I am in the market to buy a used van conversion - the kind that usually has a raised or bubble top, 4 captain seats and a bench seat in the back. I have run across some articles on the internet that have said that when vans have the raised ceiling installed - cut off the old and screw on the new fiberglass - the vehicles are not as safe as they used to be in an accident because the companies usually do not install reinforcing steel to compensate for the strength of the missing roof. Is this true? Is it a significant issue?

 

On TV I just saw a helicopter shot of an overturned conversion van and it was not pretty. The roof was ripped of the vehicle, and the sides of the late 90's Chevy van crushed in. Lots of debris.

My '89 conversion had all the original roof removed but about 28 inches of the rear. Right up to the first cross member. After I gutted the frou frou interior I used it as a shelf and was less than impressed with the strength. Pulling down on the shelf would pull in the sides of the van. I wound up re enforcing it with some angle iron.

The front had light 1/4 inch plywood shelf that I replaced with 3/8" plywood, and later found that to be too weak. I could make the shelf sag by pulling on the side door from inside.

I replaced both shelves with 3/4 inch plywood, firmly attached to the sheet metal, and have firmed up the sides considerably. I doubt it is as safe as an unconverted van, but way stronger than when I got it.

I also found the roof was poorly attached with drywall screws which were rusted completely through, and started a cancerous growth I fight to this day. I reattached the roof with more numerous stainless screws but I'm sure it would still fly off in a rollover.

The fiberglass roof by itself weighs around 230 lbs, bare and empty. It no Doubt raises the CG and increases the likelyhood of a rollover.

I drive slower, unless I'm holding up traffic, keep a bigger buffer around me and am vigilant about the numerous inconsiderate ******** texting, switching lanes and applying makeup all at the same time.

 

No it is not as safe as a factory "short" roof would be. Generaly there is no metal support in the "high top" roofs. So in a roll over accident it is more likely to come off of the vehicle.

The high top can be reinforced with metal (but that adds additional weight) around the bottom edge where it attaches to the van which will reduce or elimenate the body sag from open side doors. Adding angle iron and 3/4 to 1 inch plywood that is firmly attaced will add strength to the vehicle but again adds weight to the top side.

I like how Landyatch318 basicly said, watch whom you share the road with and drive sensibly, take precautions, and be alert.

There is no such thing as a perfect car to be in an accident with, all vehicles have faults when crunched up.