AFT Saga..... continues!

[Steve_B]

Hello all,

Quick update to the aft problems I am having....
(see here for details.. http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... hp?t=45385)

Thanks to some very helpful members here I know what I need to do and I have someone lined up to fix it properly for me once I can get it over to them. However I have now run into another issue....

In order to get the roof fully down I need to release the motor casings to free up the "worm gear"... I have seen a few pictures and it seems that everyone else seems to have lovely allen bolts instead of the terrible butter soft screws that mine seems to have. These are mega tight and of course the heads are stripping as i try to get them out!



Access is the main problem - any advice? I cant really get a drill in there to drill them out....

Thanks once again!

Steve

[francophile1947]

Whilst at a meet, my roof refused to come down and we found that my old Bongo also had screws Fortunately, whilst we were wondering how to remove them, I tried the roof again and it came down
Good luck - I couldn't see an easy way of removing them either

[missfixit70]

What about a screw remover (not a stud extractor) like these - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+T ... 650/p38732
I've not used them before, but worth a punt?

[francophile1947]

Unfortunately Kirsty, if I remember correctly, there's barely room to get a stubby screwdriver in.

[Steve_B]

They look great - but its getting the drill under the aft thats the problem!

Wonder if its possible to push the roof further open If I remove the side support arms/tent? Just need to be able to get enough clearance for a drill!

francophile1947 - not just mine then.... makes me feel slightly better!

[missfixit70]

Flexi bit holder? - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+T ... 586/p14336

Or angled bit holder - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automot ... 180/p93651

You can also get angled drill chucks - http://www.screwfix.com/prods/39590/Dri ... Chuck-10mm - although I've seen em much cheaper than that before

Seek & ye shall find

[francophile1947]

Flexi bit holder? - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+T ... 586/p14336

Or angled bit holder - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Automot ... 180/p93651

You can also get angled drill chucks - http://www.screwfix.com/prods/39590/Dri ... Chuck-10mm - although I've seen em much cheaper than that before

Seek & ye shall find

"Seek & ye shall find" - I didn't even know what to look for That angled bit holder looks promising

[MountainGoat]

Have you checked the Auto freetop control Unit. difficult if you have a full side conversion.

Tony

[Steve_B]

Thanks guys - will take a punt on the flexible bit holder and the screw extractors.

MountainGoat - thanks, but its definitely a mechanical failure this one... one of the drive units has come away from the roof.

Steve

[mikeonb4c]

Give Adrian at Japan Direct, Bury (0161-763-3003) a call - he's done several roofs, is a great guy, and will give you advice that may just save a stripped head and a situation that's difficult to retrieve. Say Mike O'Neill suggested you call, and give him a plug on here if he can help, as he is worth every penny of promotion he gets on here. A great guy to have working on your Bongo. And no I'm not on commission

[wormey]

What about using a dremel with a small cutting disc and make the groove in the screw head bigger

[Ron Miel]

Another possible approach (which I always try before giving up and drilling out) is the application of moderate heat - hair dryer, or even (very very carefully) an electric paint stripper gun.

Depends on the relative coefficients of expansion of the screw versus its seating - can either loosen or tighten up, depending which one is greater. Even if it initially tightens the bedding of the screw, I suspect that when it cools down it will still sometimes have eased the blighter. Don't overdo it though (so perhaps ignore my "electric paint stripper gun" suggestion), or cracking might occur. If heat doesn't work, try an ice pack or three.