B-Series factory rear bumper - like front bumper?

[Jim Gaspard]

I'm starting to think about how I'm going to rear bumper my B3B restoration truck. I know most of our trucks had locally-made heavy-duty custom rear bumpers installed at the dealership and buyers seldom bought the optional factory rear bumper. I have an extra front bumper for my B3B and may want to use it on the rear to give my truck an original look. Is the factory rear bumper similar to the factory front bumper, and possibly interchangeble? It's hard to tell from the few trucks we see in the gallery, and I can't find anything in the archives. Can someone explain the differences, if any?

[Merle Coggins]

Although I've never seen one in person, it appears that the rear bumper doesn't have as much curve in it and the ends don't hook in as much. I've been contemplating the same thing. The front bumper on my parts truck isn't perfect, but I think I can straighten it up and trim it down to make a respectable rear bumper out of it.

Can anyone (Reg) post some comparative pictures?

Merle

[Young Ed]

The rear bumper is the same as 39-40 front bumpers. You might be able to make a decent copy out of a b series front. However I've seen a pretty decent impersonation made out of a repro bumper I think from a Ford. I can dig up the info if you guys want it.

[HanksB3B]

I would be more than happy to return some help by measuring and doing some "bumper only" pictures and providing measurements. I'm not sure if it is true, but someone at a carshow told me that back in the day Roberts used to sell an aftermarket bumper bracket and that because (to him) my bumper sticks out further than his did, of course mine were the ones that were aftermarket. I took this with a grain of salt. Because he also said my fenders were "chopped" until Reg found out "cropped fenders" did actually come out of the factory. Here is the best I can do for now. Let me know what additional info/measurements you'd like.

Thanks,

Hank

Edited April 9, 2010 by HanksB3B

[Merle Coggins]

Thanks Hank, those do help some. I often wondered how far the bumper dropped below the frame level. Your pics show that quite well.

I see that the Navy not only got low side beds, but they didn't get a full spare tire either... only a rim.

[Jim Gaspard]

Great help. It looks like the two steel flanges from the frame hit the bumper in-between the pair of bumper bolt holes, left and right. Does the flange "Y" at the back side of bumper and bolt in two places? Your photos show four carriage bolt heads. A back of bumper shot would help when can. Thanks

[Reg Evans]

Yes Jim. They do Y right about in the middle.

Please excuse the dirt and rust.......it's a Job Rated work truck still doing it's job

[grey beard]

Here's what a '54 model bumper looks like adapted to a Pilothouse. It was on the truck when I got it and I just never took it off. LOL

[41/53dodges]

now, does anybody know where to get the brackets?

[HanksB3B]

from an unreliable source that Roberts "used to" sell them. Check with Gary. Other than that, if no one else has them off the truck, I would be willing to trace and draw them up. They should not be difficult for any blacksmith to fabricate.

Hank

[Reg Evans]

Hey !!!! I watched this auction end a couple of weeks ago without a buyer. I contacted the seller and he was going to sell me the bumper and brackets. He even called me on the phone. People ?!?!

[Jerry Roberts]

Hey !!!! I watched this auction end a couple of weeks ago without a buyer. I contacted the seller and he was going to sell me the bumper and brackets. He even called me on the phone. People ?!?!

Reg , On the last sentence of the listing he says " the bumper is not included in the auction " so I guess he hasn't forgotten you after all .

[Reg Evans]

Jerry,

Yes, After I posted here I emailed the seller and he added that last sentence. Says he's going to contact me Mon. or Tues. about shipping.

Thanks,

Reg

[HanksB3B]

Way to go Reg!

Hank

[Kansas52B3B]

Jim,

I have the bed off the B3B right now and can take some photos with a yard stick to show measurements if you're still looking for some help on the rear bumper.

[Merle Coggins]

That would would be great if you could get some measurements and photos. Measure length, width, arch height and any other measurements you can come up with.

Merle

[Jim Gaspard]

Yes. Merle and I are thinking alike. Thanks

[HanksB3B]

Merle and Jim I will do just that. If you pm me with your address. I can mail each of you a pencil/etch paper pattern. It's probably easier and more accurate.

Hank