Date:    Tue, 10 May 2005 13:38:30 -0600
From:    bueses <bueses@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: availabilty of OEM westy mudflaps?

I replaced my propane tank mud guard after the VW dealer broke the og
one putting the westy on the lift for it's 45k service a couple of years
ago. (& of course denied that they had broken it, but that's another
story). I ordered a genuine VW replacement flap? & installed it, but it
is not as stiff as the og flap, & bends back after long road trips.  I
have considered putting flaps on all 4 wheels, but haven't done it yet
because of the lift & bending issues.

Anyone else have these problems?

Tom Buese-to flap or not to flap?

I have OEM flaps all round (the type that sit a couple of inches back
from the wheel arch).
They have been on my van for 13 years since new. No lift issues...a
properly placed
hoist should not significantly interfere with the mudflaps...I always
use large wooden blocks 
between hoist and van for additional clearance.
The front flaps get bent slightly back but never any damamge. Rear ones
remain untouched.
Admittedly one of the rear flaps is now cracking but that's age, not
damage from a hoist.
A band of black gaffa tape around the flap is masking the crack
effectively for now...:-)

Cheers,
Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi (13 years young last Friday)
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'78 Landrover Series 3 Soft top ute (ex-Aust.Army)