Re: Bumpers, related

[ChuckKuecker <ckuecker@mcs.net>]

At 00:33 3/21/97 +0500, you wrote:
>>Wrong again, Christopher.   :)
>>
>>Scirocco's had them up thru 83 or was it 84, I forget. I've got a set in the 
>>shed. 
>
>Then why would they get rid of them, shawn-ette?  It seems like a downgrade.
>I figured that if the '87s didn't have them, no previous models would have
>had them.  Just using common sense...
>
>Chris Taylor
>'87 Scirocco G60-to-be

The newer cars (my Mazda in particular) no longer use shocks with a huge
steel beam for a bumper. The frames are designed to crush in severe hits,
and the bumpers are 'energy absorbing' for smaller ones. Got hit in the
rear of the Mazda by a Camaro that slid on wet pavement. He broke a headlight,
and got my taillpipe through his air dam. I had no apparent damage. This car
has only this plastic 'eggcrate' thing under the rubber trim, bolted straight
to the body. I would imagine newer VWs use similar technology - it looks
utterly CHEAP to make, and lends itself to sleek body lines...

The '83 looks to have similar corrigated crush members in the front frame tubes
that support the bumper. Perhaps a hybrid approach?

{Sorry about the Mazda. I won't drive the thing since I got the 'rocco running!)

Chuck Kuecker

ckuecker@mcs.net

'83 Scirocco
'58 Ghia Convert
'67 Bug
'63 Bug
'91 Vanagon


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