Bongo Fury

High Top Roof conversion for Bongo

Does anyone know of a company or specialists that can fit these types of roof conversions for Bongos ?. link below: http://www.budgetbongos.com/used/mazda/ ... re/6169803

I would prefer to have this type of roof myself, gives more storage space and you don’t have to worry about more things to go wrong with electrics etc.

Here's your ticket: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-Bongo-h ... 2808e889fc Posted today on eBay!

wow thank you so much, I had a dig around on Google, but couldn't seem to find anything, so a good find thanks.

I suppose that it might be cheaper if you are fitting the hightop roof to replace a pop top. A bongolow would need to have the roof cut out and strengthened

Ther's these people near Keighley as well.
I had a look at these when I was passing and they seem OK

http://www.drivelodge.co.uk/

As someone lucky enough to own a tin top, I could just about bring myself to be seen driving an AFT version on account of its cult status and easy recognisability as a Bongo versus a Toyota Granvia, but a fixed high top?

Big NO!

I don't disagree that it's spacious but what a desecration of a classic look. The top just doesn't go with the side window styling. Still, the driving experience of the Bongo might tip the balance.


Frank

briwy wrote:Ther's these people near Keighley as well.
I had a look at these when I was passing and they seem OK

http://www.drivelodge.co.uk/

I'm having one fitted at this place in March . I get to keep my fab bongo AND i can stand up inside ..first off. important when arthritis strikes !

I had considered having one of these fitted in place of my Freetop. The job was to be reduced in price over a Bongolow conversion as the hole in the roof was already cut ! They also offered a large skylight option with no side windows which was my preferred option as it looks so much better without odd looking side windows.
Also , I was told that I might recover a little money back by selling the removed Freetop as, with a bit of effort, they can be fitted to other manufacturer's vans, or on a trailer!

I recon that looks OK.

vanvliet wrote:I had considered having one of these fitted in place of my Freetop. The job was to be reduced in price over a Bongolow conversion as the hole in the roof was already cut ! They also offered a large skylight option with no side windows which was my preferred option as it looks so much better without odd looking side windows.
Also , I was told that I might recover a little money back by selling the removed Freetop as, with a bit of effort, they can be fitted to other manufacturer's vans, or on a trailer!

The side windows let in extra light .....that's why I'm having them....it's a practical decision for me...aesthetics come further down my list of needs !

vanvliet wrote:I suppose that it might be cheaper if you are fitting the hightop roof to replace a pop top. A bongolow would need to have the roof cut out and strengthened

Not if you already have the factory sunroof.

If you have a sunroof, you should be able to have clamps made that allow you to fit the high top as & when you need it.

I thought about doing that before I bought a motorhome and stopped using the Bongo for camping.

yorkshirelass wrote:

vanvliet wrote:I had considered having one of these fitted in place of my Freetop. The job was to be reduced in price over a Bongolow conversion as the hole in the roof was already cut ! They also offered a large skylight option with no side windows which was my preferred option as it looks so much better without odd looking side windows.
Also , I was told that I might recover a little money back by selling the removed Freetop as, with a bit of effort, they can be fitted to other manufacturer's vans, or on a trailer!

The side windows let in extra light .....that's why I'm having them....it's a practical decision for me...aesthetics come further down my list of needs !

'Form follows function' - - Might be worth asking about the largest opening sunroof they could fit as that should allow more than enough light and ventilation in the right area - - - We had just intended using the roof space for storage so had intended to utilise the sides of the top for useful storage space - if you have ( fixed,non opening ) side windows this will be lost. If you intend sleeping in the roof then you might be better off with insulation on the inside and the windows are probably not double glazed - - just a thought

I've come round to liking the fixed high tops now I've camped next door to one a couple of times.

Not really sure how a removable one on a tintop would work. How on earth do you lift it off / put it back on / store it when not needed. Also (perish the thought) I have visions of it blowing away in a crosswind. And it wouldn't fix the headroom issue if the existing tintop were still in place, except for standing in the bit where the sunroof opens.

One alternative perhaps worth considering is the JAL mushroom type room, which would give head height the whole length of the living space. It won't be as all weather friendly when camping (which is a major consideration) and it may be too heavy to put up (another major consideration), but it is a lot less hassle when travelling (crosswinds, vehicle height etc.).

Pam - can't remember, but is yours an AutoFreeTop or a tintop (I thought it was the former but...)

mikeonb4c wrote:I've come round to liking the fixed high tops now I've camped next door to one a couple of times.

Not really sure how a removable one on a tintop would work. How on earth do you lift it off / put it back on / store it when not needed. Also (perish the thought) I have visions of it blowing away in a crosswind. And it wouldn't fix the headroom issue if the existing tintop were still in place, except for standing in the bit where the sunroof opens.

One alternative perhaps worth considering is the JAL mushroom type room, which would give head height the whole length of the living space. It won't be as all weather friendly when camping (which is a major consideration) and it may be too heavy to put up (another major consideration), but it is a lot less hassle when travelling (crosswinds, vehicle height etc.).

Pam - can't remember, but is yours an AutoFreeTop or a tintop (I thought it was the former but...)

It's a AFT Mike . Just had a thought re the new top, would I still be able to have my Fiamma awning fixed back on ?? I've been looking at pics of conversions. And notice that the rain gutter which its now fixed to has gone! Is there a method of fixing an awning go a 'flat' side of the van ????

yorkshirelass wrote:

mikeonb4c wrote:I've come round to liking the fixed high tops now I've camped next door to one a couple of times.

Not really sure how a removable one on a tintop would work. How on earth do you lift it off / put it back on / store it when not needed. Also (perish the thought) I have visions of it blowing away in a crosswind. And it wouldn't fix the headroom issue if the existing tintop were still in place, except for standing in the bit where the sunroof opens.

One alternative perhaps worth considering is the JAL mushroom type room, which would give head height the whole length of the living space. It won't be as all weather friendly when camping (which is a major consideration) and it may be too heavy to put up (another major consideration), but it is a lot less hassle when travelling (crosswinds, vehicle height etc.).

Pam - can't remember, but is yours an AutoFreeTop or a tintop (I thought it was the former but...)

It's a AFT Mike . Just had a thought re the new top, would I still be able to have my Fiamma awning fixed back on ?? I've been looking at pics of conversions. And notice that the rain gutter which its now fixed to has gone! Is there a method of fixing an awning go a 'flat' side of the van ????

Anything is possible i'd say. Just need yo discuss it with the converters. Always seems a shame to remove an AFT as they are quintessential Bongo to me. But i guess your problem is the lack of headroom to the rear of the vehicle?