Side bars & protection - worth doing?

[Cjw]

Hi, we have a 2017 week 6 build date on a Cali 204 DSG 4motion, Acapulco Blue. The question is....what are thoughts on getting VW chrome side bars fitted and also other 'protection' options (e.g. Bumper protection). At the moment my 'pro' list for side bars is 'makes the van look a bit more bling'

 

[Meoncoast]

+1 for the black VW ones

 

[nasa959B]

Hi , i have unconfirmed week 8. and have ordered the black side bars.

 

[Yorkie]

Hi, we have a 2017 week 6 build date on a Cali 204 DSG 4motion, Acapulco Blue. The question is....what are thoughts on getting VW chrome side bars fitted and also other 'protection' options (e.g. Bumper protection). At the moment my 'pro' list for side bars is 'makes the van look a bit more bling'

I have the side bars and everyone likes them including me.

 

[Borris]

They are pure bling and probably don't offer much protection should you clang into something. However we have them but only because I think the van looks better with them.

One down side to them is that with the filthy winter roads they make your trousers very dirty when getting in and out.
Definitely go for the bumper protection.

 

[Cjw]

They are pure bling and probably don't offer much protection should you clang into something. However we have them but only because I think the van looks better with them.
View attachment 18811
One down side to them is that with the filthy winter roads they make your trousers very dirty when getting in and out.
Definitely go for the bumper protection.

Looks nice. I also speced the Toulouca wheels, which I hope will add to the bling.

 

[Cjw]

And another quick one....do I get discount on this https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/product/premium-leather-look-seat-covers-vw-california-t6-ocean with VIP membership? Shopping basket doesn't show discount.

 

[WelshGas]

I must be the odd one out then. They look fine, keep the sides of the van cleaner in my opinion. Certainly don't make my trousers dirty in winter when I step into the van and I believe they do add some protection from super market dings as I haven't got any dents after 2 years as a daily driver, but then that is my opinion.
Be careful which ones you fit as some aftermarket side bars cover the side jacking points.
Just my opinion.

 

[Tronic]

I'm going for the black option on my Indium grey week 11 build. Can't wait.

 

[Cjw]

I must be the odd one out then. They look fine, keep the sides of the van cleaner in my opinion. Certainly don't make my trousers dirty in winter when I step into the van and I believe they do add some protection from super market dings as I haven't got any dents after 2 years as a daily driver, but then that is my opinion.
Be careful which ones you fit as some aftermarket side bars cover the side jacking points.
Just my opinion.View attachment 18812

Nice van! Did VW do the front bar as well?

 

[Amarillo]

i have unconfirmed week 8

That's a nail biter for the new VED regime!

I hope that shipping is expedited for those with Week 8/9 builds.

 

[Cjw]

That's a nail biter for the new VED regime!

I hope that shipping is expedited for those with Week 8/9 builds.

Excuse my ignorance. What's the VED timeline and what is the cost

 

[Borris]

I must be the odd one out then. They look fine, keep the sides of the van cleaner in my opinion. Certainly don't make my trousers dirty in winter when I step into the van and I believe they do add some protection from super market dings as I haven't got any dents after 2 years as a daily driver, but then that is my opinion.
Be careful which ones you fit as some aftermarket side bars cover the side jacking points.
Just my opinion.View attachment 18812

Hello WG,
I hope you're right about the protection they offer. They do seem a bit low down to stop either carelessly opened car doors or supermarket trolly damage. Still only time will tell.
They might stop some dirt reaching the vehicle sides although having just returned from a trip to the Oxford area, the van looks like I've just spent a week rallying in a sea of slurry.

 

[Amarillo]

Excuse my ignorance. What's the VED timeline and what is the cost

Date: First registered on or after 1 April 2017
Cost: £640 year 1, £450* PA Years 2-5, £140 PA Years 6+ (£940 Year 1 VED for 150PS 4 Motion and 204PS Oceans)
Details: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...11/ved-reform-briefing-for-motor-industry.pdf
A very low spec Beach may fall outside this new VED regime if list price, including options, is less than £40,000.

*edited from £500

 

[Cjw]

Date: First registered on or after 1 April 2017
Cost: £640 year 1, £500 PA Years 2-5, £140 PA Years 6+ (£940 Year 1 VED for 150PS 4 Motion and 204PS Oceans)
Details: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...11/ved-reform-briefing-for-motor-industry.pdf
A very low spec Beach may fall outside this new VED regime if list price, including options, is less than £40,000.

Jeez, need to jump on my dealer to get that sorted.

 

[blakeley]

I am quite lazy and don't wash the van very often during the winter and ours is a daily driver. What we have noticed though is if you leave mud stuck to the bars it tends to stain them if you don't clean it off. Ours are
genuine VW ones as well.

 

[Richardmk]

Jeez, need to jump on my dealer to get that sorted.

My T6 Beach is Acupulco Blue, and has the black side bars with matching black side protection strips. Told it looks go, and I certainly like it.


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[WelshGas]

Nice van! Did VW do the front bar as well?

No. Bought and fitted myself as it is similar style to the VW side bars.

 

[Fast Freddie]

can you remember the brand and do they do a T6 version?

 

[WelshGas]

can you remember the brand and do they do a T6 version?

http://www.tradevanaccessories.co.u...ar-straight-vw-t5-transporter-bull-bar-03-on/

Don't know if there is a separate one for T6.

 

[briwy]

http://www.tradevanaccessories.co.u...ar-straight-vw-t5-transporter-bull-bar-03-on/

Don't know if there is a separate one for T6.

Agree with WG. Had three sets from them now. All good.

 

[Yorkie]

I am quite lazy and don't wash the van very often during the winter and ours is a daily driver. What we have noticed though is if you leave mud stuck to the bars it tends to stain them if you don't clean it off. Ours are
genuine VW ones as well.

I hate washing things and mine are dirty now. Are you saying if I leave them they deteriorate as perhaps a quick wash just for them would be appropriate

 

[WelshGas]

I hate washing things and mine are dirty now. Are you saying if I leave them they deteriorate as perhaps a quick wash just for them would be appropriate

I've never had that problem, even after 2 years and over 40,000 miles.
Never heard of stainless steel staining that easily.

 

[Richard Teale]

I'm all for bling, but you've just ordered a vehicle that weighs nearly 3 metric tonnes - why would you want to make it any heavier!? Just saying ;-)


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[Fast Freddie]

http://www.tradevanaccessories.co.u...ar-straight-vw-t5-transporter-bull-bar-03-on/

Don't know if there is a separate one for T6.

Thanks for the link!