aftermarket roofs

[madmile]

We have converted 100's of bongos over the past 8-10 years, but only ever done a couple where they have had aftermarket roofs fitted to tintops.
With our vw conversions we only fit Reimo or SCA roofs that are fully type approved, and the fit and finish are superb (as is the price ).
We have been approached a few times lately by people who are considering buying a tintop and having a roof fitted prior to conversion, but my only experience of aftermarket bongo roofs, is bumpy bits of fibreglass, with badly designed and badly sewn roof tents and questionable structural integrity.
So, can anyone suggest a company that makes and fits an aftermarket roof for a bongo that is actually fairly well made...I dont mind if they are not cheap as I dont think this is an area where you want to compromise too much.
Thanks
Ed

[digitalgypsy]

I did quite a bit of research when I was considering a manual roof for my next Bongo. I've decided it against it now since I don't think you can beat the pedigree of an AFT.

From what I know, JAL are the leaders for aftermarket roofs and possibly the only realistic choice. Guys feel free to correct me but since like most of you are happy with your JAL Skylift/Mushroom roofs? They certainly seem better a spec than other aftermarket roofs I have seen, most definitely provide a lot of space. The only snag is that JAL will only fit their roofs to their own stock.

Anyway here's a list of some of the better ones I've seen:

- JAL IMPORTS: http://www.jalimports.co.uk/
- POP TOP ROOFS: http://www.poptoproofs.co.uk/index.php (No idea of build quality)
- IMPERIAL CARS http://www.imperialcar.co.uk/
I phoned them some time ago about their 'POWERTOP' electric side opening roof. Looks quite impressive but from memory it costs £5000 I believe they only fit to their own vehicles but worth checking with them. Someone also told me that the roof is probably built by these guys: http://www.autovan.co.uk/

There are few others but they are very small so not really worth mentioning.

I'd also be interested to hear of any others!
Steve

[winchman]

Have you spoken to Dormobile?
They are a good crowd and still manufacture new roofs

[Colin H F]

hi Ed you must have seen my first after market roof havent got it now but it was converted by elite camper conversions worksop sheffield
( not trading anymore) i had it 3 years fault less !!!!!!!! not sure what company supplied the roofs tho

[jon76]

Ed knows that roof well as not to long ago he fitted a full side conversion to my 2003 Tintop.
The aftermarket roof just like yours, had just been fitted by Elite.

I have to agree with Ed when he says the aftermarket roofs generally available seem to be poor quality.
Ed pointed out some really poor workmanship on the roof fitting that I previously hadn't noticed.
Ed's conversion is the best of the best and I am just glad I waited for a slot to have this done.
I had looked at about 5 other companies around the UK before deciding on Ed.
Unfortunately I still haven't found any roof that comes up to scratch.

Ed, if you manage to find one that meets your standards please let me know and I will be one of your first
customers to have mine changed.

Jon

[madmile]

I am trying to be diplomatic, but its difficult when I hold such comtempt for the rubbish some companies produce....but suffice to say, I am familiar with most of the roofs mentioned.
I do understand that the bongo market is smaller than that of vw and the amount people will pay is less. But from what I have seen, the product is quite poor, and the effort given to fit and finish are even worse.
For comparison purposes, these are a few photos of reimo roofs.



interior roof trim

[Colin H F]

well like i said i was more than satisfied with mine i had the bongo 3 years went to loads of meets mine was the only aftermarket there which invited a lot of interest, and never met one person who had anything bad or derogatory to say about it, it fitted perfectly didn't leak stichwork was good zips worked inner fly mesh !!!!!!!!!!!!! so i don't know about the ones you guys are picking on mine was fit for purpose and that's what matters that's it said my piece

[digitalgypsy]

I actually checked with Dormobile awhile ago and they didn't seem too interested, might be worth inquiring again

[madmile]

I am more interested in trying to find out if there is a decent one already in production that is available to joe blogs whether or not he has bought a bongo from the manufacturer, than having one made.
We dont do that many bongo conversions to make it worthwhile, and if i was having something specifically made I would want some testing done on the strengthening frame so it would not be worth the expense in a declining market.
For a non tested product I would prefer the customer to be able to get it fitted and then come to us, so if there is a roof problem it wont be down to me to fix it - but i understand the desire to add a pop top to a tin top bongo if that is all that is available in later models.

[winchman]

I actually checked with Dormobile awhile ago and they didn't seem too interested, might be worth inquiring again

They are very small so I would think they are sticking to what would sell in volume, I got the bits to repair my 40 year old roof no problem.

[Jasonald]

Been looking into an aftermarket roof myself and was told a company called "Drive lodge" in west yorks were the people for the job. I beleive they supply and fit their own roofs and are used by quite a few traders. Quoted me £ 2,600 for a pop top in white, extra £320 colour coded. Might be of use.?

[amauvis]

When I was looking, Southern Bongos seemed to have a whole lot of non-standard roofed Bongos for sale. They look OK. Anyone have one of them, and can see some sort of manufacturer's mark? No idea if they are actually any good though, but it looks like they're probably bringing in tintops and chopping them.

[digitalgypsy]

Budget Bongos are quite near me. Yep I visited them and the sales guy showed me the roof in action. The roof is added to tin tops, it's very small though to the point of being non-useful Also costs £3000.

[amauvis]

Budget Bongos are quite near me. Yep I visited them and the sales guy showed me the roof in action. The roof is added to tin tops, it's very small though to the point of being non-useful Also costs £3000.

Indeed, my mistake. When I said Southern Bongos, I meant Budget Bongos Like you, I thought the replacement roof looked smaller and opened less.

[digitalgypsy]

so here's some good photos of imperial's side opening roof: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-Bongo-S ... 19e07ce2df

looks well made to me!