Type 253 bulk head removal

[thenomadcat]

Hello,

New T3 owner here trying to convert a Type 253 into a costume camper. I'm starting with the body work and the first thing I need to do is remove the bulk head. I've seen someone here cut through the middle, but I'd like to have swivel seats, so the entire wall needs to be removed.

Before asking the question just let me say I've search not only this forum but the the entire web.

What I am concerned about, if the half bulk head is removed, does this have an effect on the van's structure? Do I need to strengthen it in any way?

I'm asking because I've heard stories about doors not closing properly when the van in parked on uneven surface or windscreens cracking due to body torsion. I'm also asking because I'll be doing remote/wild camping in off road areas.

I've been studying if there is any difference between Type 253 and Type 255 (which comes without the bulk head, right?) and I couldn't find any difference body parts wise. I've checked all most all body parts on http://www.oemepc.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. A, B, C and D pillars are the same for both 253 and 255, the top is the same, the floor is the same. Did I miss anything?

Could someone please shed some light?

Thanks,
Andrei

[multisi]

Removing the complete panel will not affect the strength, be careful when you drill out the spot welds, you dont want to go too deep around the seat boxes, there are other welds up the b posts and maybe some mastic to cut off. Dont leave sharp edges and paint any bare metal .

[Aidan]

there will be slightly less torsional stiffness but it is stiff enough without the bulkhead and most vans were bulkhead free, the top half is only screwed to the body, the lower half Is structural for the passenger seat safety so the top rail is quite well welded in
Obviously if you remove a lot of the roof skin as well to put a top on then it might be less stiff
The factory hitop van in syncro guise isn't as stiff as a bulkhead tintop and if the side door locks are worn or splayed or out of alignment they can pop partially open as the body flexes on most of our vans but you should be fine imho

[Plasticman]

hi
as others have said.
at the area around the seat boxes just slit the bulkhead of with a cutting disc and retain all of the seat box itself, same on the B posts and sand back the edge with a flap disc, its a relatively quick job, and unless you want to have a stunning paint job on the inside then that would suffice for the B post inners
mm

[thenomadcat]

Many, many thanks everyone.

I feel much more comfortable now.