1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior

TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by TheLongRoad » Sun Feb 25, 2018 7:43 am

Looking good. Out of interest, when was your Bongo imported into the UK?
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15255
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by Bob » Sun Feb 25, 2018 10:06 am

Wonderful looking sheet bender. =D>

A coat of Hamerite should take care of it living outside. :wink:
teenmal
Supreme Being
Posts: 3656
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 6:08 pm
Location: north lanarkshire

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by teenmal » Sun Feb 25, 2018 11:43 am

TheLongRoad wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 7:43 am Looking good. Out of interest, when was your Bongo imported into the UK?


June 2008

Take care
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by TheLongRoad » Sun Feb 25, 2018 2:21 pm

teenmal wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 11:43 am
TheLongRoad wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 7:43 am Looking good. Out of interest, when was your Bongo imported into the UK?


June 2008

Take care
Thanks- was just wondering what length of time the UK climate and road salt had taken to inflict so much damage.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by TheLongRoad » Mon Feb 26, 2018 10:37 am

plonkatronix wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2018 2:02 am
TheLongRoad wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 2:21 pm
teenmal wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2018 11:43 am



June 2008

Take care
Thanks- was just wondering what length of time the UK climate and road salt had taken to inflict so much damage.

I see what you were thinking however it's strange that the most of the rot is on the drivers side, not what you would expect for the UK's roads.

Thanks teenmal
Most Bongos imported by the established companies appear to be well waxoiled on import. Guess there are other Bongos that are not so lucky. Mine has only been in Uk a few years and the under seal looks ok - but I’ll be giving it a closer look when (if ) the snow disappears. Keep up the work on yours and keep posting pics - always helpful. Thanks
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
User avatar
mikeonb4c
Supreme Being
Posts: 22871
Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:49 pm
Location: Living with Mango Bongo in the North West but with a tendency to roam
Contact:

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by mikeonb4c » Mon Feb 26, 2018 11:12 am

Out of interest (and assuming you've not cut it open yet) is the rot as bad/worse on the passenger side? The drivers side is i think perceived as worse partly because its more of a headache/cost to sort due to the structure around the rear heater, need to weld/work around that, and the corrosion prone metal pipework to the rear heater, autobox etc.
Flanners
Bongolier
Posts: 421
Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 4:11 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by Flanners » Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:40 pm

Mine has been here since 2014, it was waxoyled or equivalent by the importer. I had it completely and more comprehensively redone in Novemeber 2017, I reckon every 3-4 years is about right. I try not to use if for days out if the roads are wet and have been salted though.
2002 2.0 Aero with Outback Conversion and Roof Top Tent
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15255
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by Bob » Wed Feb 28, 2018 4:10 pm

Top class job. =D>

Fingers crossed your health improves soon. [-o<
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by TheLongRoad » Fri Mar 09, 2018 7:30 am

Great progress. Really good job being done there - credit to you. Also looks like you are having to work in a confined space in the workshop. That’s never easy. I have one of those mechanics stools on wheels and find it easier on the knees to sit and weld. Keep up the good work and keep posting photos.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: Cardiff - Starting & coolant loss problems

Post by TheLongRoad » Fri Mar 09, 2018 4:26 pm

£68 very resourceful. I’ve a double garage but the Bongo won’t go under the door. So, I need to wait for warmer weather to work on it. Finally managed to see it reappear from under the snow.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: 1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Post by TheLongRoad » Sat Mar 10, 2018 7:50 am

Any chance you can modify the near side arch to give a bit more room?
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
TheLongRoad
Bongolier
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: 1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Post by TheLongRoad » Sun Mar 11, 2018 5:16 pm

Out with the measuring tape, fingers crossed. :wink:
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
Bongolia
Supreme Being
Posts: 1524
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2016 2:17 am
Location: Folkestone

Re: 1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Post by Bongolia » Mon Mar 12, 2018 12:51 pm

Hi No Bongo.
Just picked up on your posts.
It looks like you are using Merc sprinter arches. When I did mine I let the arch in behind the existing panel (easier to level/fill) and found no issues with door striking if that helps.
I note that you considered using another arch to form an inner arch panel, I would recommend that at least on the N/S as the stresses around here are great what with the sliding door aperture etc. As you will know the originals where fixed to the outer panel using a structural adhesive (not a good idea?) over time this fails and welding in an inner arch would help stiffen this side.
Also check the roof gutter section on this side for old repairs.
Good luck. :D
User avatar
g8dhe
Supreme Being
Posts: 10179
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:06 pm
Location: Worthing, West Sussex.
Contact:

Re: 1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Post by g8dhe » Mon Mar 12, 2018 4:48 pm

The gutters aren't that common a problem, but more are beginning to show up as having problems, especially as the metal is quite thin up there see my Tin_worm images :-( http://www.g8dhe.net/bongo_images/tin_worm/
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
Image Spherical Visions
Bongolia
Supreme Being
Posts: 1524
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2016 2:17 am
Location: Folkestone

Re: 1996 2.5td 4x4 - Restoration Project

Post by Bongolia » Tue Mar 13, 2018 11:20 pm

Combination of factors, area prone to flexing around door opening, breakdown of sealant (old age?),gutter mounted awnings,AFT,condensation etc....
The panel is really a skin panel the main structure is in the cant rail underneath so cosmetic really.
Underside can be got at easily for waxing once the plastic trim is removed and the outer gutter channel treated by blocking off each end and filling the gutter with fresh engine oil or thinned wax and left to soak for a few days.
It only seems to be this side that is affected.
Post Reply

Return to “Techie Stuff”