Winter protection

[joeldrummer79]

Hi Guys

Its getting to the time of the year where I need to seriously start thinking of protecting my Bongo from the winter elements.

My original plan was to spend the winter making sure the whole vehicle is mechanically sound ready for spring. So far I have a steering rack to replace, front suspension bushes (whichever ones they are) maybe the shocks, tyres, coolant alarm, discs and pads and I want to change the ATF and diff oils as well as fix a passenger window fault.

Now I've noticed rusting on one of the rear arches and the inside of the door.

I need to start prioritising the work.

I'm going to sort the inner door myself, got the paint and what not ordered and need to make sure the drain holes (if any) are not blocked.

My main concern is I live alone and the Van is kept on a busy public road so doing work on it is very difficult and I don't want rust to set in over the winter. Don't think I can use a cover on a public road and it wont protect the underneath anyway! (Seller says its been under sealed-not sure how long ago though)

I do plan on running it weekly over the winter but absolutely frightened to death of more rust!

I'm now thinking of storage and some sort of cover to get it off the salty roads and getting the bodywork done BEFORE the mechanical jobs, so wondering if anyone has any advice? How would you guys prioritise all these jobs considering I live alone on a main road and nearest bongo friendly garage is miles away... I'm resorting to using local garages because if I have to leave the Bongo miles away at a Bongo specialist I cant get home!!

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks

Oh and does anyone know what van cover is best for a bongo, I read it was Mercedes but cant find the thread for it now...

[Bob]

Have a Google for caravan storage near you.

We pay about £300 for the year to store ours, (caravan, not Bongo, but just book as a small,camper van) and we're allowed in to work on it during business hours - 7 days a week.

That way you could also use a cover.

[joeldrummer79]

Thanks Bob,

Yes, I am waiting for my local storage people to ring me, any minute now. Can you recommend a good cover and a reputable waxoyl service not too far from Coventry?

[Ian]

Re: the cover you are correct that a Mercedes (Vito) cover will be OK. As long as you don't have a roof rack or bike rack it will be a pretty good fit. See Bongoland Shop at https://bongoland.co.uk/product/vehicle-cover/

[Bob]

Not sure where to find the best underseal expert, but from memory there's a Bongo Savvy garage in Harbury/Bishops' Itchington, near Southam.

Someone closer may know them.

Bear in mind you don't need a Bongo expert for Waxoil, just a Waxoil expert, so a little Googling may turn someone up.

Good luck.

[Ian]

This firm is near Rugby and they have done Bongos in the past: http://www.before-n-after.co.uk/

[joeldrummer79]

Thanks guys I'm on the case. Decided to get the underside checked out in the morning for any welding/repairs that need doing before it is waxoyled. I'm going to get the arches replaced before as well.... Jeez this Bongoing is an expensive game!

I have a feeling that my inner arches are shot to bits as well, how sre these usually repaired? Just welding? Or can you buy replacements? I'm also struggling to find someone that sells rear cross members, can find the front, just not the rear!!