Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2016 08:31:57 -0700
Reply-To: Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Aftermarket bumpers
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2016032009411872@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I've never really considered anything but the GW set because I've little
desire for add ons, they look the best to me and despite the ridiculous-ity
of GW refusing to install their own GD parts.
On Sun, Mar 20, 2016 at 6:41 AM, Nick Feickert <thesuperflydisco@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Time to have a discussion on the available aftermarket bumpers that are
> currently available for the Vanagon. Since I'm in the middle of my
> restoration
> of my '85 Westy, I thought I'd get your input as to what you think is
> important
> in choosing a bumper set. As of 2016, here is what is available:
> Go Westy: http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=23578
> Van-Cafe: http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_863_159/big-bumpers.html
> Rocky Mtn Westy:
>
> http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/Vanagon_Twin_Peaks_Front_Bumper_p/rmw-tp01.htm
> (link is to front bumper only)
> Aircooled.net: http://vwparts.aircooled.net/VW-Tube-Bumper-Front-1980-92-
> Vanagon-p/vanagontubebumperfront.htm (link is to front bumper only)
>
> I'm not going to discuss the available OEM chrome or black bumpers
> because we
> all know what they are, how they look, and capabilities of them. So lets
> begin!!
> There are basically 4 things to consider when choosing a new aftermarket
> bumper
> set: appearance, price, functionality, and weight.
>
> Go Westy Steel bumper set: Probably the most popular aftermarket set and
> with
> lots of optional additional hardware you can add to them makes them very
> desireable. The design is a clean look and wraps around the van very
> nicely.
> Price just went up on these and now currenty at $850 per pair. Front bumper
> weighs 25 lb. and rear 78 lb. Total weight 103 lb.
> Van-Cafe Tube bumper set: I have always been a fan of the look of the
> tube
> bumper set! They give the van an agressive, tough appearance that I think
> is eye
> catching and look great on the van. The down side, not really anything
> else else
> you can add to these bumpers other than the standard tow hitch. NO carrier
> trays, tire carriers, bike racks, etc. but there are other options for
> these,
> you just cant attach them to these bumpers, and why would you? These
> bumpers are
> meant to stand alone without the clutter of all those extra accessories,
> beside
> some nice fog lights on the bull bar. Priced at $995. weight of front
> bumper 75
> lb. Rear bumper 50 lb. Total 125 lb.
> Rocky Mtn Westy bumper set: This set is growing in popularity because of
> the
> durability of them and options and accessories they offer. Personaly, I do
> like
> the options with these bumper. I love the optional lock box ($199) I'm not
> a fan
> of the look of the rear bumper. I think because of the tapered bottom of
> it, it
> makes it look wider than other rear bumpers, even though it's not. With
> that
> being said, these are tough bumpers and will protect the van from minor
> mishaps.
> At $1049 for the set, these are the highest priced bumpers on the list with
> front weight of 47 lb. and rear at 90 lb., total weight of 137 lb. which I
> find
> acceptable.
> Aircooled.net bumper set: Once again we have a tube bumper design on
> steriods!
> These are probably the toughest bumpers on the block. What I like about
> these is
> the fact that they filled in the gaps between the tubes to hide the
> unpleasant
> looking parts of the van that weren't meant to be seen. If you add the
> diamond
> plating, it makes them look even tougher. At base price of $780, this set
> seems
> to be a good deal, but the weight is an issue for me with front 175 lb.
> and rear
> 100 lb. for a total of 275 lb. Whoa!!! Those are some heavy bumpers!!
>
> You also have to consider shipping charges that will anywhere from $150
> to
> $250 depending on where you live. Of course, you can pick them up if
> that's an
> option and avoid the shipping charges. So lets hear from you. Those of you
> who
> have installed one of these sets and also those of you who are considering
> installing a set and what you think is important when choosing a bumper
> set. And
> maybe someone is working on a new design, I know you're out there!! Too
> look
> dashing or to survive crashing....that is the question!
>
--
Neil2
'82 Diesel Westfalia (Ducky)
'86 Vanagon/Westfalia Wannabe (SaVannah)
'08 170" 2500 Mega Roof Dodge Sprinter (Moby)
'90 Westfalia Subagon
Fulltiming since August 2008
Nunquam Pendite Divendium
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