Anyone running a painted front bumper?

[K30_dump]

Hello all,

In my continuing quest to build my ultimate K30, I am considering using a white front bumper instead of the chrome (for the tough truck-versus-bling look). I know, I know, the front bumper alone doesn't make the ultimate K30 . So how does this sound: 454, TH475, NP205; Dana 60 and 14 bolt dually w/3.73 gears and rear locker, and 19.5" wheels with 245/70R19.5's. Add in heavy springs (11 mains and 5 overloads per side) and a dump box (don't forget the plow) and I think she'll do the job. My apologies, didn't mean to turn this into a build post . Anyway, my Father swapped the front bumper on his '68 to a painted version and it changed the looks dramatically. Some trucks look tougher with the plain bumper, some look terrible. I haven't seen too many 73-80 trucks in this area (especially K series) with a white bumper, so if anyone has any pics, please post them up.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[bigblock73]

I like the painted bumpers on work trucks or "plain jane" models...just goes with the theme better. I also like the same trucks with steel wheels and hub caps.

[K30_dump]

Jeff,

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like you know exactly what I'm talking about. No frills, just a real tough work truck. That's why I plan to run the 19.5's without the fancy stainless simulators or center caps. Just white wheels with black lug rings. Anyway, glad to see I'm not the only one who likes these plain work trucks.

Joe

[bigblock73]

Yeah, I have been looking for a clean C20 for a while, just don't see too many up here in MN.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

I like the painted bumpers on work trucks or "plain jane" models...just goes with the theme better. I also like the same trucks with steel wheels and hub caps.

Ditto. Looks good on base model trucks with no side trim. Painted mirrors also match nicely.

[abebummy26]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Yeah, I have been looking for a clean C20 for a while, just don't see too many up here in MN.

How clean are you looking for?

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

How clean are you looking for?

Rust (or damn near) free and in good running condition. I want an old farm truck without getting one that has worked on the farm all it's life, if you know what I mean.

[abebummy26]

Yeah my bro had one that would fit the bill but it quit running 78 GMC 3/4. He lives in Waterloo, IA. I guess that would be to far anyways.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by abebummy26

Yeah my bro had one that would fit the bill but it quit running 78 GMC 3/4. He lives in Waterloo, IA. I guess that would be to far anyways.

Have a pic of it?

[abebummy26]

Nope

[abebummy26]

I could probably get one in a week or two if you want.

[abebummy26]

Its not as clean as I thought sorry but considering the age it is.

[randyjohn]

here's mine. kinda just came with the truck. i think this summer when i paint the truck flat black i'll paint the bumper to match the wheels' color (red, green?)

[tvblazer78]

Here is a panited bumper, sorry that it's not white..

[old Rusty C10]

i had painted on some of the trucks over the years. I prefer the chrome tho tough look or not something about a truck with lots of chrome on it looks better in my opinion
I do love the front bumper on TVBlazer's truck I would put something like that on my truck once it comes back from paint ( chromed of course) care to share where you got that thing?

[benoit454]

I think it's one that LMC sells

[piecesparts]

Painted front bumpers are great in their looks, but if you drive any distance at all, you will suffer the nasty rock pit hell that comes with the painted finish. I have a smoothed/painted/frenched front bumper on my 84 show truck. I have had it painted 5 times in the time that I have had it on the truck. I finally put a vinyl cover on the bumper for trips to keep it clean. If you follow or even meet anyone on the road, their road grit beats that bumper to death. It does not matter what type of paint you use, as far as my experience is.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Painted front bumpers are great in their looks, but if you drive any distance at all, you will suffer the nasty rock pit hell that comes with the painted finish. I have a smoothed/painted/frenched front bumper on my 84 show truck. I have had it painted 5 times in the time that I have had it on the truck. I finally put a vinyl cover on the bumper for trips to keep it clean. If you follow or even meet anyone on the road, their road grit beats that bumper to death. It does not matter what type of paint you use, as far as my experience is.

Powdercoating should last longer than any type of painted finish.

[piecesparts]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Powdercoating should last longer than any type of painted finish.

Even powder coating has limitations. It will last longer than paint. I have some friends with powder coated bumpers. They are seeing some pits, but not as bad as the paint.

[tvblazer78]

I made this bumper about 6 years ago. I smooth the bolts that holds the bumper on and used 3" pipe for the lights. Then LMC came out with them two years ago. I just had mine painted again in the last spring. If you take care of it, I should work out for you..

Thanks,
Trav

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

i had painted on some of the trucks over the years. I prefer the chrome tho tough look or not something about a truck with lots of chrome on it looks better in my opinion
I do love the front bumper on TVBlazer's truck I would put something like that on my truck once it comes back from paint ( chromed of course) care to share where you got that thing?