47-55.1 *Rear Splash Apron*

[Zippi]

Anybody install one of these? I'd like to see pics and I assume it is held on by the rear bumper. Not sure what the holes and notches are far though.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by Zippi

Anybody install one of these? I'd like to see pics and I assume it is held on by the rear bumper. Not sure what the holes and notches are far though.

that is a GMC front splash apron, the notches are for the grille surround and the holes are for the grille mounting on a 1947/early 1948 grille which was different.


this is a rear apron.

https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail..._Suburban.html

[Jemezcrusher]

Yep. The rear does not have holes or notches and is after market and not an original item. Fits 47-53 only. Would require modification to fit 54-55 be cause of the license plate recessed lip on those bumpers

[Zippi]

Haha....you guys are right. I posted the wrong pic. Now it should be the correct one.

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by Zippi

Haha....you guys are right. I posted the wrong pic. Now it should be the correct one.

I have the same thing. Mine will require some trimming on the forward edge as it does not follow the same line as the fender.

Does a nice job of filling the big gap between the bumper and the bed

[mr48chev]

Looks like my photobook page is back up so I'll try this and if it doesn't work I'll go the other way.

[mr48chev]

That was on this cutie hiding out in the cheap seats at the East West Flathead reliability run a few years ago.

[Zippi]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Looks like my photobook page is back up so I'll try this and if it doesn't work I'll go the other way.

Nice. How does it fastened on?

[jweb]

The rear splash apron uses the bumper bolts to attach but it's unlikely it will fit as well as the one in mr48's photo. I had to add 1/2" to mine to make it come close to the fenders.

[mr48chev]

That photo was the result of a second take oh wow moment when I did see how well that one fit. I was planning one similar until I found my 49 Plymouth surburban wagon rear bumper to go with the ribbed 49 Plymouth front bumper. .

[jackson]

I used the front bumper and apron on the rear tucked it in closer to bed and made some small bed extentions behind rear fender to hide bumper brackets

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by jweb

The rear splash apron uses the bumper bolts to attach but it's unlikely it will fit as well as the one in mr48's photo. I had to add 1/2" to mine to make it come close to the fenders.

It may depend on where you get them. I actually have to trim the forward edge when it meets the fender as mine is too long. Got mine from Brothers for 139 I think as LMC or o there’s were 159 or 179. Can’t remember

[Zippi]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Zippi]

Ok guys, it's been a while and I'm back on the idea of wanting to put a rear splash apron on my 49. I'm looking at the one from Brothers as mentioned. I'm just wondering if I bought this apron, would I be able to prime it, then get a rattle can made up at my local automotive color & supply store with my paint code and paint it to make it look presentable? Also, I think my rear bumper is a 54 so not sure if it would work anyway. Anyone used a rear splash apron on their truck with a 54 bumper?

[jweb]

The 47-53 splash apron won't work with the 54 bumper unless you flip the bumper over.
You may have to move your license plate also.

If you don't want to flip the bumper, you might consider just pulling the bumper in closer and adding a roll pan to clean up the look. I know I have seen it done and it looks good. Hopefully someone can add a photo that shows a roll pan/ bumper combo.

[MiraclePieCo]

Turn bumper over and tuck it for a cleaner look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxHbuD9XLDo

[Zippi]

Nice info guys. A new bumper is $170 at Classic Parts so for me this is still doable just not right now. I guess I could sell my 54 bumper and re-coop some of the money. This will be going on the back burner for a while.

[MiraclePieCo]

Panel trucks and Suburbans came with a factory filler panel on the rear bumper. Anyone try to adapt one to a pickup?

[mr48chev]

The shape is all wrong for a pickup as the panels and burb use pickup front bumpers on the rear.

I wouldn't turn the bumper over although I have seen a couple of guys do it and then run the exhaust pipes out close to center.

I'd go along with looking at tucking the bumper in and maybe up though. That may take nothing more than marking and drilling new holes for the bumper bolts

I don't know if it is camera angle but this bumper in a Jim Carter tutorial appears to have the bumper a lot closer to the bed but maybe not higher .

The article is here http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/Articl...ear-Bumper.php

[mr48chev]

Comparing the two I wonder if maybe you can't just slide your bumper brackets forward on the frame a bit and get the bumper closer to the plate and bed like the one Jim Carter shows is. Maybe by moving the back bolts to the hole further forward on the frame.

[mr48chev]

A couple of more shots that make it look like 54 bumpers are for some reason closer to the bed

[MiraclePieCo]

My '50 PU with a trimmed, flattened, and tucked FRONT bumper on the rear. The center bolt is the giveaway.

[Zippi]

Thanks for the tips guys. I may take a look at what it would take to move the bumper closer to the bed.

[Tempest67]

Miracle Pie - where did you put the tag ?

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by Tempest67

Miracle Pie - where did you put the tag ?

It's right in the center below the bumper. It's just edited out in that pic (note the blurring).