Funking up the Dash...

[NathanDp]

Hi all,

Is it possible to purchase dashboard trim bits and bobs, e.g. Wood effect like in the facelifted Bongos?

Or any other ideas would also be appreciated.

Just fancy livening it up a bit. Grey is so boring!

Cheers

Nathan

[umbongocat]

I mis-read the subject line first time

[NathanDp]

I mis-read the subject line first time

Haha, I had to double check myself!

[David Edwards]

When I had my Renault Espace I bought a pre cut kit of wood effect vinyl for it, awesome cant get one for the bongo tho.

[NathanDp]

When I had my Renault Espace I bought a pre cut kit of wood effect vinyl for it, awesome cant get one for the bongo tho.

Yeah you can get all sorts for most cars but can't find anything for a Bongo. Might have to design something myself.

[helen&tony]

Hi
I have just bought a new wood-effect dash for the Bongo...NOT cheap, but it depends what you want and how badly you want it...I've also bought one for my Jeep...The Bongo was 4 times the price PLUS import duty...the same as the UK...Duty, plus tax on the article and transport; handling charges, customs agency duty, and VAT on all of it . I can pass the guy's name to you, and he's a particularly helpful Japanese Gentleman. He can also get the mirror covers, and at more than 200.00 quid, the price for the mirrors is peanuts compared with the dash. I've just managed, at long last , to secure a bit of Carbon Fibre and laminating supplies, and I'm making a roof console in red/ black carbon, with a real wood veneered front panel to match the dash .
Cheers
Helen

[NathanDp]

Hi
I have just bought a new wood-effect dash for the Bongo...NOT cheap, but it depends what you want and how badly you want it...I've also bought one for my Jeep...The Bongo was 4 times the price PLUS import duty...the same as the UK...Duty, plus tax on the article and transport; handling charges, customs agency duty, and VAT on all of it . I can pass the guy's name to you, and he's a particularly helpful Japanese Gentleman. He can also get the mirror covers, and at more than 200.00 quid, the price for the mirrors is peanuts compared with the dash. I've just managed, at long last , to secure a bit of Carbon Fibre and laminating supplies, and I'm making a roof console in red/ black carbon, with a real wood veneered front panel to match the dash .
Cheers
Helen

Hi mate,

How much was the parts if you don't mind me asking?

Would love to see some pics when you have completed the work. Think I might try to make something myself or even purchase some sort of kit for a similar size van and modify....maybe

Nathan

[daveblueozzie]

You can always fit the plasma dials ,gear strip and heater control.
Go on the search facility and type in plasma dials, loads of info and pics.

[helen&tony]

Hi Nathan
The roof dash is a centre console fitted where the light is in the roof. I have partially finished the plug, then I will make the mould when the weather warms out here...about 6 weeks , now. I started work on it 2 years ago, but lost interest when I found no luck getting fibreglass here, plus, it's a problem getting it sent, due to restrictions in transporting fluids here...many things are classified as "dangerous"...well, you would classify a cup of tea as dangerous if you saw the level of competence over here
P.M. me later on if you want a price and details on the wooden dash, I'll give you the guy's name.
I can't get on the internet 'till later today, as we're having the house re-wired
Cheers
Helen

[NathanDp]

You can always fit the plasma dials ,gear strip and heater control.
Go on the search facility and type in plasma dials, loads of info and pics.

Yeah good idea. Will check it out

[NathanDp]

Hi Nathan
The roof dash is a centre console fitted where the light is in the roof. I have partially finished the plug, then I will make the mould when the weather warms out here...about 6 weeks , now. I started work on it 2 years ago, but lost interest when I found no luck getting fibreglass here, plus, it's a problem getting it sent, due to restrictions in transporting fluids here...many things are classified as "dangerous"...well, you would classify a cup of tea as dangerous if you saw the level of competence over here
P.M. me later on if you want a price and details on the wooden dash, I'll give you the guy's name.
I can't get on the internet 'till later today, as we're having the house re-wired
Cheers
Helen

Hi Helen,

Sounds very interesting and would love to see some pics (if you have any?).

So have you moved to Bulgaria then or are you from there originally? Many Bongos over there?

I'll PM you for prices and again, pics of your setup would be awesome

Many thanks

Nathan

[helen&tony]

Hi
Sorry, I replied last night, but I must not have hit submit...
No...we're English...and we get our status given here in the village...namely English..not British , as they're smashing folk in the village...likewise do other UK Nationals...they love to differentiate between Scottish, Irish and Welsh. We moved some time ago!
Anyway...I presume you mean pictures of the Bongo....???
I will send / put up pictures in a few days if you remind me again...at the moment we're in turmoil in the house, and the snow's just melting, and both vehicles are covered in mud, plus, i'm halfway through a huge amount of wiring in the Bongo...give me a few days and ask again...only too pleased to put some piccies up!
Currently searching for custom dog guards, and a supplier of leather seats for the front, and getting them freighted here!...we have vinyl covers which were made for us at the moment, and we're keeping them in the back...dog-proof
Cheers
Helen

[mikeonb4c]

Woa that sounds a lot of money for a bit of bling on an ageing utility vehicle.

It's only a dashboatd, for funks sake

I'll fetch me sprinting shoes

[helen&tony]

Hi Mike
Totally agree with you...BUT...I'm asking what folks would do in my shoes???? The Bongo needed a bit of extra work / repairs, so here are the choices:
I could sell the Bongo and buy a newer one, OR do the current one up?????
Selling the current one would be a problem, as very few Bulgo drivers can manage left hand drive properly...and I'm not being sarcastic!...so ...most don't know how to drive right hand drive , or are scared...therefore i'd only get peanuts!. I wouldn't mind scrapping a perfectly good Bongo...really, I wouldn't, as it could be a saving, however it does seem a waste!...
If I buy a newer one, it'd cost a grand to get it here in one way or another, so...what to do?
In the end, I opted to spend the money I would have lashed out on a replacement on what I already have, and make it last for another 10 years.
I've ended up spending a large amount, and tidied the whole thing from top to bottom...including making it look nicer...so, it rides and runs like a newish car, smooth, quiet, and efficient...to me it was a good choice, but for someone else it may not be...I'd even thought of swapping the whole lot over to a petrol engine, and spent ages looking round at adaptor plates for other engines, and hosts of alternatives...however, in the end, by spending money, I think I've saved money in the long run????
Cheers
Helen

[Simon Jones]

You can see the wooden dash in the last of Helen's photos here:

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... et#p579671