on 7/14/06 11:55 AM, ------------- at VW4X4@VERIZON.NET wrote:

> Beleive it or not your best bet is to pound out the
> factory original.   With careful workmanship, you can get
> it perfect,  but the wrong hit in the wrong way and you
> can damage the chrome beyond repair.

What's a wrong hit?

Along that line, I have had older bus bumpers restored by a bumper resto
place that are perfect?-It never seems the repro bumpers are as good as the
OG bumpers? Price could be less or the same as new repro depending on the
condition of your og bumpers. YMMV

Also, have you tried a salvage yard?

Tom B.

> I've done
> several, and they are almost perfect, everytime.
>
> Brian Workman wrote:
>
>> I just purchased a new 86 westy weekender....it is my first vanagon.  It has
>> some pretty banged up chrome bumpers.  I have been looking around at the
>> aftermarket ones which seem reasonable (although I am unfortunately no-where
>> close to the vendors so I will have to get them shipped).  Just curious if
>> these aftermaket are decent quality and if one is any better than the others.
>> I want something that is going to last.   Seems like the difference between
>> these and custom tube or  other bumpers is big time $$$.
>>
>>
>>
>>