European spec bumpers

[rcowan]

Since getting my Doka from the Netherlands I've realized what a difference the euro-spec front bumper makes on the front of a "short nose" Eurovan. It makes it so much better, at least in my opinion. Below is a picture of my Doka and a very nice US spec van I found in the gallery to show the difference. The US bumper sticks out a lot further than the Euro bumper.

This got me thinking....... Did Europe get a different bumper for the long nose? From the pictures online, it appears they are probably the same, but not sure. I have a '99 Westy also. If there is a cooler front bumper out there, I think I need it.... Has anyone had the opportunity to see a Euro spec long nose or better yet, compare the two bumpers? If you have, what have you found?

Along that line, I'm also trying to get a European front bumper for my '93 US Spec van. If anyone else would like one, let me know. Maybe we can save on shipping by packaging them together.

[CdnVWJunkie]

Rob,


The short nose Euro (really they're ROW) spec bumpers are indeed quite different from NA spec units. You can adjust the NA spec front carrier to the proper Euro length. REmove the cover and you will see the bumper has been skinned with a "top hat" piece of metal across the entire front width. Cut this piece off and now all you will need to source is the bumper skin itself.

In '96 short nose vans received a different nose. These fenders became bolt on instead of welded on. These bumpers were more rounded and less angular. They closely approximate the long nose bumpers in their form.

The long nose bumpers were available in either smooth skin or unpainted textured/dimpled finish. They are the same here in NA or Europe. Where the long nose differed was the grills which we black where here they were colour coded.

[rcowan]

Wow, thanks Rob. You even answered my question about the carrier that I was wondering but didn't ask. Thank again, that was very helpful.

[CdnVWJunkie]

Glad to have shed some light on this topic.

[Joshwa]

Here's the extra metal on the end of the bumper from both angles, from a parts van. The first time I pulled off an early bumper I noticed that the tow loop, that is visible out the front of the bumper, was bolted through the orignal tow loop that is welded to the bumper. That's my van by the way. I'd love the shorter bumper, but I just coated mine.

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93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[rcowan]

Thanks Josh, pictures always help! Nice van.

I am planning on getting a few euro covers around the first of the year. You will be ready to coat another one by then anyway, right?

[Joshwa]

That will be very tempting!
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[rcowan]

I have a couple extra European bumper covers now if anyone is interested in one. They are located in Oregon. They certainly make the front end look better.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2252935

[WagenWerks KS]

would you be willing to figure out shipping to 67206 ??

thanks!!

Matt
316-three nine three-2234

[Joshwa]

Here's the after.

More detailed description on how its done here.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9034099#9034099
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[rcowan]

Matt-
You have PM.

Josh-
Good to see the finished product! Love it!

[wildenbeast]

Nice work! I really like the look of that bumper. Now I know why the European fog lights I had purchased were too short to use the factory mounts and reach the front of my North American bumper.
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- Bill, '93 Eurovan Syncro Weekender (2.5 manual ACU)

[kmjunge]

Kind of a stretch but I don't suppose you have any Euro bumper skins left do you? A couple of owner's ago my van kissed a curb and the bumper cover is fubarred. I've been planning to replace it and I can't get this Euro look out of my head.

Any good sources for these if you don't have any available?

I always thought the long bumper was just a convenient place to set your beer while looking at the engine...
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"DO NOT CHANGE THIS unless you understand what you are doing." - TheSamba.com

[dazey77]

Christ know what the postage costs would be like, but not hard to find in Europe of course.
https://www.justkampers.com/vw-t4-parts/bumpers-fitting-kits/front-bumpers-fittings.html
Still got the crappy US spec one on mine though. One day I would like to change it. .
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My van modification blog:
www.dazedproductions.co.uk/Vanity

[kmjunge]

I found this one for about 50 Euros. Put it in my cart and calculated shipping...

*lone silent tear*

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"DO NOT CHANGE THIS unless you understand what you are doing." - TheSamba.com

[kmjunge]

What a bargain! ( https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/uk/ ) This one is actually tempting. I could buy all 5 they have for the same overall cost on shipping.

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"DO NOT CHANGE THIS unless you understand what you are doing." - TheSamba.com

[rcowan]

Or... I have one left if you want to make a trip to Oregon.

[kmjunge]

PM sent. I've always wanted to visit Oregon.
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"DO NOT CHANGE THIS unless you understand what you are doing." - TheSamba.com

[A2coupe]

[MrPulldown]

Is this also a year thing. Our 2002 has the body colored front bumper and it does not look like it sticks out as far.

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2002 EVC