TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 16, 2003 9:18 am

A registry for bumper guards would probably be a bit much, but I am curious as to how many sets were made, are out there, etc... I know of my set, a set that was sold from Colorado to someone in Cal, A front that was on a Colorado Bushttp://groups.msn.com/COLORADOBUSMILITIA/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=23:, the ones on Mark Raffertys' Dlux, Kimbals Classic Panel and the ones I just saw in earlymans post. Who else has some info? Did they ever make them for 59+ Busses? From what I've seen, they came in at least two different styles for the back. Who is the Hurst Guru?

Wed Jul 16, 2003 9:20 am

Is there anywhere to go for info on Hursts and other Guards?

Wed Jul 16, 2003 9:30 am

That front belongs to Duane (Used to Live in Colorado, no resides in Nor. Cal.)
Riff-Raff's front on that '53 deluxe was a homemade deal...convincing huh?
My friend Brian (Ols Buses) owns the set that was bought from Colorado.

I have an ad that does a "test report" on hurst bumpers and they specifically state that a new version is available for post-59 buses.

I have seen two different styles of backs, and two different styles of fronts.

Wed Jul 16, 2003 9:10 pm

Thanks for the info Greg. Small world isn't it? I bought my set from a guy in Massachusetts. They needed some work, but I'm pleased with how they came out. I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for articles or ads in Foreign Car Guide. They seem to be getting a bit harder to find now days. Do you know any company history on them? Is it the same Hurst that makes the shifters? How long they were made? There isn't a whole lot of info out there on them.

Thu Jul 17, 2003 6:45 am

it is the same company that made the shifters. as the story goes, an employee was driving the shop panel and crashed at an intersection. the nose wa mashed so they got the idea to fab up these bumpers. they are actually called hurst-campbell guards. the company is on the outskirts of philly. as soon as i get mine on, i'm gonna go find the place and take some photos of my bus in front of the place. hope the building is still there. i have the address.

Thu Jul 17, 2003 6:45 am

supposedly they were made from 56-59, thus 2 styles.

Thu Jul 17, 2003 10:31 pm

I want to see that photo when you take it. Thanks for the history. Pretty cool story! Maybe I should have went with a Hurst shifter in the Bus instead of the Berg. If only they made the brass and black ones for the early Busses back in the day.

Fri Jul 18, 2003 5:46 pm

Noone seems to be biting the whole registry thing....can we get a roll call for who has these shitty aftermarket American guards?

I'd really like to know how many sets exist.

I can remember quite a few....
Cycletrucker, pair
Rich S., pair
Butchershop., front
Frankiehil, front
Lowrider Mike, rear (Soyonora)
Bob L., pair
Beanie, pair
Gibbs, pair
Duane, front
Overall-boy, Pair
Rich Kimball, Pair

I can think of a few more sets but I'm forgetting names....

There was a '58 singlecab on EP.com in N.Y. with a rear...anyone know where this truck went? Guy claimed to be O.G. owner.

Fri Jul 18, 2003 6:13 pm

Once I get a welder, I plan on fabbing a set for my '66 E-Z Camper. I've got some pics of front bumpers, but does anyone have good pics of the rear bumper and how it attaches?? If so, please e-mail me them at: [email protected] Thanks!

Nate
http:www.nateswaterart.com/vw (currently down, but NOT out!)

Sat Jul 19, 2003 8:31 am

Count me in with a set:http://groups.msn.com/COLORADOBUSMILITIA/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=28
Mike K

Sat Jul 19, 2003 8:37 am

I guess the final tally is not a whole hell of a lot! Nate, your best bet would be to check out a set in person and make some measurements. I've seen a couple of knock-offs that looked kinda shitty. I think a lot of people make it look like a Hurst, but the beauty of the OG ones lies in the strength. When they are properly installed, you can drive right through a Kia like it's not even there! If you don't put on the lower supports that tie it in with the frame, expect to find it mangled under you Bus someday.

I'm going to fab a set for my Bay Dormo. Maybe even an assymetric rear so the slider still works. I held it up to the nose and it looked killer.

Sat Jul 19, 2003 6:09 pm

I have one in the front of my 61 kombi. I took it off a 61 SC. The single did not have a rear bumper at all. I would have gotten that one too.

Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:21 pm

When did Hurst start producing bumpers for split buses? I've seen them on early ribbed bumpers but they appear to be modified rather than something Mr. Hurst produced.

Or are the later bumpers with a Hurst the modified ones?

Fri Jan 31, 2025 10:47 am

Holy shit. I started this thread 23 years ago. FYI, I sold my set to a friend who lives in Florida.