Auto-Sleeper Stanway

Having recently changed our VW Topaz after 10 years, for a Stanway, we are delighted with the extra living space it gives us. We  came across it when looking for a Symbol Plus.
Never having seen a Stanway let alone heard of, the initial viewing lasted 3 minutes due to lack of lounging capacity ie feet up. Thought about it for a couple of days and decided the seating/sleeping could be made much more comfortable by creating transverse single beds as well. So we went ahead and bought it. I am now in the process of sourcing original fabrics for the new seats. A mock up shows it will work and make it far more comfortable.

The Symbol Plus is obviously the new Stanway, however the seating when in bed /lounging mode restricted access to the side door. What I hope to achieve will overcome this.

It would be interesting to know how many Stanways were produced and what others have done to improve the layout.

Rob

Just Curious Rob, did you ever take any images of your finished idea, to share??

Thanks 
Pete

 
 Indeed I have and we are very happy with the transformation.
The original seating design was limited with no option for single beds/settees for 2 to relax. The table was too large and that leg took up a lot of space.
I did a lot of drawings, made full size mock ups with cardboard etc. I modified the seat bases, removed the step with the led lights, made a new seat box by the door with access for folding chairs to slide across under a new step to the cab. New larger seat foams were reupholstered with original material. The front seat swivel was removed. A long shelf was fitted to the top of the backrest. A smaller table made with the brilliant Lagun leg, expensive but worth it, no leg in the way when sitting and swivels easily. The table is not needed for the bed base. The new seat foams have plywood bases.
 One bonus is at night the table can be raised and left in place. A small table for cups etc slots in to the wall panel just above it. . The original folding bed base extension was fitted to the worktop where the coffee maker was. A drawer was fitted in to the base of the wardrobe which has proved invaluable. Various other improvements such as Shurflo pump, etc.

The end result is 2 easy to make single 70cm wide beds across the van or a double lengthwise. No silly infill cushions. The tall cupboard for cushions by the side door is now for boots and coats and the new seat box belongs to our 2 dogs!!

Hi Pete,

Tried to include photos but no luck yet.  Will try again.
Rob

As a rare Stanway owner, I'm looking forward to seeing these rather extensive modifications 

And some more[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

And 2 more[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Wow, what an amazing job!

I love the new draw in the kitchen area too!!

Yes, that looks very nice!  I'm not very familiar with the standard Stanway layout, but I'm sure you've improved on it... perhaps yours will become the next model design... the Symbol Plus Plus?

The ability to put your feet up was a key requirement for me...  nothing better after a long hike (or a long drive). In our Symbol Plus we do it with the aid of  cushions/pillows as a backrest, sitting longways on the sofa and folding down the single seat.  But it's one of the things that has always put me off any fixed-bed-plus-dinette design.

However, if they had a dinette like yours... 

To quentinsf/RogerThat

Thank you for your kind words.
The Symbol Plus was a consideration as we had at the time a Topaz with a very similar front layout. Then we saw the Stanway with the same Symbol kitchen/shower which is perfect for us. The front seating/bed in the Stanway was very limited, but with a vast floor area. So after much thought I came up with what we have. I notice in a previous post you have a Lugan table leg. Worth every penny.
There are a few other improvements I will post in due course.

Rob

Yes - we love the Lagun table arrangement! (Details [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] if others are interested.)

I'm still thinking about adding a second bracket on the side of the single seat to give an alternative mounting location.  But I fear it would need to be built out a bit for the table leg to clear the cushion, and it might then be very hazardous to passing ankles.  :-)