Rear Seats & High Roof wanted please for Hiace

Hi, does anyone know where I could buy rear swivel / folding seats with belts as well as a High Roof for Toyota Hiace 1999 camper conversion?  I've been turned down by a couple of conversion companies here in Ireland regarding a high roof for Toyota Hiace. I don't want a pop-up roof. Thanks a mill.  I live in Ireland.

Which type is this exactly? The one where you site on the engine? Or the later type where the engine is in front?

Hi Hiace4wd,
Thanks for your post. It's a Hiace 2.5 Diesel 1999 cargo van which I want to convert to a camper. I hope I didn't make a mistake in buying it. It's got low mileage and in great condition so I thought I'd go for it.

I forgot to say... it's got the engine in front.

Anybody know if it's possible to get a high roof top for a Toyota Hiace 2.5 diesel, 1999?

Hard to say, they have been sold with the high roofs, but not sure where you could buy one new.

If you want a pop top you are laughing as there are a lot of manufacturers making them. I did a quick google and the only supplier of a GRP (or fibreglass roof) that said HI-Ace was here but they're in NZ
http://www.4wdfibreglass.co.nz/panels/product/camper-roof-top-for-toyota-hiace-van

There are some bespoke companies in the UK that would be able to undertake the job.

Bear in mind that a high top does suffer from cross winds which can get exciting driving sometimes. A pop top does mean less height issues at car parks etc etc.

Have a look at these guys http://drivelodge.co.uk/high-roofs may be worth a call.

Thanks very much for the info and links. I was speaking to a conversion company today, who install the Drivelodge roofs. They said they could do a pop-up for the Hiace but not a high top. I've been thinking about the high tops some more and maybe you're right about them catching the wind. And the convenience of driving into car parks etc is a good advantage. I'm worried I'm going down an expensive road though. The cost of a full conversion will probably cost in region of €9k to €10k euro. Am I mad?!!

Well, is there anything you want to do yourself?

And when you say swivel seats with belts, don't you want the rear seat to turn into a bed?
Those are quite expensive, the official ones with belts that fold into a bed.

Also the pop up roofs have many different variants with many different price tags. Small 1 by 1 meter, one that is 2 meter long. Or over the complete length, or even with two supports folding up (instead of just 1 hinge point)

You could also contact the Dutch company Atrion, they can do a very very basic conversion for 2500 euro (with a tiny pop up roof) or one with a proper roof including bed frame for something over 5000 euro.
But these prices are there so that you can add options. I think there basic sleep seats are maybe without belts, but check with them.
https://www.dubbelcabine.com/camper-ombouw/
They do all kinds of vans, but are very experienced with Hiace.
I've visited them and there was a Hiace that got an fixed high roof, and was even converted to 4wd. (must have been costly operation)

So now we know why importers can charge £12,000 plus for a 20 year old SC.

Hi Toyota Liz,

If you need a pop top then get one. It does mean you can stand up comfortably, and that you have somewhere to sleep (meaning you can become a 4 birth if needed 2 up, 2 down). This will be most of your conversion expense.
There are so many prefabricated units that you can get hold of online (just have a look on ebay), and they're all variations on a common theme with all the units on one side. Anything that will fit in a VW will fit in the Hi-ace but may, or may not, need a little bit of bespoke work (ie. trimming a bit down if needed. If you can wield a saw then you're laughing). You could even pick up a second hand rock and roll bed for the rear. It's all do-able. If you use a conversion specialist for the whole thing that's when it will get silly expensive.

Thanks Toyota4wd for the link to the Dutch website, I will check them out.

This company does Hiace ones too:
http://www.poptoproofs.co.uk/shop/index.php?catname=Toyoata-Hiance---Rear-Elevator&id=330

You also need to decide if you want a forward or rear elevator (i.e. which is the highest end).