FWIW, i have removed the lower and upper grille blocks and the rear boxed section. i logged 64 2 tanks ago and 59 the last, with the mods removed. not sure how that worked.
i have been thinking about changing the front bumper, sort of like this. (my crude paint rendition)

using expanding foam and fiberglass.
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FOR SALE: 02 TDI Jetta- 5 sp: Cooper CS5 at 50 psi, UltraGauge, ventectomy, rear air shocks, mufflerectomy, LED plate light, upper fiberglass grille block, front lower pan, front fairing.
93 Chevy CrewCab 6.5 TurboDiesel, GearVendor OverDrive, 4L80 w/ TCI controls. Now DailyDriver