mazdaspeed kit, alloys, advice!

[GT56]

hi all, I have previously posted in the 'bongo chat' forum, but seeing as my questions are about 'pimpin' I thought here might be better.

here is my bongo:




I cant take any credit for the pimps as it was imported fully loaded. I made the choice of van based mainly on the base vehicle and the pimps were a 'take it or leave it' sort of affair which I decided could be dealt with after purchase if I saw fit. Although I love the looks, it is a camper first and foremost so some of the details may have to go.

I'm looking to remove the front splitter/bumper kit to leave the original bumper. has anyone got any experience of doing this? I was told the cost of repairing the paintwork on the bumper due to rubbing would be high. It is attached via two bolts on either end by the arches.

also the wheels are great but at 18" and low pro tyres maybe not ideal for campsites! Can I change them for something more suitable? Any suggestions?

Lastly, I have removed the fibreglass 'eyebrows' and have no need for them. ebay best for getting rid ? Any ideas what they may be worth?

anyway, thanks for reading and once again hello! been lurking for a while, now I'm an owner I feel worthy of posting!

[daveblueozzie]

Dont change owt it looks cool and your in a small minority of owners who have the kit.
I have a slightly pimped version.

[M 80NGO]

X2 I also say leave it be, it looks proper nice subtle but classy, i run 18's and have no problems with campsites but if the ride is harsh then you may want to up the tyre profile to a 45, its usually the guys that have lowered there vehicles that can have ground clearance issues

Beautiful van you have there my friend

[daveblueozzie]

The eyebrows have now found a new home

[blobber]

The eyebrows have now found a new home

But will Steve have time to respray them?

[dave_aber]

The eyebrows have now found a new home

I thought that might happen!

[GT56]

front kit is now removed, surprising how easy it came off and how little paintwork needs to be done on the bumper... expect to see it on ebay soon!

I'm changing the alloys on saturday to some more sensible 16"/17" with fatter tyres for my camping trips, the current ones are just too "street-racer" for my missus so they have to go!

thanks for your comments, GT56

[bigdaddycain]

How does the bongo look without the front splitter and the rest of the kit still in place GT?

[bigdaddycain]

The eyebrows have now found a new home

But will Steve have time to respray them?

Oh yes! Plenty of time... oodles of time! Time is not a problem Alan! (more's the pity)

[bigdaddycain]

I stumbled across this image in the archives GT, it may be of interest to you.

[GT56]

it looks surprising good actually, a bit less aggressive, which is the look I wanted. Luckily the original bumper is only an inch or so higher than how it was with the splitter and the front of the arches dont look out of place. I might remove the rear bit of the kit and then leave the skirts and arch trim giving a 4x4 kind of look.

front splitter anyone?

[Rhinoman]

front splitter anyone?

How much - will it fit my 1996?

[GT56]

pm sent