The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 73-81 bumpers

ray_mcavoy · 12-28-2013, 11:47 PM

Yes, the front "frame horns" are different between 73-80 vs. 81-up.

73-80 front bumpers bolt directly to the front of the frame rails with just some small L-shaped brackets at the top. The 81-up bumpers have brackets that attach them to the front of the frame rails. With a bit of cutting and welding, the 81-up brackets could probably be adapted to fit a 73-80 front bumper though. And it would be easiest to use the 73-80 outer corner brackets if you can get them along with the bumper. I'm not sure how well the 73-80 front bumper will end up matching up to the 81-up front-end though ... I think the 73-80 front bumpers are a bit wider.

The 73-80 rear bumper should be a direct bolt-on swap as long as you can get the brackets that go with it.

12-28-2013, 11:47 PM	#3
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,358	Re: 73-81 bumpers Yes, the front "frame horns" are different between 73-80 vs. 81-up. 73-80 front bumpers bolt directly to the front of the frame rails with just some small L-shaped brackets at the top. The 81-up bumpers have brackets that attach them to the front of the frame rails. With a bit of cutting and welding, the 81-up brackets could probably be adapted to fit a 73-80 front bumper though. And it would be easiest to use the 73-80 outer corner brackets if you can get them along with the bumper. I'm not sure how well the 73-80 front bumper will end up matching up to the 81-up front-end though ... I think the 73-80 front bumpers are a bit wider. The 73-80 rear bumper should be a direct bolt-on swap as long as you can get the brackets that go with it.