Rear Step Bumper Dilemma - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dean · 02-12-2004, 01:56 PM

I need some opinions on my latest 71 K20 Cheyenne restoration.

It has the orginal perfect shape aluminum painted step bumper on it which I wanted to chrome and reuse. I've been to all three chrome shops around here and they all agree that the bumper can not be chromed due to the design. I would not get coverage all over it.

So do I paint it aluminum like it was or buy a new chrome aftermarket? I know the aluminum paint was original but I figure most peope are going to think that looks pretty generic on my truck.

Anyone have aftermarket rear bumper recommendations? Pics? Maybe I can even use the non-step bumper with my hitch?

Thanks,

Primered_69 · 02-12-2004, 02:59 PM

How about powdercoating it? I have seen some that have an almost chrome to shiny aluminum look. Could be done for about 100 - 200.

Dean · 02-12-2004, 03:09 PM

Hmmm...that is a good idea.

67chevemall · 02-12-2004, 03:14 PM

Steel Roll Pan!

griesel72 · 02-12-2004, 03:18 PM

I vote for primered69's idea, powercoating would be your best bet

MrGoodpliers · 02-12-2004, 03:23 PM

Is this for the beautiful green and white 4x4? My vote is definately for the original bumper painted or powdercoated.

Dean · 02-12-2004, 03:41 PM

Yes, this is for the green/white truck.

**CPNE** · 02-12-2004, 03:49 PM

IMO the aftermarket step and tow chrome ones look crappy. I've got 3 burbs (1 4x4, 2 2wd), all with class 3 hitches and the "sport" bumper with no clearance issues so I vote for that combo.

Perchjerker · 02-12-2004, 04:02 PM

With a truck that nice I wouldn't put no cheap looking aftermarket bymper on it. I vote to keep it original and paint or powdercoat it!

kxmotox247 · 02-12-2004, 04:09 PM

WoW! Your truck is beautiful! Dang that looks nice.

Powdercoating is a great option. Also, Ceramic coating might be possible. It's not as shiny as chrome, but it looks like polished aluminum. Not sure about the durability.

MMGOODIE · 02-12-2004, 05:03 PM

We use powdercoating on some of our stuff here at work and they brought in some color swatches and some of their silvers were very brilliant almost like chrome. Go with the powder coating...IMHO

Dean · 02-12-2004, 05:41 PM

Sounds like I need to check into powdercoating options. I'd really like to keep this thing since it is in perfect shape.

cheyenne10 · 02-12-2004, 05:43 PM

Now mine.

Powdercoating would be great way to go.

Aren't all step bumpers aftermarket (dealer or later installed)

I have had and seen some pretty nice chrome step bumpers available that IMHO would look great.

Whether you use step or sport bumper a class 3 hitch is nice addition. Step bumpers on pickups are real useable to step into bed without dropping tailgate. On 3/4 4x4 like yours the tailgate height is pretty tall for 1 step-up.

Hopefully I'm attaching a picture of one I had that fit well. (picture shows it dirty)

**CPNE** · 02-12-2004, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cheyenne10
...Aren't all step bumpers aftermarket (dealer or later installed)...

There was a factory installed step an tow. Attached is a pic of the factory version. Many step and tows were dealer installs. Many dealers installed bumpers with the dealership name permenantly attached.

Dean · 02-12-2004, 06:03 PM

Mine is a step like that and is listed on the glovebox.

cheyenne10 · 02-12-2004, 06:09 PM

I never really paid much attention to glove box sticker as far as bumpers go (too busy looking for rare options!!). If yours is listed and is straight sounds like you need to talk with a powdercoater!!

CPNE would say "stock and like a rock"!!

**PICKMUP** · 02-13-2004, 12:00 AM

Here is a drop center...it's another option. Note the piece in the hitch plug...it's a third brake light & it flips down for a step.

Hey, look at the front of that nice green 4X4---it's a "Hooker".

Castiron9 · 02-13-2004, 01:18 AM

He'll a can of black rattle can paint does wonders...

Nice truck...My LONGHORN.... will be that color one of these days............

**smitty62** · 02-13-2004, 01:25 AM

If you decide on silver powder coat, please post a pic!

**fine69** · 02-13-2004, 04:24 AM

Hey Dean. If you are looking for a sweet factory stepbumper i have one. It came off a leafspring truck. Which was from California. It is currently installed on my 68. Very Chromable. Very heavy duty. PM me or call me 937-653-3891 I can email pics of it.

Dean · 02-13-2004, 08:50 AM

I have a factory step bumper. They can not however be chromed due to the design of the bumper. At least that is what the three different chrome shops told me. I'm looking into the powder coating now.

Lippyp · 02-13-2004, 12:01 PM

Hey Pickmup, whats the doodad sticking up on the back corner of your flatbed? I've seen pictures of your very nice truck before and could never work out what that was.

jhow66 · 02-13-2004, 01:25 PM

Here is one on my son's Blazer:

**smitty62** · 02-13-2004, 01:45 PM

Lippyp--suspect that's a swivel mount for a hydraulic lift or crane.

MMGOODIE · 02-13-2004, 02:58 PM

why wouldn't you see those tow hooks Frank.

02-12-2004, 01:56 PM	#1
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Rear Step Bumper Dilemma I need some opinions on my latest 71 K20 Cheyenne restoration. It has the orginal perfect shape aluminum painted step bumper on it which I wanted to chrome and reuse. I've been to all three chrome shops around here and they all agree that the bumper can not be chromed due to the design. I would not get coverage all over it. So do I paint it aluminum like it was or buy a new chrome aftermarket? I know the aluminum paint was original but I figure most peope are going to think that looks pretty generic on my truck. Anyone have aftermarket rear bumper recommendations? Pics? Maybe I can even use the non-step bumper with my hitch? Thanks,

02-12-2004, 02:59 PM	#2
Primered_69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,409	How about powdercoating it? I have seen some that have an almost chrome to shiny aluminum look. Could be done for about 100 - 200. __________________ 1969 Chevy LWB - with shaved handles; 3 1/2 front/ 5 1/2 rear drop; (waiting to be put back together)

02-12-2004, 03:14 PM	#4
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Steel Roll Pan! __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

02-12-2004, 03:18 PM	#5
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	I vote for primered69's idea, powercoating would be your best bet __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

02-12-2004, 03:23 PM	#6
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Is this for the beautiful green and white 4x4? My vote is definately for the original bumper painted or powdercoated. __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

02-12-2004, 03:09 PM	#3
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Hmmm...that is a good idea.

02-12-2004, 03:41 PM	#7
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Yes, this is for the green/white truck. Attached Images

02-12-2004, 03:49 PM	#8
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	IMO the aftermarket step and tow chrome ones look crappy. I've got 3 burbs (1 4x4, 2 2wd), all with class 3 hitches and the "sport" bumper with no clearance issues so I vote for that combo. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

02-12-2004, 04:02 PM	#9
Perchjerker Beer Power!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nacogdoches, TX Posts: 280	With a truck that nice I wouldn't put no cheap looking aftermarket bymper on it. I vote to keep it original and paint or powdercoat it! __________________ Rather be fishin'

02-12-2004, 04:09 PM	#10
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,397	WoW! Your truck is beautiful! Dang that looks nice. Powdercoating is a great option. Also, Ceramic coating might be possible. It's not as shiny as chrome, but it looks like polished aluminum. Not sure about the durability. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

02-12-2004, 05:03 PM	#11
MMGOODIE I love doing it topless Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: MossyRock, WA Posts: 493	We use powdercoating on some of our stuff here at work and they brought in some color swatches and some of their silvers were very brilliant almost like chrome. Go with the powder coating...IMHO __________________ Mikey "If you can read this, thank a teacher; If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier."

02-12-2004, 05:41 PM	#12
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Sounds like I need to check into powdercoating options. I'd really like to keep this thing since it is in perfect shape.

02-12-2004, 05:43 PM	#13
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	lots of opinions Now mine. Powdercoating would be great way to go. Aren't all step bumpers aftermarket (dealer or later installed) I have had and seen some pretty nice chrome step bumpers available that IMHO would look great. Whether you use step or sport bumper a class 3 hitch is nice addition. Step bumpers on pickups are real useable to step into bed without dropping tailgate. On 3/4 4x4 like yours the tailgate height is pretty tall for 1 step-up. Hopefully I'm attaching a picture of one I had that fit well. (picture shows it dirty) Attached Images __________________ Bob

02-12-2004, 06:03 PM	#15
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Mine is a step like that and is listed on the glovebox.

02-12-2004, 06:09 PM	#16
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	I learned something I never really paid much attention to glove box sticker as far as bumpers go (too busy looking for rare options!!). If yours is listed and is straight sounds like you need to talk with a powdercoater!! CPNE would say "stock and like a rock"!! __________________ Bob



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02-13-2004, 12:00 AM	#17
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,143	Drop Center Here is a drop center...it's another option. Note the piece in the hitch plug...it's a third brake light & it flips down for a step. Hey, look at the front of that nice green 4X4---it's a "Hooker". Attached Images __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170 Last edited by PICKMUP; 02-13-2004 at 12:12 AM.

02-13-2004, 01:18 AM	#18
Castiron9 72 LONGHORN OWNER Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle Wash. Posts: 963	Bumper He'll a can of black rattle can paint does wonders... Nice truck...My LONGHORN.... will be that color one of these days............ Attached Images __________________ 72-SUPER CHEYENNE/20 LONGHORN 70-C/30 DUALLY

02-13-2004, 01:25 AM	#19
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	If you decide on silver powder coat, please post a pic! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-13-2004, 04:24 AM	#20
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Hey Dean. If you are looking for a sweet factory stepbumper i have one. It came off a leafspring truck. Which was from California. It is currently installed on my 68. Very Chromable. Very heavy duty. PM me or call me 937-653-3891 I can email pics of it.

02-13-2004, 08:50 AM	#21
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I have a factory step bumper. They can not however be chromed due to the design of the bumper. At least that is what the three different chrome shops told me. I'm looking into the powder coating now.

02-13-2004, 12:01 PM	#22
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Hey Pickmup, whats the doodad sticking up on the back corner of your flatbed? I've seen pictures of your very nice truck before and could never work out what that was. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

02-13-2004, 01:25 PM	#23
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	bumper Here is one on my son's Blazer: Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

02-13-2004, 01:45 PM	#24
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Lippyp--suspect that's a swivel mount for a hydraulic lift or crane. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-13-2004, 02:58 PM	#25
MMGOODIE I love doing it topless Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: MossyRock, WA Posts: 493	why wouldn't you see those tow hooks Frank. __________________ Mikey "If you can read this, thank a teacher; If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier."

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