In a message dated 11/19/98 12:12:10 AM, JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:

<<In a message dated 98-11-18 20:16:25 EST, lkchris@USWEST.NET writes:

<< Consider the notion of the factory rear bumper as "crush
 zone."   It's possible that if you install an indestructable
 rear bumper the net effect may be to just transfer the
 damage to the body through the mounts.  Again, just offered
 as food for thought.
  >>

any rear end collision that will bend the frame - will do so even with a wimpy
stock vanagon rear bumper mounted.....
the ideal vanagon back bumper, is a stock back bumper with a tube steel
reinforcement running just inside the back bumper, from bracket to bracket ->>

        Question: I have a VW rear stock bumper that's a lille bumpy. I mean It
dosen't make you want to throw up when you look at it, but it does make the
Westy's butt look like a NYC cab.
        I have seen ads from body shops that claim that they can fix bumpers. Has
anyone had experiance with something like that? Can doing that crack the
chrome finish? Are after market bumpers worth it? I've seen the tube bumpers
from that Cananda web site which seem costly. Anyone out there know of any
locals that make inexpensive strong and attractive tube bumpers???
        I also like to share something cool with my fellow VW buddies!  I got this at
JC Whitney, but I'm sure it can be purchased somewhere else. It's also an
inexpensive item. I'm also sure some of you already have one.
        It's a piece of thin plastic the shape of a file folder. It mounts on the
rear widow and increases your vision to see things before you back over them.
It's almost like a wide angle lens. It's also great for a cheap high when
looking through it.
        I bet if the prior owner had it, my bumper would be dent free???
Have a good weekend all.
Dan
87 Syncro GL Westy
71 Bug conv.