Sidebars from Ashton Engineering

[Mwillis]

The bars move, if you waggle them.

The cill I am referring to is the painted side of the van, these brackets fit behind under the plastic undertry into what looks like part of the chassis. The part they fix into is metal next to a ridge (which is obviously very rigid). But if you waggle the bracket it does flex just a small amount. But it's enough to chase the bracket to run on the painted cill.

I have a 2021 shuttle but it should be the same.

 

[Sackmycook]

Did you take out the black circular hole plug things and slip the bracket inside that bit of chassis ?
Mine is a T6, guessing you're on a 6.1 ?

 

[Mwillis]

Yes, correct. It's that piece of metal that is not totally rigid.

Yes 6.1

 

[Sackmycook]

Hmm, pretty sure mine was rock solid. The only difficulty I had as I mentioned before was getting the insert piece inside the sill/chassis. Do Ashtons say its suitable for the 6.1? I can't believe the design has been changed by VW on the part.

 

[Sackmycook]

Have you seen my pics on P.1 ?
Just confirm you have the same.

 

[FYPO]

Mine are in solid, no rattles, must have done a 1000 miles with them on now!
If you take the bars off do the brackets move at all?

 

[Cuiken]

Quite keen on these (company seems decent and the 3 year warranty goes way beyond anything anyone else is offering).

Only concern is that they are only fixed via 4 rather than 8 bolts. Previous poster mentioned they are wobbling.

Has anyone else had any issues with solidity of fit?

Ta.

 

[Sackmycook]

One of my front fixing points came loose after a few weeks, re-tightened it and it's been fine now for a couple of months. I put it down to user/fitter error.

 

[Cuiken]

One of my front fixing points came loose after a few weeks, re-tightened it and it's been fine now for a couple of months. I put it down to user/fitter error.

Seems fair.

Last question. I've not been able to find any close up pics of the bars (even on their site) so I'm not sure what the finish is like. Is it gloss/satin/matt?

Thanks.

 

[Sackmycook]

I'd say satin.....ish

 

[Cuiken]

I think we'll need to add some new classifications then.

1. Matt
2. Matt/Satin
3. Satin
4. Satin/Gloss
5. Gloss

Are they a 2 or a 4 would you say (on the newly invented Cuiken Scale)?

 

[Sackmycook]

I think we'll need to add some new classifications then.

1. Matt
2. Matt/Satin
3. Satin
4. Satin/Gloss
5. Gloss

Are they a 2 or a 4 would you say (on the newly invented Cuiken Scale)?

2.5

 

[Sackmycook]

I'll get a close up in the morning....

 

[Cuiken]

I'll get a close up in the morning....

Thanks, that'd be useful.

Also, kudos for immediately subverting my Cuiken Scale

I'm probably overthinking this but the wheels on the van are gloss black and I'd like to get a 'match' to that. From the company's pictures, it looks like the Aston bars are less glossy than, for example, those from Leighton Vans.

 

[Dave A]

Thanks, that'd be useful.

Also, kudos for immediately subverting my Cuiken Scale

I'm probably overthinking this but the wheels on the van are gloss black and I'd like to get a 'match' to that. From the company's pictures, it looks like the Aston bars are less glossy than, for example, those from Leighton Vans.

I've got the Aston bars. I wouldn't call them glossy. They have a sheen but probably won't match your wheels................or not until your wheels are mucky!

 

[WinFreak]

Could always put a gloss clear coat over them after purchase, that might work. Stops them rusting a bit too maybe

 

[Cuiken]

I guess another way to look at this is whether the finish is more or less 'glossy' than a standard powder coated bar from Leighton or whoever. I think any difference would come down to the fact that the Ashton bars are nylon coated (like playground equipment) rather than powder coated (like other manufacturers bars). If they are much the same then I reckon I'd go for the Ashton ones.

Man, I've used the word 'glossy' a lot more than I'd ever have expected today.

 

[Sackmycook]

Try this...

 

[Cuiken]

Thanks for the pic.

Not sure if it is the durable nylon coating or the easy fitment but I folded and bought a set this weekend. Looks like they might be less of a gloss finish than a powder coated bar but they'll be manky most of the time either way

I'll report back

Now, must start looking into front splitters........

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

Shame Ashton don’t do round bars