Date:         Wed, 27 Oct 1999 09:20:52 -0500
Reply-To:     "Roy O." <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Roy O." <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Bra??
Comments: To: "Hans V." <hanzer@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

My '87 Westfalia has had a bra modestly covering it's front end since the day I
bought the vehicle new. I remove the bra for cleaning occasionally, whenever I
wash the van. There has never been any serious build-up of sand or grit between
the bra and the van that would scratch the paint. I don't dry the bra after
rain. After twelve years of use , the paint on the front of the vehicle is just
fine. Due to chafing from the bra though, the fake chrome paint around the
cheap, plastic grill has worn in spots.

After twelve years the bra is showing some wear and tear. I've replaced a few of
the sheet metal tabs that grip around the door opening to hold the bra on the
vehicle. These tabs have deteriorated into rust dust over the years. There are
also a few nicks in the material due to the bra valiantly defending my vehicle
against stones, hail and hard-bodied insects. I've also replaced the bug
screening. I recommend getting a bra with no bug screen that would cover your
vehicle's headlights. It's much easier to wipe your headlights clean without the
bug screening over them.

For cold weather enthusiasts who cover the rad during winter driving, the bra
excels here. Fabricate a piece of black, exterior sheet vinyl upholstery
material sized to cover the rad and fresh air intake. Sew Velcro pieces to it
and insert it between the bra and your vehicle when installing the bra. This
helps your interior heater to operate at full potential as well as giving the
van that Darth Vader look.

Roy O.
'87 Westfalia
('till death us do part)



-----Original Message-----
From: Hans V. <hanzer@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 1999 8:33 PM
Subject: Vanagon Bra??


|Has anyone out there had long term use effects from installing a bra ?
|I painted my van last year, always wax it etc, but a few new stone chips
|have me thinking about it. what about moisture dampness ? Do they dryout ?
|Effects on paint long term ,rust buildup etc etc. THANKS.
|
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