Legality of running with no bumpers??
naylor_james - September 15th, 2010 at 02:33 PM
Does anyone on here drive a type 3 without bumpers?? Being 73 do the ADR rules apply to a 73??? So basically I'm asking will I pass blue slip
wohout my bumpers ???
h - September 15th, 2010 at 02:44 PM
did it come out from factory with bumpers?
if so there is pretty much your answer imo
h
waveman1500 - September 15th, 2010 at 05:22 PM
There were already plenty of ADRs in force by 1973, but your real question is what the blue slip inspection boys will think. I'd ring and ask them
whether you would pass with no bumpers or not.
naylor_james - September 15th, 2010 at 05:43 PM
correct waveman.. 
think that will be the best guide
68AutoBug - September 15th, 2010 at 10:00 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by naylor_james
Does anyone on here drive a type 3 without bumpers?? Being 73 do the ADR rules apply to a 73??? So basically I'm asking will I pass blue slip
wohout my bumpers ???
|
depends wholly with the tester...
some say ok no bumpers...
others say You need bumpers....
its much better to hit a pedestrian without bumpers....
Lee
68AutoBug - September 15th, 2010 at 10:02 PM
actually the 73 type 3s had an extra bumper bar behind the bumper..
an excellent idea...
Lee
waveman1500 - September 15th, 2010 at 10:08 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by 68AutoBug
actually the 73 type 3s had an extra bumper bar behind the bumper..
an excellent idea...
Lee
|
Yes, but they're not actually attached rigidly. As far as I know, it's supposed to slide back telescopically through the spare wheel well area to
help absorb impact, and then if your car still has any forward momentum the ends of the tubular bar hit the front axle beam and then becomes rigid. My
'73 wagon still had the convoluted rubber tubes for the bumper to slide through.
bajachris88 - September 15th, 2010 at 10:13 PM
IF ur really keen,
Cut off the front apron and front of the fenders and resin/plastic up a replica with a front intrusion bar behind....
alot of work and crazy yes..., would look stock if done properly, and should keep the stubborn inspector happy.
vlad01 - September 15th, 2010 at 10:16 PM
You talking about the bumper tube and apron assembly?
Not the body apron btw.
Pretty sure 1970-73 were all like that. All mine have been.
1500S - September 15th, 2010 at 10:33 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by waveman1500
| Quote: | Originally
posted by 68AutoBug
actually the 73 type 3s had an extra bumper bar behind the bumper..
an excellent idea...
Lee
|
Yes, but they're not actually attached rigidly. As far as I know, it's supposed to slide back telescopically through the spare wheel well area to
help absorb impact, and then if your car still has any forward momentum the ends of the tubular bar hit the front axle beam and then becomes rigid. My
'73 wagon still had the convoluted rubber tubes for the bumper to slide through.
|
The tube is attached to the bumper with a couple of small screws and slides through the lower front apron. The tube ends are very close to the
attachment points of the front suspension beam so very little movement of the bumper means that the force is transferred directly to the
floorpan/chassis rather than crush the whole front and in turn the fuel tank. A bit of extra protection in conjunction with the spare wheel in a
front ender. The slightest bumper bump on earlier models can easly push the quarters back at the bumper mounts.
The strengthening tube appeared in 1968 here (69 model year). Slightly earlier models, maybe 68 here had the pressings in the apron but weren't
actually cut for the tube. Would have been in the European and US builds in 68 model year.
DH
68AutoBug - September 16th, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Yes My 71 model variant had it..
funnily enough I have never read anywhere about it....
extra safety.... a lot extra...
one great idea... now how could that be transferred over to a beetle???
LEE
squizy - September 16th, 2010 at 07:20 AM
To keep the topic on track, I'd personally go for the bluey with the bumper on, and then make your changes after that. I can my notch without the
bumper for years - never got in trouble at rego time. Taking it off the road and going through full rego is another issue.
vlad01 - September 16th, 2010 at 07:48 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by 68AutoBug
Yes My 71 model variant had it..
funnily enough I have never read anywhere about it....
extra safety.... a lot extra...
one great idea... now how could that be transferred over to a beetle???
LEE
|
Also an increase in aero dynamics as it reduces to eddies you get just behind the bumper. All though this adds weight.
Joel - September 16th, 2010 at 07:57 AM
It would be the same deal as if it were a bug
No bumpers are fine as long as the front plate is securely and clearly mounted and there are no dangerous protusions like t-bars, bumper brackets
etc
I'd do like the others have said though and just get the bluey done with them on then do what you like after
naylor_james - September 16th, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Good advice thanks guys... This all helps towards the plan