This is the reason why I use schedule 40 piping for my bull bars and use
weld in elbows - I have hit a deer and the protection was fantastic.
The approach angle is reduced but not that much as I removed the factory
tow hook of sorts.  The negative side of this is that it weighs in at
around 35kg - so it isn't light.   Attachement is to the
Vanagon's "frame" rail that goes on either side of the spare
tire location and eight M8 bolts on either side - not much is going to
damage that!

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive
Inc.
Quesnel, BC Canada

Internet
http://www.fastforward.ca
Email     sales@fastforward.ca

On Sat, October 7, 2006 12:08, Gary Lee, www.vwrack.com wrote:
>>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
>