I need to replace my old van and am considering purchasing an iload. The only thing that is holding me back at this stage is that you have to get a bench seat. I spoke to dealer who has indicated that you can't order front bucket seats like the ones that come in the iMax as Hyundai would then need to recertify the iloads engineering or something. Given these two vehicles are basically the same, would I be naive to think I could remove the existing bench and just bolt the new iMax bucket seat in if I order one? Is there anyone in Perth who does this type work? I would love get a quote for it. I can't imagine I am only one would love to use the extra length that the vehicle could provide if there was no middle seat up front.
Looking at the NZ Hyundai website they have a 5 seater iLoad (2 up front like iMax) instead of the Aus 6 seater. So you might be right. Could be something to do with Aus compliance. Are Jap imports an option in Perth? Half the cars in NZ are imports now...
I checked that issue out and was told it wouldn't be a problem to get one with just the two seats.
This may have been the case of " I don't really know but I will tell you what you want to hear." I didn't take it any further.
I can't see that in this day and age that you couldn't do it..Everything produced these days is predrilled, preshaped to accept any number of variations of models etc.
The question is whether Hyundai decided to sell the base model in Australia with this as an option....reduce the number of options to reduce price etc.
I went and bought a Vito.....so I could fit SUPs up between the seats...no more scrambling over the roof for me .
Just bear in mind that with the iload the centre seat backrest tilts forward and acts as a drink holder and arm rest. This may or may not give you enough room to get the board in. It also tilts backwards and can act as a seat which is great for tradies doing work in the back. I have fitted a pioneer cannoe in my iload this way. I have only ever had an iload so cannot compare but i love it. Have done 60,000 kms and no problems.
Suggest you contact Wesbar Vanquip, they're the van fit-out and seat conversion specialist in Perth:
www.wesbarvanquip.com.au/
Thank for the info everyone. GazMan cheers for link really handy as I was looking at getting some extra windows put in as well.
I just have the centre seat folded down in my iload and the nose of my 10' sup sits through the gap in the seats, then i use a strap around the nose connected to a secure point so it wont go through the windscreen. But as far as new seats go the skys the limit depending how much coin you want to spend.
This mob did a single seat in the back of my iload and I think they do front seats.http://www.techsafeseating.com.au/index.html
I got a similar response, which I took as the dealer didn't really want to know about it. That just sent to to VW where nothing was to difficult for the dealership, I got a transporter, with windows all round and upgraded the front seats to the ones that come with the Multivan. An after it was all said and done it wasn't that much more than an iLoad to similar specs.
