Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Casper42 · 10-30-2025, 08:58 PM

I've seen a large amount of rear bumpers that appear to have a slight bow to them - even on the very best builds. Is this is sign these are aftermarket?

As depicted, the top image has less gap in the center (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate) and more gap near the tail lights (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate).

The bottom image is certified OEM and is spot-on straight without the visual bow.

Thoughts?

Joyridin · 10-31-2025, 06:48 AM

Just curious, but did you actually hold a long straight edge up tot he bumpers? My aftermarket bumper looks bowed, but it is an optical illusion. Holding a straight edge shows it actually has a very slight bow the opposite way.

**Jason Banks** · 10-31-2025, 08:30 AM

That latest aftermarket rear sport bumper I bought does not look bowed like many I have seen. I was thinking they finally revised the tooling to fix it? I think it was Key Parts brand.

I'll see if I can get pictures later.

weq92f · 10-31-2025, 10:42 AM

.

Another thread discussing this...I was convinced and still was up till now that this was simply an optical illusion but apparently no...

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=735796

-Kevin

Casper42 · 10-31-2025, 01:42 PM

thanks for the replies. I was skeptical about bringing this up, as I've brought up the failed attempts of numerous high-end builds where the upper body side moulding is installed incorrectly, where it gives the appearance of being bowed up toward the back, when it should be the exact opposite Several people claim to not see it. LOL

LS short box · 10-31-2025, 08:29 PM

Just a tip.
When you bolt the bumper on I use a heavy duty washer that goes over the bumper bolt on the inside of bumper that goes to the bumper bracket to prevent the bumper bolt pulling in the bumper hole? as you tighten the bolt.
Hope that makes sense.

10-30-2025, 08:58 PM	#1
Casper42 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 608	Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? I've seen a large amount of rear bumpers that appear to have a slight bow to them - even on the very best builds. Is this is sign these are aftermarket? As depicted, the top image has less gap in the center (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate) and more gap near the tail lights (from top of bumper to bottom of tailgate). The bottom image is certified OEM and is spot-on straight without the visual bow. Thoughts? Attached Images __________________ '72 C10 Cheyenne SWB North Carolina kept for 50 years, 75k original miles, Medium/Hawaiian Blue paint, 3 owners - one for 40 years & garaged kept. Original: sheetmetal, undercarriage, moldings, glass, immaculate unrestored bed. * * * New - rebuilt engine at 65k in 2015, one frame-on respray in 2010, front bumper, blue houndstooth seat, carpet, 8 inch rally wheels on 275-60R-15, LED lighting. - Semper Paratus!

10-31-2025, 06:48 AM	#2
Joyridin Registered User Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 703	Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? Just curious, but did you actually hold a long straight edge up tot he bumpers? My aftermarket bumper looks bowed, but it is an optical illusion. Holding a straight edge shows it actually has a very slight bow the opposite way.

10-31-2025, 08:30 AM	#3
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,787	Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? That latest aftermarket rear sport bumper I bought does not look bowed like many I have seen. I was thinking they finally revised the tooling to fix it? I think it was Key Parts brand. I'll see if I can get pictures later.

10-31-2025, 10:42 AM	#4
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,850	Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? . Another thread discussing this...I was convinced and still was up till now that this was simply an optical illusion but apparently no... https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=735796 -Kevin __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

10-31-2025, 01:42 PM	#5
Casper42 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 608	Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? thanks for the replies. I was skeptical about bringing this up, as I've brought up the failed attempts of numerous high-end builds where the upper body side moulding is installed incorrectly, where it gives the appearance of being bowed up toward the back, when it should be the exact opposite Several people claim to not see it. LOL Attached Images __________________ '72 C10 Cheyenne SWB North Carolina kept for 50 years, 75k original miles, Medium/Hawaiian Blue paint, 3 owners - one for 40 years & garaged kept. Original: sheetmetal, undercarriage, moldings, glass, immaculate unrestored bed. * * * New - rebuilt engine at 65k in 2015, one frame-on respray in 2010, front bumper, blue houndstooth seat, carpet, 8 inch rally wheels on 275-60R-15, LED lighting. - Semper Paratus!

10-31-2025, 08:29 PM	#6
LS short box Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Carlos MN Posts: 2,592	Re: Rear bumper - aftermarket, or? Just a tip. When you bolt the bumper on I use a heavy duty washer that goes over the bumper bolt on the inside of bumper that goes to the bumper bracket to prevent the bumper bolt pulling in the bumper hole? as you tighten the bolt. Hope that makes sense.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.