Some vans arrive with rust. Others arrive with character. But once in a while, we get a van that shows up with both — and this Mazda Bongo had travelled a long way to find its second chance. It came to us tired, worn, and with a long list of faults, but underneath the surface, we saw what it could become.
And so began a complete transformation: from structural rebuild to custom paint, from broken parts to bold personality. This is the story of a Bongo reborn, and a testament to just how far these vans can go with the right care.
A Journey Worth Taking
This Bongo had already seen its fair share of roads before it reached us. After covering serious ground over the years, it arrived at The Mazda Bongo Auto Centre with some major MOT failures and structural corrosion. But the owner believed in its potential, and so did we.
The plan was clear: restore, rebuild and refresh. Starting from the ground up.
Welding, Repairs and Reinforcement
To get this Bongo safe and road-ready, we tackled multiple structural challenges. Both inner and outer wheel arches were replaced, along with full outer sills on each side. The rear chassis tubs were heavily corroded and required cutting out and rebuilding, while additional welding was carried out on the rear wheel arch and chassis sections.
It was a big job — but our team knows these vans inside out. Every weld was made with precision, every panel was carefully blended, and slowly but surely, strength was returned to the frame.
We also replaced worn anti-roll bar D bushes and drop links, ensuring the suspension and handling were back to factory feel, ready to face many more years of driving.
Engine, Gearbox and Systems Restored
Mechanically, this Bongo had potential but needed a bit of help. We installed a replacement gearbox supplied by the customer, then serviced it with fresh oil and filters. We also replaced the air conditioning compressor and re-gassed the system to bring back that cool comfort.
A new windscreen and trim were fitted to eliminate leaks and restore visibility, while a damaged door wiring loom was repaired to get the electric windows functioning again. We also fixed the washer motor and made sure everything worked exactly as it should.
By the time we rolled it onto the ramp for its MOT, this van passed with zero advisories — a massive turnaround from the state it arrived in.
Bodywork and Paint – A Transformation in Black and White
Once the structural and mechanical work was complete, it was time to make this Bongo look as good as it felt. We carried out a full respray across the entire body — roof, bumpers, trims and panels. But the colour scheme wasn’t just fresh — it was bold.
The customer chose a stunning white upper half, paired with a black lower body infused with rainbow glitter pearl. In the sunlight, the black paint shimmers with subtle flashes of colour, giving this van a unique, head-turning finish that speaks volumes about the personality of its owner.
We colour-coded the badges to match and brought the whole look together with refurbished black plastic trims, new Mazda Bongo decals, and fresh Auto Free Top graphics.
Final Details and Finishing Touches
The difference is always in the details. We refurbished the 15” genuine Mazda Bongo alloys, painted them black and fitted four brand-new tyres, finished off with new alloy wheel nuts. The suspension components were cleaned and painted in matte black, keeping the underbody clean and protected.
We also carried out a full underbody rub-down and underseal, followed by internal wax oiling of the sills and crossmembers — ensuring this Bongo will stay protected for many years to come.
To complete the package, we supplied complimentary floor mats with logo, new number plates, and colour-coded exterior badges — because when we restore a van, we do it properly from top to bottom.
From Distance to Detail — A Bongo to Be Proud Of
This Bongo’s journey was long, and not just on the road. It arrived in need of major care, but it left as one of the most unique and beautifully finished vans we’ve worked on. From heavy-duty welding to a rainbow pearl sparkle, it now represents what we believe every Bongo deserves: safety, style, and soul.
At The Mazda Bongo Auto Centre, we don’t just fix vans, we give them new stories.
Need a Mazda Bongo Transformation of Your Own?
Whether you’ve got corrosion issues, cosmetic wear, or mechanical concerns, we can help bring your Bongo back to life. We’re proud to offer honest advice, expert workmanship, and results that speak for themselves.
Saltney, Chester CH4
Call us on 01244 907 079
Email: info@mazdabongoautocentre.co.uk
Visit: www.mazdabongoautocentre.co.uk