Hello - About to take the Conversion Plunge!!

[BBChunks]

Hi Guys,

First post Wanted to say hello.

I bought a Bongo last September and have spent a good amount of time researching and reading the forum. I'm now very keen to start converting it to something that will suit weekends away with the wife and kids.

I have plenty of ideas and will no doubt be asking a whole load of questions !!!

You all seem like a great bunch, so thanks in advance for your help

BBChunks

[winchman]

Welcome
Are you going to share your ideas?
Heres mine

[BBChunks]

Welcome
Are you going to share your ideas?
Heres mine

Nice, Have looked at yours a few times LOL.

Its all in my head at the moment but plan to get it sketched out over the weekend. Will then post for critique!

[BBChunks]

Winchman,

How is the height of the hob and sink? Would you change it at all?

[winchman]

Winchman,

How is the height of the hob and sink? Would you change it at all?

Heights fine.
I designed it as I needed a kitchen but still need 8 seats, its was only ever intended for quick snacks tea etc
I would recommend what ever you do make a cardboard one first, I had the sink and hob all ready so just made it all as compact as I could, the tall cupboard is for gas bottle storage but could be made smaller depending on what stove etc you use, some one has made an even more basic one than me just using a £10 camping stove the type that take throw away £1 cylinders and a washing up bowl.
Remember to tip the back seat forward whilst cooking, I am in the process of making a heat/wind shield that slots down the back of the seat

[winchman]

What I should point out is that if you make the hob and sink higher up it would have to be narrower as the seat slopes backwards.
The gas cupboard slopes at the back due to the seat
I kept the back seat right back to the rear stop as I carry 6 adult sized people but if you take some leg room you could make the kitchen deeper but you will just fill it full of junk so why bother?

[cavey]

Of course it depends on how many of you there are, how long you're planning on going away for, and in one place or touring, but we did a lot of research and deliberating before taking the Bongo plunge, and went for a removable rear kitchen.

This means we can have the 8 seater minibus when needed, take all the seats out, and there's the van, or pop the kitchen in and you're camping. I did install an overhead locker above the kitchen too, but this just stays in. It means that we now just about have enough storage for cooking gubbins. I tend to leave the other rear seat out too for more space as they are easy enough to remove and fit.

I'd love a vehicle for each job, but the Bongo with a removable kitchen is a great compromise for us.

Cheers,

Dave.

[Spencer54]

I went for the rear as my choice, but now its been used a few times I can see that the side conversion works a bit better for me.

But if it needs to be removable and keep versatility then I don't think you can beat it.
Getting in and out with rear using the side door is tight with reversed seats for me.
Plus I whack my head on the overhead storage, but fortunately both are fairly empty

Swivel seat might help me out.

Research will help out, but get in some and try them if you can.

[Spencer54]

I went for the rear as my choice, but now its been used a few times I can see that the side conversion works a bit better for me.

But if it needs to be removable and keep versatility then I don't think you can beat it.
Getting in and out with rear using the side door is tight with reversed seats for me.
Plus I whack my head on the overhead storage, but fortunately both are fairly empty

Swivel seat might help me out.

Research will help out, but get in some and try them if you can.

[winchman]

Of course it depends on how many of you there are, how long you're planning on going away for, and in one place or touring, but we did a lot of research and deliberating before taking the Bongo plunge, and went for a removable rear kitchen.

This means we can have the 8 seater minibus when needed, take all the seats out, and there's the van, or pop the kitchen in and you're camping. I did install an overhead locker above the kitchen too, but this just stays in. It means that we now just about have enough storage for cooking gubbins. I tend to leave the other rear seat out too for more space as they are easy enough to remove and fit.

I'd love a vehicle for each job, but the Bongo with a removable kitchen is a great compromise for us.

Cheers,

Dave.

Any photos?

[alan]

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 47&t=37365
lo0ads of idea here