> Is the  a way to create a �shock� system to absorb the impact? Maybe using
> marine rubber, the kind they put on docks to prevent the boat from getting
> banged up? or some type of sealed airbag within a rubber housing? it seems as
> though there is so little protection.
> 
> robert
> ---------
> 
>  there is actually no "shock absorber" mechanism on the vanagon
> bumpers [ at least not on my 1990 ] the US DOT did not require it.
> 
> I was suprised to find this last summer when I removed my rear bumper to
> install
> a reciever hitch. So aside from the force the bumper may absorb by bending
> [ or shattering as my fiberglass ones would] the remaining impact force
> is absorbed directly by the body.
> 
> In an interesting twist - the new receiver hitch i bought and mounted
> directly
> on the body bumper mounts is made of very substantial steel -
> which will inadvertently transfer MORE of an impact to the the thinner steel
> 
> in the body of the van.  :O(
> 
> 
> Tom
> 
>         ----------
>         From:   rmstewart@mac.com
>         Reply To:       rmstewart@mac.com
>         Sent:   Wednesday, July 9, 2003 2:44 PM
>         To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>         Subject:        Re: Rear-Ended !! / Tube bumpers
> 
>>         > Anyone ever purchase and install those large tube bumpers and
> rear/front end
>>         > (Like the ones used on SUV1s that cover the front end with large
> steel round
>>         > tubes)
>>         > I saw someone was selling those a website not to long ago.
>>         >
>>         > I have always wondered if there practical enough to purchase, ie
> is the weight
>>         > worth the protection, does it really protect the van or just cause
> more damage
>>         > when your hit?
>>         >
>>         > Robert
>>         > 1989 Blue Carat, NYC (on it1s way from Florida)
>>         > -----------------------
>>         >
>>         >
>>         > Just got rear ended the other day.  The big chromey bumper on my
> '85 Westy was
>>         > hit directly in the middle and bent inward so that it just touched
> the body.
>>         > It was a good smack.
>>         >
>>         > Question is ..... when the insurance guys (not Westy mechanics)
> appraised the
>>         > damage, they talked about body work and replacement of the bumper,
> but nothing
>>         > else.  Is there anything else that I should be concerned about?
> Could there
>>         > be any engine damage from a rear end hit?
>>         >
>>         > Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>>         >
>>         > Matthew
>>         > Vancouver BC
>>         > CANADA
>>         >
>