want to convert!!!

[akajondude]

Hi,

Want to convert my bongo. I'm new to the bongo world, so bare with me.

Got a £2000 budget, want a side conversion but want to keep it a tin top.

Can it be done on this budget and does anyone know a company that will do it for me in the dorset area?

[Simon Jones]

You could try Autovan in Wimbourne who supply conversions to at least one Dorset based Bongo dealer:

http://www.autovan.co.uk/Bongo.html

[akajondude]

Thanks, phoned autovan and left a message.

[Colin H F]

for that sort of money why not build your own you'll get 4 ks worth look at what other members have done hope dave dont mind me linking this

https://plus.google.com/photos/10782621 ... banner=pwa

[digitalgypsy]

I'm 95% sure that you can't get a side for conversion for anything less than 3.5k, that would be without a rear full length cupboard as well. Ace Campers has good feedback and is about the best you can get for 4k, or so I believe. Ace Campers: http://www.ace-campers.co.uk/gallery-page-1

The D.I.Y process is quite well documented on here I think. Same materials as Pro conversions for about 2k but maybe less...

I would seriously not recommend keeping it a tin-top and having a full side conversion. You will be constantly hunched over You can get an after market roof but will also cost obviously...

[Colin H F]

i got a full side conversion plus rock an roll bed with 3 point seat belts for considerably less than that from elite camper conversions but alas they are no longer trading but shop around

[akajondude]

I could probs go to £3000 at a push! Dont have the know how to do it myself .

I may have to wait another 6 months or so!

Got no patients though

[akajondude]

Will be looking for alloy wheels though!!!

The wheel trims look pants!

Anyone got any alloys for sale, with decent tyres!!!

[New Forest Terrier]

With a tin top you could be better off with a rear conversion, especially one you can use from outside. This would mean you can cook standing up, plus any fumes will clear out of the tail gate as you do not have the ventilation of the AFT. A removable one would keep the use of the tail gate, although with a fixed one you can still get an awful lot in through the side door.

With my tin top I started with a Quecha tent and a portable kitchen set up in it. along with a two plug power lead for a powered cool box and an electric kettle for hook ups. This is a good idea for starters while you decide which way will suit you.

I moved up to a Stimpson explorer kit which fitted behind the back seats and was used from outside, this also could be set up in the tent. The Stimpson explorer is probably not still made but can be found on eBay. Basically a portable kitchen in a aluminium box. Designed for a boat but fits a Bongo.

I am now on a second hand Montague rear conversion, which cost me £700 fitted, but you have to find your conversion. Again eBay or a breaker. This suits me perfectly, although it faces inwards. Great for a cup of coffee on a wet day, but not so good in weather like the last few weeks. If I did it again I would reverse the units.

Do not hurry into a conversion, specially if money is tight. Mine is good to have for the Waeco fridge and the plumbed in sink, but you have to lug it everywhere. Apart from boiling water I rarely cook on the burners because I do not want a Bongo smelling of old bacon grease.

[akajondude]

Do not hurry into a conversion, specially if money is tight. Mine is good to have for the Waeco fridge and the plumbed in sink, but you have to lug it everywhere. Apart from boiling water I rarely cook on the burners because I do not want a Bongo smelling of old bacon grease.

Thanks. Yeah thats all i'd use the stove for anyway. So much to think about. My head is shot

[Diplomat]

Will be looking for alloy wheels though!!!

The wheel trims look pants!

Anyone got any alloys for sale, with decent tyres!!!

Why not just change the wheel trims?

There are plenty around that look just as good as alloy wheels without the associated aggro. Most people other than alloy devotees would be fooled by the various wheel trims I have worn on steel wheels on various vehicles.

I don't regard alloy wheels as a selling point. They can leak air, corrode onto hubs, crack on heavy impact and often need more expensive tyres than steelies. Some of the alloys fitted to Bongos need rings to ensure correct centring otherwise they vibrate. Unnwanted steel wheels are not hard to come by for using as full sized spares because of the preference by some owners for aftermarket alloys. Unwanted alloys are harder to come by as matching items.

Should I ever end up buying a Bongo with alloys, they will be up for grabs when I change them for steelies!

I would also not recommend rushing into a conversion until you have tried a few configurations including unconverted or some seats removed or reversed. This appears to be majority wisdom on the forum.


Frank

[akajondude]

Thanks for your input but for me alloy wheels are a must. Like having a new pair of shoes!

I am gonna wait till next year to covert though. Summer is nearly over so I might as well wait till next year and get something I really want than make do! I'll save hard and maybe have £5000 next year.

Besides that, i'm loving my bongo

[New Forest Terrier]

Theres a rear conversion for sale on the Mazda Bongo group on facebook. £500. Looks a nice one, no fridge but all the other bits are there. Seller is in Cornwall.

[Bob]

Try and get along to a Meet or two. That way you can look at various conversions and ask owners how they rate them.

[akajondude]

Yeah, it'll be cool to do a few meets!