Hey, i need to find out if it would be safe to remove the metal back things behind my front seats in my kombi. I will drill it off down the pillar and cut it along the bottom. Would this weaken the car in any way? I want to do this so when i install bucket seats i can recline them all the way down if i have to. Anyone have pics or advice on this modification? Thanks,
Alex.
Pic 1= what i have now.

Pic 2= what i want to have

I take it you already have the Walk through between the front 2 seats.

I think if you look around you will find Kombis with the section your talking about removed. Not sure if there the same year model as yours but there the same body style Bay Windiw Kombi.

I carnt see a problem

I've got the same as you and would also like to know.

Mine is a 12/72 and I am led top believe that later years didn't have them.

I would like to do it so I can install the cool rotating seat brackets to spin round and face backwards ! ( Of course only pussies would do this at less that 80k )

Bump

Can anyone else help? I really need to know weather it will be ok before i go cutting. Thanks,
Alex.

Your probably best to speak to an automotive engineer......they'll tell you if you can/can't
Cheers

i've seen vans with this done, for the reason mentioned above( revolving seats).
i don't think there will be any problem at all....

kai

Thanks everyone, i rekon it will be right, im gona remove them this weekend
Cheers,
Alex.

I can't see any problem with it...
If it went right across maybe but not just a panel....
Lee

It’s true that ‘77 and later models don’t have this. They have a much smaller triangle piece to brace the pillars. I would speculate that ‘77s and newer models probably have thicker steel in the pillars or some other improvements to compensate for the reduction in rigidity. Remember that a vehicle needs to be engineered to take more than the stresses of ordinary driving in the event of an accident. Definitely consult an engineer before cutting these out.

Knew a guy who did this and put in rotating seats, very cool

nah its all good it can be done and it wont weeken the car in any way.that i know of i have a 79 and it doesnt have them and its fine :P

Ok, yes you can do it but unless you are installing swivel seats I would just cut them down half way to allow you to recline back enough.

The later buses didn't have them and they are exactly the same material and thickness as the early bays in that area. They lates ones without teh wall have a small triangle gusset though so if you do cut it out them make sure you add this in.