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Cutting/Modifying bumper supports?

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Adam Connell

Monster Truckin since 87'
Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
969
Well, I tried to use the search function and found a whole lot of nothing.

I removed my rear bumper this weekend to install my Gbody parts aluminum supports (replaces the shocks). Holy hell that thing is heavy!!

So after looking at it, I could easily chop up the inner support for some weight savings, or I could order the aluminum inner support.

What other options to I have? Has anyone chopped up the stock steel pieces? I figured I would just wait and install my front supports when I know what I want to do and just do it all at once.
 
You can cut them. Just be careful on the rear. The reinforcement holds the fillers up. The rears are pretty wimpy, and will sag without the support. With glass fillers, we have cut the reinforcements leaving just enough to bolt the bumper back on. The aluminum ones are alot lighter. Removing a steel backed bumper is a 2 man job!!!
 
Well, I tried to use the search function and found a whole lot of nothing.

I removed my rear bumper this weekend to install my Gbody parts aluminum supports (replaces the shocks). Holy hell that thing is heavy!!

So after looking at it, I could easily chop up the inner support for some weight savings, or I could order the aluminum inner support.

What other options to I have? Has anyone chopped up the stock steel pieces? I figured I would just wait and install my front supports when I know what I want to do and just do it all at once.

I've seen cars with the inner portion being chopped aluminum. Maybe a 9 - 12" piece on each side connecting the bumper to the aluminum shock replacement.

RemoveBeforeFlight
 
Has anyone chopped up the stock steel pieces?

Yes, I did with my front bumper. After buying two fiberglass bumpers and not being happy with the way they fit, I bought a used GN front bumper, took it apart and trimmed off all the unnecessary metal from the reinforcement, just keeping enough material to fabricate decent steel brackets to reinstall the bumper on the car. I also removed the rubber rub strip and bumperettes, had all the unused holes filled for a smooth look. :wink:
For the rear bumper, I just removed the rub strip and bumperettes, had the holes filled. It also has an aluminium reinforcement which I left intact.

Claude. :cool:
 
I have been thinking about doing the same thing... at least drilling some big holes in the center part of the reinforcement.

Anyone have pictures?
 
Your support also holds up your front fillers as well. If you have factory units the support will need to be long enough to support the filler. If you have ABS or FG fillers no reason to worry.

Gm made import steel bumper support brackets that were held on buy just a narrow section to the bumper face bar. I saw some NOS units here for sale but can't find the picture to show what they looked like.
 
Personal opinion is shell out a few bucks for the aluminum ones you're fillers will thank you, not to mention your grill springs (unless you have fiberglass fillers already).
 
Here are some pictures of what I explained in my previous post (#4)...

1st pic: Modified bracket left side
2nd pic: Modified bracket right side
3nd pic: Rear view of bumper
4th pic: The finished job!

Claude. :wink:
 
Here are some pictures of what I explained in my previous post (#4)...

1st pic: Modified bracket left side
2nd pic: Modified bracket right side
3nd pic: Rear view of bumper
4th pic: The finished job!

Claude. :wink:

Smooth and sexy, Claude! I think the back of your bumper looks better than the paint on my car. :biggrin:
 
Something else to think about guys is without the support your bumper won't give you much more protection than a fiberglass bumper.
 
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