Bongo Fury

Hi All

I've seen a youtube video showing a front swivel seat that an engineer fabricated himself. Does anyone know if a suitable swivel kit is available?

John

I don't believe so, but the search facility brings up lots on info including mention of some drawings: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... mit=Search

Simon

Thanks for quick response. I had seen some of the threads but hadn't spotted the mention of diagrams....I've sent a pm to Dave.

John

For various reasons, not the least being the presence of the engine, the Bongo isn't that suited to swivelling seats.

A quick and easy compromise is to use the existing seat slid forward and tipped forward and made comfortable with a substantial high backed patio chair cushion. The flip-up rest forms part of the seat but could easily be supplemented with a plywood base.

Before I bought a commercial seat turntable for my VW Type 25, I merely slid the seat forward right out of the runners and back in the opposite way round when on site. I have briefly checked the feasibility of sliding the Bongo seat out, it would have to come out backwards and there is the added complication of the seat belt fixing.

At first glance the obvious solution would be undoing the 4 main bolts and reversing the entire seat and rails but, guess what, Mazda have made one of the drilled fixing plates at a steeper angle. Otherwise, except for the complication of the seat belt slider, it would be a two minute doddle on site, or even at the seaside, with a ratchet socket driver.

I still think turning the seat round is the way to go as turntables introduce extra height even when their surroundings are free from obstruction. Until then, I'm on the lookout for a suitable offcut of plywood to stuff under my cushion.


Frank

Drawings sent.

That's the 57th set of drawings sent out so far - surely someone has made one by now?

I think you sent me your drawings ages ago Dave. I had no welding facilities but I'm about to buy a mig and I'm also a lot more competent with metal working now - could you send them again, and I'll have a go in the next couple of weeks.

Cheers

Roger

I reckon you could probably sell lots of the swivel mounts

If you are selling something like that commercially, you would have to pay to have it crash tested which would cost thousands.

I don't see that you would have to have it crash tested - obviously, a certified crash tested item is more attractive and would sell for more.

There are loads of similar swivel bases available for various other vans of which most are not crash tested. Similarly there are lots of designs of so-called "Rock & Roll" beds available and there are only a couple which are certified crash tested.

Of course the issue with these is that as they are self-installed, then it doesn't matter how well tested and certified they are, the crash worthiness is only as good as the weakest link in the chain. Nothing to stop you for example screwing a crash tested bed frame onto a wooden floor with 4 woodscrews, or using non Hi-tensile bolts to attach the front seat to a swivel base (etc).

The problem is that there is welding required, regardless of what you supply, so that puts 99% of people off.

Aye, to make these commercially, I would have to take a standard seat base / runners assembly, and do all the construction etc so that all an end-user would need to do was swap over the foam and cover from their original seat, and move the backrest over.

I'm sure there would be a market (crash tested or not) - but I don't have the free time to do it justice.

I would think your insurance company would need to be told, as it is a modification involving safety issues.
Just imagine an accident where the seat broke, because it was tackled by an amateur, unqualified welder, and the passenger was killed or badly injured

This sounds like an interesting project and I'm a good welder. May I can I look over the plans and have a go
Thank you

You are very welcome to a set of drawings, and the photos. PM me your email address, and I'll forward on the drawings.

Cheers
Dave

Hi all,

Just a heads up that these guys are now offering a front swivel seat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNA1lyoz9rc No idea on insurance implication.