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  VW Parts Catalog > Body Panels & Repair >

ACN VW Vanagon Tube Bumper, Front, 1980-92 VW Vanagon
ACN VW Vanagon Tube Bumper 3", Front, 1980-92 VW Vanagon
 

VW Vanagon Tube Bumpers were designed/engineered by Aircooled.Net and specifically built for the Vanagon crowd. They fit 1980-1992 T3 Vanagons! Since we at Aircooled.Net are closet Vanagon Enthusiasts ourselves, and were less than thrilled with the offerings of the time, we decided to carefully incorporate some nifty detail into our 3" tube bumpers, sometimes called "Big" or "Beefy" bumpers. We intended these to be used on the 4WD VW Syncro, but many put them on their 2WD Vanagons too!

This front bumper features a great approach angle due to their high mounting location. And the Frame Mounting location was also chosen to provide a Nerf Bar effect of having the big tubes running fore/aft below the front of the van, for "slide-ability"

Not many people have thought of putting a 2" receiver in their FRONT bumpers, but if you think about this they can be very useful and versatile! The optional 2" receiver allows you to install bike racks, BBQ Stands, Cooler Mounts, Fishing Rod Racks, or Light Duty "Pulling". If you install the receiver in the lower tube, you will have to modify whatever you are installing into the Bumper, since the higher location does not allow it to go in the standard amount of depth. This means the hole for the pin won't line up! No worries, just install it and re-drill the pin hole for the new depth, and you are done. Carefully examine the pictures of the body modifications to allow for the In Tube Receiver option!

We have also incorporated a "shadow package" into the our bumpers, so you don't see the "ugly" bodywork hidden behind the stock bumper; and it IS VERY UGLY behind the bumper!

FOR INSTALLATION,, the rods welded to the mounting nuts are used to hold the nuts in position while you thread the bolts in.
Locate the bumper into position (it will rest on the protrusion behind the OE bumper). You'll find that 2 holes line up already, the other 2 have to be drilled into the frame. A step bit (Unibit) is the best way to do this.
Figure out which hole you are going to use to run the nuts in; nuts in first, rod hanging out. You'll have to bend the rods, taking a few times in and out, to get it so the rod is out of the hole, and the nut is in the proper place and properly oriented so that the bolt will thread into it..
Once you get the nuts done using the existing frame holes, use a sharpie or pencil and mark the other 2 for drilling. Simply drill those holes in the frame, then repeat the rod-bending process to get it bolted up. Remember to get all 4 started before you tighten them.

Because of the size of these bumpers, they must be shipped via truck. When you checkout we will send them via the least expensive method, Freight Collect (you pay the truck driver). You need to either give us a Commercial Address to ship to, or pickup at the terminal, in order to save a ridiculous $75 "residential delivery fee".

Because of shipping costs, we recommend you order front and rear at the same time. These bumpers are both large and heavy, so shipping on costs are substantial. Shipping to east coast commercial location is approximately $300-350 per pair (minimum $200 for single). To the Western states varies quite a bit and ranges from $400 to $650 per pair (could be anywhere from $300 - $450 for single). We will confirm the final/verified shipping cost for you by address specific quote a few days after we receive your order.
Price: $899.95
Restrictions: Shipping within Continental USA only. No cross border or International Shipment is available.
Usually Dropships: in 3-4 weeks after made-to-order


: VANAGONTUBEBUMPERFRONT

Bumper Tube Spacing


Top Plate Option


Receiver Option


Powder Coating



QTY:
Overview
 

VW Vanagon Tube Bumpers were designed/engineered by Aircooled.Net and specifically built for the Vanagon crowd. They fit 1980-1992 T3 Vanagons! Since we at Aircooled.Net are closet Vanagon Enthusiasts ourselves, and were less than thrilled with the offerings of the time, we decided to carefully incorporate every possible detail into our 3" tube bumpers, sometimes called "Big" or "Beefy" bumpers. We intended these to be used on the 4WD VW Syncro, but many put them on their 2WD Vanagons too!

Item Features

These are constructed with .095" Wall 3" diameter steel tubing, and bolt to the Frame UNDERNEATH the front of the van, for the most strength possible. These come with new mounting bolts and nuts.

Installation is done by first removing the stock bumpers. Then the new one is held into place, and you use 2 existing holes in the frame for 2 of the 4 mounting bolts. Loosely install (but do not tighten) the first 2, then you'll have to mark and drill the frame for the other 2 bolts. Note that this mounting arrangement is not "100% Rigid", but it's pretty stiff. If you are going to be pulling on the front a lot, you can order the front bumper with the Winch Mount Plate option (allows for mounting of a low-profile winch (6 3/4" deep, 4.5" x 10" hold mounting pattern) to fit behind the central grill hoop.

Westfalia and Weekender Owners will LOVE the diamond Plate Option on the bumpers, since it allows easy non-skid access to their front luggage area on the roof! Beach Cruisers will usually prefer to not have the diamond plate, it's lighter (less likely to get caught in soft sand) and one less place for salt to accumulate.

To aid in the longevity, and to prevent rust on powder coated black parts, we recommend that you apply a polish or wax to all backside and welded areas before assembling and installing.

We also recommend sealing areas that are impossible to powder coat with a primer or clear coat paint. Areas of particular attention should be all welds, backsides, Butt seams, and where wires meet the plates. This procedure must be followed in areas where there are severe weather conditions. If there is salt on the road, it may be necessary to clean parts daily. It is YOUR responsibility to protect the finish with applications of a non-abrasive polish or wax. If you are really concerned about the "Quality" of the Powder Coating Job, we recommend you get these BARE (RAW), and have them coated locally so any problems can be addressed on your end. But our cost on the Powder Coating can't be beat!

Average Customer Review: Average Customer Review: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 1 Add your review too!

  0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Well thought out set of sturdy strong bumpers!! December 27, 2015
Reviewer: Bob Gordon from Oregon, USA  
Wow, what a difference from the stock bumpers.  Besides the looks the MAIN feature that cought my eye is the way Aircooled designed the front to continue under the van and fasten to the frame, about 2.5 feet back.  I have seen other tubular bumbers collapse into the front of the bus by someone backing into them....won't happen here!   The diamond plate looks great and the whole thing is powder coated,,not painted.  And the folks at Aircooled are GREAT to work with!!

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