Ivan Smith's Bond Bug Site
and Forum
Got a Question about Bugs or fancy a general post?
Why not try my Forum ? Used by many with literally years of Bugging experience including Bond Bug Restorers, The Bond Bug Spares Scheme organisers, Club Historians, Bug Club Committee members, Club members and general enthusiasts.
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Bond Bug Drag Racing
As some of you may remember some years ago I did a feature on the Metronome Bond Bug after finding an article in a book I had acquired. While browsing the net last night I found a site that had loads more information on the Bug dragsters raced in the 1970s and 80s.
At least 2 are featured (The Metronome and Doodle Bug) all with period cars in the background (The one below has a mini van).
I have started a thread on my message board Re this and have asked the question if photos of Bond Bug Dragsters have appeared after nearly 40 years why have we yet to see a Rothmans Bug ?
The updated links page below has Links to lots more information and more photographs if you are interested!
Buying tips page updated
The buying a Bug tips page was initially done a fair few years ago and as things have moved on with the availability of Bug spares I have re written this page. No doubt it has a few errors and if you can think of any I'm always ready to hear constructive criticism. So please feel free to let me know if I have omitted anything.
New Links page added!
Now probably the longest list of Bond Bug Links your ever going to find on the Net and I believe they all work!
Electronic Ignition
Ever fancied adding electronic ignition to your Bug? Its something I have contemplated for years and having been recommended a unit by the Bug Spares Scheme organisers and Phil & Luke I decided to give it a go. All you need to do is remove the Dizzy Cap, Take of the rota arm, Unscrew the Points and condenser and disconnect the wires on the coil.
You then place a black plastic ring on the rota and screw on the unit where the points went. The wires are then connected to the coil Red to the Plus/ Blue to Neg. You may need to replace a spade connection on one wire (I did )The old rota arm is replaced along with the cap. It takes about 10 Minutes.
I took the Bug out and all seems fine although a long run is yet to be completed- I shall let you know how I get on.
Please note the information above is for the 25D distributor as fitted to many Bugs but Simon at the link below does other kits and I personally found him very helpful. The red kit advertised on his site will not fit the distributor with the shorter rota arm as I found out myself but a kit is available for this dizzy.
Bug Rally's for 2009
This year we have 2 new rallies to look forward to both in places the Bug club and Microcar fraternity have not used before. Marie Pickering is organising the first Cheshire Microcar rally while Jeff Ellis and Marie are organising the Bug Clubs Rally at the Haynes Museum Sparkford Somerset.
Bug Club Rally
31st July August 2nd
Haynes Motor Museum Sparkford Somerset
Includes Road run on Saturday and Les Gores famous Quiz.
All the major Bug trophies will be handed out at this event.
Contact Jeff or Marie for more details
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The 1st Cheshire Microcar Rally
Friday 28th to Monday 31st August
Sycamore farm caravan site
Soss Moss, Nether Alderley,
Macclesfield, SK10 4TU
All cars welcome
For more information contact Marie on
0161 7751 595/07724 198 297/07709 931 127
email; m.pickering4@ntlworld.com
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The National Microcar Rally 2009
Ripon Race Course
The biggest Microcar event of the season this year organised by the Micro Maniacs. Includes road Run Awards and all the usual fun. Site has a clubhouse and full amenities including showers Toilets and a covered area for outside events.
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More Photos on Azy's site..
http://bugville.co.uk/Early%20Bird%20Rally%2009.html
The Bug Club have a few events planned for this year. I will keep the site posted with the details.
Bond 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 remanufactured please feel free to ask.
E mail
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
Links below have not been updated for some time but will be reviewed and possibly scrapped .