I would recommend you fix it asap.  Mine broke the same way on my '85 and
DID melt the bumper end cap.  If you haven't, you're lucky!

Scott Grillo
'91 Carat

Subject: Re: Tailpipe repair

--- Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET> wrote:
> Driving like this  long distance will melt the  plastic
> bumper end.  It will also melt/burn off the under
> coating  in the rear body section.

I think the muffler is enough away from either item not to cause
any damage.  I drove without a muffler tip for 6 months without
any meltdowns.