fitting a free top

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:10 pm

ive just got a free top to go on my tintop bongo
can anyone let me know how to wire it up,wiring has been cut at multiplug on freetop
any other advise on fitting would be welcome

Dabs · Post by **Dabs** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:17 pm

Blimey Mate
You dont do things by halves do Ya

Dont know if this has been done before,why didnt You just buy a Freetop its a lot easier.

Anyone any ideas on this its a biggy

Cheers Dabs

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:32 pm

it was cheap but now ive got the roof i want to use it i allready have one with freetop but i was that impressed so i got another one

Keswick · Post by **Keswick** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:37 pm

I think you'll need some electric cable, a hole punch, a tin opener and a prayer mat.

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:37 pm

Welcome keith p

Don't do things by half do you? I haven't a clue where you'd even start - I certainly wouldn't fancy even cutting the tintop's roof off!!
Good luck!!

Dabs · Post by **Dabs** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 9:43 pm

First question then

Are the exterior roof profiles the same on a tin top and a freetop (ie the metal) .If they are not this will cause a problem.Have a look under the boarding(floor) up in the roof of a freetop it is ridged to give strength to the overall roof structure.Does a tintop have these ridges also.
Its possible to do it but is it safe,this would be My concern.

Dabs

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:22 pm

yep its got th ridges i also have the strenghtening brackets that are used on a freetop,it looks pretty easy just not sure of wiring really,i once did same to a bay window vdub but this was just a matter of cutting hole and fitting hinges

pippin · Post by **pippin** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:22 pm

Well, one thing that is certainly different is the radio aerial.

I have had a good poke around (what?!) at the electrics of my AFT and explored every nook and cranny of the roof and tent mechanism and the way everything is fixed.

The AFT roof opening has serious structural strengthening and profiling to accommodate the roof assembly.

I would reckon 100% that it would not be a safe or even practicable proposition whatsoever to convert a TT to an AFT.

Upon your head be it, and it probably would!!

pippin · Post by **pippin** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:31 pm

Further to my above:

You will need two electronic control boxes for the roof.

One is by the driver's right foot, the other is behind the offside rear panel.

If the wiring loom is not set up for them then you will have a serious bit of wiring to sort out.

The dash display has annunciators for the roof state.

Then there is the switch to lower/raise.

The roof control system on the Bongo is very complex.

I know that the engine does not have an ECU but there are brain boxes that control just about everything else.
Like the roof interlock to the handbrake & park positions, the interlock that prevents the gearbox from coming out of the slowest gear if the roof is up.

Need I continue?

I know that I am giving very negative advice and being very pessimistic but those are my gut feelings.

Matt&JoyBongling · Post by **Matt&JoyBongling** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 11:32 pm

Not forgetting to consult your insurance company first to see if the modification would have a significant impact on your premiums, cover .... etc.

Also, considering the resale value of the conversion (should that be or ever be an issue) ..............

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:07 am

I admire your guts to do it keith p..............If I was going to go that far I'd probably fit it so the highest point is to the rear - especially if you have a notion for a side or rear kitchen.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:45 am

Yep and you could then arrange for it to raise a bit via a sensor on the speedo so it could double as a spoiler and improve the high speed handling.

Wot me? Only trying to be helpful

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:20 am

looks like i might be a bit of a big job after all but what the hell its only wiring all strenthening in place,ill confirm this by removing my headlining on both bongos and comparing,if not its just a matter of fabrication
does anyone know where i can get a wiring diagram ?
the roof motor looks just like an electric window one but will have to fit buzzer and warning light on dash
will look into raising it from rear but this might prove to be too much
cheers for the feedback
if anyone knows the wiring can they please let me know cheers

keith p · Post by **keith p** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:23 am

also if i do it right i think it will increase the resale value,cant seem to get anything for my tintop thats part of the reason for doing it apart from the challenge that is

antique · Post by **antique** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:55 am

hi if you put the strengthners in cant see a problem [all bongos have chasis ] the electrics for up and down might be made simple by using electrics of a boat windlass , they are normally for sale on ebay , cant see the profit in it ? but great project, go for it ?