Wore a bra for years on the '86, cheapo JC Whitney job, caused no chafing,
year round, in WV, with infrequent washings, lots of chafing type abrasive
crap under the edges.  However on the '90 Passat or the '89 Jetta severe
chafing.  On the '90 Corrado with the exceptional fitting factory bra, none
whatsoever, and I cared for it a lot better.  I thing a Vanagon bra never
likely will as you got all that air pushing straight on totally flat all the
time, and no off axis forces trying to make it flap or move round.  Mine had
lacey mesh over the grill but not the lights.  This was even for 2 years of
use after I did a repaint in '90 or so after a front impact using relatively
cheap PPG laquer, certainly not as hard as the factory finish.  I'd say go
for it if you like the look, it will keep away all those pesky rock chips
for sure.  I'd have the thing on the current van but lost it in my
vanagonless years after rolling the '86.

John
vwbus@mindspring.com