Bongo Free Top weather seal.

[missfixit70]

Got a couple of samples today from the Rubber Trim guys,

This one is T110


This is T109


The seal itself looks like it'll do the job on both (if you check the dimensions of the actual seal bits), but the bit that grips onto the AFT isn't quite so tall, it looks like it'll grip on ok, but you'll possibly be left with a grubby line (which may Tcut off?) Don't know what prices 'll be yet.
Had a better attempt at measuring, comes in somewhere between 8 & 8.5m, I reckon 9metres will give you plenty of leeway.
Hoping for a drier day tomorrow & I'll try & see how well it fits & how the seals looks compressed in place.

[rev pete]

It looks like t110 might be best but the piping is not as big but then the original might be a bit swollen. I will see how you get on and if its no go I can contact wheel quick and see if they have a supplier if you like. Hope all goes well.Thanks for the information

[missfixit70]

Don't think the original is swollen, it's just different. The main difference is the size of the bit that grips onto the AFT.
Try WQ by all means, always good to compare options, carry on

[mikeonb4c]

You've done a stunning job on this one Kirsty. The outcome of this could be a major boon in keeping old Bongos in good health

Maybe Ian will jump in once we've zeroed in on makes the best replacement and get the company to supply kitted lengths which he can sell (at a reasonable price ) in the Bongo Shop with fitting instructions for members

[missfixit70]

Don't think you'd really need instructions, old stuff off, clean up the edge & new stuff on (possibly with a bit of sticky stuff?) I think we're going to struggle to get an exact match TBH though.

[mikeonb4c]

Don't think you'd really need instructions, old stuff off, clean up the edge & new stuff on (possibly with a bit of sticky stuff?) I think we're going to struggle to get an exact matc TBH though.

fingers crossed

[missfixit70]

Still bl**dy raining, haven't been able to check it yet

[rev pete]

I still think that you are brilliant in sorting the problem when I keep forgetting to ring Wheel quick untill its to late in the day Thanks a million for all that you are doing

[missfixit70]

Might be worth somebody trying JAL, they fit a whole bunch of new roofs to bongos, they must be using a very similar seal - http://www.jalimports.co.uk/motorhome.html

[missfixit70]

T109 in situ
rear, roof up


rear roof down


side, roof down



T110 in situ
rear, roof up


rear, roof down


side, roof down


Neither of them made a very positive seal, especially T110,
As you can see compared to the original




The fact that the original is skewed to one side is what makes it seal properly, especially on the sides.

The search goes on?

[mikeonb4c]

Great testing work there Kirsty, even if results are not that encouraging (although the first one looked to be not TOO bad). The search continues. You'd think the supplier would be interested in a potential new market and might help with the search.

[missfixit70]

To be honest, the rubber seal guys seemed reluctant to send out any samples at all, I wasn't happy cutting my seal to provide a sample, as it may well be months before I get around to sorting it , so eventually after several emails having sent them the photo of the profile & dimensions, that's the best two samples thwey could come up with.
I think pursuing the angle of asking all the various bods that have fitted aftermarket roofs is probably more sensible, as they've already found sumat that works, so over to whoever fancies doing that, I got a bongo to get on with

[mikeonb4c]

To be honest, the rubber seal guys seemed reluctant to send out any samples at all, I wasn't happy cutting my seal to provide a sample, as it may well be months before I get around to sorting it , so eventually after several emails having sent them the photo of the profile & dimensions, that's the best two samples thwey could come up with.
I think pursuing the angle of asking all the various bods that have fitted aftermarket roofs is probably more sensible, as they've already found sumat that works, so over to whoever fancies doing that, I got a bongo to get on with

Quite right - don't blame you. I wonder if Bongomeister PLC might get one of their agents onto it as something that ultimately would make a useful addition to their product list

[cbeeson]

Had my Bongo for 6 months, also in need of Free Top seal. I've come across a possible part at Woolies, the car trim suppliers.

http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/p-1296-boot-seal.aspx

It appears to have the offset, and be about the right size; but isn't quite the same profile as the original, having the tubing part on a short stem. But if it works.....

I've contacted them to confirm the offset - it shows up on web site photos, but not on the drawing in their printed catalogue. Maybe I can get a sample - I'll report back here.

Chris

[g8dhe]

This company http://www.rubbertrim.co.uk/ Edgware Motor rubber & trim do a good selection and the
T58R on the wall chart;

or the T109;

look possibilities but whilst the wall chart says the images are full size I think I would want a sample to try first!

Actually these look similar especially the T109 to what Kirsty tried but maybe this company will be more cooperative ?