Page 1 of 1
Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2016 11:56 pm
by Baggie Bongo
Hi from a new Bongonaut!
Just recently purchased my 1996 Bongo friendee and I absolutely love the Bongo! I am from Oldbury, West Midlands.
Very happy to have joined the club and Fury itself!
Today I had her serviced and can recommend GB AUTOMOTIVE of Brierley Hill as a very competent and informative Bongo specialist. A full inspection and major service at £154 Inc VAT. All filters, oil change and fluid top ups including radiator, gearbox, coolant etc. Full underneath inspection aswell. Very informative guys if Ian and Bill who have been servicing Bongos for over 15 years.
Very excited to be taking her down to Devon this weekend for our first Bongo trip!
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:10 am
by Bob
Hi, and a very warm welcome to the Forum and Club.
Alarm bell in my head says, "Why did the radiator need topping up"?
If you've been reading on here for a while you'll know the importance of maintaining the cooling system and topping up likely indicates a leak, which must be addressed.
Good luck with the traffic on your way to Devon, its worth it, lovely place.
Lots of Bongonaughts round your way so you're sure to meet a few.

Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:20 am
by mikeonb4c
Welcome. Bob's right about topping up. Assume it was header tank they topped up but read up on importance of not letting header tank get empty. You should fit a low coolant alarm if you don't already have one. Enjoy the upcoming trip

Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:37 am
by Baggie Bongo
Yes sorry what I meant to say was that all those top ups are in included in the price for the service - not that I needed any fluid top ups myself! The only advice I had was that the front brakes had around 7-8000 miles left in them. Otherwise an absolute steal at the price I purchased her for as a full camper conversion!
She came with a coolant alarm ready fitted and I check the coolant every week myself.
Thank you for the warm welcome!
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 8:46 am
by Bob
All good.
Just sometimes we pick up a problem before it happens, sounds like a top garage.
I'll appologise for the traffic as you come past us, J19/20, make sure your flask is full for refreshment.
If you fancy a break just off the motorway check out this one:
http://www.thekicker.co.uk/
If you go there turnleft out of the car park, left at the end than left at the mini roundabout by the school and continue south to J20.
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 9:08 am
by Baggie Bongo
Thanks Bob!
I sure will pop over to the black horse if time allows! Great sounding suggestion thank you again.
We are going to Branscoombe campsite and airfield. First time. Reviews seem excellent and a great area for kids and families alike.
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 10:36 am
by mikeonb4c
Recommend thorough inspection for rust and budget for treating. I'm rigorous with my 95 one and despite garages saying its a really good example i've spent a fair bit getting bad spots cut out and quality welded. The latest find surprised even my Bongo savvy garage. She's worth it though and work done should last for years

Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 12:31 am
by Garry W
Baggie Bongo wrote:Hi from a new Bongonaut!
Very excited to be taking her down to Devon this weekend for our first Bongo trip!
Wotcha.
Only around the corner in West Bromwich . . . . just got back from Devon / Somerset funnily enough.
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 12:03 pm
by Baggie Bongo
Great to hear from you Gary!
Be good to have a chat sometime!
Boing Boing!
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 12:35 pm
by Scratch
Gentlemen of the black country, I hope that you both follow the Baggies! Boing Boing!!
(apologies for being slightly off topic)
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2016 12:45 pm
by Baggie Bongo
Yes I do, the away games will be even better in the Bongo this season!
Re: Newbie- Oldbury, West Midlands!
Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2016 5:55 pm
by Garry W
Wotcha.
'Fraid not - I can't stand football in any way, shape or form
Come to think of it, I don't really like any sport.