Body and platform form a self-supporting unit on the Kombi/panel van. Structural parts of this self-supporting unit should not be removed without replacement.

Partition walls do not have a structural function. Modifications other than complete removal are permissible.

Important note:
It is not permitted for the outer roof frame to be machined on vehicles with side head airbags!

Sidewall apertures
Retrofitting of windows is difficult and expensive. The window requirement, therefore, should be specified before the vehicle leaves the factory (see supply programme).
Apertures for windows, doors, flaps, tailgate, vents, etc. should only be made between the structural elements (pillars, roof frame and platform). Structural elements should not be cut into or weakened. The apertures should be supported by a surrounding frame, which should be flush bonded to the adjacent structural elements.

If windows are to be retrofitted, the following work procedure is suggested:

1. Cut out the outer panel along the inner panel of the window surround and install the window. (Windows should only be bonded.) The differences between Kombi/panel van in the window area are shown below.

1. If windows smaller than those shown below are desired, the following applies: The aperture should only ever be made between the pillars. No structural elements should not be cut into or weakened. The aperture must be supported by a surrounding frame, which should be flush bonded to the adjacent structural elements.

For more information about the conversion, refer to:

• Dimensions and weights (chap. 2.1)
• Chassis dimension drawings (chap. 2.4)
• Maximum dimensions (chap. 2.6)
• Standard attachment points for special bodies (chap. 2.7)
• Roof racks, perm. roof loads (chap. 3.1)
• Wings and wheel houses (chap. 3.2)
• Mounting of additional units (chap. 3.3)
• Raising the vehicle (chap. 3.7)
• Vehicle battery protection (chap. 3.8)
• Fitting power take-offs (chap. 3.9)
• Brake system (chap. 3.11)
• Electrical connection (chap. 3.15)
• Turn signals in vehicles with excess width (chap. 3.18)
• Roof cut-outs (chap. 4.2)
• General notes on modifying standard vehicles (chap. 4.5)
• Cut-outs in the rear cab wall (chap. 5.2)
• Drilling on the chassis frame (chap. 5.3)
• Welding on the chassis frame (chap. 5.4)
• Wheelbase extensions and overhang extension (chap. 5.5)
• Subframe, mounting frame (chap. 5.6)
• Bodies with a high centre of gravity (chap. 5.7)