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Sat Dec 12, 2009 4:07 pm

fusername wrote: love it enough to point your mirror at it apparently :lol:

Yes, yes I do. Mine has different mounts. I'll find a pic.

Sat Dec 12, 2009 7:28 pm

Every time I view this thread I flinch at some of the creations! Sigh....... :roll:

Not one original looking roo bar has been made to date?

TreeHugger63 wrote: VWsArent4Hippies wrote: It's all about the quality. Sorry but, littlebuggie and fusername, the quality just isn't there on yours.

Littlebuggie, almost $400 and they aren't even welded together? That's why you're not selling any. Face it, the majority of people are not welders. And the ones that are probably don't want to spend $400 on something that needs another couple hours of work put into it.

When Jeremyrockjock made the 2 that he sold, they sold pretty much instantly. Why? Because he has an awesome rep from making tow hitches, hursts, etc. Also, you couldn't beat the price! I think I paid $250 shipped for mine from him, ready to bolt on. I would of paid $350-$400 for it, it's just awesome.

It's hanging in my garage now though. I had it on my '69 for a few hundred miles, and it was a little too close to the road.... It'll be going on my '70 Westy eventually

I think you have some valid points as do others in this thread (I disagree with the closeness of the bar though*). I am not a stock nazi as you fella's call them but I like the distance of the OG because, it has purpose. Maybe you could point out the quality issues you have further with a pic by pic comparison.

I thought I would go back and look at some of the pics and put them all up for comparison. I would like a one-off of the original sopru model or as close as possible. I liked that you could remove the top portion if you wanted(so the original had some bolt together option to it as well). Price is subjective to originality. I do think the mounting under the bus is very important. *I didn't like the vent mount in Jeremyrockjock's version(but to each his own). I didn't like the rap around of Madmax78's(although it looks good) because, *I think the distance of the bar is part of the point to the bar in the first place(but his was made the way he wanted and he's not trying to please the rest of us is he). I didn't see much on the mountings of the other two; littlebuggie and fusername. I think the mounting would make alot of difference in safety. I agree with ghostawagens statement that a one-off(with correct mounting) would be better and sell better. Price would go accordingly. And I think shipping is a mute point. You pay for what you want shipped. In pieces or pre-welded; you get what you want or are willing to pay for.

Original Sopru:
Square:

Couple rounded:

And an all around look for better clarity of distance:

One uninstalled for a better look at mounting:

littlebuggie's:

Fusername's:

jeremyrockjock's:

Madmax78's Custom built:

Alot of pictures in this thread are from ghostwagens: Kudos! And he makes a very good point about originality as well.

Edited: ghostwagens wrote: Someone could go out there and build their stronger, bigger, better fitting, more custom version of the roo bar and they may have luck....maybe. If there's one thing I've learned is that VW people are tire kickers, heck I'm one! We really don't want to be spending money on something unless it's totally cheap, cool, practical or original. We also realize that custom is fading away and more people want to buy buses at a higher dollar amount if they are original. More people are wanting original and willing to pay. The Roo Bar was made in Australia in many different configurations. But as far as I can tell there are only two different ones produced by VW of Australia. The square ended one and the round ended one. Both provide adequate protection in a minor front end collision which could save a leg or two.

In my humble opinion the person that buys the original one and fabricates new ones to exact measurements is going to be the smartest fabricator. Otherwise you will be possibly making something that sits on shelves. Even if you do make something that is original you won't get people tearing down the doors to buy them. However in time it will be a worth while investment.

Who ever comes out on top as making these. I think the mountings and safety are the crucial part. Originality is second in consideration. Looks and functionality(hanging things off the front like tires, bikes, coolers, etc...) are third. Good Luck! I will buy the one that is safest and is most original. I have no problem if its bolt together(could be a good thing) or welded.

Thanks for this thread and all your efforts so far, TH

Sat Dec 12, 2009 9:09 pm

VWsArent4Hippies wrote: It's all about the quality. Sorry but, littlebuggie and fusername, the quality just isn't there on yours.

Littlebuggie, almost $400 and they aren't even welded together? That's why you're not selling any. Face it, the majority of people are not welders. And the ones that are probably don't want to spend $400 on something that needs another couple hours of work put into it.

When Jeremyrockjock made the 2 that he sold, they sold pretty much instantly. Why? Because he has an awesome rep from making tow hitches, hursts, etc. Also, you couldn't beat the price! I think I paid $250 shipped for mine from him, ready to bolt on. I would of paid $350-$400 for it, it's just awesome.

Jeremy made mine. I must have gotten the other one out of the two. He also made my bus tow bar. Awsome awsome workmanship.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 7:17 am

Thanks guys. I try to built them as good if not better than I would expect if I was paying for it. I did only make two because I kept having problems with my bender. I have plans to build a better one after I get some other projects knocked out and them I hope to be able to have roos again. Here is a project I have been working on for over a year now. A CNC plasma cutting table to help making parts for all thses other projects. I built the table from alot of recycled wheelchair lift parts. Its almost done.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:12 pm

Impressive! :D

Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:46 pm

man you just want me to hate you don't you? My next project is build a imitation bridgeport, followed by buy a lathe, then a CNC plasma. Jerk. little guy trying to run the littler guy into the ground eh? Very jealous over here, wish I had the funds/time/knowhow/space/ability to make money from said venture/ to tackle a project like that.
Although this winter I am going to be doing casting to start making my own parts, that should be fun.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:08 pm

LOL, I have been collecting junk my whole life. Now its all coming together. You can get used machinery at a decent price if you keep your eyes and ears open for it. I only paid $2800 for my mill and $1800 for the lathe.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 4:54 pm

there are a bunch of 100dollar lathes on ebay, all antiques but working. its all in the shipping, but that is where the fedex freight account will come in handy. It pays to have friends! However, it is extremely tempting to just do this instead. Easier? no, more usefull? no. bragging rights? hell yeah

man I need to come up w/ a VW item I can cast and sell, that would be cool.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:11 pm

Molds and casting is definatly cool. Years ago I bought a book on foundry work with plans to play with some casting one day. I even started collecting parts for a forge.

Sun Dec 13, 2009 10:20 pm

Damn Jeremy, that is badass!
8)

Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:21 pm

fusername wrote: ...once the walrus gets his stuff mounted, if I go to a show in the northeast, and I see a roo bar in the lot, I made it.
Come Spring time that's the first thing I'm doing. It's been a hectic Summer/Fall and the bars kept getting pushed back further and further until it started snowing and the bus is now currently under a solid foot of snow. They'll be on and showing at Terryville, TransporterFest and lots of little shows in between in 2010 I PROMISE! I have a few pictures set aside for you too of them before they got Powder coated for you future endeavors.

Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:08 pm

LuckyMonkeyGarage wrote: Impressive! :D

Did you change your name from ghostwagens? Same Avatar and local.
Just asking no offense intended if not.

L8tr, TH

Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:57 pm

jeremyrockjock wrote: Damn! impressive!

LuckyMonkeyGarage wrote:
I didn't like the rap around of Madmax78's(although it looks good) because, *I think the distance of the bar is part of the point to the bar in the first place(but his was made the way he wanted and he's not trying to please the rest of us is he).

Madmax78's Custom built:

Our main goal was to create a sturdy mount for the spare tire. The tire mounts that hang from the nose are too flimsy and couldn't take the severe punishment of hundreds of miles of corrugated roads. There are small lips that are welded to the inside of the fresh air intake to further minimize vibrations. A reason for bringing the bullbar closer to the body is also to bring the weight closer to the axle, and dont let it dangle way out front.
2nd goal was looks, and a closer fit to the body looks way better in our opinion.

Also proven to be a great way to fill up the spare fuel tanks!

Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:31 pm

Bursch wrote: jeremyrockjock wrote: Damn! impressive!

LuckyMonkeyGarage wrote: Actually I wrote this! He reposted me.>>> I didn't like the rap around of Madmax78's(although it looks good) because, *I think the distance of the bar is part of the point to the bar in the first place(but his was made the way he wanted and he's not trying to please the rest of us is he).

Madmax78's Custom built:

Our main goal was to create a sturdy mount for the spare tire. The tire mounts that hang from the nose are too flimsy and couldn't take the severe punishment of hundreds of miles of corrugated roads. There are small lips that are welded to the inside of the fresh air intake to further minimize vibrations. A reason for bringing the bullbar closer to the body is also to bring the weight closer to the axle, and dont let it dangle way out front.
2nd goal was looks, and a closer fit to the body looks way better in our opinion.

Also proven to be a great way to fill up the spare fuel tanks!

If you read back I really do like the look of your bar. Especially the bend around portion. It looks really sturdy. But what I was saying is in an accident its not gonna keep damage from the body and may actually cause more now that you said its attached to the fresh air intake. It suits your needs though and it looks awsome so, if you're happy with it thats all that really matters isn't it.

L8tr, TH

Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:01 pm

TreeHugger63 wrote:
If you read back I really do like the look of your bar. Especially the bend around portion. It looks really sturdy. But what I was saying is in an accident its not gonna keep damage from the body and may actually cause more now that you said its attached to the fresh air intake. It suits your needs though and it looks awsome so, if you're happy with it thats all that really matters isn't it.

L8tr, TH If you read back I never disagreed with you :wink: Just gave a bit of extra input on why/how we did what we did
Thought it might be nice to give a bit more information since you did a great job on collecting all the different layouts in one post!

Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:37 pm

Bursch wrote: TreeHugger63 wrote:
If you read back I really do like the look of your bar. Especially the bend around portion. It looks really sturdy. But what I was saying is in an accident its not gonna keep damage from the body and may actually cause more now that you said its attached to the fresh air intake. It suits your needs though and it looks awsome so, if you're happy with it thats all that really matters isn't it.

L8tr, TH If you read back I never disagreed with you :wink: Just gave a bit of extra input on why/how we did what we did
Thought it might be nice to give a bit more information since you did a great job on collecting all the different layouts in one post!

Thats cool! I just didn't want you to think I was dis-ing you or your ride(or think it was the other fella posting it either). I noticed in the previous pics the vent, filler, and electric weren't installed yet. Just out of the paint shop? The paint looked a darker orange in those pics too. How does that spare gas storage work? Is it hooked up into the system or gravity fed like your own gas pump when needed? Nice stickers too. Wow, theres a bunch of em. You guys really get around. Good luck with all your travels.

L8tr, TH

Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:28 am

FWIW, I've seen fusername's roo bar and it is well made and looks good in person. I really like the way you can run two spares on the front with it. Helping him load crap on the roof, I can agree not having to do that with a 50+ lb tire\rim combo 30miles in the woods with black flies chewing you up cuz you cut down the second tire on the trip would make that a good option.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:31 pm

What kind of trips do you make you need two spare tyres? Most punctures can be repaired with a puncture repair kit in minutes. Tyres can take quite a beating, so in most cases it's overkill to carry two spares. Keep in mind the weight you are putting in front of the front axle.

Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:28 pm

The granite in New Hampshire (USA) can slice open a sidewall just by looking at it. We ALWAYS carry two tires when we go woods bashing, especially where not only are there rocks but most of the places we go are old Superfund (ex-landfill) sites with who-knows-what just under the surface. Fusername offroads in my neck of the woods. I know there are many places where it wouldn't be needed and a patch kit would work fine, but this is not one of those areas.

Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:29 pm

I cut down my price. I figure that maybe I can find a happy medium where I'll come out ok and the buyer will come out ok.