>Wow 16 gauge?  That's a pretty thin wall brush guard... doesn't look bad
>though.  We've wanted to do some other projects with our bender.. if anyone
>has an idea for a guard or tubular piece they think would be good for
>vanagons, let me know.

I get asked about making bush bars/bull bars fairly regularly.
Frankly, I don't see how this can be made for the vanagon and be much more
than cosmetic.
The above example using 16 gauge tube is clearly for looks only.  It would
not provide any meaningful protection from hitting a deer or other animal.
You could make something out of schedule pipe, but would you want 200 or
more lbs hanging off the front of your van.
Additionally, I can't see a secure way of attaching it to the vanagon.
There is no 'frame'.

Another issue, Syncro owners don't want to compromise approach angle. There
cannot be anything hanging below the bumper.

A prominent syncro listee in germany is of the opinion that a bull bar would
compromise or otherwise interfere with the vanagons crumple zone.  Who
knows...

I've been reluctant to make something that does not function the way you
would expect.  It looks like protection, but is it?

Gary Lee
www.vwrack.com