Houston we have a problem.

[Bob]

Well done so far, and thanks for the update.

[The Great Pretender]

Well Guys and Girls it looks like this instalment will be the last. Still running fine, still loosing coolant, at this stage I would normally whip the head off and keep going until I have found the problem.
Age and health have forced me to make a reality check.
I need to sell my race car to make room to rebuild my sports car and now that her indoors has retired she wants us to spend more time at our caravan and buy something more luxurious……………..
I have had over six years of pure pleasure tinkering with the Bongo and know I’m going to regret selling the best everyday vehicle I have owned.

[mikeonb4c]

Well Guys and Girls it looks like this instalment will be the last. Still running fine, still loosing coolant, at this stage I would normally whip the head off and keep going until I have found the problem.
Age and health have forced me to make a reality check.
I need to sell my race car to make room to rebuild my sports car and now that her indoors has retired she wants us to spend more time at our caravan and buy something more luxurious……………..
I have had over six years of pure pleasure tinkering with the Bongo and know I’m going to regret selling the best everyday vehicle I have owned.

Jeebers TGP this is a serious loss. And I thought the Bongo WAS her indoors. Remind her she'll miss the view when touring in her retirement. What more luxurious and economical thing does she have in mind?

Please keep in touch whatever.

[The Great Pretender]

Got it in one Mike, the view will be missed the most and as it runs 100% veg equals about 50mpg.
We are going to look at a Honda cr-v this afternoon, when I listed the spec to the salesman, cat 1 alarm, cruise control, air lift suspension, body kit and 17” alloys I’m thinking do I really want to do this.

[mikeonb4c]

Got it in one Mike, the view will be missed the most and as it runs 100% veg equals about 50mpg.
We are going to look at a Honda cr-v this afternoon, when I listed the spec to the salesman, cat 1 alarm, cruise control, air lift suspension, body kit and 17” alloys I’m thinking do I really want to do this.

Frankly, I don't think you do. It would be interesting to do a costing exercise and consider what your (elegant) tintop would look like if (some of) the £s were spent instead on a bodywork and interior valet/makeover. You could also do a sum on how much more would be available for treats if the more fuel frugal Bongo were retained. And then there's the hard to measure value to your spiritual wellbeing, which ultimately is in everyone's interest

[helen&tony]

Hi
Mike...
Hole in one....as they say in Bar Billiards...or is it golf?
Bongo = comfy riding, lots of usefulness, easy maintenance, moderate height advantage = good views, relaxing...a bit of sorting, and it's as smooth as silk...a few mods and it tows the skin off a rice pudding...oh, boy, I could go on....Well...on that premise, I spent as much as buying a late Bongo on "doing up" and restoring, as I know the thing inside out...let's face it, a new vehicle is still somebody else's problems sold on...and my vehicle will last me out of the fun time, then it'll be a supermart trolley and taxi job
I reckon the local spanner-men will cope with routine work in the mean-time, as I haven't the dexterity any more....we all seem to be in "Old Crock's Alley" now and for me I'll run the Bongo till one of us drops
Cheers
Helen

[Bob]

That's the way, Helen.

My plan exactly.

[The Great Pretender]

Well that’s it, her indoors has got her expensive bit of luxury. It certainly ticks all the boxes. So a good day and a sad one too.
The Bongo goes to a trader on Friday for £1100.00 yep £1100.00. If you know anyone who wants a very cheap Bongo let me know, I would prefer to see it go to a good home for the same money.

[mikeonb4c]

Well that’s it, her indoors has got her expensive bit of luxury. It certainly ticks all the boxes. So a good day and a sad one too.
The Bongo goes to a trader on Friday for £1100.00 yep £1100.00. If you know anyone who wants a very cheap Bongo let me know, I would prefer to see it go to a good home for the same money.

What a shame. I'm seriously tempted but don't have the time or space. I presume it's being sold with the veg oil kit?

[The Great Pretender]

Yes Mike...............

[helen&tony]

Hi Mel
I hope you're not going to disappear from the Forum?????

Mike....
Go on....you know a second Bongo makes sense!!!!

Cheers
Helen

[mikeonb4c]

Hi Mel
I hope you're not going to disappear from the Forum?????

Mike....
Go on....you know a second Bongo makes sense!!!!

Cheers
Helen

I'd love it but I just don't have space or time.

[The Great Pretender]

Hi Mel
I hope you're not going to disappear from the Forum?????


Cheers
Helen

I’ll still pop in Helen, loosing the Bongo and leaving the forum would be a step to far.

[The Great Pretender]

Just spent an hour or so doing this. Hope the next owner gets it.
1 Veg oil switch.
Up for on when the water temp is over 50c. The power is nominally restricted when using but if you need to race you just switch back and power on. I have upset a few people who thought it was ok to cut me up on the motorway. Childish but fun.
Switch back to diesel a couple of miles before stopping for more than an hour or overnight

2 Veg oil temp gauge

3 Air lift suspension (for towing) charging points just in front of rear wheels under side skirts. 30/50 psi for heavy loads.

4 Expansion tank.
Disregard the standard level and fill to mark. There is a float alarm fitted that buzzes when the water level drops. It normally starts to sound when turning left, it is still safe to drive if it stops after a second or two. Top up as soon as possible, it does drop so please don’t ignore it.

The rear kitchen has a Smev sink and hob. Only connect the supplied gas bottle when using.
There is a 240v inverter powered by the second battery and will not drain the starter battery as it works though a control unit. Only switch the inverter on when needed. IF YOU LEAVE IT ON IT WILL KEEP DRAINING THE BATTERY.
The voltage gauge in the kitchen unit works on the push button to see the state of the leisure battery.

Cruise control.
On stalk self explanatory, and better than some factory fitted systems I have had.

Cat 1 alarm.
Hawk HA-101
As well as the remote there is a touch button. In the middle of the dash there is a flashing module, touch this with the button if you need to enter the Bongo without the remote ie remote battery dead.
Word of warning. The system locks the doors after starting. DO NOT START THE BONGO AND CLOSE THE DOOR WHEN OUT OF IT…..IT WILL LOCK YOU OUT. And yes I have done it.

Turbo timer.
It works and fine if you like leaving the car to do its own thing. I have it switched off.

Wheel nut locks in glove box 2.

Cant think of anything else apart from if the dealer passes this on join the forum.

http://www.bongofury.co.uk/

[mikeonb4c]

This sounds like the most fun Bongo on the planet. If I had time and space I'd snap it up at that price. Hope it finds the right appreciative home.