Bongo Fury

I've read the posts and seen the pics but can't find any info on how others have actually done the cutting of their spoiler (tools, technique, etc) to fit with a Fiamma rack?

The photos I've seen show a very clean job and if I was going to fit one I'd like to do the same.

Also, how permanent / secure are they from a theft perspective?

Mine just bolts on the back....nothing to do with the spoiler.

Hi Haydn

Thanks for the photos.

I did find yours when I searched but I assume you had to drill the door.

I don't really want to do that but more importantly I don't want to have to stick a light board on.

It's the Merc Vito fit fiamma I was thinking about. Sorry, should have mentioned that in the original post.

Hi Corblimey
I'm looking for the same info
Major Bloodneck posted a few months back saying that he could put someone in touch with a company who had the template for cutting the spoiler & would do the job if you posted it through. I PM'd him but didn't get a response & have been distracted by other things....

Rhod

Hasn't "mayk19" got a fiamma bike rack with a rear spoiler?

I bought a Fiamma rack from AVA.

In the conversation with them, they mentioned how simple it was to cut the spoiler to allow the rack to fit. They also mentioned they had a template they used ...
So ..., I thought it must be simple, I'll try it myself.

When I took the spoiler off (4 bolts) I decided that it was too much of a risk ..., and decided to send the spoiler to AVA for them to cut.

They did a beautiful job, which I would never have managed.

I also had to grind down the top clamps to prevent them touching the inside of the spoiler and pushing it out of alignment.

Also had to lengthen the rack by ~2cm (drill a couple of new holes in the tubing) to make it the correct length for the door.

But ..., worth the effort ..., really like the Fiamma bike racks.

Charles

Thank you Charles!

How long did you have to be without your spoiler for? And the big question - what did AVA charge??
Rhod

The spoiler was away for about a fortnight ...
... but then I didn't schedule it into their workload and they did seem to be busy boys.

Cost was £45 which I was happy to pay.
When I saw the finished job, I thought it was money well spent and would recommend their work.

The bikes sit quite high on the rack and I feel there is room below them to carry something (awning / gazebo / etc) or have a small luggage box fitted, without obscuring the number plate.

Yeah, thanks for all the useful info.

I actually contacted ava today but haven't heard back yet.

I've been looking at some of the Thule produst that work in the same way as a Fiamma (which is what I want).

Just so happens there's an authorised Thule stockest about 8 miles down the road. I'm going to drop in tomorrow on my way into Exeter. He has a couple options to try so that should be interesting.

I'll let you if I had a solution that works without having to cut the spoiler.

Charles - thank, guess I could live without the spoiler for a fortnight & £45 seems good value.

Corblimey - interested in what you come up with re Thule.

Rhod

Just got back from visiting the Thule bike rack chap.

I'm going back on Saturday when he's had a change to put one of these together http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductPage____45906.aspx

Unfortunately it looks like the spoiler will still need modding.

Anyway, we'll see.


I'll let you know how it goes.

Heard back from AVA

£45 ex VAT and p&p on top of that to cut the spoiler

Re the Fiammas - both ( non drilling into bodywork ) versions will fit .
The VW option has the bike platform sitting a bit lower than the vito version .I prefer this but you may not. It is something else to consider

Hi Van

Cheers for the extra info.

Which vw one are you referring to? There's the t2, t3, t4 & t5

If only they made a specific bongo fit life would be just that little bit simpler.

The T4 is the one to go for if the VW version appeals
Lots of people have fitted them no problem but I couldn't resist tinkering with it and have slightly altered the angle of the top tubes and fitted black neoprene protectors ( touring pushbike handlebar grips !) to avoid damaging the roof paint
T4 with rack sitting just above rear number plate
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ ... mmaVW4.jpg