Page 1 of 1
Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:54 am
by joethornber
Hi All, I'm new to the forum and a new bongo owner.
My bongo has an outback style conversion which was installed a few owners ago by a lady who took great care of the van, I can only assume it was installed professionally.
My problem is, despite having the foam covering for the seats and table top supplied with the conversion. The rear 3 seats don't go far enough forward to fold flat and make a bed area. This seems really strange to me as the conversion must have been made to fit the bongo but I can't see how they'd have left this unsolved.
Has anyone had this same problem? or any idea how to solve?
Thanks
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 10:21 am
by novocaine
pictures please.
might be that the seats were not turned around originally so the backs folded the other way.. (or you might have a swivel seat if it's a real northstar outback).
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 12:44 pm
by joethornber
I have just removed the seats and turned them round to test this. I think you're right!
With the seats facing the rear they fold back and fit perfectly.
One new question. Do I have to take the runners out and reverse them in order to switch the slide mech? I really don't think I'll use the down bed often but surely there's an easier way than taking it all apart to switch from driving mode to sleeping mode??
Thanks!
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 12:50 pm
by Simon Jones
Yes, to get the seat to slide & lock properly, the tracks & runners need to be turned round too. It's a reasonable size job that would be compounded if the conversion has to be removed to get the tracks out.
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 12:55 pm
by joethornber
The conversion doesn't interfere with the runners so that's a positive.
It's a shame that there is no easy way to rotate them and still slide them. Basically have to retire the down bed as I need to use it for passengers more often than a bed. Sad times.
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:12 pm
by Simon Jones
You can do a mod to allow it to slide both ways. Details here:
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... unners.pdf
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:30 pm
by joethornber
Thanks. That may well be the perfect solve.
That or save up for the rotating seat I guess..
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 6:10 pm
by Gasy
There is another lever under the seat
Which allows it to go past the stop in the runner
Did you find that
But in your case loads do have there seat reversed with conversions
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 6:50 pm
by joethornber
I didn't find that. Any tips on where exactly to find it? I'm going to have a look right now!
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 7:19 pm
by Gasy
My middle seat it's on the off side lower side
Put your hand down the side
Or I might be off side at front
Been along time since I've moved it
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 8:00 pm
by joethornber
I can't find any levers or handles aside from the main central one.
I'd be really disappointed to have to Doctor the seats to make this work. Just seems crazy that they would do the conversion and not alter the seats to run both ways.
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:26 pm
by the1andonly
Any work/ conversion will always be to the customers specification, or if they haven't thought about it /didn't know alternatives-
Price.
as someone in the crystal ball: ie future users, future owners why should they consider you?
Having just turned mine around I understand why not
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:31 pm
by Bongoplod
joethornber wrote:I can't find any levers or handles aside from the main central one.
I'd be really disappointed to have to Doctor the seats to make this work. Just seems crazy that they would do the conversion and not alter the seats to run both ways.
Its at floor level,under the seat on drivers side,attached to the seat support,it just lifts up and seat will slide further.
Brian
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 3:53 pm
by digitalgypsy
Hi Bongo comrades,
Just wondering if anyone has the Outback conversion with the rear fold up 'gull wing' type seats? I'm genuinely wondering whether you can still have the conversion with those seats i.e. how easy the seats are to remove etc.
Thanks

Steve
Re: Outback Conversion Problems
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 4:26 pm
by Simon Jones