Date:         Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:08:02 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Has anyone ever taken brush guards and made a custom mount for
              the van?
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Has anyone ever taken any brush guards and made a custom mount for the
van?

I was thinking that I really don't have the funds right now to spend
over a grand on steel bumpers but I could spend a couple hundred with
a craigslist or junkyard / pick and pull brush guard from an SUV or
truck, then take it to my local welder to have him fabricate a bolt on
mount to the front frame structure. Steel Bumpers from GoWesty, Van
Cafe, RWesty are all great but my concern is non only the lower front
end but the upper area since most SUV bumpers are higher than our
vans, a steel bumper is not going to do that much. I feel that you
need the height of the brush guard to really prevent heavy damage.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Is there a danger with matching the front structural design plate with
a matching steel plate that could bolt directly to it?

I would think this would be the only safe way to go as it will match
the structural framework, giving it more support as well. I do realize
it will add extra weight to the front of the car but I do feel it
would be far safer than the flimpsy fiberglass bumper I have on my 88
wolfy.

Any advice, urls, or documentation on European/Australian/SF African
Vanagon Made bull/brush guards will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert




--
Rob
Bloomingburg NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver
240,500 miles - automatic rebuilt
AIM: rmstewart@mac.com