Date:         Mon, 21 Mar 2016 07:20:54 -0500
Reply-To:     Ralph Meyermann <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ralph Meyermann <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Aftermarket bumpers
Comments: To: Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAH32RNbcUMeW_w8m6MoiuqgPYBEhZjjHn-s8H+TV49vffMFROQ@mail.gmail.com>
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I purchased the van cafe set. I found the receiver wasn't as heavy duty as
I thought it would be, good for a bike rack of some sort and maybe a jet
ski. I used the factory bumper horns, notched and  welded in a 2"x3" .250
wall between them and cut a square hole in the center as well as notched
the center of the top and bottom tube, cut the small section of bolt on
tabs of van cafe bumper and slid a new receiver and welded them all
together. I believe I have a few pics on fb and planning on adding a swing
away spare tire& Jerry cans carriers in the near future. I need to get an
aluminum tread plate cover for it to match the front
On Mar 20, 2016 11:24 AM, "Loren Busch" <starwagen@gmail.com> wrote:

> ​RE: New Bumpers
> I put on the Van Cafe bumpers in the late Spring of 2002.  With the plate
> insert on the front.  And have not had a second thought on them, at all.
> The powder coat has held up very well for the 14 years they have been on my
> '90 Westy.  A few minor chips here and there from normal road wear.  But
> there is one downside and that is reduced approach angle.  The front bumper
> is sticking our a lot farther than stock.  But these very hefty bumpers
> have saved me on several occasions, once twice in 24 hours.  Once the front
> (my fault) and second on the rear (his fault).
> Because of the approach angle issue if I were doing this today I would be
> giving a lot of consideration to the RMW set even though I find them not as
> pleasing to look at.  And if I put a set of those on the bolt heads would
> get a good coat of paint :)
>