K5 Rear Bumper Questions

[Senorx]

The PO removed the rear bumper and installed a roll pan. It makes me cringe everytime I walk by and look at it. I'm looking to go back to an original chrome bumper.



While inspecting underneath I notice the brackets for the OEM bumper are gone because of the roll pan. Also the rear frame doesn't have horns and just a straight edge. Did the 71 frame have horns? Does it appear my frame may have been cut? It does appear a bracket was in place at one time because of the discoloration/indention by the empty hole. The straight ends seem to be fairly straight and I don't see torch marks.



LMC catalog says only outer brackets are needed for the blazer and four outer/inner brackets for the truck frame. My frame ends don't look like the frame ends on the LMC catalog which pertain to the Blazer below.



Anybody shed some light on this? I really want to scrap the roll pan ASAP and go with the original chrome bumper, but confused about the brackets needed. Also possibly butchery of my frame from a PO.

[amashal]

LMC catalog is wrong. I just put a bumper on my '71 blazer. Bought inner and outer brackets for a truck and it bolted right up. I'm almost positive frame horns were on '72 only. My frame looks just like yours. I can post pics and find part numbers of my new brackets if you want. LMK.

[amashal]

Also, Classic Industries and many others are less expensive than LMC. You may just be using the catalog for pics like I do but shop around before using LMC. They were the most expensive for the brackets, bumper, and license plate mount I just bought.

[Senorx]

Originally Posted by amashal

LMC catalog is wrong. I just put a bumper on my '71 blazer. Bought inner and outer brackets for a truck and it bolted right up. I'm almost positive frame horns were on '72 only. My frame looks just like yours. I can post pics and find part numbers of my new brackets if you want. LMK.

That explains the horn issue. My K5 is a 1971.

That would be awesome! Pics and part numbers would save me a bunch of time! Much appreciated.

[amashal]

Here's a screen shot of my order from Classic Industries. I'll get pics of installed brackets when I get home from work. I had to loosen the rear body mounts to get the inner bracket in but everything lined up perfect once I got them in.

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by amashal

LMC catalog is wrong. I just put a bumper on my '71 blazer. Bought inner and outer brackets for a truck and it bolted right up. I'm almost positive frame horns were on '72 only. My frame looks just like yours. I can post pics and find part numbers of my new brackets if you want. LMK.

This is correct.^
My '71 has no rear frame horns. The end of the frame is straight and uses an inner and outer bracket on each side to mount the bumper.

[amashal]

Here's a few pics

[amashal]

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[amashal]

#3

[Senorx]

Originally Posted by amashal

Here's a few pics

Is that the "gravel guard" that the bracket is mounted too on top? Are they gravel guards needed to instal brackets and bumpers? Thanks again.

[amashal]

Yes it is the gravel guard bolted to the brackets but they are not needed for the install. It does give a cleaner look from above though. In my opinion.

[Senorx]

Awesome! This is a very big help. You all inspired me to go with white lettering on my tailgate letters too.