!

[Old Bird]

I'll go take a look...
Ang x

[Old Bird]

Toyota Space Cruiser Campervan on eBay, also, Campervans Motorhomes, Campers, Caravans Motorhomes, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 07-Jun-08 12:49:08 BST)


This looks exactly like the one that was done that we saw at Brean a couple of years ago....a chap on the Townace site had done it.....

The name of the seller rings a bell....maybe the same guy, but Clive would probably be more helpful there.

Width wise, you would be about the same as with an Estie.

I'm not sure if there is a 'hump' behind the front seats of the Spacecruiser, Martin would know......but there is with the Ace. All that does is give you somewhere to put bits and bobs....like a shelf.

Height will be the biggest difference....the Spacecruiser will be similar in height to my Ace, and so will give you more headroom when you are in the back. The Estie I feel would be a tad to low for that.....unless it was a 'J' top.

I've not looked at the condition or anything of it....I just went to the inside pics.....but it does look well made, in the style of the VW camper which is a tried and proven design.

Just a thought....not sure where abouts you are, but there is a meet at Winsford this weekend, and a meet at Brean on the 13th weekend. Nip to one of those and have a look at the insides of a few of the motors....there will be Estimas and Aces there. That will give you more of an idea of how much room is in each.

Ang x