How to? 55 apache bumper mods

[Tri5Nerd]

How do you pull the front bumper close to the body and how do you flip the rear bumper so the indent (where the license plate goes) is on the bottom?
Do you need to modify the brackets?

I've seen them done but haven't seen any info on how to do these. I would like to do these mods to my truck.

[rico_bob]

To get a close fit to the front fenders, you have to shorten the front bumper (cut a section out). Then do the body work and paint or chrome as preference goes.

Flipping the rear bumper with the step-down is simple, but why?

[Tri5Nerd]

I want to run 2 dual exhaust tips (4 tips) out the back and mount the license plate elsewhere.

When you say cut a section out, where? horizontal or vertical?
Sorry for been so stupid but I want to know how to do it correct the first time.

Tri5

Originally Posted by rico_bob

To get a close fit to the front fenders, you have to shorten the front bumper (cut a section out). Then do the body work and paint or chrome as preference goes.

Flipping the rear bumper with the step-down is simple, but why?

[PBFAB.COM]

Tri-5Nerd-

(I like the name ) One easy way to tuck the front bumper up close without sectioning it is to flip it over. The blue 55 in my avatar was done that way.(you can find the build pics on my website www.porterbuiltstreetrods.com) Of course you will need to make or modify the bumper brackets. As for the rear... it will take a lot of work to get it to look right when you flip it. The contours are quite a bit different on the bottom.

[Tri5Nerd]

Wow, that blue 55 is beautiful From your answer it looks like I can get the front done without much work, would I need to drill new mounting holes in the brackets?

For the rear bumper would it be bracket modifications or sectioning the bumper to make fit?

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Tri-5Nerd-

(I like the name ) One easy way to tuck the front bumper up close without sectioning it is to flip it over. The blue 55 in my avatar was done that way.(you can find the build pics on my website www.porterbuiltstreetrods.com) Of course you will need to make or modify the bumper brackets. As for the rear... it will take a lot of work to get it to look right when you flip it. The contours are quite a bit different on the bottom.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Tri5Nerd

Wow, that blue 55 is beautiful From your answer it looks like I can get the front done without much work, would I need to drill new mounting holes in the brackets?

For the rear bumper would it be bracket modifications or sectioning the bumper to make fit?

The front would probably be easier to make your own brackets... remove the bumper and brackets, mock it up and see what it looks like. It might be possible to just cut and modify the existing brackets.

The rear... IMO it would need to be cut up and changed quite a bit to look "right". It might be better to cut the middle section out and make your own middle that would be smooth up top and recessed on the bottom. You might be able to use some of the section removed... but it would require some work being that the bumper is different on the top and bottom side.

[rico_bob]

It may a better solution for the REAR bumper to use a "front 55-59 bumper" for the rear and resize it as needed then get it painted or chromed?

They used a front bumper on the rear of the 55-59 Panels and Burbs.... my 2-cents worth.

rico

[rico_bob]

PORTERBUILT

Nathan love your web site. I also have a copy of the September 2006 Classic Truck Mag. with your avatar truck as the Month's Cover and Feature ride! AWESOME man!
rico

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by rico_bob

It may a better solution for the REAR bumper to use a "front 55-59 bumper" for the rear and resize it as needed then get it painted or chromed?

They used a front bumper on the rear of the 55-59 Panels and Burbs.... my 2-cents worth.

rico

That sounds like a good idea... it would probably make life a little easier.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by rico_bob

PORTERBUILT

Nathan love your web site. I also have a copy of the September 2006 Classic Truck Mag. with your avatar truck as the Month's Cover and Feature ride! AWESOME man!
rico

Thanks Rico... you'll be hearing from me soon.

[rico_bob]

Nathan, Sent you a couple of emails the other day... Write me sometime! Thanks! rico

[Tri5Nerd]

Thanks guys, I'll try the front bumper mod then think about what I want to do with the rear, if you any other ideas to use 4 exhaust tips together out the back pass them my way.

[Tri5Nerd]

Here's what I'm trying to do.

Can anyone tell me if this is a 55 - 57 rear bumper that's flipped?

[rico_bob]

Tri5, It sure does appear that it is indeed "a flipped" rear bumper from the 55-66 era stepside narrow box. It just so happens that in the Dynacorn, International on-line catalog, that the rear bumper photo is upside down. I am going to try and show that picture here for your comparison. The bumper in the photo looks to be rolled out a little from the vertical plane, but it has the same contour as that cool looking orange stepside in you post. Rico_bob