I, too, have created some pretty decent-looking bumpers with no more
than some newspaper padding, various lengths of 2x4 and some pliers
(with padded jaws). You'd be surprised what fifteen minutes of
tapping and banging, from both sides, top and bottom, will do. Tweak
the flat parts with big pliers or crescent wrench closed on the metal.

Jim

On Jul 14, 2006, at 1:24 PM, Mike Collum wrote:

> Yep.  I've straightened several.  It just depends on the damage as to
> what method(s) you need to apply.
>
> I've found that pieces of wood (various lengths) together with C-
> clamps,
> a hard rubber hammer, and bags of sand to lay the bumper on before
> pounding can do wonders.
>
> If the ones you have are simply beyond repair then getting good (or
> repairable) originals is preferable to new aftermarket bumpers.  The
> chrome on the originals is of much higher quality.
>
> Mike
>
>
> ------------- 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.   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 $$$.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>