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Subject:Re: in need of new chrome bumpers
From:The Bus Depot
Date:Fri, 14 Jul 2006 20:03:46 -0400

> Just curious if these aftermaket are
> decent quality and if one is any better 
> than the others. 

The aftermarket bumpers are decent quality but not quite as good as the
originals  I would say that a mint condition used original German bumper is
the best choice if you happen to find one, but they can be very elusive.
Most are already dented, tweaked, or starting to rust - and among those that
aren't, many are aftermarket replacements themselves, which is why they look
newer.  I'd certainly pick a new aftermarket one over a used one that's
already rusting or tweaked (or a used aftermarket one).  The fit is fine and
they look completely stock. They are only slightly thinner than the
originals if at all (not that this is saying much, given that even the
originals dent quite easily).  The chrome plating is not quite as good as on
the originals, so they may start to rust sooner than a new original one
would have (but not necessarily sooner than a used one), particularly in wet
climates.  Waxing them periodically can help a lot. 

With regard to differences in quality, they are branded under various
Italian and Danish names, but every one I've seen has been identical
regardless of the name on the  sticker. (If I'm not mistaken, what we have
on hand right now happens to be Klokkerholm/Denmark.) One difference is that
some importers have been inadvertantly importing bumpers that lack the holes
for the rubber impact strip. Our chrome ones have the holes.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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