Rear Bumper Recommendation

[Machspeed]

I'd like to replace the cheesy rear bumper on my truck with an OEM-like chrome bumper. Can I get some recommendations?  

[taskswap]

I just found a step bumper from the junkyard. I found one with only a small amount of rust that I was able to wire-brush off and then paint. I painted it with a grey rustoleum primer coat and then a silver "flake" top coat, then added two coats of clear enamel. It looks great, can take some use without getting scratched, and I think the 'yard only charged me $50.

[shosh86]

I'm looking for the same thing.  Trying to avoid paying $450+ for a Westin 21000 or 21007 aftermarket bumper.

[kramttocs]

I don't see too many bumpers removed at my local jy so as mentioned above, I'd go that route if possible.
I don't know the cost to have one re chromed (if even needed) but I'd call around for both that and powder coating. While not chrome, I've read that some coaters can get a close look.

You really need to get up this way John and spend a day at some yards here.

The coolest rear bumper I've seen in awhile is BlueWhale's from the show. Was a dealer added option but and had the dealer name/location stamped all the way across it.

[BigBrother-84]

John, I bought a Westin aftermarket one.  Expansive and, well, not as OEM.  Nice look, but the OEM dimensions are thinner, more sleek.
So if you look for an exact OEM size, not sure if possible to find such an authentic chrome one.


Scott, re chroming is VERY expansive.  I looked around here to possibly re chrome my bed rails, just one shop doing it in Montreal, was 2000$ Canadian.  Not to mention I abandoned the dream...

[Machspeed]

Thanks fellas! I spoke to a local guy who chromed my bed bolts and asked him about how much it would cost to re-chrome my front bumper......$600. That's considered cheap. There was a day when that option was affordable, but that day has long since pasted.

I have been looking at the Westin unit. Jeff, can you post pictures of yours?  

[BigBrother-84]

John, here are some picts.

As you can see, the available aftermarket bumpers are not OEM replica.
They look nice, but they are not same size.

The aftermarket ones do not have the "recess notch" at each end, that enable the bumper to match the shapes of the bed sides.


Plus, the aftermarket is higher than the OEM.  So, the look isn't the same:



Because of these sizes differences, I had some problem to reach the hitch under the new bumper.  I had to buy a longer ball mount, as I posted in this thread:
https://forum.garysgaragemahal.com/The-Hidden-Hitch-tp107853.html

Let's say that, overall, I am very satisfied about the final look.  But if I had the opportunity to find a super clean OEM chrome rear bumper (or if the re-chroming costs were cheaper), I would have go this «entirely-as-original» way.

[Machspeed]

Well that's a dang bummer! Thanks for the info, Jeff. It's a shame chrome plating costs so much today. There is a powder coat option that gets close but just not there.

[kramttocs]

Goodness. I didn't realize re-chroming was so pricey.

[Angelo Voltura]

kramttocs wrote

Goodness. I didn't realize re-chroming was so pricey.

My friend had a piece of trim done for his 55 f100 and that was 400 bucks by itself.

[Machspeed]

Rehashing this old thread! After the truck show yesterday, decided it was time to acquire a new diamond step bumper. Not liking what I've found in the aftermarket arena. Westin looks good but is missing the cut outs that contour the rear of the truck. Maybe there is a better aftermarket piece?  

I've read that bumpers from 80-96 are interchangeable, is this correct?

I've also heard that Ford produced an all chrome diamond step bumper without the black bumper pad. Is this true and if so, what year?

I'm thinking we need a bumper section in our Documentation that answers some of the above. If I overlooked it, I may take this on with forum help!

[Gary Lewis]

We have a page on bumpers: Documentation/Exterior/Bumpers. It may not have all your answers but should be a good start.

[kramttocs]

In our chat yesterday, I'd have gone to the grave saying I've seen a chromed step just like the insert version but without the inserts. According to that doc from Gary, not seeing it there
Still going to keep an eye out and it gives me an excuse to go back to the jy!

[Machspeed]

Thanks Scott, appreciate ya! BTW, it looks like the black bumper pad is being made. NPD shows Scott drake parts while LMG advertises them but no specified manufacture.  

[salans7]

I believe 1987 is when Ford started offering rear bumpers with a plastic pad as that's what my dad's 1987 F150 had.