Those are important parts of the force-distributing mechanism of the front
'crumple zone' and I wouldn't dick around with them in any way.

When my mom totaled her van you could clearly see how the impact had been
spread through the structure.

On Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 12:32 PM, Karl Mullendore
<groups@westyventures.com>wrote:

> I'm working on a project that would be 'better' if I had more space to
> work with behind the lower grill: my question refers to the vertical
> bars that are welded between the bumper structure and the horizontal
> reinforced panel mid-radiator height. If one were to cut these out,
> would there be any concerns with strength of the nose in, say, a crash?
> Has anyone here crashed a van hard enough in the nose to see what
> benefit these bars supply? Thanks for you input. Please 'CC' me as I
> don't get list mail currently.
>
> Karl
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27