Making Flareside rear bumper brackets

[reamer]

Hi All
Decided to make a batch of Flareside (stepside to some) rear bumper brackets, they will look like factory, made from 1/4" steel and bent correctly, I'm not going to drill/Bridgeport the slotted holes, that's up to you...…….So just for an estimate, Who's in?
You'll need 4 per truck.
Reamer

[Rembrant]

Good job Ron. I was going to make a few extra sets myself but I ran out of season and threw my truck together before copying my own. Nice to see you doing it.

There seems to be a fairly steady stream of people looking for them.

[Frogger2662]

I will take a set. I was thinking of making a set myself.
Do you have a time frame on when you will make them?
Thanks

[FuzzFace2]

Any way to know if they fit pre 80 trucks also?
If so then may want to check in with them.
Dave ----

[Gary Lewis]

I'm pretty sure that the Bullnose brackets won't fit on earlier trucks.

The Bullnose brackets have E0TZ prefixes, meaning they were new for 1980.  The earlier ones have D3TZ prefixes up until Serial # D75,000 in 1977, at which point the prefix was D7TZ, for 1973 and 1977 respectively.

I just realized that prior to SN D75,000 there were four parts: left-hand inner; left-hand outer; right-hand inner; right-hand outer.  With the change they went to two parts: left-hand inner & outer; right-hand inner & outer.  And that was carried over into the Bullnose era.

[FuzzFace2]

Gary Lewis wrote

I'm pretty sure that the Bullnose brackets won't fit on earlier trucks.

The Bullnose brackets have E0TZ prefixes, meaning they were new for 1980.  The earlier ones have D3TZ prefixes up until Serial # D75,000 in 1977, at which point the prefix was D7TZ, for 1973 and 1977 respectively.

I just realized that prior to SN D75,000 there were four parts: left-hand inner; left-hand outer; right-hand inner; right-hand outer.  With the change they went to two parts: left-hand inner & outer; right-hand inner & outer.  And that was carried over into the Bullnose era.

But they are 4 parts as before, 2 for left & 2 for the right.
Dave ----

[reamer]

I Did find that when I bought a NOS 1978 Flareside bumper, it would not fit the 1986 brackets Only because the bumper-bolt holes did not line up correctly.
Now with you drilling your own holes where you want them they will "fit"....
the 80-86 series have four brackets

[Gary Lewis]

Dave - The trucks prior to D75,000 take 4 different brackets.  The trucks from D75,000 take 4 brackets, but only 2 pair.

Ron - Are you saying your bracket will also work on the 1977-79 trucks from D75,000?  And, that bumpers from those trucks can be used on Bullnose trucks and vice versa since the holes have to be drilled?

If that's the case, do you have connections with the folks with the earlier trucks?  I do if you'd like me to get you in touch with them re your brackets.

[Rembrant]

Don't the previous gen trucks have narrower frames than the Bullnoses?

That probably explains why the bracket holes were in a different location? Assuming the bumpers were the same.

[reamer]

I believe that is correct Cory.
If that's the case, these could be "universal", for numerous year Flaresides

[reamer]

Well I made up a jig, and will be making a couple of rights and lefts tomorrow!
1/4" steel is fun to bend!
NOS parts has 1-of the left brackets, they want $50.00 plus shipping.
I will price a complete set of 4 for $160, and that Includes shipping to you.

[Frogger2662]

Reamer,
I am having trouble sending you an email thru the forum.
Could you try to send me one. I have some questons.

[Rembrant]

Just as an FYI for those wanting to install the Flareside short chrome bumper...the bumper Reamer is making the 4pc brackets for, LMC now has the hardware for them. They just recently started selling the rear bumper and have also listed the chrome capped carriage bolts. (Previously the bolts were available, but you had to order them for the chrome front bumper). I bought two sets of 4 bolts to install both bumpers and can confirm that they fit and work well.

The picture below shows why the brackets are 4pc in case anybody is wondering.

[reamer]

First set done.... They are not cleaned up or painted yet.. Outside rusty ones are originals...

[Gary Lewis]

They look good, Ron.  

[reamer]

Thanks Gary!

[reamer]

Finished a set, silver sharpie is a locator only for the slotted holes.....

[grumpin]

Good on you Ron for keeping these good ol’ trucks going!

[Bull80]

The look really good.  I have one NOS right side flareside bumper bracket and they look just like it.  You are going to make a lot of people happy, including me!

[reamer]

Hi Bull80
Do you want me to make 3 for you?
I'm making more tomorrow, this weekend, I've got enough stock for 2-3 more sets (already reserved)
But can get more stock tomorrow....
Thanks
Ron