In a message dated 98-11-17 22:44:10 EST, vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG writes:

<< The rear bumper on my Double Cab is made out of 1/4" walled drill caseing -
 it weighs about 50 lbs and it isn't bending.  But, if someone hits it -
 something must bend.  10 : 1 says it is my frame.  At least I will do
 severe damage to the person who hit me!
  >>

too bad vw never designed shock absorbers in the bumpers of their vans, like
they did in their cars.
thats why the vanagon falls in the truck classification as far as impact
protection....ever see those little toyota or mazda pickups running around w/
no back bumper, or never had one?  same idea..

chris