Date:         Wed, 15 Oct 1997 10:00:29 +0000
Reply-To:     alfajohn@PACBELL.NET
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         John Franklin <alfajohn@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon got smacked :-(
Comments: To: Sean Bartnik <sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Sean,
What a bummer!  I just paid $200 to have my rear bumper straightened
and re-chromed (the re-chrome is necessary because the straightening
process damages the finish).  There are after-market bumpers available
for about $150 (Bus Depot), but my previous experience with
after-market bumpers has been disappointing (although they weren't
from Bus Depot), as they were thinner and weaker than original with
chrome that didn't last. So I went with the repair to the original.
I understand VW charges $400-450 for a new one.  Be sure to check
behind the bumper for any hidden damage to bodywork or brackets before
you agree on a price.  There can be some expensive damage in this
area.  The end caps are $10-25 depending where you buy them.  I think
Bus Depot's are $9.95, dealer's are about $25.  You will also need new
clips for the rubber strip along the face of the bumper if you have
that style.

John Franklin
San Rafael
86 SyncroGL, 85 Alfa Spider, 89 Trooper