The Bond Bug Files
Updated February 2012
Bond Bug Forum
Bond Bug Links
An American take on the Bond Bug
Although the Bug was never officially exported to our brothers across the pond it still appeared in reviews. The latest edition to the site is a reprint of a review that featured in Mechanix Illustrated in June 1971.I have had to jig the layout around but its worth a read. I very much doubt its been seen much even in the States. The link is below.
The Warminster Bug Engine re build
The last update was in
November and things have moved on with the latest Restoration. The
engine is now in bits on the bench with the head removed along with the
sump. I couldn't find a great deal wrong with the head gasket apart
from a split in the block around the center stud. A new stud has been
tapped in by my dad and I will see how it goes later this year. It
still maybe a case of replacing the block but all looks ok with the
piston liners crank etc.
An engine Rebuild kit has been purchased from the Bug Spares Scheme.
This is a very comprehensive kit and comes complete with all gaskets,
various corks and the seals for crank shaft etc.I will update on the
progress.The head also has a problem - It looks like one of the studs
that hold the rockers in place has been stripped with the hole enlarged
and then filled with chemical metal. I'm not sure on how to overcome
this unless i get it helicoiled or replace the head.
Bug Chassis be Rebuilt
Things are still in there infancy re this but a midlands fabricators will be putting together a jig for the Bug chassis and producing a chassis. As yet things have still to be finalized and a price is yet to be fixed although a figure of £5-6 Hundred pound has been mentioned. Bearing in mind the price of steel, the work involved and the increasing prices I think this is a fair price. I will post more details either on here, On the forum or in the Bug Club Magazine. If your interested please feel free to drop me a line or post on the board.
Joining the Bug Club
Whether your doing a full blown restoration, Have been running a Bug for years or thinking of buying a Bug there's nothing better then joining the club for it wealth of expertise. A Bi Monthly Mag is well worth the fee alone plus the club has a spares scheme run by a dedicated team who know all there is to do with Reliant's. Area Reps are also on hand to supply that local knowledge.
For those looking for there Bugs history the club has records of hundreds of Bugs built (Sometimes enabling members to date there Bug for tax free benefits). Regalia is also available and a very active rally programme where you can always meet some like minded friendly enthusiasts.
Please contact the Bug Club secretary Les Gore for more details.
Lesliebondbug@blueyonder.co.uk
01293 426954
Bug Spares Scheme
If you need a Bug part Please feel free to give Dave a ring on 01424 446078
Proceeds are ploughed back into the scheme to enable the production of some of the rarer Bug Parts.
If you have a need for a part to be re manufactured please feel free to ask.
E mail
dave_bug_ore@hotmail.com .
Site links