> Is the a way to create a ³shock² system to absorb the impact? Maybe using > marine rubber, the kind they put on docks to prevent the boat from getting > banged up? or some type of sealed airbag within a rubber housing? it seems as > though there is so little protection. > > robert > --------- > > there is actually no "shock absorber" mechanism on the vanagon > bumpers [ at least not on my 1990 ] the US DOT did not require it. > > I was suprised to find this last summer when I removed my rear bumper to > install > a reciever hitch. So aside from the force the bumper may absorb by bending > [ or shattering as my fiberglass ones would] the remaining impact force > is absorbed directly by the body. > > In an interesting twist - the new receiver hitch i bought and mounted > directly > on the body bumper mounts is made of very substantial steel - > which will inadvertently transfer MORE of an impact to the the thinner steel > > in the body of the van. :O( > > > Tom > > ---------- > From: rmstewart@mac.com > Reply To: rmstewart@mac.com > Sent: Wednesday, July 9, 2003 2:44 PM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: Re: Rear-Ended !! / Tube bumpers > >> > Anyone ever purchase and install those large tube bumpers and > rear/front end >> > (Like the ones used on SUV1s that cover the front end with large > steel round >> > tubes) >> > I saw someone was selling those a website not to long ago. >> > >> > I have always wondered if there practical enough to purchase, ie > is the weight >> > worth the protection, does it really protect the van or just cause > more damage >> > when your hit? >> > >> > Robert >> > 1989 Blue Carat, NYC (on it1s way from Florida) >> > ----------------------- >> > >> > >> > Just got rear ended the other day. The big chromey bumper on my > '85 Westy was >> > hit directly in the middle and bent inward so that it just touched > the body. >> > It was a good smack. >> > >> > Question is ..... when the insurance guys (not Westy mechanics) > appraised the >> > damage, they talked about body work and replacement of the bumper, > but nothing >> > else. Is there anything else that I should be concerned about? > Could there >> > be any engine damage from a rear end hit? >> > >> > Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. >> > >> > Matthew >> > Vancouver BC >> > CANADA >> > > |
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