In a message dated 3/19/2015 11:54:31 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
apetermarsh@ME.COM writes:

Started  to put back together my '86 Syncro.  Talk about expense!

The  bumpers on this vehicle are not pretty and need to be replaced.  
Wondered  if any of you might have any "not in service” robust steel bumpers I 
might  repair/paint before I go to get another mortgage to buy  new!

the chrome and steel bumpers offered on the vanagon from factory  were the 
same gauge metal..   i assume you have chrome bumpers that  are bent up.   
ive had good luck straightening them w a block of wood  and mallet and sheet 
metal wide vice clamps.   sand them and  spray them black. 
 
then you can save up for some SA or van cafe bumpers.