VW Bike Rack - end caps...

rcsb · Aug 9, 2017

I've been looking for one of these for a while, so there is a market. I'm keen to hear if anyone finds a source or a solution.

Thanks

Rick

Padraic · Aug 15, 2017

No luck from that particular seller in Germany. He sold it locally, which for him is probably the easiest option.
It might be worth having these made or printed.
Does anyone know if they can be got as spares from VW?? I also need a few of the knobs for the arms and a key in case I ever need to remove mine.

mrcheesbrough · Aug 15, 2017

Padraic said:
Nobluck from that particular seller in Germany. He sold it locally, which for him is probably the easiest option.
It might be worth having these made or printed.
Does anyone know if they can be got as spares from VW?? I also need a few of the knobs for the arms and a key in case I ever need to remove mine.

Best place to answer that question will be your local VW parts department. A few years ago I managed to get a pair of the mounting plates that hook over the top of the tailgate. It took 2 months for them to arrive on back order. Chances are you won't find any other spares. Knobs can be replaced by hunting around online for equivalent styles - Google Image search is your friend. I don't think you'll find any locking ones though.

Padraic · Sep 17, 2017

Okay, I've a guy who is willing to try printing these end caps in ABS plastic, any advice or tips for printing them?

WelshGas · Sep 17, 2017

Padraic said:
Okay, I've a guy who is willing to try printing these end caps in ABS plastic, any advice or tips for printing them?

Ideally a flexible rather than a hard plastic and just do 1 for a test fit. Warm it up before fitting, boiling water, to ensure a tight fit.

Padraic · Sep 17, 2017

WelshGas said:
Ideally a flexible rather than a hard plastic and just do 1 for a test fit. Warm it up before fitting, boiling water, to ensure a tight fit.

Is ABS too hard? Any alternative that would work?

WelshGas · Sep 17, 2017

Padraic said:
Is ABS too hard? Any alternative that would work?

Sorry, no idea. But similar end caps on other things tend to be slightly flexible rather than very hard. If very hard would have to be perfectly sized, internally to fit .

bxl_lad · Sep 18, 2017

If he manages to pull this off, I'm sure there'd be a market (although niche) for this - and maybe more so if offered in colours similar to the van... Be interesting to see the results, keep us posted :thumb