Date:         Thu, 17 Jan 2002 16:24:23 -0800
Reply-To:     Robert Dalton <dieselsong@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Dalton <dieselsong@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vgon Crash Tests: no crush zones?
Comments: To: Paul Mayfield <paulmayfield@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <B86C54AC.453%paulmayfield@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Paul

Fantastic idea!!!  I've been trying to visualize a way
to get more crush zone on my Westy without making it
look gosh awfull ugly.  I've also wondered how to
calculate the amount of extra crush zone the vanagon
needs.  I know the head injury number for a vanagon
driver is quite high (around 2000).  It is somewhat
better for eurovans (around 1200).  If we looked at
the difference in crush zones between the two we might
guess at how much more the vanagon needs.
Unfortunately I keep thinking the vanagon could use a
couple of extra feet of crush zone.  I don't know what
laws apply to sticking an "SUV Catcher" out there two
feet but I guess there would be some.  Is your
assembly removable in case the state inspection people
balk at the extra bars in the front?  We need to put
out a call to some mechanical engineers for some
advice on estimating the required extra vanagon crush
zone.

By the way you'll notice that the eurovan with air
bags has never been crash tested to see how well the
air bags work.  Personally I would rather satisfy the
safety requirements of a vehicle by adding the proper
crush zone than relying on an untested air bag.  I
have a feeling that an untested air bag is just a band
aid VW put in eurovans so the average consumer thinks
he has a safe vehicle.

Rob


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