Bumpers, Stainless steel, Group buy, Gauging interest, $1200/set plus shipping Options

[mb911]

Personally I would be good welding the brackets on my self and having them polished myself if that were an option? That's up to you though and if that saved more money it makes it even more attractive.

[Tom_T]

Mark,

A couple of years ago siverson in San Diego CA got the Nam made Barrington (??) UK sold F & R doing a thread on it. Maybe find it &/or just PM or email him directly, or get on the horn to him if you both have international on your cells.

IIRC, he had no problems & they looked pretty good, except that the turn-back on the ends back into the body (at the bumper insets on the side bodywork/fenders) was a 1/8" -1/4" +/- shorter than stock. Of course, he could've been the lucky one of a few.

Steve can tell you more.

PS - the same group as Steve used, Barrington (??) in the UK on their Vietnam made bumpers, would've been the ones quoting me the up-charge for the tit holes & extra 2 back-braces behind the tits that I told you about via PM, & at that time a coupla-few years back were running a special of $1350 a pair F&R IIRC, & that would've been in about the same time frame as when Steve got his & did his thread on them.

PSS for sb914, amfab, Mark - why polish the brackets, which will be hidden on the back/hidden/mounted side of the bumper - deburring & smoothing should be fine if you/buyers or Mark fabs them.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[amfab]

Personally I would be good welding the brackets on my self and having them polished myself if that were an option? That's up to you though and if that saved more money it makes it even more attractive.

Me too. I think the weld spots are hidden so we wouldn't have to re-polish. and I think it would be rather easy to bolt the brackets in position on the car, position the bumper and mark the brackets through the foglight holes—someone correct me if I am off base here.

After skimming the Samba thing it looks like a problem with the angle of the brackets on the front of the euro-style Ghia repros. The back ones seem to fit fine. I think the 914 bumpers are a simpler design, so there is less of a chance of a problem—not that I am excusing the low quality.

-Andrew

[mb911]

Either way you decide I think you are doing a huge service.. I think you could offer it as a kit and probably would be best to ensure the fewest complaints. For those that absolutely require turn key then you do your fitting, welding and buffing so that it makes it worth your while..

[Mark Henry]

Personally I would be good welding the brackets on my self and having them polished myself if that were an option? That's up to you though and if that saved more money it makes it even more attractive.

Me too. I think the weld spots are hidden so we wouldn't have to re-polish. and I think it would be rather easy to bolt the brackets in position on the car, position the bumper and mark the brackets through the foglight holes—someone correct me if I am off base here.

After skimming the Samba thing it looks like a problem with the angle of the brackets on the front of the euro-style Ghia repros. The back ones seem to fit fine. I think the 914 bumpers are a simpler design, so there is less of a chance of a problem—not that I am excusing the low quality.

-Andrew

Now that I'm out of panic mode and have had time to think I don't think the cost of me would be that high.
I thought the cost would mostly be in a jig, because you can't weld the brackets with the bumper on car.

But you can if you drill a couple of holes in the general vicinity, then line it up and do a couple of spot welds much like the factory spot welds. The welds are hidden under the top and on the bottom.

So that's one hurdle.

Shipping if I'm getting lots of say 5 sets then the shipping to me should be less coin per unit. I'd try for some cash off the bumpers for my work.
Order 5 sets each time I hit ten sets (or all) I can use a semi local post box service to ship from Niagara Falls,NY.
Maybe a slight increase in shipping but then again maybe not.
I'd have to do the paperwork, but there is no taxes if the product gets shipped back out of Canada. Plus I could broker it myself.

Another hurdle (maybe a slight increase in shipping).

Ben, 97% of the peeps can't or don't want to do this, plus I don't want to be blamed if they or their welder buddy fucks up.
l also would want to keep a very close eye on quality to be sure PTT doesn't start slacking off mid job on the actual shape and corners of the bumpers.
You were at the end of the buy if you wanted to weld your own brackets OK, but I doubt much if any savings.
No polish doesn't work for me, I want to be able to see ripples and any flaws easy.

I'm thinking maybe I should drill the option holes, not a big job. Very simple locating jigs would make it faster.

[mb911]

Personally I would be good welding the brackets on my self and having them polished myself if that were an option? That's up to you though and if that saved more money it makes it even more attractive.

Me too. I think the weld spots are hidden so we wouldn't have to re-polish. and I think it would be rather easy to bolt the brackets in position on the car, position the bumper and mark the brackets through the foglight holes—someone correct me if I am off base here.

After skimming the Samba thing it looks like a problem with the angle of the brackets on the front of the euro-style Ghia repros. The back ones seem to fit fine. I think the 914 bumpers are a simpler design, so there is less of a chance of a problem—not that I am excusing the low quality.

-Andrew

Now that I'm out of panic mode and have had time to think I don't think the cost of me would be that high.
I thought the cost would mostly be in a jig, because you can't weld the brackets with the bumper on car.

But you can if you drill a couple of holes in the general vicinity, then line it up and do a couple of spot welds much like the factory spot welds. The welds are hidden under the top and on the bottom.

So that's one hurdle.

Shipping if I'm getting lots of say 5 sets then the shipping to me should be less coin per unit. I'd try for some cash off the bumpers for my work.
Order 5 sets each time I hit ten sets (or all) I can use a semi local post box service to ship from Niagara Falls,NY.
Maybe a slight increase in shipping but then again maybe not.
I'd have to do the paperwork, but there is no taxes if the product gets shipped back out of Canada. Plus I could broker it myself.

Another hurdle (maybe a slight increase in shipping).

Ben, 97% of the peeps can't or don't want to do this, plus I don't want to be blamed if they or their welder buddy fucks up.
l also would want to keep a very close eye on quality to be sure PTT doesn't start slacking off mid job on the actual shape and corners of the bumpers.
You were at the end of the buy if you wanted to weld your own brackets OK, but I doubt much if any savings.
No polish doesn't work for me, I want to be able to see ripples and any flaws easy.

I'm thinking maybe I should drill the option holes, not a big job. Very simple locating jigs would make it faster.

For sure I'd have to do a hold back on PTT for some cash, till I was satisfied with the quality. Ordering 5 at a time would protect me if the quality was total shit.

Either way I support what ever decisions you make.

[Mark Henry]

So I'm putting the quality issues to them to see what they say.

GT pattern is done. It fits perfectly flat into the back of the bumper and gives the exact shape of the opening. I would bet they will use it as a buck.

BTW it's a pattern, it doesn't have to look pretty, but the shape has to be perfect and it is.


I have the cutout to use as a QC piece on my end.





.

[72914wrx]

Very excited about this the Front bumper with Gt opening . It's a dream come true can't wait .

I hope it's not to late but my Dad wants a set .
With the only option is C the rear lience plate holes .
Thank you taking this on !

[Bartlett 914]

Hi Mark

I haven't gone through all the Samba responses but from what I did see was a fitment problem with a Ghia bumper. Clearly there was a problem they didn't correct. Does this mean we will have a fitment problem with the mounting brackets? Maybe you are over thinking this problem. Perhaps a wait and see a for sample before you go into doing some retrofitting of their bumper. If they are able to form and prepare these bumpers, then they must be able to make and correctly position the mounts. I do hope you are able to make this work. I am in a sit and wait mode. Best of luck

Mark

[Tom_T]

OK - I've not read the TheSamba thread on the Vietnam bumpers, but it sounds like it's a Ghia & other-than-914 bumper issue there.

Also, I don't know which supplier you're using Mark for your GB, nor if it's the same one as Harrington's as sold on evil-bay, on their UK website, etc.

However - there was an extensive thread on them on here from 2010 which I'd mentioned about - where the ones that Steve got were excellent .... but apparently nobody was willing to do the search on here, which took me all of 30 seconds to find his topic.

Mark Henry & others - Take some Mydol & then go here, read it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
This is not a new idea of SS bumpers, & there's really NOT a bad fitment nor quality issue with their 914 bumpers, & frankly they looked better than 5 footers, & would probably pass the CW test in person.

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...ss+steel+bumper

Pix of the bumpers start at post #81 at the top of page 5, with all sorts of other info & discussion from pg. 1 onward.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...umper&st=80

Mark - if it's not these Harrington guys whom you're using, maybe consider contacting them to do a GB pricing for a certain amount as an alternative to your supplier, since they apparently have their act down on the 914 bumpers that Steve got then (can't say if quality has slipped since 2010).

So after all y'all's chill pill & reading the above topic, then decide how to proceed.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Mark Henry]

You might be right Tom, but do you want to send your set back to Nam if your mounting brackets are wrong? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[Tom_T]

You might be right Tom, but do you want to send your set back to Nam if your mounting brackets are wrong? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

Mark,

I supplied that link to the 914 bumpers in order to help you with your research on your GB, since you were confronted with the TheSamba post on other VWs' bumper problems. Take it for what it's worth - it's NOT a debate & it's NOT trying to introduce another supplier, but as an alternative feedback to the other Ghia problems posts.

I have no idea whom you are using for your GB mfgr., but I thought you said in a prior post above that they were in Nam.

Just trying to help you & the others out! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[siverson]

Yeah, those bumpers were sweet and I hate myself for selling that red car. Doh! Thanks for reminding me of that, Tom!

-Steve

[Mark Henry]

Ok, They are assuring me there will be no issues.
Like I said I may be doing the final QC and shipping from here. I would be getting them shipped to me in bulk (say 5 sets at a time), hopefully if I use the US PO service I found shipping should still be close to what I said it will be.

I should have the samples of the front, late rear and the GT front in 3-4 weeks.

I have to update the buyers list, if your name isn't on the list (bottom of post#1) by Tuesday AM please send me a PM.
If you said "I'm interested but..." you likely won't be on the list.

Please note that I'll give notice, but once all is nailed down, ask for deposits and I start shipping I will close the GB. I have more than enough people interested in these bumpers.
If all works out I will continue to sell these bumpers at a retail price TBA after/near the end of the GB.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[Mark Henry]

BTW they said they were very impressed with the GT bumper pattern I made. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[amfab]

BTW they said they were very impressed with the GT bumper pattern I made. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

I am too,
Thanks for all of this!

[Olympic 914]

I have sat on the fence for a while watching this... and decided I am in.

Put me down for 1 set.

Options C - Add rear plate holes
D - Add tow hook hole.


The pictures of the other bumpers posted pushed me over. I am sure these will be just as good or you wouldn't accept them..

Thanks

[fixer34]

Just a thought but would members be interested in a paint grade Stainless Steel valance made to match my GT bumper?
That I could guarantee fits my GT bumper.

Do too low volume and the work I have to invest making a pattern it won't be group buy cheap, but it would be reasonable.

It's a good thought. My car, like a lot of people's, isn't highly original and never will be. It's a mild-isa hot rod. So I wouldn't mind selling my never rechromed front bumper and nice 1970-71 rear bumper on to someone who needs them for a proper early 914 or 914-6 restoration. I've been thinking about rechroming them to get them perfect, and about cutting the front one into a GT bumper, but your option might be a better way to go depending on how nice they are. Not sure I need concours, but I do like things right. Or as right as I can make them.

I worry about you ending up out of pocket on this project, though—especially as some folks will want it narrow and others for GT flares. That said, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If executed well, this would be a NEW option for people, and a very interesting one. Some might want the bumpers in paint grade stainless, too, which might create a nice market for you there, too. I hear the F/G units just aren't suitable to everyday use.

All that said, I'd want to have a group buy lined up. But before I signed on, I'd want to see what I am paying for in terms of fit and finish.

Hmm...

If you decide to go with Mark's set and the factory ones you have will be available, please let me know. I can use both front and back for my '70 -6.
Pete

[Mark Henry]

Just a thought but would members be interested in a paint grade Stainless Steel valance made to match my GT bumper?
That I could guarantee fits my GT bumper.

Do too low volume and the work I have to invest making a pattern it won't be group buy cheap, but it would be reasonable.

It's a good thought. My car, like a lot of people's, isn't highly original and never will be. It's a mild-isa hot rod. So I wouldn't mind selling my never rechromed front bumper and nice 1970-71 rear bumper on to someone who needs them for a proper early 914 or 914-6 restoration. I've been thinking about rechroming them to get them perfect, and about cutting the front one into a GT bumper, but your option might be a better way to go depending on how nice they are. Not sure I need concours, but I do like things right. Or as right as I can make them.

I worry about you ending up out of pocket on this project, though—especially as some folks will want it narrow and others for GT flares. That said, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If executed well, this would be a NEW option for people, and a very interesting one. Some might want the bumpers in paint grade stainless, too, which might create a nice market for you there, too. I hear the F/G units just aren't suitable to everyday use.

All that said, I'd want to have a group buy lined up. But before I signed on, I'd want to see what I am paying for in terms of fit and finish.

Hmm...

If you decide to go with Mark's set and the factory ones you have will be available, please let me know. I can use both front and back for my '70 -6.
Pete

When it comes to OE bumpers it seems that good fronts are the ones in high demand.
Once I have the price (QC, fit, my shipping cost, etc) sorted I will offer some bumpers as singles.

[JmuRiz]

Good info, I updated my order to include the GT cooler modification

That way I have the bumper ready if my rear cooler can't handle the new motor's cooling needs.