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Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 11:51 pm
by mikeonb4c
vanvliet wrote:I have not heard from BJ4 in years. He was married to a Japanese girl and seemed to be trying his hand at a number of businesses. We should be off to Japan in the new year so I might try to get someone in the trade to take me along to a car auction!
Oooh that sounds interesting - a quick report on your return could make interesting reading

Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:46 pm
by vanvliet
We just sold our Bongo so that Japanese trip is def on the cards ! I had a good offer which I could not refuse. So, cheerio to everyone and enjoy your Bongo adventures!
Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 11:58 pm
by mikeonb4c
vanvliet wrote:We just sold our Bongo so that Japanese trip is def on the cards ! I had a good offer which I could not refuse. So, cheerio to everyone and enjoy your Bongo adventures!
Blimey that happened suddenly. Sad to see you go as you helped get me started with a Bongo. Drop by and say hi occasionally and good luck with new adventures

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Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:44 am
by Bob
Sounds a great trip, let us know how it goes, and as Mike says, do stay around.
One of the 'Old Lags'.

Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:50 am
by vanvliet
Of course I will! I have really enjoyed making the various mods to the Bongo and the expertise available on this site has been amazing. I hear another campervan project beckoning ( probably based on a Ford Transit Custom hightop - unless I press the wrong button at a Japanese auction!) now that I have retired.
Also, if anyone has a stock Harley Fatboy they want to sell then please drop me an email
Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:22 am
by mikeonb4c
vanvliet wrote:Of course I will! I have really enjoyed making the various mods to the Bongo and the expertise available on this site has been amazing. I hear another campervan project beckoning ( probably based on a Ford Transit Custom hightop - unless I press the wrong button at a Japanese auction!) now that I have retired.
Also, if anyone has a stock Harley Fatboy they want to sell then please drop me an email
One of the things that hooks me about the bongo and restricts what else I can get excited about is the autobox, which makes touring so relaxing. It's a shame there isn't much out there with an autobox though some of the Jap importable motor homes Helen flagged up recently look good.
Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 10:46 am
by vanvliet
mikeonb4c wrote:vanvliet wrote:Of course I will! I have really enjoyed making the various mods to the Bongo and the expertise available on this site has been amazing. I hear another campervan project beckoning ( probably based on a Ford Transit Custom hightop - unless I press the wrong button at a Japanese auction!) now that I have retired.
Also, if anyone has a stock Harley Fatboy they want to sell then please drop me an email
One of the things that hooks me about the bongo and restricts what else I can get excited about is the autobox, which makes touring so relaxing. It's a shame there isn't much out there with an autobox though some of the Jap importable motor homes Helen flagged up recently look good.
Yes ,that is true and like everything else, I will need to compromise. The roller blinds are another ! I had never driven an auto vehicle before picking up the Bongo at the docks straight off the boat. It was a scary five minutes or so avoiding articulated lorries until I worked out how to use it!
Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:22 pm
by Dr Fingers
Sorry to see you go: wish I could have made you an offer for the kitchen unit! All the best.
Derek
Re: Basic AFT conversion
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:34 pm
by mikeonb4c
vanvliet wrote:mikeonb4c wrote:vanvliet wrote:Of course I will! I have really enjoyed making the various mods to the Bongo and the expertise available on this site has been amazing. I hear another campervan project beckoning ( probably based on a Ford Transit Custom hightop - unless I press the wrong button at a Japanese auction!) now that I have retired.
Also, if anyone has a stock Harley Fatboy they want to sell then please drop me an email
One of the things that hooks me about the bongo and restricts what else I can get excited about is the autobox, which makes touring so relaxing. It's a shame there isn't much out there with an autobox though some of the Jap importable motor homes Helen flagged up recently look good.
Yes ,that is true and like everything else, I will need to compromise. The roller blinds are another ! I had never driven an auto vehicle before picking up the Bongo at the docks straight off the boat. It was a scary five minutes or so avoiding articulated lorries until I worked out how to use it!
I think some of the airport hotel courtesy vehicles we get here at Manchester Airport would make interesting and very capacious conversions. Very long wheelbase Mercs etc. but essentially not much wider (if wider at all) than a standard van. Not sure where you get your hands on 2nd hand ones, and whether their mileage etc. by then means you need to budget for a reconditioned engine/gearbox but.....you know the kind of thing:
