New to me step bumper with pics - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Fbks_Cruiser** · 12-21-2017, 02:15 AM

So my old V43 bumper was pretty beat up and really bugged me. I would love to get another one but decent ones are hard to come by around here and shipping would be rediculous. But, I did manage to find an okay step bumper off of a 1971 f*rd. Turns out those old f*rds had the same frame width as our trucks. Thought for $80 I would give it a shot. It was a little rough. The right end had been bent out of shape ( pushed in about an inch and the diamond plate on top was bent up.
I spent about 3 hours cutting the diamond plate loose then persuading the c-channel back to shape using a sledge hammer, 3 ft pipe wrench and then light hammer and dolly work. Finally straightened the diamond plate and welded it back on. Shot it with rattle can “stainless steel” paint.
I figured this was good practice to see if I might be able to rehab to original V43. I think I could cut off the diamond plate, and get some new bent up. Then straighten the c-channel and weld on new diamond plate.

Pics are old the V43 and the “new” f*rd bumpers. I like the original style with the 4 inch c-channel better.

Sure makes the tailgate look rough!

**special-K** · 12-21-2017, 07:53 AM

Those Ford ones are nice because those, like the GMs, weren't yet the 8" bumpers that became the standard in '73. Looks good. Step bumpers were as much aftermarket as factory in this era. They are a thing that started in the aftermarket and the factory picked up on.

saxart · 12-21-2017, 07:58 AM

Wow, that looks great! Nice work

Andy4639 · 12-21-2017, 08:39 AM

Nice job sir! That old bumper should be easy to fix now.

hewittca · 12-21-2017, 08:51 AM

Nice clean upgrade, even if it is from a Ford!

Barnfind46 · 12-21-2017, 11:02 AM

I like the new look. Looks like it belongs there.

**Stocker** · 12-21-2017, 11:21 AM

Very nice, it looks like it was made for your truck!

demian5 · 12-21-2017, 11:52 AM

That old bumper has stories and character.

**Fbks_Cruiser** · 12-21-2017, 08:03 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. I do like smaller channel on the original bumper. it leaves enough room for a boot when stepping up into the bed. I also think it looks better when viewed from the side.

If I ever get around to rehab the original I'll post a few pics.

12-21-2017, 02:15 AM	#1
Fbks_Cruiser Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 329	New to me step bumper with pics So my old V43 bumper was pretty beat up and really bugged me. I would love to get another one but decent ones are hard to come by around here and shipping would be rediculous. But, I did manage to find an okay step bumper off of a 1971 frd. Turns out those old frds had the same frame width as our trucks. Thought for $80 I would give it a shot. It was a little rough. The right end had been bent out of shape ( pushed in about an inch and the diamond plate on top was bent up. I spent about 3 hours cutting the diamond plate loose then persuading the c-channel back to shape using a sledge hammer, 3 ft pipe wrench and then light hammer and dolly work. Finally straightened the diamond plate and welded it back on. Shot it with rattle can “stainless steel” paint. I figured this was good practice to see if I might be able to rehab to original V43. I think I could cut off the diamond plate, and get some new bent up. Then straighten the c-channel and weld on new diamond plate. Pics are old the V43 and the “new” f*rd bumpers. I like the original style with the 4 inch c-channel better. Sure makes the tailgate look rough! Attached Images __________________ 1972 GMC K2500 Super Custom Matt

12-21-2017, 07:53 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Those Ford ones are nice because those, like the GMs, weren't yet the 8" bumpers that became the standard in '73. Looks good. Step bumpers were as much aftermarket as factory in this era. They are a thing that started in the aftermarket and the factory picked up on. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-21-2017, 07:58 AM	#3
saxart Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: St. Croix River Valley, WI Posts: 795	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Wow, that looks great! Nice work __________________ Meet "Old Roy": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707801

12-21-2017, 08:39 AM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Nice job sir! That old bumper should be easy to fix now. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-21-2017, 08:51 AM	#5
hewittca Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mocksville, NC Posts: 1,746	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Nice clean upgrade, even if it is from a Ford! __________________ Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 ; Sullii the 72 1500 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread

12-21-2017, 11:02 AM	#6
Barnfind46 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 485	Re: New to me step bumper with pics I like the new look. Looks like it belongs there. __________________ 68' with no bells or whistles unless I add'em.

12-21-2017, 11:21 AM	#7
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,562	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Very nice, it looks like it was made for your truck! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

12-21-2017, 11:52 AM	#8
demian5 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,177	Re: New to me step bumper with pics That old bumper has stories and character. __________________ "Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC

12-21-2017, 08:03 PM	#9
Fbks_Cruiser Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 329	Re: New to me step bumper with pics Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. I do like smaller channel on the original bumper. it leaves enough room for a boot when stepping up into the bed. I also think it looks better when viewed from the side. If I ever get around to rehab the original I'll post a few pics. __________________ 1972 GMC K2500 Super Custom Matt



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