All the aftermarket bumpers I've had over the years (3) have been
lightweight and the chrome is thin.  The chrome starts to rust after two to
three years here in the damp northwest.  It can be polished out, but rusts
again over the winter.

That being said, I've straightened moderate bends and dents with no cracking
of the chrome (benefit of a light chrome job!) to make them serviceable.

My tricks are to use an old fashioned wood clamp
(http://www.ebay.com/bhp/antique-wooden-clamp) to pinch the top and bottom
edges into place, and then I place the bumper on a sandbag and use a rounded
2x2 to beat out dents and straighten the curve.  Never perfect, but good
enough for me.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 2:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear Bumper recommendations wanted

Hi listers,

        My original rear bumper is pressed in and makes opening the license
plate door hard to open enough to check fluids.  I'm considering replacing
it as I'm told straightening it will result in a cracked ugly bumper.

Has anyone replaced the rear bumper from one of the venders and found it
held up in the weather?  I'm wondering where to get mine.

recommendations  appreciated.

Eric Caron
85 GL Auto