Symbol cupboard access

Obviously this only applies to Symbols of a certain age but the cupboard under the wardrobe has driven me mad since I bought the van. Maybe it’s just me that stores bedding on the top opening cupboard making it pretty useless for easy access unless everything is removed. 
I’m thinking of making a front opening of some kind, I just wondered if anyone else has done a mod with this not insignificant space that could be put to better use in our compact vans?

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Won't the door prevent the single bed option?
frederic

Not in the slightest frederic 
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This is how it’s accessed at present, not a big issue I know but A/S have frustrated me so much with so many minor things that could have been improved with minimal cost. They seem so stuck in their thinking!!

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So you mean a door in the side of the bottom board.
This was done in 'vans from the previous era when the Brothers were in charge. 
Drop down doors would, as you implied, increase the build costs. 
They are missed as is the reduction in the small but desirable trimmings from 'days of yore'  
frederic

Oh the good old days, I looked at a 2014 Nuevo before I bought my van and the build quality was so much better.
Back to my question, there is already a hinged door on top so why not just put it on the side instead where it would make more sense with minimal cost??

Even earlier, 2000's
Doors galore
We still miss the  Ford 1998 Legend, VW Talent, Renault Raport and 2004 Clubman
Though the T5 Topaz is a nice small compromise.
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Try a netting mesh, or curtain wire. I use the latter to keep stuff in the cubby holes (rear doors and kitchen) from bouncing out. I totally agree that the design is poor as is the loss of the bottom board door to the settee underside.

That’s a nice idea orac but I’m hoping to achieve something that looks like A/S built it at the factory.  I do agree about a settee panel door, that’s something that has also crossed my mind in the past.
A plan has started to hatch in my head. I’ve found this panel that I removed from under the single seat which would make a great cupboard door with a bit of work, it’s the one with the wine bottle holders on. What a waste of space that was, if you haven’t already done so it’s a 5 minute job to remove and gives great easy access to the single seat storage.

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whatever works for you is the right way: we all have differing requirements

orac wrote:whatever works for you is the right way: we all have differing requirements

Sorry if my reply came across a bit negative to your ideas, that wasn’t the intention, I appreciate all suggestions

No offence taken. I enjoy the forum for the fact that all ideas surface and some I certainly wouldn't have thought of on a range of subjects. In this instance, anything permanent or semi permanent would impede exiting the single bed setup for me so a no no. Be interested to see pics of the final result.

I use the single bed often, what’s your thinking about impeding exit as that would also be a big no from me. Any potential flaws in my plans appreciated before I start cutting holes 

we set up the double but sleep front to rear, not sideways. My legs are long so I utilise the void under wardrobe when lying flat and also for sliding out at the foot (not disturbing other half). I think if there was a door it would mean having to scrunch legs up to get out. I am not that agile any longer (shucks). The extra sleeping space is the only aspect of this design arrangement I like. Our last Symbol was older and had the LPG bottles there in a dedicated cupboard which for the reasons above, prevented sleeping front to rear. Because of access issues to that hinged locker, I store the single duvets in the 'tiny' overcab space and other more easily moveable bits above the hinge.

Thanks for the reply, hopefully the mod as I plan it won’t impact on the single bed in the way I use it, as you mention it is a great part of the Symbol.
On a different note, I’m looking at an idea to extend the settee bed in single bed mode as it’s just a tad short for my girlfriend. The idea of 2 acceptable singles with a gap between would work for us as we find the double a right faff to set up!

Agreed on all points. I'm fortunate in that my Wife is short but I'd be very interested to learn of any successful way of extending the settee bit.

I will start a thread on the settee mod if it works as the Symbol would be even better with 2 singles that are a decent length.
As far as the new cupboard door is concerned, I will update this thread even if it is of limited interest to owners. I’ve found the Symbol a great van to own but with so many minor design issues that could be so easily sorted.
No habitation USB socket in a modern van for example???? Don’t get me started 

same wavelength. Look forward to updates and new thread. Enjoy weekend.

I thought l had the world record for removing bits from a Symbol, down to the stupid plastic doors under the front seats. The cupboard under the wardrobe is one lid/door l haven’t bothered with, l just opened the top, folded it back and use it as an open topped receptacle, keeping rarely used stuff in it, or bits that only come out when the bedding is being used. 
We only use the van with two of us, so the next bit to look at is the metalwork under the single seat, which presumably is only there for anchoring the seat belt.

Be a bit careful if you remove or tamper with the metal frame as it is for seatbelt anchoring. It would have needed to be 'type approved' for the vehicle to be roadworthy and comply with construction and uses regs. Any alterations may (I stress may) render the vehicle uninsurable or illegal and risk zero payout in the event of an incident.

No need for mods to extend the settee bed. Swivel drivers seat 180 degrees, use the infill cushions for making the double bed to raise the settee base, use a cushion or pillow on the seat squab and you have a 6ft + single bed. It does mean sleeping opposite direction to near side bed but works a treat for us.

I have also fitted reduced height seat base to cab seats to put them back to the height they were before AS fitted the swivels. Although this is not essential to make up the longer bed. It also needs a new end panel to the locker to allow the seat to swivel.

I did try the seat swivel idea years ago Whippy and it didn’t work for us as more often than not I am up on ramps because of the sites we generally enjoy, I think the handbrake needs to be dropped which means the van rolled back! I do like your idea of putting the double seat cushions under the big settee cushion. Have I understood that correctly meaning the bed gradually slopes?

There is no slope. Use the seat back laid flat and the two short fill in cushions ( originally stored under the wardrobe), this raises the bench seat cushion for its full length to a level similar to the drivers seat base. Close enough that a loose cushion in the dip is all that is needed for the feet end of the bed.  I'll see if I can post some pics later.

Interesting, yes a pic or 2 would be appreciated.

Single bed on Drivers side of AS Symbol 6ft3" in length.

Sorry pics take up a lot of space. 

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useful storage space under here too if you make access.  I have also raised the height of the step to make sitting on the swiveled cab seats more comfortable.

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