

North West: Bongospares
At BongoSpares we offer a friendly service and honest advice. We have a comprehensive catalogue of Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda spare parts, all offered at the lowest prices. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us on 01422 823249 or visit our eBay store. Poorly Bongo? We now have a dedicated Bongo workshop where repairs and services can be carried out.
Website: www.bongospares.co.uk
Kath Doherty
Lockdown Vitals
If your Bongo is laid up for a period of time follow these ten important maintenance tips.
- Keeping your battery charged is vitally important. The best way to do this is to start her up once a week and run the engine for 15 to 20 minutes, although a battery should not go flat within 3 weeks unless it is on its last legs. We do not recommend disconnecting the battery as this has an adverse affect on alarms, immobilisers, radio, auto sliding door etc. It is also possible to hook up the battery to a trickle charger; the best ones stop charging when the battery is full.
- If you have a leisure battery fitted, run the engine for about 20 minutes once a month. This will ensure it is charged from the alternator.
- If not using the vehicle for any prolonged period then do not use the handbrake as this can put too much pressure on the cables and rear shoes. Instead, when you start it up, move it forward and test all the brakes, even if it’s just a few inches.
- It’s worth over inflating the tyres otherwise flat spots may occur. This is also why it’s worth moving the vehicle forwards a few inches.
- Rubber items can get brittle if not used. By running the engine for 15 minutes coolant will pump its way round the hoses.
- Similarly it is a good idea to run the air conditioning system for a few minutes.
- Fuel: diesel can start to evaporate in the fuel lines if left un-circulated for more than a few weeks. Petrol is better but you might want to put in a dose of Redex or something similar if leaving petrol in the tank.
- If you have an Auto Free top, then raise the roof once in a while. This will stop the motors seizing and will keep the vinyl from cracking.
- If you have a fresh water tank, then empty it before storage. Disconnect your gas bottle if you have one.
- If at all possible take the vehicle out for an “Italian tune up” once a month to blow away the cobwebs. But during the 2020 lockdown this can only be done if it is an essential journey such as a weekly supermarket shop or dropping off medicines for a relative.
Doug and Rosie Wilson
The Story of the 2019 Bongo Bash
Once again Lickhill Manor in Stourport, Worcestershire hosted our annual UK Bongo Bash but it very nearly didn’t take place! However before we get in to that let’s take you back in time to September 2018, a full 9 months before the event. This hidden-away industrial unit in Sheffield is where Mission Control is located and it was from here that the entertainment was booked, the PA system procured, the site itself confirmed, and the marquee and coach for the Saturday trip organised. We also ask the regular traders whether they want a pitch, and arrange the catering unit (Colin the Mad Chef).
In February it’s time to recruit the volunteers who will help us on setting up, reception, security and other tasks during the week. The previous year’s volunteers are given the option to return. But if it looks like we need some new blood then an appeal is put out on the Bongo Fury Forum. But mostly the previous year’s volunteers are only too happy to return.
By late March/early April we are ready to start taking bookings. There are only 56 hook ups (and another 8 that we split in to two) and these are taken quickly. It’s our busiest day of the year, but our team of highly trained operatives (Tracy and Marianne) are happy to take your call.
Over the next couple of months we continue to take bookings, mainly for the non-electric pitches until about a month before the Bash, we start to prepare the master lists and the information packs.
Finally, in mid June, we contact the site to check everything is OK……..but this year we were told there may be a potential problem. Lickhill Manor is right on the banks of the River Severn and although the stretch between Bewdley and Stourport has not flooded for a while, heavy rain in mid Wales meant that the river was swollen and had to be monitored carefully. Indeed flood alerts were being issued along the full stretch. We would have to get down to the site early and hope that the worst didn’t happen. We drew up contingency plans just in case Stourport flooded like it had previously. The key was 3 miles upstream. If the flood barriers were deployed at Bewdley we were in trouble.
Fortunately we were spared. On the day before the Bash began, the river, which was only 9 inches from the top of the bank at the rally field, started receding and we were open for business.
Tuesday 18th June was just about sunny enough for the grass to be cut, and the volunteers arrived to help set things up.
Apart from the usual minor issues, the Bash then proceeded as planned. Here’s a selection of some images from the remainder of the week. See you next year!
Classicline
Tel: 01455-639000
“We are able to offer a club discount, free legal protection and breakdown cover including UK/EU roadside assistance, recovery and homestart. We can also provide multi-vehicle policies, including day-to-day cars, and will cover most
modifications.”
Tailgate Strut Supports
Are you fed up with your tailgate closing when you don’t want it to? It may be due to tired struts, it may be due to a heavy bike rack. But fear not, we have a solution! Introducing the Tailgate Strut Support.
Precision engineered in coated steel by Andrews of Long Eaton, these “Strut Brakes” sit on exposed inner (silver) part of the strut to prevent it shutting.
They come as a pair and are available in a variety of bright colours. You can obtain them from the Exterior section of the Bongoland shop. As used and recommended by the Bongomaster!

Hyde in New Zealand
Peter Hyde is our longest serving club member with a membership number of 7. He lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, which has not been a happy place recently. Late last year we contacted him to ask a few questions about Bongo ownership etc.
1) What made you buy a Ford Freda?
Versatility. We needed a wagon to haul stuff including trailers (so added a towbar) and of course our family of three kids. We also liked the idea of camping in it occasionally also – it’s unconverted. We have indeed used it a bit for camping – mainly the kids as they grew up – and have greatly appreciated how many people and/or how much stuff can be transported internally with comfort and relative ease – even without a trailer attached.
2) What type is it? Do you use it for camping or is it a run-around?
4WD diesel automatic, lifting roof, 1998 – we got it in early 2006. Our primary vehicle is a 2001 Mercedes SLK roadster, we use the van when that won’t do – which is somewhat less often now that our kids have all left home. We also loan it to visitors on occasion, most recently to some friends from France.
3) How did you find out about the Bongo Fury club?
Probably a web search – even in the early days, the club had lots of excellent content and of course really helpful forums.
4) Any notable adventures over the years?
A few 🙂
1. Early on I used to take it off-road a bit – after all, it’s a 4WD, right? 🙂 The best such trips were twice down the Rainbow station/Molesworth station track in the South Island high country – nice and high and wild in places. But there were a couple of rugged creek crossings, meaning I had to get the steering rack repaired after the second trip. After that, I limited our endeavours to unsealed roads, but not offroad tracks.
2. Soon after the Feb 2011 quake hit Christchurch, we had the misfortune to be forcibly evacuated from our home (for no good reason) late one night. So we piled our most valuable possessions – artwork, ID papers, photos, computer server etc. into the van until it was filled to the gills, and sent the kids and dog walking down the road to our overnight billet. Next morning we did a quick check and found that the cordon the police had established didn’t include our place at all! So naturally we drove right back home again. During that period, the van served in good stead several times as a beast of burden – carrying tables and whiteboards down the street to establish a an ad-hoc information post, taking supplies to suburbs in worse condition than ours, or even ferrying a young mother, bike and baby across a stream of raw sewerage that was inadvertently being pumped across the suburb’s only access road right after the local power had been reconnected.
3. Kayak & drone transport. A whole new level of usefulness and fun arose after we bought an inflatable tandem sailing kayak in 2012 – a wonderful way to explore NZ’s lakes and rivers.
Though the fully packed kayak could (just) fit in the back of any car, with the van we could let just a bit of air out of the kayak, fold it in two and shove it in the back, meaning we could get it up and running really quickly at each new launching point. Plus we could camp out, of course.
When I started flying drones in 2014, the van made a great base of operations for all that kit too.
(Of course, I had thoughts of using the kayak as an aircraft carrier as well – but drones and water really don’t mix that well 🙂
4. Otago Rail Trail – this is a great and sometimes spectacular inland cycling route in the South Island – but although it has gentle grades – being a former railway – there are occasional hills, so… When we did the trail with two friends, we used the van to haul people plus three bikes to the top of each descent then rode down to meet the van plus driver at the next pub or cafe. After a bit of essential R&R, swap the driver out with one of the cyclists, rinse and repeat. That’s the civilised way to do it 🙂
5. Not our van at all, but a direct consequence of Bongo Fury. Back in 2010 I used the forums to offer a van swap with someone willing in the UK – we’d go and borrow their Bongo, they’d come and borrow our van. In the end, it was a one-way swap, with Chris from Huddersfield picking us total strangers up from a random bus-stop and handing me the keys to his precious Bongo (his wife said he wouldn’t even let her drive it!). The trip north into Scotland was excellent of course – apart from the bit where I carelessly left the fuel cap behind at our first stop. Even better, on our return, Chris offered to drive us to Wales, where we were meeting friends for a canal boat trip.
Unforgettable kindness.
As you’d expect, we’ve truly benefited from the Freda, which is why we are loathe to move on from it, even though it’s now a tad old and tired. The best investment I made for it was the Waeco cruise control – it was already a comfortable long-distance drive and that made things even better on long, straight South Island roads. I still do the occasional mod like converting internal lights to LED, adding a solar panel trickle charger and so on – but mostly I just use it.
5) Current state of vehicle? How long do you think you can keeop it going?
Currently it’s mildly banged about – it’s not worth fixing cosmetic stuff now – and has definitely shown signs of its age in recent years. For example, it required a new radiator and cylinder head in the past couple of years. We figured it was still worth the reinvestment, given that we still use it regularly enough, and know its capabilities and quirks.
6) Photos? (Action shots?)
Heh. You’re lucky that I have a filing system of sorts – in our travels we take tens of thousands of photos a year, including more than a few FROM the van on our many road trips to wonderful NZ scenic spots and activities. But almost none OF the van since the early days. FWIW, some such are attached.

Roy’s Self Conversion
Well it was handshakes all round as Roy finally self-converted. Here’s how he did it.
I have owned a 2001 Aero City Runner for 2 years now and during that time, like many I suspect, I have toyed with converting it. But each time I was not convinced I wanted to lose the space within the van, did not really have a need for a sink, and also I wanted to retain the ability to carry 7 passengers, also not knowing where I would store the seats once removed.
After searching without success on line for a “storage box” that would fit on the rear seats when folded down I opted to build one myself. My criteria was to be as light but sturdy as possible, removable, to fit on the rear seat when folded down but not to obstruct my rear view, to be able to store all my camping cooking essentials etc and the big challenge, to be able to access it all from either inside or outside the vehicle.
After searching on line, as I intended to build it using 12 mm ply wood, I found a company selling 12 mm T trim which was essential for a good finish. At £20 for 10 meters I thought this was a good price.
As mentioned earlier my biggest challenge was gaining access to all items, as due to the size I knew I would need to include shelves to maximise storage. Gaining access from outside was simple as I included 3 doors giving me easy access, however when in the vehicle, on a rainy day for example I needed to retain that easy access. This was achieved by adding a double lid on the box and shelves on hinges. Then I could open one side only and remove items from that side, placing them on the other lid therefore allowing me to flip the shelf up to access items below, both lids are supported by gas struts. The only way to fix the struts was via the sides of the middle compartment as otherwise the struts would impinge on the shelf flipping up. Here’s a few photos of what I did.
I have also added a drop down shelf on the front of the box which provides a sturdy shelf for cooking, washing up on etc from the outside on a warm sunny day.
Since completion I have also constructed a “cup cupboard” above the window as I had all the materials following my initial purchase (2×2.4m ply board and 30 meters of 12mm T trim)
To finish off the cup cupboard I added an LED strip light plus a twin USB charging port coupled with a volts meter so I can monitor the leisure battery health.
Come and find me at one of the Bongo meetings and I will be happy to show you around!
Roy Clark
Bodywork
Paul bought his Bongo 12 years ago and has clocked up about 300,000 miles since. But now the rust has set in (big time!) and it’s time to do something about it. This is his pictorial tale.
This was his Bongy with about 80,000 miles on the clock
Fast forward six years and some serious rust issues started to become apparent.
We managed to get this sorted out (see the factsheet entitled “Rust Directory” in the members area for a list). But by late 2018 more issues started to emerge under the van.
This was a job for a real expert, so we booked the van in to Bongo Spares. They’ve got an excellent reputation and it was only an hours drive from Manchester.
And here is the finished Bongy. Excellent job chaps!
Complete Cover
Complete Cover Group are specialist insurers that help people in hard-to-insure circumstances find affordable quotes. This includes drivers of grey import and modified vehicles as well as motorists who have convictions, live in highly rated postcodes or other non-standard situations. Note: 8 seaters only, no campervans.
A Day at the Races
During the hot, hot summer of 2018 we thought we would try something different. Usually our monthly meetings, especially the annual Summer Camp, involve loafing about and having a quiet time. But not this year! This year we had…….A Day At The Races!
The Jockey Club own Market Rasen Racecourse and its associated campsite. About 25 Bongos pitched up during the first weekend in August for an action packed weekend that would culminate in Sunday National Hunt racing. Here’s a pictorial record of the highlights.
As always there was someone on hand just in case things went wrong, although it was nothing serious this time.
On Friday some of us took the 20 minute walk in to town. Market Rasen is a small but interesting place with Georgian shops and pubs.
The campsite wardens, Dee and Joolz were kind enough to order a curry night at the local Golf Club and most of us (with dogs) went down there on Friday night. During our stay Dee and Joolz couldn’t do enough to help us. They ensured we had a fantastic weekend. But more about them in a while.
On Saturday we were treated to a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the race course itself. I don’t think any of us realised how much emphasis there is on equine safety.
Then on Saturday night we had a right treat. Everyone brought some food along to our evening social and after we stuffed ourselves Joolz provided us with entertainment which led to a spontaneous outbreak of dancing by Dee and others (sort of). And The Bongomaster made a presentation to the happy couple who were getting married the following weekend!
However some people were more interested in looking at Sunday’s runners and riders on their Racing Post apps.
On Sunday, it was time to go to the races. It was blisteringly hot, we all had a great time, and a few of us even went back to the campsite afterwards showing a small profit!
It was such a fantastic weekend we will be back again next year. But, Dee and Joolz, if you are reading this, see if you can do something about this guy!
South West: Hamworthy MOT Centre
Paul and the team at Hamworthy MOT Centre have been servicing Bongos ever since they first came in to the UK. From a basic service, to trouble-shooting the electrics, to a full coolant check and change, you can’t ask for be a better garage. As recommended by Imperial Leisure Vehicles; they look after all their Bongos (and Alphards too!)
Phone 01202-620355 or email [email protected]
London & South East: DRA Services
‘The No.1 servicing and repair agent for Bongos and other vehicles in London/South East area’.
Our Bongo expertise cannot be rivalled having worked on Bongos and other Japanese imports since 1997, when they were rarely seen on U.K roads! Our wealth of knowledge just cannot be beaten!
We are a family run business and pride ourselves on excellent customer service coupled with competitive pricing. Give us a call on 0208 760 0650 and rest assured that your Bongo will be in experienced, capable hands!
3A Avon Path, South Croydon CR2 6AF
Website: www.draservices.co.uk Email: [email protected]
14/05/18 Ian Maynard
14/05/18: This is a PREMIUM advertisement. Download the full vehicle specification as a pdf file here. MOT failure. 1995 2 wheel drive diesel Mazda Bongo Friendee. Unconverted 8 seater, rear flip-up seats. 132,000 miles. MOT until 19 June 2015, recently retested but failed on rust problems arches & sills. Imported June 2007, only 2 UK owners. Full UK service history & original auction certificate. Roof rack system included. A fantastic drive, nothing at all wrong mechanically, has had full electrical upgrade earlier this year. Coolant system recently inspected. More details and photos below.
£1,250
Contact NAME on NUMBER (office hours) or email address
Location: Sheffield. NOTE THIS ADVERT IS FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY
Richardson
If you live in Ireland and own a campervan then look no further. Richardson Insurance Solutions are a well established brokerage who will insure your Bongo even if it is your only vehicle. But you must be a member of the Motor Caravan Club of Ireland. Ricardson can be contacted on 01-299-9501
Yorks & Humber: Bongospares
New, Recon & Used Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda Parts Supply & Workshop
At BongoSpares.co.uk, we offer a friendly service and honest advice. We have a comprehensive catalogue of Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda spare parts, all offered at the lowest prices. Can’t find what you’re looking for? contact us, call us on 01422 823249 or visit our eBay store. Poorly Bongo? We now have a dedicated Bongo workshop where repairs and services can be carried out.
Midlands: Ian Taylor UK
Based in Stoke-on-Trent we have over 10 years experience of selling, converting, servicing and repairing Bongos and other Japanese imports. We can offer the following services: MOT, diagnostics, body repairs, accident damage repairs.
Phone for an appointment on 07980-616117 or visit our website www.japcarimport.co.uk

Stuart Regler
Caravanwise
Mazda Bongo Camper Van Insurance
Caravanwise offer insurance for DIY Mazda Bongo Camper Van conversions both while they are being converted, for up to 90 days, and once completed. Fully comprehensive insurance including commuting with a maximum annual milage of 12,000 miles is available. TPFT available for lower value campers. Day Vans can be covered at the same rate as campervans excluding commuting.
Professional Conversions https://www.caravanwise.co.uk/motorhome-insurance/
DIY and Self Build https://www.caravanwise.co.uk/motor-quote/diy-camper-van.html
Day Vans and anything unusual please call 0800 3282084

The John Bullas Files
Dr John C Bullas BSc MSc PhD MCIHT MIAT (or Doctor B as we prefer to call him) is a “tarmac doctor” and when he is not working on expert witness cases concerning road surface characteristics he is working for the 111 service in Hampshire.
Having spent the last thirty years tinkering with Minis he moved on to Bongos five years ago when Mrs B bought “Purple Pixie” the Ford Freda.
He has documented his mechanical Bongo adventures on his YouTube channel and in his Flickr albums and has made these available as a resource for other Bongo owners. Here are a few highlights (in no particular order). All links open in a new tab.
Rear Light Cluster Removal: New Shape (video)
Air Filter for 2 Litre Petrol (video)
Dipstick on the 2 Litre (photos)
Wishbone Boot Replacement (photos)
Admiral
Tel: 0333 220 2084
The Bongomaster himself uses this firm. They are not the cheapest, but have an excellent reputation for customer service. Very good rates if you have an extra vehicle to insure.
Scott & Margaret Gibb
Muzorewa
He’s been around it a bit in his trusty Bongo. Here is the index for the Adventures of Muz.
And here’s a celebration of 400,000 miles in a “best of” Photo collection.
09/03/17 Lindsay Georghean
09/03/17 WITHDRAWN: P Reg (96) 2.5 diesel automatic, 121,000 miles, FSH, MOT till March 2018. Rear kitchen with fridge, double gas hob and sink, leisure battery, awning attached to the side. Tow bar and bike rack to rear, thermal screens, electric hook up lead and brand new wheel arches not fitted. Excellent runner
£4,500
07875-207019 (Crawley, West Sussex) No canvassers.
06/03/17 Latest News
Pictured: Bongo browsing the undergrowth.
We have received an update from Bongo’s dedicated keeper. In February a small party of ex-orphans returned to the stockade to see what was going on. In the afternoon, the Ex Orphans briefly joined the juniors and made away with Narok and Bongo off into the Park! The keepers realized later that the two had been snatched by the Ex Orphans and they tracked their footprints until dark but to no avail. Later when it was just after dark, Narok and Bongo returned back to the stockade after spending half the night out. Only time will tell if the experience they had was a nice one or if they decide they need more time to be with their human family! At some point Bongo will want to return to the wild, but it’s too early for that yet.
Update 10/01/17
We have extended the fostering programme for another 2 years. This cost $100 US (about £70). If you would like to make a donation to top this up even further then please go to our dedicated “Just Giving” page.

Dutch Oven
There’s a lot of ways to cook food in the great outdoors, but Phil Jones’ preferred method is the Dutch Oven. It’s a large cooking pot suspended over hot coals and is ideal for casseroles.
“Over 45 years ago my Romany Gypsy pal and I roamed not only the UK, but Canada as well, during the long Summer holidays.
Cooking on an open fire with cast iron kettle and pans using a heavy ‘kettle prop’, he knowing more than me, bemoaned the absence of a Dutch oven, which to this day I don’t know if he ever had one.
Funny that because he hailed from Hartlebury and I bought my oven from Stourport just up the road.
Allcocks Outdoor Store has 2 sizes in stock 10″ 4.4 litres and 14″ 8.5 litres. Priced at £28.99 and £38.99 and tripods with chains. 10 York street,01299 822212″
Or available online from www.dutchovens.co.uk