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Fri Oct 21, 2011 4:12 am

anyone used these PHAM TAN TAI CO., LTD. ?

Fri Oct 21, 2011 7:18 am

I'm assuming that you're asking about the PTT bumpers. I have a similar experience to a previous poster. I took a chance on an ebay listing for US spec stainless bumpers from PTT and won the auction for $650 shipped.

They arrived from Vietnam (to Michigan) in something like 4 days and they were very carefully packaged and look fantastic. My car is still in paint so I haven't fit them yet (I know, incorrect order and all, but that's the way things tumbled.), but they sure do look pretty! I'll post pictures on here when I've got them on.

Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:25 am

just recieved my bumpers not built them up though yet,quality looks superb.

Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:13 am

Lots of positive comments from people who haven't fitted them yet. Not as positive from the folks who actually have...

Perhaps it would be more helpful to the community to praise them after you determine if they actually fit or not?

Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:25 pm

I agree that it would be helpful if anyone who has purchased and installed the PTT bumpers to share his or her experience and maybe a few pictures. I am looking at new bumpers for my 1970 Ghia but would like to actually see these installed by someone before ordering.

Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:02 pm

Sir_Mugsy wrote: I agree that it would be helpful if anyone who has purchased and installed the PTT bumpers to share his or her experience and maybe a few pictures. I am looking at new bumpers for my 1970 Ghia but would like to actually see these installed by someone before ordering.

I think that if you want to order one set.
You can buy one set from me for checking the quality.
I sure that it will make you feel satisfy.
I ready send back money for you if the bumper have a bad quality.
If you like it, please contact me directly.
I will give a best price for you.

Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:12 pm

That sounds fair enough. I just received a quote from Joni at PTT and the price is very reasonable ($700 for a pair). My only concern is that if the bumpers don't fit well, can I get a refund on shipping as well? Shipping to my place is $162 and presumably about the same for sending them back, for a total of $324.

Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:45 am

DSF wrote: Lots of positive comments from people who haven't fitted them yet. Not as positive from the folks who actually have...

Perhaps it would be more helpful to the community to praise them after you determine if they actually fit or not?

X2

We got that they are packaged well and look good in several pieces. We need the final verdict with pictures of the bumpers mounted on the car and a description of what a PITA it was (or wasn't). Thx!

Wed Nov 09, 2011 1:21 pm

Do they come with all the rubber to install them?

Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:27 pm

WAIT! (Literally). I started working on this 3 years ago. I sent bumper samples last year to Vietnam and am currently in discussions with one of the makers to correct the size and fit problems of the bumpers. (and I don't know this "anhduy" character, possilby a third player in the market). When (and if) they can get it right, I will be bringing in about 30 sets to the U.S.

I have seen more than one repro from Vietnam and went there to check it out in person. The two separate company's bumpers both had a very nice finish, but I did not like the fit of either. All Blade (lower) pieces were handmade to fit to the other piece they had just made. Fit wise, some of them looked ok (at best) others were poor (at best). If you need to replace one piece, you're out of luck as they are NOT interchangeable! The bows (tubes) are noticeably the wrong diameter, with incorrectly added pieces to take the place of the overrider (guard) support. I had a full set that I put on a ghia then took off. KGPR does have current new German bumpers in stock and this is what I recommend for any serious restoration, but if I can supply a resonable Vietnamse repro in the next few months, I will let you know.
Scott - KGPR

Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:39 pm

i bought a PTT rear for my 70 last year. i searched for over a year trying to find decent original pieces for a decent price but never found a reasonable deal, i think that 70-71 years must be harder to come by because of a 2 year only run. i do have a nice original front one.
it is thinner steel and noticed that the over riders do not extend all the way to the rear of the bumper, maybe 8mm shy. but over all it is a nice fit and finnish. i did buy all new hardware and seals from KGPR

Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:18 pm

Have seen all the discussion about the early bumpers, and I'm thankful for the 1-piece bumpers on my 74.
Anyone checked out the late-model ghia bumpers from Harrington yet? I see everythingAlfa is selling them for 1325+40 shipping on ebay,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volkswagen-Karmann-Ghia-19...399wt_1064

while harrington's website lists them at $US 975+ $112 shipping..

http://www.groupharrington.com/en/part/171/vw-karmann-ghia-1972-1974-bumpers.html

I'm taking my OG bumpers to the chrome shop for a quote, just want to see where the quality is on the SS, in case my pitted, rusty, flaking front bumper is not cost effective for repair.

I'll keep you posted with what I hear at the chrome shop! My Ghia goes in for body & Paint tomorrow, after being off the road for 4 years. Can't wait!

Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:10 pm

KGPR wrote: WAIT! (Literally). I started working on this 3 years ago. I sent bumper samples last year to Vietnam and am currently in discussions with one of the makers to correct the size and fit problems of the bumpers. (and I don't know this "anhduy" character, possilby a third player in the market). When (and if) they can get it right, I will be bringing in about 30 sets to the U.S.

I have seen more than one repro from Vietnam and went there to check it out in person. The two separate company's bumpers both had a very nice finish, but I did not like the fit of either. All Blade (lower) pieces were handmade to fit to the other piece they had just made. Fit wise, some of them looked ok (at best) others were poor (at best). If you need to replace one piece, you're out of luck as they are NOT interchangeable! The bows (tubes) are noticeably the wrong diameter, with incorrectly added pieces to take the place of the overrider (guard) support. I had a full set that I put on a ghia then took off. KGPR does have current new German bumpers in stock and this is what I recommend for any serious restoration, but if I can supply a resonable Vietnamse repro in the next few months, I will let you know.
Scott - KGPR

Thank you Scott! That's exactly what I wanted.

Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:46 am

let us know the final verdict?

Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:12 pm

chipster wrote: Have seen all the discussion about the early bumpers, and I'm thankful for the 1-piece bumpers on my 74.
Anyone checked out the late-model ghia bumpers from Harrington yet? I see everythingAlfa is selling them for 1325+40 shipping on ebay,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volkswagen-Karmann-Ghia-19...399wt_1064

while harrington's website lists them at $US 975+ $112 shipping..

http://www.groupharrington.com/en/part/171/vw-karmann-ghia-1972-1974-bumpers.html

I'm taking my OG bumpers to the chrome shop for a quote, just want to see where the quality is on the SS, in case my pitted, rusty, flaking front bumper is not cost effective for repair.

I'll keep you posted with what I hear at the chrome shop! My Ghia goes in for body & Paint tomorrow, after being off the road for 4 years. Can't wait!

My local chrome shop in Melbourne, FL (Space Coast Plating) is on my stock bumpersfor $340 a piece, hope they come out well.

Wed Feb 15, 2012 4:48 pm

^^Sounds reasonable ... is that a triple process w/ copper and nickel?

Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:07 am

c21darrel wrote: ^^Sounds reasonable ... is that a triple process w/ copper and nickel?

Yeah, triple plated. My front bumper was really rusty and pitted, so hope they are able to rework it. 6 week turn-around time is a bit long, though. Car will be out of paint booth and prob. put back together before then! Pix to come.

Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:20 am

chipster wrote: My local chrome shop in Melbourne, FL (Space Coast Plating) is on my stock bumpersfor $340 a piece, hope they come out well.

Wow that sounds goood. I went to SCP about two years ago to have a set of beetle bumpers plated and they quoted $970 for the set. I went S/S.

Mon Feb 20, 2012 8:46 am

aircooledvolky wrote: Wow that sounds goood. I went to SCP about two years ago to have a set of beetle bumpers plated and they quoted $970 for the set. I went S/S.

Yeah, well once you throw in my overriders ($80/apiece) i'm about there, $980 or so, I'll keep you posted on progress.

Wed Apr 11, 2012 7:11 pm

chipster wrote: aircooledvolky wrote: Wow that sounds goood. I went to SCP about two years ago to have a set of beetle bumpers plated and they quoted $970 for the set. I went S/S.

Yeah, well once you throw in my overriders ($80/apiece) i'm about there, $980 or so, I'll keep you posted on progress.
If you're in florida, Space Coast Plating hooked up my totally shot bumpers for just $365 apiece, triple plated OG bumpers crush thin SS Vietnam repops.