Rear-ended, cut out rear valence?

[Gnarlodious]

I got rear-ended by a lady who was busy eating donuts. She was insured, so that helps. My stock shiny bumper is all smashed, and the valence is bent and probably not worth fixing. So I was thinking to get a RMW or GW full bumper and cut out the valence between the brackets where it hangs down. The missing metal would mostly be covered by the large bumper. What do you think? Besides blocking engine noise from my diesel, what purpose would that valence serve if it were in front of a large bumper?
_________________
Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[SyncroButter]

Seems like it should be OK as long as you do a sanitary job of removing it and ensure the bare metal gets sealed etc. I cannot think of any real purpose the valence provides other than aesthetics.
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle

[jimf909]

Sorry to hear your van was struck by a donut eating weirdo. I would've guessed she'd be scarfing sopapillas.

Here's hoping your van is better soon.
_________________
- Jim

[IdahoDoug]

Would it make sense to simply straighten it as much as makes sense and time with various pliers, hammers, chunks of wood, come-a-long pulls and such, then paint it flat Black? It may serve to contain or direct engine/muffler heat, etc but if you can make it look OK then hide much with a color hard to see?
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[IdahoDoug]

Another thought. Perhaps you can get the sturdy bumper as planned, and have someone weld a sheetmetal extension down long enough to cover the damage? I'm worried your plan to cut out damaged metal will turn into a bigger pain than you thought, I guess.
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[djkeev]

Don't hack it, straighten it the best you can.
Did the impact pull the rear frame members together at all? They fork out beyond where the engine mounts on the moustache bar. Did the engine mount get affected at all? Look closely for signs of movement, dirt/rust shadows are a good visual indicator.

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[metropoj]

Is there a heat shield behind the valence too ?

Maybe it helps keep the heat or drag down from passing air to tuck up under your bumper ?

I would have her insurance fix it up 100% before the donuts took precedence over your van, unless there is some reason the insurance won't pay to fix it all ?

Your van is worth it.
_________________
John.
86 TiiCo powered Westy.

[danfromsyr]

to get up & running you can remove it.
but not till after a full inspection & appraisel of the damges by a body shop for her insurance to bill

the new rear valence is still available.
have them pay up..

a vanagon is much cheaper than if she rear ended a Camry or a BMW..
they're already getting off easy.

http://www2.cip1.com/searchresults.asp?cat=603

_________________

[Zeitgeist 13]

I cut the valance off about 1" below where the bumper brackets fit into the body. I honestly couldn't think of a benefit to this piece except to slightly cover up the muffler.

_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[atomatom]

for the replacement bumper, i suggest a bull bar. the only PO mod i like is the heavy duty bumper.
_________________
84 Vanagon Westy, 1.9L, California raised but defected to Canada.