How much protection would it add if i put reingforcement bars in a VW bus infront of the pedals.?

Question

How much would reinforment bars help in a front end crash. Would coud i put up there to help cushon the crash. I just need to make it safe enough that my mom would let me get it. Help what is cheep that will make it safe. Under $3000

Answer 1

If you are so concerned about it, don't buy one. Leave it for someone that "gets it"

Answer 2

Few things to think about....First, reinforcing a bus front end to withstand a collision may just ugly up the bus so much that you lose all the "character" the bus has to begin with.  Second, If you still do it and get into a front end collision with a large enough vehicle, there is that much more steel to be cut away from your broken legs.  Third, the bus seating is so high that I personally would rather have my legs crushed than my whole torso which would happen in most all small to mid size cars in a big accident.  The bus is inherently safe due to your sitting higher than most drivers and can see trouble coming from further away and possibly avoid it.  I've owned a 1980 Vanagon for 16 years and it's been the most fun vehicle I've ever had.  I'd prefer an older bus but all things being equal, they are both air-cooled and that's all that matters.

Answer 3

Brad, I feel for ya bro...

You REALLY want a VW bus, but mom says "NO! They are unsafe! The front crumples like a dixie cup and it will kill you!". Listen to your mom. She is the only mom you will ever have, and you are the only "Brad" she will ever have. Wait till you are older, have some driving experience, and move out of the house. Or at least till you are 18, and are responsible for yourself, legally. Get your own insurance, buy an old VW bus, kiss your mom bye-bye and drive down the road. You gotta cut the apron strings someday. In the mean time, you can learn EVERYTHING there is to know about a VW bus, and collect parts that you might need, even buy an engine that needs to be rebuilt, and rebuild it yourself. Its easy to do with very few simple tools. That way when you are ready, have driving experience, know a lot more about the mechanics of the bus, you can buy one that will suit you perfectly, you can repair, and have enough driving experience to avoid a collision. I totally understand your wanting to get a bus, I have one now (a 1974 Westfalia) and I love it! I would reccomend buying a 1976 to 1979 Westfalia. Thats the one with the top that pops up, the front passenger seat swivels to face the cargo area, and has a fridge, stove, and sleeps 4 adults and one child! Good luck!

Check out the pics of my westy restoration on Flickr;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelkais...