Bongo Fury

hi guys all new to this forum and a bongo to be honest but if any one can help and advise would be much appreciated. so I have just brought a v reg (new shape) mazda bongo 2ltr petrol automatic (Aero City Runner) 8 seater looking to convert! what are the best prices for a manual pop top all though not out ruling electric, and were to buy? supply and fit or separate and pay some one to fit? has any one even brought second hand and know of people prepared to fit? whats the best options who are some good companies to go with? what about auto electricians if kitting out in stages, recommendations and prices ie to fit heaters, sinks, leisure batteries etc. whats other people's experiences if they have tried to self convert them themselves, hint tips etc and thanks in advance

Hi

I wouldn't contemplate finding a second hand roof and trying to get it fitted, how will you transport and store it?

Even if someone will do it there's far too much scope for disagreement if it leaks - is the roof faulty, was it fitted correctly?

I've never heard of an after market electric roof.

It's also impossible to say what tradesmen or converters will charge for any particular job, you'd need to approach them for quotes, and instinct says doing the job in fits and starts will cost more.

Several peeps have done very good conversions themselves so a bit of time with the 'Search' button on here should be fruitful, just use 'and' between key words, eg 'self and conversion' or 'aftermarket and roof'.

Hope that helps a little, and good luck.

The roofs are different between the two versions Tintop/AFT so you can't just fit a secondhand AFT to a Tintop as such.
You will have to find a convertor who does a manual roof, but watch out as others on here have found - use of non-stainless steel hinges, poor ventilation, lack of light as tents don't have windows etc.

You could also consider a High Top conversion.

http://drivelodge.co.uk/

http://drivelodge.co.uk/high-roofs

Take care

teenmal wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2017 8:42 am You could also consider a High Top conversion.

http://drivelodge.co.uk/

http://drivelodge.co.uk/high-roofs

Take care

I've often wondered what those are like to drive in a motorway crosswind, given the narrow track of Bongos. Even an AFT like mine can be 'interesting'. Having said that, i love the challenge and it is quite manageable. And anyway, in a leisure vehicle, you might opt to avoid travelling in the worst weather. Hi-tops do seem to have some real pluses.

Stick a couple of wings on it and You should be ok.

take care

Hope I am not offending anybody by saying this but wouldn't it have made more sense to have bought a Bongo that had already been converted rather than going through this process?

Surely the point of buying an unconverted one then converting it is the DIY element which is attractive to many (myself included)? If you are getting tradesmen to do all the work (with the cost that involves) why not just buy a converted Bongo to start with?

b17flyboy2 wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2017 12:23 pm Hope I am not offending anybody by saying this but wouldn't it have made more sense to have bought a Bongo that had already been converted rather than going through this process?

Perhaps so, unless you strike lucky as I did and find an unconverted van for a good price as your starting point.

Hi,
Maybe this sort of thing...
https://gearjunkie.com/roof-top-tent-pop-up-camping

Tony x wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 2:24 pm Hi,
Maybe this sort of thing...
https://gearjunkie.com/roof-top-tent-pop-up-camping

The last time I used one of them things it got chewed to bits by a couple of bloody Big Lions.

teenmal wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:12 am Stick a couple of wings on it and You should be ok.

take care

Wing and a prayer. Hmmmm yes, there's a thought

teenmal wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 3:05 pm

Tony x wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 2:24 pm Hi,
Maybe this sort of thing...
https://gearjunkie.com/roof-top-tent-pop-up-camping

The last time I used one of them things it got chewed to bits by a couple of bloody Big Lions.

My mistake - I should have mentioned that they are not good when it comes to keeping lions out.

Tony x wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 8:18 pm

teenmal wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 3:05 pm

Tony x wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 2:24 pm Hi,
Maybe this sort of thing...
https://gearjunkie.com/roof-top-tent-pop-up-camping

The last time I used one of them things it got chewed to bits by a couple of bloody Big Lions.

My mistake - I should have mentioned that they are not good when it comes to keeping lions out.

They don't even keep the LIONS BREATH out ,they absolutely STINK , but the most annoying bit is their gnashers ,Don't think they have heard of COLGATE ..

Markas wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2017 12:46 pm

b17flyboy2 wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2017 12:23 pm Hope I am not offending anybody by saying this but wouldn't it have made more sense to have bought a Bongo that had already been converted rather than going through this process?

Perhaps so, unless you strike lucky as I did and find an unconverted van for a good price as your starting point.

exactly that markas thank you for your reply

b17flyboy2 wrote: Thu Nov 02, 2017 12:23 pm Hope I am not offending anybody by saying this but wouldn't it have made more sense to have bought a Bongo that had already been converted rather than going through this process?

Surely the point of buying an unconverted one then converting it is the DIY element which is attractive to many (myself included)? If you are getting tradesmen to do all the work (with the cost that involves) why not just buy a converted Bongo to start with?

it would more so be under normal circumstances but as markas has mentioned I too had brought my van at a price I could not refuse in its condition mileage etc. as a base it realy is pristine and yes I do not have the knowledge of ellectrics and fitting a pop top but felt I could not let this go to waste as a day to day bus but also try to make it visible to convert at a cost where I could save than of a specialist converter charging the earth (not all mind) but keen skilled individuals at a cheaper more compettive rate to keep costs down for it to happen but I too are also having second thoughts now