TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed May 31, 2006 2:11 pm

Ok- this is an odd request (the opposite of what everyone typically wants), so bear with me!

I have a '74 Super, which I'm building up as an autocross racer. Part of its development is making the switch from the hefty '74 shock absorbing bumpers to the smaller/lighter '73-and-down Super bumpers and the associated brackets.

In doing this, I would like to find the lowest quality bumpers possible, ie: the ones with the thinnest metal.

I can remember from years back that certain catalogs used to list different grades of bumpers, from all different countries of origin. They were listed according to weight & quality. I remember that the cheapest ones only came unpainted, and were said to be much thinner than the single-chromed "economy" bumpers. Now, it seems as though everone has stopped carrying these bumpers, and only stocks show quality and "economy", not these ultra-low grade bumpers. :?

So I'm in need of some help from the experts! Who still sells the thinnest '73 Super bumpers out there?

Thanks
- David

P.S. I will be painting them, so the bare primer bumpers would be the best, but I would certainly remove cheap chrome if I had to..

Wed May 31, 2006 2:15 pm

www.cip1.com

they rate their bumpers very honest IMO... most vendors do not give you the amount of choices and tell you what is total crap and what is the best.

Wed May 31, 2006 2:40 pm

I too like cip and their ratings. It really adds a lot of confidence when ordering (my GERMAN porsche-pattern drums from them were fantastic!).

I looked at thier bumper offerings, and found the brazilian econo bumpers, but I think there are some out there that are even worse than those... I just can't find them anywhere!

Thanks for the reply!
- David

Wed May 31, 2006 3:18 pm

JC Whitney

Wed May 31, 2006 3:22 pm

68 T1 wrote: JC Whitney

LOL... sadly your probably right :shock:

Wed May 31, 2006 3:49 pm

68 T1 wrote: JC Whitney

I checked them just today. My new catalog came in yesterday. :oops: Order something from them once and you get the catalogs for life! :D

they have quite a range, actually... First is the "replacement bumpers for 68-73 Type 1 Beetle, Super Beetle", which comes in "chrome", "show chrome", or "cal-look primer". Prices (for the front) are $26.99, $67.99, $41.99. Rears are $26.99, $67.99, $49.99. Those plain chrome ones are incredibly cheap! :shock: I would think that the cal-look primer ones are what I would be after, but they cost a third more than the basic chrome ones??

They also have "Mexican-style Beetle Front Bumpers for 68-73 Type 1 Beetle, Super Beetle", which have the holes for the turn signals, and come only in chrome and "show chrome". $29.99 and $73.99 for those.

- David

Wed May 31, 2006 4:01 pm

The cal-look are the same as the chrome just with a rattle can paint job also it would be easy just to strip the thin chrome on the $29.00 bumpers.

Wed May 31, 2006 4:32 pm

I saw some carbon fiber bumpers on ebay about two days ago. The front bumper was the euro style with the turn signal cut-outs. When I get home tonight I'll see if I can't track them down for you. That'd be about as light as it gets.

Wed May 31, 2006 5:13 pm

68 T1 wrote: JC Whitney

My buddy bought a set once. I think they were made out of compressed rust. :shock:

Wed May 31, 2006 5:27 pm

If you want total junk buy them from JC Whitney,mine were shipped in a clear plastic bag,they couldn't even bother shipping them in a box!

Wed May 31, 2006 6:32 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: 68 T1 wrote: JC Whitney

My buddy bought a set once. I think they were made out of compressed rust. :shock:

Hahaha that's great!

Wed May 31, 2006 6:39 pm

72Spr wrote: I saw some carbon fiber bumpers on ebay about two days ago. The front bumper was the euro style with the turn signal cut-outs. When I get home tonight I'll see if I can't track them down for you. That'd be about as light as it gets.

Was it these by chance?

Ebay item #8070857088

They look good, and the price is cheap (suspiciously cheap?), but I think switching to CF bumpers might be against the rules.. Besides that, I would still like to have SOME impact protection. :wink: I think the CF bumpers are just for show- and splinter in a real impact. Anyone have any more insight on that subject?

ottobahn wrote: If you want total junk buy them from JC Whitney,mine were shipped in a clear plastic bag,they couldn't even bother shipping them in a box!

Wow! :shock:

That's the problem I'm having... I don't necessarily want "crap" bumpers, but I want the thinner gauge - so it is a bit difficult to find. :(

Thanks for the help everyone!
- David

Wed May 31, 2006 6:49 pm

Yep those are them! Yeah Carbon Fiber isn't going to protect your at all, not even if you back into a stop sign! It's super lightweight but they'd be just for show.

Wed May 31, 2006 9:36 pm

Dady likes! I've been wantiong to go the carbon fiber look since I first saw Carbon Joe's web site and what he offered. Speaking of, he still around? His web site is no longer in service :(
ANyway....them bumpers are nice! hmm......