What would it take to convert C/V (cargo) to passenger?

[D_a_v_e]

Hello,

I'm looking to get a used minivan. The best deal I've seen is for a cargo Grand Caravan, but I do want it for family use. Am I being silly to consider this? Or is it 'simply' a matter of getting carpet, seats, and some seatbelts? I haven't seen the van in person yet, so I don't know if it has latches for the seats. The picture shows a flat 'bed', but would it have wells for storage or sto-n-go?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

[Ram3500Dually]

The floor is different in the Mini Rams compared to the Caravan. There are no indents in the floor for the seats in the back.

[D_a_v_e]

Ok, you lost me a little regarding the mini-ram. After a little googling, I'm thinking it may be my fault. This is a 2007 Grand Caravan cargo. I've attached an image of what the back looks like.

If the floor is different, that could make things difficult.

Thanks,
Dave

[Ram3500Dually]

A cargo van had no windows and no interior. That looks like a grand caravan that they have taken the carpets and the seats out of. The Cargo Van version of the Caravan was called a Mini Ram Van

[bw03]

From this ad,

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ctd/1452301243.html

It looks like it's missing the run, seats, and seat belts in the back. I'm not sure how the seats can latch on to the floor either. If you add up getting all of those, you might as well just get a regular caravan.

[D_a_v_e]

Yup, that's pretty much the same vehicle.
They are asking about $11k, the one I saw is a little less,
and has a few less miles. It's seems to be listed around 3-4k
less than a regular passenger van. If it's a question of getting
seats, carpet, & belts than it may be quite worthwhile. If the
C/V is missing the seat mounting locations, than I don't think I
would attempt this.
I'm just trying to find out if this is good idea or not.

Thanks,
Dave

[bw03]

I'm not sure. The black piece on the cargo floor looks to be a cover. Maybe if that is removed, there will be mounting points to put the brackets on the floor that the seats attach to. It definately would be additional mounting support.

[D_a_v_e]

Maybe if that is removed, there will be mounting points to put the brackets on the floor that the seats attach to.

I think this is the essence of my question.
Well, this, and seat belt mounting points.

According to the dealer, the seats would drop right in. I tend to not trust
dealers 100% though...

[Ram3500Dually]

Ya, that looks like a bedliner type material on the floor. Take it out and the seat wells may be there.

[Boxdin]

Don't be silly Dave, pop a few extra bucks and get the passenger version. I owned a company building custom vans for 20 years and even your insurance company would not allow you to convert and still have the same coverage for your passengers. Unless you have done this kind of work before I would not even consider it. Besides passenger versions are cheap here (New Mexico) and are probably cheap in your area too.
Just my .02
Rick