Step Bumper / Trailer Hitch

[rickf]

I have a step bumper on my 64 C10, I am quite certain (but not 100% positive) it came from the dealer this way. I see what looks to be the same bumper on many of the truck pics here. I'd like to know two things, the history and the capacity.

Can anyone tell the history of these? I'm pretty sure it is after-market on the one hand, it has its own tag (though all printing is long gone). But it seems if these were a local dealer arrangement there would be more variety in appearance, and as I said, I see many that look exactly the same. So, were these some factory option, or dealer-installed option, or what?

The plate that the towing ball mounts to is pretty stout looking. Overall the bumper seems to be a boxed sheetmetal construction. What is the safe towing load for this thing?

[Dhrider75]

I believe they are Barden Bumpers. I have one on mine if it is the same as your talking about. Mine has a spec plate that has been painted over. I will see if i can get any info off of it.

is it like this.

[rickf]

Yes, mine is exactly like that.

The only difference is in installation, on mine they put the tail lights at either end of that top piece. I.e. one just to the left of the license plate and the other at the other end.

I've heard "Barden" before, but it wasn't clear if Barden is a style or a brand. Or maybe it is sort of both, like Linoleum.

Thaat would be great if you could get specs, like towing capacity.

So were these a genuine factory option or just a common dealer option?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I had one on my 64 fleetside. It had the name and town of the dealer (Sylacuga Motors, Sylacuga, AL) "stamped" into the steel. Mine was not the first I've seen like that either. Years ago I used to see a lot of them. I think the bumper itself was 3" channel and the letters were about 2" high. The dealer name on the left of the license plate, and the city on the right.

[hewlett2002000]

i have the wrap around bumper off my 62, is that factory or dealer?
John

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by hewlett2002000

i have the wrap around bumper off my 62, is that factory or dealer?
John

I could be wrong, but I always thought those were all after-market.

[LILRED66]

Rear bumpers were available from the factory and from the dealer, as an option. The wrap-around rear step bumper was available, as standard equipment, either from the factory or dealer. As a dealer option, the bumper was typically stamped with the local dealer, that sold and equipped the truck. Although dealers of today, also tag their inventory with a dealer applied dealership logo tag, sticker or emblem, bumpers are mandatory safety equipment on light-duty trucks and SUV's.

With regards to the wrap-around step bumpers on the '60-'66 Chevy trucks, there are some inherent issues with connecting the frame rail to the rear bedside sheet metal. Flexing of the frame and any impact to the rear of the step bumper, will transfer this energy into the sheet metal and cause it to deform or crease. Additionally, road grime has a tendacy to accumulate behind the tail of the bumper and damage the paint and sometimes rust the sheet metal.

In closing, if the bumper has a local dealer identification, it most likely came from the local dealership, as a dealer installed option. Whether it is installed at the factory or at the dealership, it would still be considered factory equipment (OEM). It was very common during these years for the dealer to take delivery of base-equipped, light-duty trucks and install many of the available options at the dealership level. I collect dealer/manufacturer literature for the '64-'66 Chevy Trucks. One of the pieces I have is "1965 Custom Feature Accessories", provided to the dealership. This literature identifies many of the dealer-installed accessories available.

I hope this information is helpful and good luck with your rig.

Tony Smith
4-5-6 Chevy Trucks

[Dhrider75]

Sorry, I can't make out the info on my bupper. Too much paint.

[rickf]

LILRED, anything in your iterature about the towing capacity of the step bumper?

[Tomsriv]

Mine is similar but it doesn't wrap around. I see a lot of trucks with this bumper, but it all the catalogs it is not shown as a stock bumper. Can you buy these bumpers anymore?
I have towed plenty with mine. I towed a yard of concrete no problem.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Dhrider75

I believe they are Barden Bumpers. I have one on mine if it is the same as your talking about. Mine has a spec plate that has been painted over. I will see if i can get any info off of it.

is it like this.

I know...

I have a habit of resurrecting old threads.

I was searching for Barden Bumpers, and your post popped up.

Good looking truck.

I think my truck has something similar to Barden, but somebody hacked it up to accommodate a hitch receiver.
I like the heavy duty receiver they installed, but I'm trying to come up with a way to put the bumper back together.

[LostMy65]

I almost forgot...

Here's Mark's:

[66_c10]

I was thinking of bolting a step bumper receiver hitch to the bottom of my barden step bumper. I hate the idea of drilling/modifying a vintage bumper, but cannot find a receiver hitch to fit and it would add a lot more weight.
I was thinking of doing something similar to this picture.
The top part of the bumper is thicker than the bottom and was thinking of welding vertical pieces similar to picture.
Any welders out there that think this is a good idea?
the step bumper receiver is rated for 5k towing and 500lbs tongue

[Brad54]

I've got one of these for my K10 project... I'm always concerned that any impact on the wrap-around part is going to deform the whole fender anyway (I've seen pics of that damage). Because I'll be using my truck as a truck, including some light off-roading with it, I'm thinking of cutting the fenders off at the bumper, and extending the bumper side to recreate the rear edge of the wheel opening. That way if it ever gets dinged, it won't take out the whole fender too.

[66_c10]

yea, I am worried that the lower flat plate in the middle will dip with too much tongue weight, but if I strengthen it with welded vertical plates(like the picture) between where the ball used to be, it should be good?
Downside is I would be changing the vintage bumper. guess if I change my mind about this idea later, I can always cut the plates off and put it back the way it was

[Captainfab]

What you're asking about would be sufficient as long as the welds have good penetration. Plus the bumper will need to be securely attached to the frame with grade 8 bolts.