Hey guys.. I am looking to get a pair of bumper guards for my 79.. and all I can find on any aftermarket site is 81-87.. and i know I’ve seen the bumper guards on 73-80’s before.. does anyone know if the 81-87 will fit my 79? Or do guys put on the 81-87 bumper on the 73-80 and that’s how the fit?
The shape of the bumper changes from '81 on. Not quite sure how different they are. I have a very nice set from here in the desert off a '73. I was going to put them on mine but might sell them.
The 73-80 had their own style. 81 and up won’t fit the earlier trucks. You’ll just have to find someone willing to sell. I don’t know of anyone making them, but originals are out there.
yes sir, 73-80 are the first style, 81-87 (and the next couple for Blazer/Suburban obviously) are the second. This is because this is when the bumpers change. Of course when the bumper changes, so do the inner curves of the bumper guards to match the bumper. I got them on my 1980 when i got them (last year for style) and my brother loved them so much he had to have them on his 1977. SO we found them on eBay but they are hard to find, ended up being titled for like 70s GMC Astro or something REALLY stupid, BUT i noticed in the photos that the curves matched that of the 70s style bumper. Bought them ($200.00 later) cleaned them up, bought new pads and hardware from LMC and he had them. So really it's all in searching the web, looking hard at the surface shape where it meets the bumper and willing to spend a decent amount (people know how rare they are) Pictured below, difference between 70s and 80s bumpers. 70s has TWO major ridges (top and middle) while the 80s has just one (top) THIS DOES MATTER. Good luck, any more questions let me know. I can draw the shape of the guard you're looking for if necessary
For those that are having trouble locating bumper guards for a '73-'80 truck and are not too picky, '78-'91-ish vans are a good source. The only real issue is the lower bolt location is in the wrong spot. So it makes them a 100% cosmetic upgrade.
Well, I got mine out and it reminded me they are driver quality (which was fine with me) and 48 years old (I even noted a '73 in them.) I have made no attempt to clean them up and they do come with the lower bracket needed. The rubber pads are surprisingly good and secure. I'm certain they would polish up nicely, but the chrome is blistered on the side of one. This will show for sure. I can't recall if the bad side faces inward or outward. It is on the one on the right in the last pic. If you would like them, they are $50. The first class shipping would add $18.30. I can take Pay Pal through my wife's business.
I think I may have missed one side of the one on the left. It is good, but I'd but be happy to add another pic.
