Painted bumper, mirrors, and hub caps

[slikside]

We've spoken about this before Dave, but one thing I didn't say, and it really works for me: The painted accessories are OLD SCHOOL. For some, like my truck...they were factory, and I like keeping it that way (it's also more budget friendly). Tons of people are going the "dropped" route and after market wheels/bumpers and sport mirrors. And they are beautiful! These trucks look awesome that way. But it isn't old school, and there are far fewer that are. I find the older I get, the more old school I am.

Good luck with your decision.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by slikside

We've spoken about this before Dave, but one thing I didn't say, and it really works for me: The painted accessories are OLD SCHOOL. For some, like my truck...they were factory, and I like keeping it that way (it's also more budget friendly). Tons of people are going the "dropped" route and after market wheels/bumpers and sport mirrors. And they are beautiful! These trucks look awesome that way. But it isn't old school, and there are far fewer that are. I find the older I get, the more old school I am.

So many ways to go, for sure....Both of my 67-72's were trimmed out like this. Got the unchromed 67-70 bumper from a pal for RAT. It was paint it and move the signals behind the grille, or use the "pretty good" chrome bumper that was on the '71 front clip. So, I went with what I had last time...almost...

[davem815]

Thanks for the comments and pictures. I agree there are many directions you can take and I like most of them. I like the chome and luxury trucks, I also like the lowered race trucks style. I'm a former autocrosser.
I most like the bare bones work truck, like the ones in the 3/4 ton thread and the hauling and working truck threads. Due to sentimental reason of the memory of my father's '71, I'm dreaming/planning for when I have the time/money/shop space to do a build like the truck I remember growing up with.

[factorystock]

Nice truck slikside, the base model trucks are very nostalgic, it reminds us of the way many trucks were built in a simplier time. I would add this to the debate of which looks better. Most trucks you see with painted white rims, hubcaps and bumpers are usually in poor condition, owned by folks who use them like trucks ( non enthusiasts ). Paint is usually flaking off wheels, or they are caked with dirt, hubcaps are faded out and dented and front bumpers are usually all scratched up and surface rusty. Where as most trucks at shows are seen with mags wheels and chrome bumpers are owned by enthusiasts who keep them spotlessly clean and all buffed out. A base model truck can hold its own against the gingerbread trucks if its in the same condition, i.e. good paint. Joesjunk and slikside base model trucks are proof of that. Here is another photo to bring home the point.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Nice truck slikside, the base model trucks are very nostalgic, it reminds us of the way many trucks were built in a simplier time. I would add this to the debate of which looks better. Most trucks you see with painted white rims, hubcaps and bumpers are usually in poor condition, owned by folks who use them like trucks ( non enthusiasts ). Paint is usually flaking off wheels, or they are caked with dirt, hubcaps are faded out and dented and front bumpers are usually all scratched up and surface rusty. Where as most trucks at shows are seen with mags wheels and chrome bumpers are owned by enthusiasts who keep them spotlessly clean and all buffed out. A base model truck can hold its own against the gingerbread trucks if its in the same condition, i.e. good paint. Joesjunk and slikside base model trucks are proof of that. Here is another photo to bring home the point.

Thanks, factory. I agree completely. But it's all in the eye of the beholder, isn't it? I do like these trucks dropped, with new shoes and chrome as well. Heck, these trucks are like a beautiful woman, they look good no matter how they're dressed! But I have to confess, just about a year ago, my truck looked like one that was used and abused, as you indicated above. All of my white accessories have been powdercoated. I then scuffed up the hubcap bow-tie and cogs, and painted myself. I wanted my truck to look sharper, and the stock route was the quickest and least expensive route to go. Plus, you just don't see that many of them. Finally, it was repainted (original 524 Red Orange) about 28 years ago, and it has over 250K miles on the original motor/trans.

I could be wrong, but Joe's truck, on the other hand, has never had any of that wear and tear. I think he said it only has about 2200 miles on it!!

[factorystock]

Even just painted hubcaps with a chrome grill will give a pickup a "unique" look. To my knowledge, no car ever manufactured came from the factory with white painted hubcaps

[praisegeetarman]

Originally Posted by factorystock

Even just painted hubcaps with a chrome grill will give a pickup a "unique" look. To my knowledge, no car ever manufactured came from the factory with white painted hubcaps

Not really a camper kind of guy, but that one is just plain cool……...

[mrlobster]

Thinking of going back to white bumpers front and rear with the rally wheels painted white. The PO put the chrome bumpers on as it was bare custom from the factory.

[Already Gone]

If I was you I'd leave the bumpers chrome especially the front now as it and the chrome grill compliment each other. In your pic the red/orange paint really pops against the chrome too.

[factorystock]

Originally Posted by Steve Hafner

. . . .

The only white hubcaps " partially " on a car would have been one of these, back a few years ago:

. . . .

Nice try my friend, but those are "full wheelcovers" not hubcaps. These photos remind me why I would never but full wheelcovers or whitewalls on a truck. I believe those where color coordinated wheelcovers to match body color

[70cst]

Hey davem815 ...

to the forums and from Ohio.

These trucks are classics with painted or chrome bumpers.

I say go for it

[Mr Chevorlet]

Here is a couple of pics of white bumpers and caps also, I like the white if you want it stock looking.

[Already Gone]

I think the white bumpers etc. look great on trucks that have no body side molding or chrome trim. I recently bought the truck in the attached pic and before I even closed the deal I knew if I bought it the front white bumper was going to the chromer, where it is now along with a rear sport bumper I had which is going on the truck too. The white is okay but on my truck with the upper and lower moldings, chrome trim around the windows and the 72 big chrome grill its gonna look much better with a chrome fornt bumper. I will post a " What do you think looks better thread " when I get the chrome front and rear bumpers on in the Spring.

[seth7843]

I love the look of white bumpers and white wheels. I know I don't want to keep my wheels the body color. The look of black steel wheels with the white hub caps is growing on me though. Choices choices...

[kitsbeach]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I think the white bumpers etc. look great on trucks that have no body side molding or chrome trim. I recently bought the truck in the attached pic and before I even closed the deal I knew if I bought it the front white bumper was going to the chromer, where it is now along with a rear sport bumper I had which is going on the truck too. The white is okay but on my truck with the upper and lower moldings, chrome trim around the windows and the 72 big chrome grill its gonna look much better with a chrome fornt bumper. I will post a " What do you think looks better thread " when I get the chrome front and rear bumpers on in the Spring.

Agreed the chrome bumpers go best with the rest of the trim on your truck