Bumpers and Bumper Trim

[Wayland]

Here is a breakdown of front and rear bumpers:
50-58 Buses used "ribbed" or "pressed" bumpers, front and rear.
Front
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=57496

Rear
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=57497

50-early 56 Buses have the "Wolfsburg" front bumper as the ribs are longer, creating a smaller license plate area in the front.
Longer ribs
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=2593

Long vs. short ribs
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335916

Distance between the ribs is 17" (43cm) vs. 21.5" (55cm)

Barndoor Buses had weld nuts welded to the back of the front bumper for the license plate to mount. Non-Barndoor Wolfsburg bumpers eliminated these.
Weld nuts:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=600227

Rear pressed bumpers were introduced at different times for the different models:
Deluxes at Chassis # 20-047102
Standard Microbus, Kombi, and Panelvan at Chassis # 20-069409
Pick-up at Chassis # 20-079856

The rear pressed bumper for the 54-58 truck had sharper, right-angle, corners to allow for the truck corners:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=546832

(Reproduction bumper but same shape)

In 1959, larger front and rear bumpers were introduced.
Specifically:
29 Aug. 1958 - Chassis # 384 816 (European)
29 Aug. 1958 - Chassis # 384 875 (Export - USA and others)
Reference:
http://oacdp.com/progref4061/a021.jpg

Slash rear:

Slash front and pointed rear:

59-early/mid 1960 Trucks use a "truck only" rear bumper due to the shape of the rear corners. The corners are much more square. It's hard to distinguish the difference between the 2 bumpers unless they are side by side. A Bus rear bumper can be lightly ground along the top edge to fit these early truck corners.

59-65 Buses use slash end front and rear bumpers.
In mid-65 VW began using pointed rear bumpers
66-67 both bumpers had pointed ends.

For 59-67:
Front bumper trim was always pointed.
A mid-late '65 deluxe would have pointed rear bumper with slash trim.
66-67 had pointed rear bumper trim

Slash front:

Pointed front:

More discussion
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=159879

Hardware used, from the Bus parts book:
Front bumper brackets to body:
Ribbed bumpers:
4 - M8x25
4 - M8 Washer
4 - M8 Lock Washer, galvanized
59-67 Bumpers, brackets to body:
4 - M10x20, galvanized
4 - M10 Spring washer
4 - M10 Lock washer, galvanized
Front bumper brackets to bumper/overriders:
2 - M8x60
2 - M8x70
4 - M8x20 (includes side brackets)
Rear bumper brackets to body:
4 - M10x20, galvanized
4 - Lock washer, galvanized
4 - M10 Nut, galvanized
Rear bumper brackets to bumper/overrider:
2 - M8x50
2 - M8x70
Splash pans to body, upper mount:
2 - M8x15
2 - M8 Lock Washer, galvanized
Splash pans to body, lower mount:
2 - M5x12
2 - M5 Lock washer
2 - M5 Nut
Splash pans to bumper, lower mount:
2 - M8x20
2 - M8 Spring washer
2 - M8 Lock washer, galvanized
Splash pans to bumper bracket:
2 - M5x12
2 - M5 Lock washer
2 - M5 Nut

Bumper trim mounting position discussion:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=185854

[vwrus66]

Speaking of bumper trim does anybody sell a repop set?
_________________
60 Mango
64 13 Window
66 Beetle

[Daniel]

I think Creative Engineering in the UK does them, but not 100% on that one.
Someone should start, there would be a lot of people who would want them.

[deluxe hunter]

what about bumper trim for pressed bumpers ?

Will either the slash or point trims fit the pressed bumper's curves?

[Rich Hanson]

Pressed bumpers are a different profile than American or Euro bumpers. Westling Machine has started manufacturing them and ships quickly. I bought the first set of production for my 57 and they fit perfectly, even had holes pre-cut to clearance for the bumper bolts. check out westlingmachine.com
Rich
_________________
Ragtop Rich
61 Ragtop Bug
60 Bug
57 23-Window Bus
57 oval window
83 1/2 Westy

[bherder]

Figured I would post my question in the bumper "FAQ" thread. After looking at many pics in the gallery, I think I figured out the difference between slash and pointed bumpers.

Just to clarify, does a 1966 have pointed on both front and rear?
_________________
My bus resto thread:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=371654

Parts manual:
http://oacdp.org/

[DownRiver]

Yes, 66 is pointed, pointed.

I was looking through bumper threads today too. My question involves a rear pointed bumper.

Is there supposed to be a transition on the top of the bumper, a couple inches in from the insides of the uprights?

hard to confirm in pictures.
_________________
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. -Henry Ford
VanSlyke VW Doublecab

[Spitty1974]

Hi,
I did read this posting about what bumpers the buses came with originally.

Currently, my 1966 has a front pointed with the deluxe trim and the rear is a slash bumper, but no deluxe trim.

I have seen a few buses with the slash bumper in the front as well and I like the look.

From what I read on the thread my 1966 came with both pointed bumpers.

Is it still considered a stock look with the slash bumper in the front?

Also, will all of the parts from my diamond front bumper currently on my bus, will those be able to be bolted onto a slash bumper, are the parts interchangeable?

Thank you for the response,

Spitty

[Rich Hanson]

Go to westlingmachine.com. Alex has the correct bumper trim listed by year appropriate references. I believe it to be very accurate as to what is supposed to be on each year of bus.
Rich
_________________
Ragtop Rich
61 Ragtop Bug
60 Bug
57 23-Window Bus
57 oval window
83 1/2 Westy

[hitest]

[Spitty1974]

[BarryL]

[Spitty1974]

Parts are the same. Drill away: using the deluxe trim as a guide. I just finished welding holes shut for the opposite of what you want.[/quote]

I have a deluxe, but I may just run the bumpers without the bumper trim. I've seen several buses in the galleries with deluxe beltline, and no deluxe trim on the bumpers......I have ample time to decide, but was looking at at least buying another slash bumper so that they match up. I go back and fourth and at times think I may run mine without the trim pieces....

There is so much I am learning and so many experts willing to share their knowledge.......Thanks!

[Scooterboyd]

I know this is a Barndoor, but this rear or lack of rear bumper looked wierd to me until it was confirmed that the trim did mount on the body.

_________________
President of "Society of Unappreciated Overachievers"
62 - 23 Window Bus
60 - Karmann Ghia Convertible
59 - Convertible Raceable Baja Bug
63 - Dune Buggy
65 - Single Cab

[zozo]

I have deluxe bumpers on my '65 standard, and it's driving me nuts. I don't have the trim, just the holes. To make matters worse, they are far and away too nice for my bus. Tryin' to find someone local to trade with hasn't paid off, so I wait.

[maverick98]

On my 57 the side mounts to the body from the end of the bumpers are missing. Are there splash pans that go in there or are there just mount that go straight to the body. If so any repop versions that I can get.

Thanks,

Kevin

[EverettB]

[kingsfanrob]

Which bumpers are correct for a 12-2-58 bus? I have the front and it is slash with no holes for guards or over riders. It is a US spec car. High tail light.

[EverettB]

As long as you mean December, 1958, slash bumpers. Not ribbed.

The new, larger, bumpers were introduced on 29 Aug. 1958

US spec = overrriders.
You could have a Euro bumper or someone may have just filled in the holes.
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[kingsfanrob]

Thanks Everett.