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Post by goodtimes on Dec 1, 2020 7:31:00 GMT
Good Morning everybody,
my name is Peter, I am a German, living nearby Hamburg. I am very sorry for my mistakes in English language. The first Bond Bug I have seen, when we made a trip with our school to London and Ramsgate in 1973. I haven`t forgotten it. Around ten years ago I had a chance for a short test driving in a BB here in Germany.
Because I will retire end of April next year, we decided to look for a BB with a lot of work. Only two hours later I found one on Ebay only 29 km away from our home. Its the Number BB 61697. I have a rotten chassis, the body and a canopy together with some ( only some) parts. I will start retsorigh the parts I have and then organizing what I need. Helpfull is, that I am experienced in repairing GRP. What I am looking for, are detailed drawings and dimensions. I am planning a visit in UK after the corona restrictions have stopped, to buy some parts or an other complete Reliant for getting spare parts. I am very interested to meet other owners with there BB`s on a meeting.
Ok, that is the situation. Ih there is anybody, who has informations about BB 61697, I would pleased to get them.
Greetings from Germany
Peter
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Post by Nobla on Dec 1, 2020 11:19:47 GMT
Hello Peter
My wife and i was planning a trip this year to visit friends in France and Hamburg but unfortunately because of the Covid situation it was postponed till next year.
So when restrictions allow we can visit you as well and maybe I can help you bring a few spares over for you, alas I cannot carry large items as I will be towing a caravan and limited for space, but will manage most items.
So if you wish and nearer the time you can arrange what you need and maybe we can get together.
Usually we are in Europe for 2 to 3 weeks most years and we meet up with fellow caravanners and generally catch up with old friends.
As I used to live in Jersey I meet up with friends in St Malo as well, as its the nearest port for Jersey.
So best of luck with your new project and maybe we can work things out.
Stay safe and best wishes
David (Nobla)
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Post by goodtimes on Dec 1, 2020 11:42:44 GMT
Hello David, that sounds good. We have a lot of space here, also for your caravan, because we living in an industrial area with some private houses in it. Please, don`t hesitate to contact us, when you will visit Hamburg area. As I see the near future, we all will be vacinated here (is that the correct use of this word?) end of June. So, for the seccond half of the year, a lot of things will be possibel.
Best wishes
Peter
And: Beware of the beast Corona!
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Post by karl on Dec 1, 2020 11:47:51 GMT
Hi. I believe there are a couple of bugs in Germany. What details would you like in particular? Due to the virus our 50th anniversary rally has been rearranged for next june and with any luck there will be over 50 bugs attending. This is also our bug club 30th birthday. Have you got any pictures? Regards karl
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adl2
Senior Bugger

Posts: 13
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Post by adl2 on Dec 1, 2020 12:28:09 GMT
In recent introductions we have New Zealand, USA and now Germany, which is really exciting. I would love to see photos of the state of the bug before you start work. My interest in the Bug also stems from memory of it when it was in production.
Viel Glück
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Post by vannin on Dec 1, 2020 14:05:01 GMT
First job Peter is to join the Bug club Worth every penny or euro in your case
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Post by karl on Dec 1, 2020 16:54:51 GMT
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Post by Stiffy on Dec 1, 2020 19:48:09 GMT
Welcome to the forum Peter. There are always lots of helpful people on the forum so feel free to post your questions. I have added a link to the chassis rebuild page. Some of this site is restricted to Non members but its free to join. :-) bondbug.freeforums.net/thread/310/rialto-chassis-conversion
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Post by goodtimes on Dec 2, 2020 7:09:19 GMT
Good morning to everybody,
thank`s a lot for the warm welcome.Yes, I will take some pictures next weekend and hopefully I will be able to post them. But there is one thing, I am afraid of: I definitely will pay no personal injury compensation to anybody, because the state of the bug on the pctures is so sad.
Best wishes
Peter
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Post by buguiled on Dec 2, 2020 12:34:50 GMT
Hi Peter, I am Rhona Bell, the Historian for the Bug Club. I have a little information I can give you about your Bug (61697) if you would like to e.mail me on micro000s@hotmail.com.
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Post by vannin on Dec 2, 2020 18:46:18 GMT
Good morning to everybody, thank`s a lot for the warm welcome.Yes, I will take some pictures next weekend and hopefully I will be able to post them. But there is one thing, I am afraid of: I definitely will pay no personal injury compensation to anybody, because the state of the bug on the pctures is so sad. Best wishes Peter I'm sure we will have seen worse Peter, if not I'll be very surprised, post a couple of pictures of the said Bug and we'll give it a good coat of looking at
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Post by goodtimes on Dec 6, 2020 12:03:45 GMT
Hello everybody,
you can find pictures of my bug in the gallery. Ron added them under the original uk registration number RTB 511 L.
Best wishes
Peter
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Post by Stiffy on Dec 8, 2020 10:17:35 GMT
For those who come straight to the forum the Gallery is on www.bondbugs.co.uk/ Run by me old mate and club Chairman Rory 
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Post by vannin on Dec 8, 2020 11:15:52 GMT
Holy bat cave, that does look over ripe
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adl2
Senior Bugger

Posts: 13
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Post by adl2 on Dec 8, 2020 11:25:43 GMT
That GRP repair experience is going to be very useful.
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Post by goodtimes on Dec 8, 2020 12:27:42 GMT
Hello, I think the first action with the GRP-parts, which are in this case are really not covered by paint or gelcoat,is giving them time for drying out. My Bug was standing over years uncovered on a yard of a workshop. Without paint or gelcoat the GRP is storing the water as like as a sponge. It needs to dry out for half a year in a frostfree room before working on it with fresh epoxy. I got some experience, when I sailed GRP racing dingies for a lot of years. I will keep you informed.
Best wishes
Peter Peter
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Post by Biggles on Dec 8, 2020 14:22:58 GMT
You are welcome Peter and welcome to The Bug Club I work along side Rory who adds the info and pictures on my behalf you and I have been throwing emails backwards and forwards plus a long phone call and eventually got you sorted on the gallery have you linked in your Bug club membership number so you can Take control of adding your own pictures p.s remember what I said regards towing a trailer with a bug on it must be forwards from now on... All the Best Ron
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Post by goodtimes on Dec 9, 2020 11:53:18 GMT
Hello Ron,
thak you very much for your help. I think I will start beginning of next year with a look around over the parts i have and especially the parts i don`t have. Hopefully we will have a club meeting in 21. I have the intention to join.
Best wishes
Peter
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Post by cdb15 on Dec 9, 2020 13:05:09 GMT
p.s remember what I said regards towing a trailer with a bug on it must be forwards from now on... All the Best Ron Ron, sorry to hijack this thread, but is there some regulation about which way the car on the trailer faces? I regularly see transporters carrying trucks, cars, vans, you name it, and they pack them on facing both ways. Is it different for cars towing (as opposed to artic trucks toming) ?
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Post by vannin on Dec 9, 2020 14:24:20 GMT
Maybe have a look on the d.v.s.a website (was v.o.s.a) bound to be something on there if there are specific regulations regarding the above
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Post by Stiffy on Dec 9, 2020 14:49:39 GMT
I think Ron was concerned with Bond Bugs being towed backwards as the wind builds up inside and rips the canopy off. It happened to my Brothers Bug back in the 80s. :-)
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Post by ayrbugger on Dec 9, 2020 16:37:31 GMT
Hi, I have a "triangular trailer and the Bug faces forwards...however my other trike is front wheel drive and goes on backwards and to date no-one has commented on it travelling backwards. When travelling to France with the other trike I covered the headlights with Sainsbury"s plastic shopper bags, a nice orange. Unless you provoke the Law then they have other more important things to do. Bill aka Ayrbugger
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Post by Biggles on Dec 9, 2020 18:44:15 GMT
I think Ron was concerned with Bond Bugs being towed backwards as the wind builds up inside and rips the canopy off. It happened to my Brothers Bug back in the 80s. :-) You are right Ivan I am only concerned about the canopy being ripped off 🤔
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Post by cdb15 on Dec 10, 2020 13:08:08 GMT
I think Ron was concerned with Bond Bugs being towed backwards as the wind builds up inside and rips the canopy off. It happened to my Brothers Bug back in the 80s. :-) You are right Ivan I am only concerned about the canopy being ripped off 🤔 Thanks for clearing that up folks - the power of the Forum! This potential issue would never have occurred to me, but it's obviously a very expensive mistake to make, not to mention the danger to other road users!!
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Post by vannin on Dec 10, 2020 14:50:09 GMT
It's also not occurred to what must be a lot of people who collect a Bug with a conventional trailer then a quick scratch of the head and the Bug is reversed on with usually a baulk of timber for the front wheel and off they go unfortunately more often than not so does the canopy with substantial damage sustained to not only the canopy but also the body tub. Not the best way to receive your new pride and joy
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