Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:22:16 -0800
Reply-To: dhundt@BENDBROADBAND.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don Hundt <dhundt@BENDBROADBAND.COM>
Subject: Re: Bumpers
In-Reply-To: <036a01cbb2aa$eabb02a0$6701a8c0@PROSPERITY>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Scott,
I think the main reason some folks want bigger bumpers is that they look better than a flimsy bumper that bends in a stiff breeze. I fail to see how a larger bumper would make one less safe in the type of crash where a bumper would be involved. I'm not an automotive engineer, but I would suspect that VW didn't spec those bumpers as part of the crumple zone, but rather as a cost-saving measure. If the bumper mounts to the same point as stock, it seems to me the same energy would be transferred to the body of the van as with stock bumpers. They are both mounted solidly to the "frame" of the van, with no energy absorption between components. The only issue I can see is in the event of a glancing blow, where the stock bumpers would fold up, the larger bumper would hold, possibly transferring damage upstream to the mounting point. Either way, though, you will end up with body damage.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 2:48 pm
Subject: Re: Bumpers
> what I question is why anyone would want bigger bumpers .
>
> if it's safety, making the van into a battery ram won't help at
> all in a
> rollover, or side impact crash.
>
> adding weigh to the ends of vehicle is a disadvantage dynamically ..
> 'polar moment of inertia' ..means a thing heavy at the ends
> doesn't like to
> change directions as easily.
>
> so nimbleness of handling will diminish some.
>
> and I wonder about the built-in crushability that's engineered, very
> intentionally , into the vehicle..
> it might actually not be as safe with bigger heavier bumpers on
> it, in terms
> if impacts from the ends and nice controlled crushability there.
>
> I'm sure people realize the idea of crumble zones is to spread the
> forcesout over those first milliseconds of hitting something
> ..controlleddeformation for occupant protection.
> Make it into a battering ram ..and you loose that, I'd think.
>
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Troy" <colorworks@GCI.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 1:25 PM
> Subject: Bumpers
>
>
> > Was just looking at the new "big bumpers" from Van Cafe' and then
> > comparing them to Go Westy's bumpers. There's a several hundred
> dollar> price difference. Does anyone care to comment on the
> relative advantages
> > of one over the other? Considering my location, the Van Cafe'
> bumpers,> despite there higher price, may actually work out
> cheaper because of
> > shipping. Any disadvantages to the Go Westy bumpers? Sounds like
> some> minor cutting of the van is required.
> >
> > Troy
>
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