VW transporter vans

[andrew1707]

I have noticed that there are quite a few VW Transporter vans, mostly newer models (T4 & T5), that have had their bonnets painted matt black. Sometimes other panels too.

These vans are usually privately owned and generally slightly customised.

I have also seen some other makes of van and a few cars that have also had this paint-job.

Is this just a "custom" fashion thing or is there actually a good reason for this

As a T5 owner I am obviously concerned that I may be missing out!!

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[wolf63]

This is the best explatation that I could find -

http://mobile.pistonh...p?h=0&t=1188842&mid=0

S x

[andrew1707]

Sounds about right.

Thanks sis. Hope that didn't take you too long to find.

[Playbill]

The idea of matt black bonnets on cars came about during the early 1970's for cars competing on the Safari Rally in Kenya. It was an answer to the problem of the sun reflecting off the more horizontal bonnets of cars from that period when driving thousands of miles through desert landscapes.
Modern cars tend to feature more sloping bonnets so this does not pose such a problem.
What is more amusing then VW Transporters with matt bonnets are chav-mobiles trying to look sporty with GLOSS black bonnets -no matter what colour the rest of the car is. They must have only picked up on the 'black' bit!

[ChuckFickens]

The idea of black bonnets on cars might have started in the 70's, but the principle has been in use a lot longer than that, a lot of vintage aircraft had black noses for exactly the same reason.

http://4.bp.blogspot....0/WeeksP-51C9125x.jpg

[wolf63]

Buck the trend - get E to paint it pink

[wolf63]

I can see the op getting the kiddies out this weekend with their tin of paint. :-)

[andrew1707]

The little darlings make enough mess in the inside of the van. I'm not letting them touch the outside!!

[wolf63]

Morning!

[GRUMPY]

http://mobile.pistonh...p?h=0&t=1188842&mid=0