I've done the same thing by putting a 4 x 4 over a sawhorse and some rags
under that. The sandbags sound like a good idea. Most people wouldn't
notice anything wrong with it now (it was terrible before) but if I could
find a good-looking new one for a reasonable price, it sure would look good
with my new paint and wheels.

Jim

On Wed, Oct 16, 2013 at 11:13 AM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>wrote:

> 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
>