Ideas for my back bumper?

[Mister-B]

I'm wanting to use this truck as a truck, so I'm thinking that either I will get a new bumper of this or a similar style, or I will attempt to clean this one up.

What are my options to clean this one up? Would it look good to paint it black, or was that not an option that these trucks came with? Any other options, such as chrome colored paint, etc.?

Also, what's with the license plate mount? Half the plate is up inside the tailgate, and it makes it hard for an officer to see that I actually have a current registration. Did this plate get mounted wrong?



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[vectorit]

I would have it sand blasted, and have it powder coated.
Colors are totally up to you, but I would default to silver or semi gloss black.
The plate is in the normal position for those old bumpers, and it even has the license plate light. So I think you are good with position, and getting it illuminated.

Typically when a LEO pulls you over for "obscured tags", he is more interested in something else about you or the rig. That's been my experience anyway..

[Katrina/10]

The license plate is supposed to be mounted in the recessed area behind the hitch balls. Those are very strong and functional bumpers just the way they are. Wire brush it and paint it with silver rustoleum.

[Mister-B]

Thanks guys. So, if the plate is supposed to go in that area behind the hitch balls, why aren't there any mounting holes there?
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[SS Tim]

Those are great bumpers and the rear weight does not hurt any either. The plate position is correct as would be to the far left for the era. Later bumpers that were a deeper section (higher step) went with the more common plate in the hitch well. Clean it up and a coat of white or as most were silver paint and enjoy it.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Those are great bumpers and the rear weight does not hurt any either. The plate position is correct as would be to the far left for the era. Later bumpers that were a deeper section (higher step) went with the more common plate in the hitch well. Clean it up and a coat of white or as most were silver paint and enjoy it.

Thanks. So, is the plate position where I have it mounted correct (hiding the upper third or so), or should I mount it down in the recess in front of the hitch balls?
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[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Those are great bumpers and the rear weight does not hurt any either. The plate position is correct as would be to the far left for the era. Later bumpers that were a deeper section (higher step) went with the more common plate in the hitch well. Clean it up and a coat of white or as most were silver paint and enjoy it.

I re-read what you said, and it sounds like you're saying it in deed is correct how I have it mounted?

Thanks
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[cdowns]

have the bedliner guy spray that too

[Tinkermc]

As a retired LEO there is nothing wrong with were you have your plate if it is lited. Behind the hitch will obsure a lot of it and sooner or later your trailer will beat up the tag

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

As a retired LEO there is nothing wrong with were you have your plate if it is lited. Behind the hitch will obsure a lot of it and sooner or later your trailer will beat up the tag

Thank you, Sir. Good to know
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[SS Tim]

There were many styles offered. This style is commonly seen with a center or left mounted plate and light. Sometimes people will remount the plate into the hitch well. The the plate usually gets bent over or will catch a foot between it and the tailgate.
I'd keep it in the middle as usually it is not a problem. Many plates are mounted on the left side (as manufactured) and I feel that may have been an effort to keep them in clear view when curb parked. Enjoy the incentive picture.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

There were many styles offered. This style is commonly seen with a center or left mounted plate and light. Sometimes people will remount the plate into the hitch well. The the plate usually gets bent over or will catch a foot between it and the tailgate.
I'd keep it in the middle as usually it is not a problem. Many plates are mounted on the left side (as manufactured) and I feel that may have been an effort to keep them in clear view when curb parked. Enjoy the incentive picture.

Awesome. Thanks. Yeah, that blue one on the bottom looks familiar lol. I definitely think I'll go with a silver type paint like they did.
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[VA72C10]

I usually see them silver from the factory, but with the white hood and letters, I think white would look better...but I also put a white front bumper on mine to match the rear bumper...

[67chevemall]

I would keep that bumper..it is a good one.... paint it and the bottom 6 inches of your truck all the way around at the same time....

[Katrina/10]

Well, if there are no holes behind the balls, I guess there was never a tag there. You could drill some if you like it there, remove the balls and put a receiver hitch on it.