just a FYI to all you folks who were wondering.  Today i called the local VW
dealer to get prices on a full set of fiberglass bumpers and lower body
claddding/rocker trim for the vanagon.  here's the current prices, new from
VW.
keep in mind - these come unpainted, in black or grey primer.
NEW from VW:
Front bumper, fiberglass - $546.00
Rear bumper, middle section, fiberglass - $423.00
Left Rear bumper end cap, fiberglass - $165.00
Right Rear bumper end cap, fiberglass - $255.00 (i guess its a supply and
demand thing - more people back into stuff in the right rear than the left
rear)
Left front door lower trim/cladding - $150.00
Right front door lower trim/cladding - $170.00
Left side rocker trim/cladding - $365.00
Right Rocker trim/cladding piece before slider door - $120.00
Right Rocker trim/cladding piece on slider door - $530.00
Right Rocker trim/cladding piece after slider door - $170.00

total cost if you buy all the above NEW from VW = $2900.00

just something to think about the next time you are backing up...

chris