rusty stainless side bars ???

Anyone else bought stainless steel side bars that rust ?? I bought a set of supposed stainless steel bars 4years ago now there rotten to the point of nearly falling off! I'm after black stainless side bars that are actually stainless steel does anyone know where I can source some ?? :*

www.vwt4forum.co.uk

 

Stuart, I've read your other post about the bars you've since got from VF Autozone, do you have a pic of them fitted as on their pics there looks to be a big gap between the bars and the sill, thanks.

 

Hi, had these 60mm Vanstyle bars fitted since 2014 and still look new

Vanstyle Sportline Style 60mm Stainless Steel Sidebars T5 T6 - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

 

Thanks for reply, I've bought a fair bit from Vanstyle in the past but as I'm wanting black bars I don't want them falling to bits in a year or two if they are made from mild steel - obviously where they sit on the van they are subject to all the delights british roads can throw at them!

 

Unfortunately even the genuine VW black bars fall apart (which are stainless 304 grade). Unfortunately as they make them with open ends road muck and salt get in and start the corrosion off. 316 grade would give better protection but would be harder and more expensive to make. Mine fell apart last year but i've replaced like for like but sealed the ends up with sealant this time to see if it delays the process.

 

Thanks that's another consideration.
I'm going for oem style which although curve inwards are basically open ended.

 

aprox 20mm gap (enough for my index finger to hit a knuckle) had them on must be 3 years now and no rust at all still enough room front snd rear for the standard vw spare wheel jack as well
Any other pictures needed just shout

 

Cheers mate, gap doesn't look that big on your van as it does on their pics.

 

Yep not sure why
There's no adjustment for height in the brackets ( although you could make some if you wanted) potentially just part of the bracket has been screwed to the plastic under tray for a photo because they have several different types of bar to photograph or its photo shopped for same reason

 

That was the only thing putting me off them but I've bit the bullet now

 

🤞 hopefully you like them
It's always risky recommending stuff 😬

 

If they're no good I'll hunt you down over Hayle or Godrevy...... lol

 

The first time I've had reason to be grateful for the tier system and social distancing

 

We had ours from vanstyle stainless steel. Only had them on a couple of months but no sign of corrosion. And we have had loads of salty roads recently. Bit of a bugger to fit . If you're unlucky enough to fit them yourself keep the box as you can rest them on top and offer it up to the van. If standard height 👍
Advise front mudguards to that helps to stop the chips