| Author |
Message |
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
 Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:05 pm Post subject: Aluminess is looking for a Syncro in San Diego |
 |
|
Hello everyone,
We have a good customer that is looking for us to build him some front and rear bumpers for his VW Syncro. The problem is that he doesn't live close enough for us to design the bumpers off of his vehicle. This is where the fine folks of Samba come in.
If anyone is located near San Diego (Santee to be exact) and would be willing to let us use your Syncro to design some bumpers we would really appreciate the help. It typically takes 2 visits to our shop to get the bumpers designed and ready for production. The first visit is for measuring and design, the second visit is for test fitting the first article. You can see some of the other work we do at www.aluminess.com
Please contact us at [email protected], or by phone at 619-449-9930 or send us a PM if you are interested.
Thanks in advance for everyones help.
We will of course update this thread with pictures throughout the process. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| PDXWesty wrote: |
| Sounds to me like they're only interested in making them for one client, not for mass market resale. |
Once we design a bumper for a vehicle we keep all of our engineering documents to duplicate the product for anyone else that might want one. As soon as we have them built and are happy with the product we will offer it to anyone that might want one. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12008
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 6:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
First- I love your products
Second any vanagon 2wd or syncro will do unless you are planning on tying into the front subframe somehow which would really affect the approach angle.
I would let you borrow my truck but I am waaay to far away.
Good luck. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mofus
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 369
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 6:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Is there a small discount involved for someone who is willing to leave his Symcro at your shop for a few days? Wink wink nudge nudge.
_________________
'87 Syncro passenger w/ 2.2L Subaru
'10 Passat Wagon (keeps Mrs. Mofus away from my van) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
madspaniard
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 7:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm way north of SD but I'm in the market looking for bumpers and really like your products. Please keep us posted.
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Mofus wrote: |
| Is there a small discount involved for someone who is willing to leave his Symcro at your shop for a few days? Wink wink nudge nudge. |
We would be happy to offer you a discount for letting us use your vehicle for a few days. Send me a PM, or e-mail [email protected], or give us a call 619-449-9930 to get the ball rolling.
Thanks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
| syncrodoka wrote: |
First- I love your products
Second any vanagon 2wd or syncro will do unless you are planning on tying into the front subframe somehow which would really affect the approach angle.
I would let you borrow my truck but I am waaay to far away.
Good luck. |
Thank you for the useful info. I am just starting to learn about these Vanagons and don't know all the terminology or nuances yet. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TopBud
Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2004
Posts: 1111
Location: Flagstaff AZ
|
| Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 4:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
when someone drops off their van and you guys get the bumpers made and mounted, make sure you post some pics. I looked over your website and like your work. try to keep it affordable for all. Maybe incorporate lights into it like the others. (hint hint)
_________________
86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Just to keep everyone updated, we are still on the lookout for a Vanagon that we can develop the bumpers off of. We have had a few inquiries, but nobody has been able to make it into our shop yet. If anyone knows anybody in the San Diego area that would be willing to let us use their Vanagon please have them contact us. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Masta Shake
Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2010
Posts: 198
Location: San Diego, CA
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 4:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Looks like Big Red (my Syncro) is the weiner. I'll let you all know how it all looks. I'm kinda stoked. Having a locally sourced bumper available down the road would be rad.
_________________
As a good friend told me when I got the Syncro: "Welcome to the an intense love/hate relationship". |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12008
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Very nice. I am glad that someone stepped up so that we can see what Aluminess has to offer for our vans.
Approach/departure angle is a stumbling block for the current bumper offerings. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
TopBud
Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2004
Posts: 1111
Location: Flagstaff AZ
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Really awesome. I am psyched that there is another contender for the bumpers, I have been looking at some but want the perfect one. I can't wait to see the final product. Also a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier on the driver side that doesn't mount to the body would be awesome.
_________________
86 bostig SYNCRO
66 convertible Karmann Ghia |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
| TopBud wrote: |
| Really awesome. I am psyched that there is another contender for the bumpers, I have been looking at some but want the perfect one. I can't wait to see the final product. Also a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier on the driver side that doesn't mount to the body would be awesome. |
This brings up a great topic. What is everyone looking for in a front and rear bumper for their Vanagons? We probably can't fulfill every request, but if there is a consensus as to what everyone is looking for then we have a lot better chance of making a product that will work for everyone.
What do you want to carry on the rear bumper? What tire size? Any fuel or generators, etc? What kind of winch do you use in the front bumper?
If there are any other products that people are interested in we might as well look into it while we have a Vanagon here. Is there a giant need for ladders or roof racks or anything else like that?
Thanks again for everyones help and support. We are looking forward to providing some quality light weight products to the Vanagon community. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
outwesty
Samba Member
Joined: June 06, 2006
Posts: 1074
Location: Tahoe City
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Personally I think simple is the key. The lines of the Gowesty bumpers match the van really well but the spare tire carrier they have offered could use some beefing up and there are not a lot of add on options. I think a rear bumper that could hold two jerry cans would be awesome I don't really like the thought of them bouncing up and down on a swing out. Tube bumpers just seem so 80's and dated to me. To each their own. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bosruten
Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2011
Posts: 551
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| TopBud wrote: |
| Really awesome. I am psyched that there is another contender for the bumpers, I have been looking at some but want the perfect one. I can't wait to see the final product. Also a rear bumper with a swing out tire carrier on the driver side that doesn't mount to the body would be awesome. |
X2...and light!
_________________
'87 Syncro Weekender |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
pnwkayaker
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008
Posts: 920
Location: Sammamish, WA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Aluminess wrote: |
What do you want to carry on the rear bumper? What tire size? Any fuel or generators, etc? What kind of winch do you use in the front bumper?
If there are any other products that people are interested in we might as well look into it while we have a Vanagon here. Is there a giant need for ladders or roof racks or anything else like that?
|
What i'd truly love is to mount one of you nirftu rear boxes(galley, deluxe or Jerry can box) mostly to transport tools and spare parts (inside storage is very scarce with 2 kids).
In fact, im very tempted to buy the RMW swing shelf (already have their rear bumper and tire carrier) and tr to see if I can adapt one of your boxes - anubody done that?
_________________
87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
IrideWheelies
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2009
Posts: 386
Location: Olympia, WA
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:31 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I think if you just create a vanagon version of the van bumpers you currently make you'll have a winner. Dual swingouts, integrated backup and fog lights, and lower grill/bullbar just like you already have for full size vans.
Just make sure to bolt the front bumper to the frame (my gowesty bumper does not!) and please do not sacrifice approach/departure angles!
I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!
_________________
89' Dove Blue Syncro Hightop |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
climberjohn
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005
Posts: 1840
Location: Portland Orygun
|
| Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 9:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
Uh, Volks, while these bumpers may indeed be Truly Amazing, I suggest you have a look at the prices before you get to excited.
(IMHO, if I had a spare $4K for van bling, bumpers would be pretty far down the list.)
Maybe they are made of titanium instead of aluminum.
-CJ
_________________
'86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aluminess
Samba Member
Joined: September 09, 2011
Posts: 7
Location: San Diego
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 12:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| climberjohn wrote: |
Uh, Volks, while these bumpers may indeed be Truly Amazing, I suggest you have a look at the prices before you get to excited.
(IMHO, if I had a spare $4K for van bling, bumpers would be pretty far down the list.)
Maybe they are made of titanium instead of aluminum.
-CJ |
I won't try and say that our products aren't expensive, because they are compared to other products on the market right now. Not only is the price of aluminum much more expensive than steel, but also the welding materials needed to put everything together.
We also do not skimp when it comes to engineering our products. We make sure that our bumpers are winch capable and can plow through deer without worrying about the bumper failing.
All this being said, we are going to try to price these bumpers around the same price as our small pickup bumpers. $1250 for the front and $1100 for the rear (without any tire or fuel carriers). This is our target price, if we find that we can offer it for less than we will, but at the same time if materials and labor end up being higher than we expected then it might cost a bit more.
On a side note, our customer who has a deposit in with us is putting these bumpers on a Canadian Doka. From the research and pictures that I have seen it looks like the Doka bumpers are slightly different than the regular Vanagon bumpers. So if anyone in San Diego has Doka, preferably a Canadian version then we would love to hear from you. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mblotz
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2004
Posts: 296
Location: D-town, at base of the rocky's
|
| Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 1:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I just put a set of Aluminess bumpers on my 4x4 ford econoline, granted i got them used from a poor soul who needed to liquidate which made the purchase easier, but i can speak for the top notch quality, stack of dimes welds, and ultra lieghtweight for the size they are. i actually mounted them by myself no problem.
I also know someone who hit a deer with a set, no damage resulted. im VERY happy with the product. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
