fitting a free top

antique · Post by **antique** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:58 am

hi if you put the strengthners in cant see a problem [all bongos have chasis ] the electrics for up and down might be made simple by using electrics of a boat windlass , they are normally for sale on ebay , cant see the profit in it ? but great project, go for it ?

pippin · Post by **pippin** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:18 am

You can buy the wiring diagrams on a CD from the BongoFury Vlub.

Best to become a member first.

Seeker · Post by **Seeker** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:05 am

Hi Kieth, I dont see any reason why it has to be electric! VWs arent and their resale value is good!

I would have thought the fitting bit would be reasonably easy as long as the locking mechanism works what more could you ask for.

How much do you want for the tin-top! lol

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:18 am

thanks for that ill keep you posted,if i bottle out ill fit it to a vw camper but really want to make it go on this bongo

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 9:21 am

ive thought of making it manual but imm gonna try to make it right would be open to an offer over about £2700 for tin top inc freetop if i dont do it

vanvliet · Post by **vanvliet** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:44 am

I would sell the tintop and fit the freetop to a customised low horse- box type trailer repete with battery to operate the beast - with a camping kitchen below - what an outfit that would be !
Mind you - some would call it a caravan!

waycar8 · Post by **waycar8** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:45 pm

hi keith maybe phone one of the big converter companies about your little diy job,

if i am not mistaken manchester campers (i got told by someone) converts tin tops to free tops.

phone em and pick their brains, they may even have a diagram.

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:36 pm

I have stayed quiet on this one so far, but I think you will definitely be Apart from the wiring (which will probably be a nightmare) I doubt whether the roof structure is the same. If you alter the roof structure of the van then as the converter of this vehicle you run the risk of any future accidents being your fault.
When converters put an eleveating roof on a vw they generally use a type approved strengthening frame. If you do anything other than this then you could face a big explanation of what made you think your fabrication was structurally safe. If you didnt crash test it etc then you end up with no leg to stand on - I doubt mazda will have a type approved frame for a tin top.

I agree it could be an interesting project, but it could also devalue your tin top to scrap value.
Its only my personal opinion, and I realise its a bit negative, but I would sell the tin top and just buy a freetop. There is only a £1500 or so difference in price between them. Free tops are not exactly in short supply at the moment so there should be a few bargains out there still.

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:44 pm

I have resisted saying what madmile has just said, I totally agree with him.

Don't do it.

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:50 pm

I told the mechanic at my local bongo garage about this and he just said " Oh my god is he mad" and went off about the scrap value which will be all thats left of your vehicle. According to them they reckon it is virtually impossible to do because the structural integrity of a flat top ( like mine) is totally different to a bongo that gets an erection, that together with welding, sealing, electrics etc sent them off like mad dogs. BUT.. if you do it and you succeed, good for you, you will become godlike and will be the leader in your field with people wanting the ins and outs of it and to view your creation. I hope you are successful and good luck to you for having the guts to do it, now on a legal point. You may need it to be examined by the ministry to establish its roadworthiness and structural integrity, the insurance will want a full written report by a vehicle examiner, which will cost you and a copy of the ministry report which will cost you. Weigh it al up and decide. whichever good luck.

antique · Post by **antique** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:03 pm

hi toataly dissagree, you will proabaly find the tin top and the pop top are made side by side ,how many vw have had pop tops fitted ?look at the bongo pick up truck. how many transist vans on the road with grp high tops ?

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:35 pm

Antique yep you may be right, but.. remember lots of Police vehicles are made side by side with the regular vehicles ..But.. they are different in many many ways, unless it comes straight from Bongo hq in the land of the rising sun I would say they are fundamentally different as the proverbial chalk and cheese, extra weight re roof and fittings on thier own without the fancy electrics and connections will need extra strength in the sides alone. BUT I hope you are right and we are all wrong. Happy motoring. If it works I have an old cessna I can try and graft onto my flat top, then.. skys the limit eh.

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:12 pm

thanks for the imput ,ill probably have a ponder before cutting hole

madmile · Post by **madmile** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:12 pm

It will be difficult to get information from Mazda re structural differences. I am only drawing comparison with VWT4's where there is a lot of information readily available.
I have just bought an AA van(or multivan - i.e 2 windows in the back). You would think that these are made the same as a panel van with the exception of the windows. Apparently, they have strengthening in the pillars and floor as they were designed to carry passengers in the rear.

antique · Post by **antique** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:25 pm

hi madmile thats it,strenghten to carry passengers ,the tin top is made to carry people ?