New Bongo Member

[JF117]

Yes as I recall the strut always has some compression in it as it still needs to take some of the weight even when fully extended!
If your fitting the struts yourself using a ratchet strap make sure that the weave of the material is adequate to prevent the weave spreading apart see here https://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum ... 29#p685929

Nice!

Yes, I have some ratchet straps and yes, I concur, they can be a pain to figure out sometimes lol..

Hopefully the struts get here before the weekend and I can do the job.

Guy on the phone said I just need to prop the roof up and pop them on and off, which from reading some of the walk throughs on here I doubt. However, on the note, are there any other tools you think I might need?

[g8dhe]

Releasing the nuts needs a quite thin spanner as I recall, as there is only a thin gap to get the spanner in on mine, they may have been 1/2 nuts thinking about it, but it was sometime ago!

[JF117]

Releasing the nuts needs a quite thin spanner as I recall, as there is only a thin gap to get the spanner in on mine, they may have been 1/2 nuts thinking about it, but it was sometime ago!

Separate question:

Where would I find the paint codes for my van?

It's white top & silver base? Any generic paint codes knocking around?

[Doone]

Welcome to BF! A quick search on the forum found this useful paint codes post, posted by Rita. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73177&p=687044&hili ... te#p687045

[g8dhe]

Where would I find the paint codes for my van?

It's white top & silver base? Any generic paint codes knocking around?

The code is on a label usually on the passenger "B" pillar but also on later versions on the Drivers "B" pillar, once you have the EXTernal paint code then there are several tables around for converting it to the two colour codes and descriptions.

[JF117]

TY,

Any mechanical tips/checks before and after journeys, like what to look at to ensure everything is always 100%?

Appreciate that's a broad question to which any half-experienced driver should be able to answer but if there are any nuances one can think of, let me know!

When I think about it, that strut tip was a major save lol

[g8dhe]

Well other than checking the coolant level and normal oil and tyre pressures there isn't really anything I do myself! Its only the coolant level that can be a bit more critical and the fact that its a pressurised system so no opening the cap on the de-gassing tank until the engine itself is cold.

[JF117]

Well other than checking the coolant level and normal oil and tyre pressures there isn't really anything I do myself! Its only the coolant level that can be a bit more critical and the fact that its a pressurised system so no opening the cap on the de-gassing tank until the engine itself is cold.

Had the free top up there today as I was trying to replace the strut (still can't get it.. lol) but noticed after, and after some rainfall, there were some damp patches in and around the corners of the free top - should I be worried about this / does it need to be replaced, or is a bit of damp normal?

[g8dhe]

It ought not to be damp as the outer covering of the tent is plastic! Sometimes the zip cover isn't down properly and the zip itself will leak if rain is blowing against it. Otherwise its mould and mildew if you do any cooking below or sleeping in it. Cheap M&M cleaner and dry sunny breeze day wash it down, then rinse the fabris well to remove bleach and allow to dry.

[Roy748]

Welcome

[JF117]

It ought not to be damp as the outer covering of the tent is plastic! Sometimes the zip cover isn't down properly and the zip itself will leak if rain is blowing against it. Otherwise its mould and mildew if you do any cooking below or sleeping in it. Cheap M&M cleaner and dry sunny breeze day wash it down, then rinse the fabris well to remove bleach and allow to dry.

Pretty sure it was this, but I'll have a look.

Any advice on water repellent sprays on the external side of the free top roof to assist with this? Is it advisable?

[g8dhe]

The outside of the tent is plastic, its inherently water repellent!