88 bumper on 73-87's

[87oldie]

Has anybody seen the 88-98 bumpers put on a 73-87 trucks? Ive been lookin around for some bumper ideas because I just dont like the front bumpers that came with them, and in my opinion the 88-98 bumpers look alot cleaner.

[87oldie]

anybody?

[3r!c84]

i bet it has been done but. the lines wouldnt realy match up. and i think 88+ truck bumpers are not as wide. it might not even work

[87oldie]

I would think they would fit considering the 88 grilles can be put on our body styles (which i have). the only problem i would see is the angle the new bumpers are at while ours our flat. I mean im lookin ideas for a different front bumper and a front roll pan just dont look right either in my opinion.

[Dalaigh]

There have been a few people that have done it, but it takes some work. The 88-99 gmt400 based trucks have a pointed front end, unlike our 73-87 based trucks that have a almost flat front end.

87oldie, The 88-91 R/V trucks have the similar front end, but the 88-98 gmt400 or C/K trucks are different.

The 88-98 bumper needs to be cut and straightened, and molded to flow with the fenders in order to look right On our trucks.

[qu1cks1lver56]

here's my rear bumper off a newer truck. I love it.


exhaust is turned down under the truck now

edit: reading>me
you're talking about front bumpers.

[87oldie]

thanks for the info dalaigh!
does anybody happen to have pics? not sure if it would be worth it

[primrrd]

ive been studyin my 81's front bumper.
in the 90's i narrowed my 79 el camino's bumper a couple of inches on both ends an did away with the plastic fillers, molding the fender close to the bumpers profile and drilling the bumper absorbers to suck the bumper closer to the front end.
I was thinking of doing something similar to the square.
- stock bumper narrowed enough on both sides to get about 1/4 inch gap between the bumper and fender
- shave the carriage bolts to smooth the bumper and
- trim the front frame horns to allow the bumper to fit about an inch closer in the front.
i think it would slick it up, keeping the stock, but modifying the fit much closer to the body.
I need to get busy!

[87oldie]

Originally Posted by primrrd

ive been studyin my 81's front bumper.
in the 90's i narrowed my 79 el camino's bumper a couple of inches on both ends an did away with the plastic fillers, molding the fender close to the bumpers profile and drilling the bumper absorbers to suck the bumper closer to the front end.
I was thinking of doing something similar to the square.
- stock bumper narrowed enough on both sides to get about 1/4 inch gap between the bumper and fender
- shave the carriage bolts to smooth the bumper and
- trim the front frame horns to allow the bumper to fit about an inch closer in the front.
i think it would slick it up, keeping the stock, but modifying the fit much closer to the body.
I need to get busy!

yea i think ima do the same and jus rechrome it, im sure it will look alot cleaner!