Bongo Fury

Hi all,
My partner and I recently bought a '97 Bongo. We pulled up the carpet and came across what we believe is the sound deadening pads fixed to the floor.
Does anyone know what material these are made out of, or more specifically if they contain asbestos? Japan was still manufacturing cars with asbestos so a little bit concerned since we starting removing it. I'm in Australia so hoping if it was that it would have been picked up during import.
Thanks!

Welcome!
Never heard this discussed on here at all, I am surprised that they might have been still using the dangerous asbestos materials in 1995+ at all and can't think why sound deadening material would use it anyway. In the UK it was primarily used for heat insulation and for strengthening corrugated roof material but that all came to an end around 1985 for the two main products, however as you say all types and uses wasn't banned until 1999 see here https://www.haspod.com/blog/asbestos/wh ... nstruction

I have wondered about what of insulation Mazda put in these vans myself before.

I have seen some Youtube videos where they have used what is, basically, attic insulation, in behind door panels (and maybe under the floor) to help keep heat in/out and deaden sound.

Dunno if anyone has heard of that before but there ya go...

Thanks for the response and information.

It looks like it was used for soundproofing and insultation - https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/automobiles/

Unfortunately it seems like Japan did not stop using it: https://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/28/asb ... nufacturi/

As per the article, the material would be non-friable since it is mixed with resin so if not disturbed it should be fine.

Since I have disturbed it, it has been sent off to be tested. I will be sure to be report back the findings.

Monique wrote: Thu Jun 03, 2021 4:19 am Thanks for the response and information.

It looks like it was used for soundproofing and insultation - https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/automobiles/

Unfortunately it seems like Japan did not stop using it: https://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/28/asb ... nufacturi/

As per the article, the material would be non-friable since it is mixed with resin so if not disturbed it should be fine.

Since I have disturbed it, it has been sent off to be tested. I will be sure to be report back the findings.

Do make sure to let us know what the situation is with it! Thanks!

Owners would be interested in a photo of the material in place, so it's clear to everyone.

I have received the lab results back.

The sample consisted of bituminous material. No asbestos detected. No respirable fibres detected. Organic fibre detected.

The material in question is in picture attached.

I do recommend for peace of mind to get any suspect materials tested, definitely pays off.

A reassuring result - thanks for the photo.

Yes nice to hear! Are there still a good number of Bongo's over in Australia ?

Not nearly enough Bongo's down here in Australia!