Difference between oem and aftermarket bumper guards?

[nitrosport_5]

I bought these bumper guards and was told they were original. Is there any way to tell? They have the non ribbed front rubber guard. Abything else to look for? How arethese mounted. I only have these guards.. no extra brackets or anything

[burb71]

They look like the real deal to me!
All of the GM originals that I have ever seen have the smooth rubber pad.

[yuccales]

Yep, they do look real. Nice shape also.

[nitrosport_5]

Yes, a little fine steel wool and they should come out to like new. Tiny bit of pitting. Was told they were taken off when the truck was fairly new. I didnt pay much for them so i figured either guy didnt know what he had or was giving me a line of BS haha.

[notsolo]

Did they come with the 4 rubber channels that are used to cushion them from the bumper? Nice score they look great.

[68panelman]

I would think they'll have part numbers somewhere?

[special-K]

There are no OEM. They weren't an option, so no PN. These are GM accessories that were sold elsewhere as well, just like Ventshades. You have the real deal. The GM ones never came with rubber strips, but they did come with a clamp that grabs the bottom of the bumper that bolts at the hole at the bottom of the guard. I've used w/o and they hold just fine. I have bought these from GM and they had the ribbed rubber. I guess at some point whoever they got them from changed the design. The way you tell is how wide the upper portion is, while others are scooped out and less massive. I am sure these are the same as sold by GM

[nitrosport_5]

Originally Posted by special-K

There are no OEM. They weren't an option, so no PN. These are GM accessories that were sold elsewhere as well, just like Ventshades. You have the real deal. The GM ones never came with rubber strips, but they did come with a clamp that grabs the bottom of the bumper that bolts at the hole at the bottom of the guard. I've used w/o and they hold just fine. I have bought these from GM and they had the ribbed rubber. I guess at some point whoever they got them from changed the design. The way you tell is how wide the upper portion is, while others are scooped out and less massive. I am sure these are the same as sold by GM

Thanks for the info! Not 100% sure if these will end up on my k20 or not. Just coudnt pass up the deal.

Would you happen to have a picture of the lower bracket? I may try and build a set.

[special-K]

I just checked my reference pictures and no 71/72 bumper guards on this computer, sorry. They'd be easy to make and I could describe them. But if you want s close to original as possible hopefully someone will have a picture