When you purchase a new van, it was crash tested by the manufacturer before being released to you. After you take ownership with title, you can do anything you want.. including having that van altered and converted. Those who do the conversion don't have to actually crash test the van after it's been altered. Braun, for example, receives the minivans and the full size vans that have been crash tested and further alters them before the van is actually sold. For this reason, the Federal Government requires them to re certify the crash worthiness of the van before it can be sold to a consumer. Keep in mind that Braun doesn't buy the van, only receives them for further modifications. It a "Thorn-in-side-issue" with the conversion companies that alter vehicles only after the new owner has taken title possession of the vehicle and becomes "First Owner" Again, I suggest that you or anyone visit NHTSA's website and click on altered vehicles and handicap vans for additional information on standards... and crash testing. This way when you visit a dealership, you will know more than the person who is trying to sell you a vehicle. Best Wishes W In a message dated 9/26/04 1:13:43 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< We have a place in town that sells some mini-vans with lifts/ramps already installed. Is that what you are talking about when the chassis has to be crash tested? They also do conversions of new vehicles, from lifts to manual controls or whatever you need. The mini vans are very expensive, $30,000 to $40,000 and thats just with lifts and probably baffles. Speaking of baffles--for those that have them, do you use them? One person I know said they were a pain, another said they don't use them. Will Voc Rehab pay for the entire vehicle or just the modifications part of the van? I know if you are getting driving modifications, you must buy the van, then VR will pay for the rest. >>
