Date:         Thu, 22 Jan 2004 21:03:02 +1300
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: which type of headlight upgrade would you recommend and why?
In-Reply-To:  <130.2a4023e6.2d403845@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

>1/ The constuction of the SA grille appears to be far less robust than the
>grille which I removed.  I can only hope that the formulation of the material
>from which it is made is tougher and highly UV resistant.

The RSA grill is thin and floppy, but it is made of a flexible and
resiliant plastic. Quality is not at all poor. The German grill is
made of brittle plastic which oxidizes and turns gray... looks awful
with the gray patina and bits missing due to gravel strikes. I think
the RSA grill will prove to be by far the longer-lasting.

>2/ In order to install the SA grille as was intended, at least on an US van,
>the mountings for three captive spring fasteners have to be fabricated and
>secured to the grille opening.  While I imagine that most go without these, I
>have to think that it is not the best thing to do considering the
>flimsy nature
>of the SA grille.

The RSA grill uses one twist-fastener in the center and 2 (or as it
4?) clip-fasteners around the headlights. The stock round-light
German vans use only twist-fasteners, but actually came with the lugs
that fir the RSA grill. So it's a direct swap. The RSA grill comes
without the center twist-fastener, so you'll need to remove one from
your own grill... it fits straight in.
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
64 (3) 473-8863
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut
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A: Because it reverses the logical flow of conversation.
Q: Why is top posting frowned upon?