Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2016 11:48:37 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Aftermarket bumpers
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2016032009411872@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
We all can agree that the factory bumpers are just trim pieces, not bumpers.
The front trim piece is mounted to a detailed frame section that is designed
as part of a deformation system designed to absorb energy in the event of a
crash. The rear does not seem to have as much engineering back there and
what is there seems to rely on the bumper brackets alone.
That said while we all want super indestructible bumpers there is a
consequence. The consequence could be as small as moving collision damage to
other parts of the body or chassis or as large as a collision causing or
increasing the chance or severity of injury. Current vehicle designs are
extremely sacrificial. Fold up like tin cans right up to the passenger
safety cell. The cars become garbage in even low speed impacts but the
occupants open the doors and walk away. Some of that is designed into the
Vanagon. Change the bumpers and that gets affected also. When the tube
bumpers do get involved in a collision that causes them to give the
increased damage can be surprising.
The other consideration is the increased weight. Not just the added pounds
but where those pounds are added. There is a huge difference putting 175
pound in the cargo or passenger area vs. hanging it in place of the front
bumper. This not only changes the handling characteristics but increases
loading on the front end components. Taller springs and shims can restore
the ride height but all that extra loading is still on the lower suspension
parts. When you are done with your project it would be a good idea to weight
the vehicle to get your axle weights so that you know what you can carry.
That certification sticker near the driver's door is not just a guideline.
For an 85 my taste would be the GoWesty bumpers with the hitch. To match I
would also avoid the chrome trim. I like the look and reasonable weight. As
for attachments I have learned to hate a lot of that stuff. I request my
customers to leave that stuff at home when they bring the van in for
service. Then banged shins and head bumps get really annoying and it does
add to the time required for many tasks. Generally, once you go beyond bike
or kayak racks outside storage is another indication you have outgrown the
vehicle. The tubs bumpers and big tire look make a little more visual sense
on the Syncros. To me I prefer compact and keep it clean approach. There is
always the trailer option for the one off events where you really need to
carry more stuff.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Nick Feickert
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 9:41 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Aftermarket bumpers
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!
