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South African Front End Bra
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Nikkoleto
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 12:31 am    Post subject: South African Front End Bra Reply with quote

I recently put the South African Front Grill onmy 87 Vanagon. Does anybody know any companies or individuals that make a front end bra for it? I've been looking everywhere with no luck. I'm hoping somebody here to help me out. Thank you in advance
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 4:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I bought a custom made one years ago from the classifieds.
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vw54john
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I bought one for a square headlight car and brought it to my local upholstery shop and told them to modify it accordingly. I even had them cut in a round hole so that the VW would be exposed/visible. Whole job cost me $50.
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Merian
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 1:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I hate them - they trap mold, dirt, debris and rub on the surface
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Gauche1968
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 3:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Merian wrote:
I hate them - they trap mold, dirt, debris and rub on the surface


Yeah, but they are perfect for hiding paint damage caused by trapped mold, dirt and debris. Very Happy
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IdahoDoug
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 5:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try looking in your area for an installer for 3M paint protection. Known as a clear bra, they are not cheap but retain your vans appearance and require no maintenance and avoid paint damage from chafing.

Cool I said bra and chafing the n the same sentence!!
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Nikkoleto
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2015 9:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

John, thank you for your reply. I still have a square headlight bra. Is there any chance that I could see a photo of the bra that was made for you? I was also thinking that I could buy an earlier model Vanagon bra with the single headlight and find someone to modify it. Do you know or think that would work?
I know all the cons about having a front end bra but I take care of the front end and I like the idea that the bra protects the front and from chips. Since my South African conversion I have been running without the bra and I got one Deep Chip. I wish I could find a company that makes a bra for the South African front end. That would make my life so easy
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vw54john
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 5:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My van is away for a few days having some work done on it, but as soon as I get it back I'll take a pic and post it for you. I've heard so many people tell me how bad it is to have the bra on the front, and they're probably the same people that are too lazy or ignorant to know that it needs to be taken off regularly and/or when water gets under it, to clean the bra and the surfaces of the car. An ice cream scoop in the hands of the wrong person can become a lethal weapon. Proper use is key.
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Syncro Jael
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 6:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Being a sailor and making sails and items for the boat. I acquired some sewing skills and just modified the bra that came with the vehicle when it had stock square lights. I usually only have a bra on when on long road trips.

You should be able to get one modified fairly cheap at an upholstery shop.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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insyncro
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 6:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Someone should call Colgan and see if they would make one.
GoWesty VC and BD all sell SA kits, so they would be good contacts too.
Get them made, they will sell.
I have no interest in putting it together, but would buy one or three.
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alaskadan
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmmm i need to get my hands on a SA grill. Could easily stich up a few or more...
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Merian
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 12:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Op, you "still have a square headlight bra" - so, why not simply add-on a piece made to fit the round headlights? Velcro or snaps would work.

You might need to cut yours a bit, but maybe not even that.

If you have a local REI store, ask where they get their repairs done. Here, there is a seamstress who has heavy duty sewing machines and she can work with a lot of heavy cloths or vinyl.

Or go to a local leather store and ask them.

if nothing else, such a mod would tide you over while the vaunted vanagon Aftermarket tools up to make a purpose designed item.

...but I still like the 3M clear stick-ons idea
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Nikkoleto
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 12:37 am    Post subject: Thanx all Reply with quote

Thanks everyone for your advice and input.

I do have an old square headlight bra and I will wait to see how John Modified his. I can then go to a local upholstery shop and see if they can modify it or have other ideas.

I was also thinking about getting an earlier model Vanagon bra with the single headlight and find someone to modify it. Do you know if that early bra would fit the outer round light? If so shouldn't be to hard to find sometime to add holes for the inner lights. Do you'll think that will work?

Syncro Jael - You have one Beautiful & Awesome Vanagon
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vw54john
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 7:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here are the pics promised of my bus with the bra I had modified by my interior guy...
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adamjjohn203
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

There is one for sale in Portland on CL....


1990 Parts & Accessories
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/5221616859.html
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Vnyd Dog
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't bother with the Craigslist post above. I contacted that individual but the emails I received were confrontational, nonresponsive, and were answering questions with questions. Guy (or gal) was a total prick.
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HoustonPhotog
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gowesty just announced they've made one for sale...

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=24375&category_id=253&category_parent_id=

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Nikkoleto
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:04 am    Post subject: Thanks Reply with quote

Thanks for letting me know. I ordered mine today. Now all I have to do is sell the lower grill. It's the South African lower grill but the bra covers up the South African portion of that grill. I may as well sell it and put the regular lower grow back on. Life is good
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MsTaboo
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PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

HoustonPhotog wrote:
Gowesty just announced they've made one for sale...
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=24375&category_id=253&category_parent_id=
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Now we need one that also has the cut outs for the Projeckzwo/TerraPodz lights and life will be complete. Cool

Anyone buy one of these GW bras? I'm interested in how well the side hooks work with the later model door seals.
The hooks on the bra I have don't fit very well on my '90 Syncro. It worked great on the older '89 Joker that was missing the better wind seal, but the thick plastic hooks dig into that seal and pop off.
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S+L
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:13 pm    Post subject: Re: South African Front End Bra Reply with quote

Is there not some thing these days made out of a microfiber shell or otherwise that would not damage the paint. Seems like there’s some sort of material that could be used on the interior of the bra like a soft dry fit.

Ultimately, I like the way it looks to have a brawl, and more than that. I really want to protect the nose from bugs.

I guess the clear bra/clear guard is an option.

Looks like PPS might be the best option.
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