The Rear Kitchen Has Arrived...

[mikeonb4c]

Hi Derek
Ah...problem...Mine's a '95 without airbag...Yours must be a '96 model???...I haven't heard of a '95 with an airbag???....anyway, you can't fit a remove-able wheel to an airbag model, as you'll fail MOT......but....thinking out loud, I thought it was only LATE '96 that had airbags fitted???...so if yours is definitely '95, it sounds strange???
Three things occur if yours is registered '95
1/. perhaps in '95 airbags were an option?
2/. the UK authorities got the date of manufacture wrong (you can check the Russian site)
3/. someone fitted an airbag wheel to yours because the original was damaged, and they used a later wheel with the bag removed
I'm curious
Cheers
Helen

I thought the same as you Helen

[Dr Fingers]

Defo says 'srs airbag' across the middle section of the wheel. How would I check to see if there's one actually in there? Bongy is N Reg, shows 1995 in the reg doc.

Why should it fail MOT if a non-airbag wheel was fitted? Surely the tester would just pass it 'as seen', there's no way he would know that an airbag was originally fitted..




Derek

[helen&tony]

Hi
Give it a wallop and wait for the bang ....OOOooohhh I've been dying to say that...Seriously, it will have some designation on the fascia somewhere to light up showing airbag,...If it doesn't, then it MAY...repeat MAY be possible to remove it with caution....I believe the process is to leave it disconnected for 1/2 hour (i.e. disconnect the battery)...then remove...I would leave it hours if it was me...I would confirm what I say, but, frankly, I don't trust old airbags.
If you do go down that route, I'll detail the type of quick release mechanism for you.
My choice: - check whether your model had an airbag, if not, then remove it, as the Q/R wheel is well handy...but don't blame me if you make the wrong decision...
Cheers
Helen

[Simon Jones]

You could check for the presence of the airbag control module just under the centre cubby hole. It's possible the MOT tester may not spot the lack of an airbag if you fitted a non-airbag Mazda steering wheel, but if it's clearly aftermarket he may start digging a little further.

Would be wise to let the insurance company know if you remove a factory fitted safety device just in case something were to happen somewhere down the line.

[Dr Fingers]

Good points, thanks. Having reviewed the proposed sleeping arrangements (front and middle seats combined) I can't see that it would be very comfortable, with or without steering wheel, so it's back to the drawing board. I fancy a rear conversion, but want standing up/getting in and out room at the foot of the bed. Bongy is just too short, it seems. If only they'd built them 12" longer...

Derek

[winchman]

Would this not work for you?

It fits in the boot with the rear seat all the way back

[Gasy]

^^^^^
Yes I've missed that piccy
How's your new one coming on winchman

[Spencer54]

If you take the steering wheel off and don't have a squib/clockspring then its an airbag wheel on a non airbag model.

Early non airbag models only have a connector for the horn.

Or take the centre part out - if its connected you can be pretty sure its airbag as fitted.

[Simon Jones]

Here's a squib/clock spring from a Mazda 6 wheel (another project to do )

[winchman]

^^^^^
Yes I've missed that piccy
How's your new one coming on winchman

Slowly!
Been busy with work and the kids, bought a caravan so that took some time.
I have the bits so that's a good start

[mikeonb4c]

Good points, thanks. Having reviewed the proposed sleeping arrangements (front and middle seats combined) I can't see that it would be very comfortable, with or without steering wheel, so it's back to the drawing board. I fancy a rear conversion, but want standing up/getting in and out room at the foot of the bed. Bongy is just too short, it seems. If only they'd built them 12" longer...

Derek

Design a swing out kitchen and make a tailgate awning by sewing together Khyam Breezeblockers. Or get a Toyota Hiace camper

[Dr Fingers]

Actually looked at a Hiace..not bad, but it doesn't put the Bongo grin on your face when you drive it.

Derek

[Dr Fingers]

Going back to the original post..

How does the tranzwagon unit fit to the van? I have the split rear seats, no rear runners, so the unit couldn't bolt in that way.

Are you sleeping on front and mids, or mids, table and wheel boxes from tranzwagon? Quite tempted by this package, but is it Vohringer ply??

Derek

[Mark Elvin]

Going back to the original post..

How does the tranzwagon unit fit to the van? I have the split rear seats, no rear runners, so the unit couldn't bolt in that way.

Are you sleeping on front and mids, or mids, table and wheel boxes from tranzwagon? Quite tempted by this package, but is it Vohringer ply??

Derek

Front & middle, it's ok for us for 3-4 nights.

It's attached with brackets into the side of the van & the wheel boxes pick up on the mounting points from the old side folding seats. When I get it lined over the winter I'm going to attach it slightly more securely, not that I've had any problems, but batter safe than sorry.

And yes, it is Vohringer ply

[Optimist]

Hi Mark,
I have a similar rear conversion and am thinking of the seat boxes and table from Tranzwagon.
Could you let me know the approximate dimensions of the seat boxes and table please ?
Also do you fix them to the original seat bolts ?
One problem I have is my fridge is offset to the nearside so the door will hit the box unless cut down .. dilemma ?!

thanks in advance