Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

I've seen a large amount of rear bumpers that appear to have a slight bow to them - even on the very best builds. Is this is sign these are aftermarket?

As depicted, the top image has less gap in the center (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate) and more gap near the tail lights (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate).

The bottom image is certified OEM and is spot-on straight without the visual bow.

Thoughts?

Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

Just curious, but did you actually hold a long straight edge up tot he bumpers? My aftermarket bumper looks bowed, but it is an optical illusion. Holding a straight edge shows it actually has a very slight bow the opposite way.

Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

That latest aftermarket rear sport bumper I bought does not look bowed like many I have seen. I was thinking they finally revised the tooling to fix it? I think it was Key Parts brand.

I'll see if I can get pictures later.

Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

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Another thread discussing this...I was convinced and still was up till now that this was simply an optical illusion but apparently no...

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=735796

-Kevin

Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

thanks for the replies. I was skeptical about bringing this up, as I've brought up the failed attempts of numerous high-end builds where the upper body side moulding is installed incorrectly, where it gives the appearance of being bowed up toward the back, when it should be the exact opposite Several people claim to not see it. LOL

Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or?
 

Just a tip.
When you bolt the bumper on I use a heavy duty washer that goes over the bumper bolt on the inside of bumper that goes to the bumper bracket to prevent the bumper bolt pulling in the bumper hole? as you tighten the bolt.
Hope that makes sense.