[JimMartin1]

Hello All:
Over the past couple of years there have been threads on rear bumper covers for the B5/B5.5 wagon. The main threads seem to be:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=336567
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=288852
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=616793
We just got a '03 Passat wagon and would like to get a bumper guard similar to the Japan only OEM guard (part number J3B FG1 B01) pictured at:
http://istargazer.ca/extras/bu...2.jpg
Alternatively, Kamei makes a steel one:
http://www.parts4vws.com/images/parts/K.42060.jpg
A clear film is available from Stongard:
http://stongard.com/sgcontent/default.asp
Has there been any progress in obtaining the Japan only guards and specifically for the B5.5? Any of you using the Kamei guard and are you happy with it? Any other comments or options? Is it time for us, as a group, to go to a mfg and ask them to produce something like the Subaru bumper guard?
Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[mauslick]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (JimMartin)

I did get one of the japanese guard from someone. ( I think they are no longer available in Japan) I put it on my 2002 wagon....the fit was not perfect as I think it was designed for the B5 bumper, ( check the vw.jp webpage)
it worked well but as I said it just didn't seat in perfectly....and was adhered with double stick tape/glue.........I didin't bother to take it off the car after it was rear ended and it ended up wherever that car went ( it was cracked from the impact).....on the newer 03 I just have the oem provided clear plastic.....and of course have a couple of nicks and scratches on the edge of the bumper


Modified by mauslick at 11:27 AM 1-11-2004

 

[JimMartin1]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (JimMartin)

I looked at the Stongard website and I saw that they sell precut kits of the 3m film. They also sell just the bumper guard for $59. See: http://stongard.com/sgcontent/sgdetails.asp?id=894
Anyone care to share experience with the Stongard product?
Anyone know of alternative sources for a similar 3m urethane film? I can't believe the bumper peice represents $59 worth of the stuff.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[mauslick]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (JimMartin)

at one point I had a link to a web page a JC witney that had just the 3m film by the roll...since then the link went sour........I searched a bit online at their site but got bored trying to find the film again.......may be easier to call them....and I agree stone guard seems pricey....your paying for the custom cut......

 

[Calcioboy]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (JimMartin)

Hi guys,
I'm the one who did the group buy and purchased 20 "bumper plates" from Japan. I had a friend work out a price + commission and included fedex/duties/taxes. Once I received them I had to repackage them and FedEx them to each board member. (pain in the arse)
I'll search my records and try to find the VW dealer the guards were purchased from. Then I'll have my Japanese coworker call and inquire on availability. Hopefully, they have an english speaking person who can arrange purchase/shipping direct. Will post again asap.
cheers

 

[jefsim]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (JimMartin)

The original clear guard started peeling on my wife's 00 wagon so I decided to take it completely off and replace it. Just as I got to the end a 3" piece of the bumper paint came with it. Doh

I didn't think it was worth having the entire bumper painted, so I bought the Kamei cover. We've had it on over a year and it seems to be holding up well and staying on without a problem. I think it actually dresses up the back of her white car nicely.

 

[JimMartin1]

Re: Rear bumer guard for the B5.5 wagon (jefsim)

Well, I went ahead and bought the Kamei. It looks great but its too cold here to install it yet :-( acrrording the instructions. I'll have to find a heated garage or wait till spring.