OK, again with my opinions. Good move on the bed cuts, that should turn out fine. For the rear bumber....nope don't care for it either way. How about a round tube bumper resting between the lower rear corners of the bed? It could still stick out a bit , say 2 inches on a 4 inch tube and you could build a receiver in it or below it. With it sticking out a little it would still offer some protection and if you use schedule 40 pipe it would be much stronger then that factory one. And if you really want to play, turn it into an air tank. That's what I did on my '46 and it operates my air horns or can fill a tire if needed. Not saying it's the best way to go but but it's always good to think outside the box.
Rob
