South African Grille procurement

[popeynz]

I have a 1981 T25 / Vanagon air cooled Westfalia and as part of a full restoration I have been trying to locate a South African upper grille allowing me to procure new headlights and inner driving lights. I have searched most supplier sites but it appears these are now either very rare or discontinued. If any body knows of a seller who may have one of these for sale I would love to hear from you. I am in New Zealand but happy to get it shipped. Locating a set of suitable lights that fit and are set to drive on the left side of the road (like UK etc.) would also be appreciated. Thanks.

[jimf909]

These have become unobtanium here in the states. I believe one recently went for $1500 at an auction. Yes, that was just the grill, it didn't come with a van.
_________________
- Jim

[Ahwahnee]

A popular alternative is to make your own by modifying the original 7" round head lamp grille. Lots of examples here:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=504430&highlight=south+african+grille

Some look pretty good and are probably not as fragile as the original SA grille.

[vanagonjr]

[4Gears4Tires]

I saw $2k for an ebay auction. Nuts!
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[vino de vano]

Look like its time for some sort of security strap!
_________________
what a long strange trip it's been

[candyman]

[vanagonjr]

[Wildthings]

Have you checked with VW itself? Sometimes they have things that no one else does.

[vik]

[Corwyn]

That's a lot of money for a truly flimsy piece of plastic. Its why I stuck with the rectangles and went E-code. If someone had a BIG 3D printer . . .
_________________
'90 White Westy ("The Longship")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja

"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~

[deaddrift]

[Yellow Rabbit]

Has anyone tried contacting salvage yards or parts suppliers in South Africa? These were produced until fairly recently. I am surprised if they don’t have crash replacement parts available on the local market.

[vik]

They are about 5000Rand ($360). ¨Problem¨ is shipping. They do not ship outside SA. If you want to organize your shipping it is expensive. Quote from UPS is roughly 7000Rand to Europe

Unless you are willing to buy multiple units it is not worth it in my opinion.

I´m actrually thinking to try to make it as 3D print part(s).
At home I can print it in 7 parts
I know a company who can print up to 500mm long unit. So 4 parts are possible. I´m not sure about the finish as well. This is a backburner project for me at the moment.
_________________
T3 Syncro camper in progress

[Merian]

or 3D the end and middle pieces; use small dia Al tubes in between

I guess I'm glad I have one, but it was still overpriced...
_________________
....

[popeynz]

Thanks to all contributors. Special thanks for the link to the cut out efforts. I am going to go with this option and my local workshop are happy to have a go at the task. I located some original inner lights and we are now searching for some H4 Hella replacements (left side traffic). I’ll even have a scout around for the suggested black plastic rims although we don’t have the beauty of a Home Depot New Zealand. I’ll post a pic of the completed job but it will be a while as the Westy is having a full paint job first.

[jimf909]

This post w/ the good looking grill mentions printed trim rings by Uniwerks and they appear to be currently available in two sizes. A possibility...

Uniwerks page...
https://www.uniwerksdesign.com/exterior-accessories/

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8446378#8446378

_________________
- Jim

[vanagonjr]

[ZsZ]

[RainierSyncro]