In a message dated 2/15/08 12:05:43 AM Eastern Standard Time,
musomuso@GMAIL.COM writes:

> Hi all.
>
> Given all the diverse Vanagon-knowledgeable people on this list, maybe
> someone knows.
>
> Why there is a 1" + gap between the bottom of the lower front grill
> and the opening it mostly "covers"?
>
> Or more to the point. Why didn't VW just make a grill, without the 3
> feet, so it would "cover" the opening entirely?
>
> Just curious :)
>
>

VW of South Africa made a grill that covers the whole lower area from left
turn signal to right turn signal.

as for why the opening in the body dips below the body line in the
sheetmetal, my guess is to let more air in as possible.

as for why doesnt the grille extend lower,  on vans with fiberglass bumpers,
the fiberglass bumpers would almost touch the lower grille if it extended
lower.

i think VW was planning the fiberglass bumpers since the vanagon was
designed..  on '80 aircooled vanagons, they even have the holes under the front bumper
rebar for the screw bosses that attach the chin spoiler/airdam...

chris

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