1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DA68** · 11-10-2016, 02:11 PM

So I just scored some of the bullet style bumper guards for my '59 GMC, but they run too long at the top and hit the grille at the marker lights. I've been searching the database here and did see that the Chevy guards may have run a bit deeper than the GMC guards. Can someone shed any light on this or perhaps send a picture looking down, showing how close the guards and grille are to each other? I guess if the Chevy guards are longer, I could always cut them down, since they are going on my rusty, faded truck. You help is greatly appreciated.

55dude · 11-11-2016, 02:58 AM

post some pictures!

Foot Stomper · 11-14-2016, 06:38 PM

Not an expert but from what I think I know is that the 59's never had bullets and the 58's were different from previous years. Having said that, I don't see why a 58 bullet would NOT work on a 59.
Here's a picture of a 58. They are a very tight fit to grill.

If you'd like me to take some measurements of the bullet or bumper I'd be happy to. Since it's been removed from the truck, I can't do much more than that.

**DA68** · 11-16-2016, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the info Footstomper. I was told that maybe a few early 59's got those guards, but for the most part, 58 was the last year. What I found through a bunch of pictures of various trucks is that the 55 - 57 guards ran deeper into the grille on top (no difference on the bottom), since those grilles set back further than the 58 - 59 grilles. For the most part, the guards are the same with this exception. I've already cut both back to be essentially flush with the top line of the bumper, as you show in your pics. Thank you again for the info. On a separate note, what are your plans for that 58? Would you want to sell the marker lenses?

Foot Stomper · 11-16-2016, 10:07 PM

Glad you got it figured out.

What marker lenses / park lights?

**DA68** · 11-17-2016, 12:17 AM

Yes, I'm sorry, the parking lights. Any chance you want to sell them? Mine are pretty beat (see band aids on driver side light).

After cutting back roughly 2" from the tops of the guards, I was able to match up with the bumper line pretty good. You'd be hard pressed to tell these were not original to this truck.

11-10-2016, 02:11 PM	#1
DA68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 967	1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help So I just scored some of the bullet style bumper guards for my '59 GMC, but they run too long at the top and hit the grille at the marker lights. I've been searching the database here and did see that the Chevy guards may have run a bit deeper than the GMC guards. Can someone shed any light on this or perhaps send a picture looking down, showing how close the guards and grille are to each other? I guess if the Chevy guards are longer, I could always cut them down, since they are going on my rusty, faded truck. You help is greatly appreciated.

11-11-2016, 02:58 AM	#2
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: 1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help post some pictures!

11-14-2016, 06:38 PM	#3
Foot Stomper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,252	Re: 1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help Not an expert but from what I think I know is that the 59's never had bullets and the 58's were different from previous years. Having said that, I don't see why a 58 bullet would NOT work on a 59. Here's a picture of a 58. They are a very tight fit to grill. If you'd like me to take some measurements of the bullet or bumper I'd be happy to. Since it's been removed from the truck, I can't do much more than that. Attached Images __________________ So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in? My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989 Last edited by Foot Stomper; 11-14-2016 at 06:46 PM.

11-16-2016, 07:04 PM	#4
DA68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 967	Re: 1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help Thanks for the info Footstomper. I was told that maybe a few early 59's got those guards, but for the most part, 58 was the last year. What I found through a bunch of pictures of various trucks is that the 55 - 57 guards ran deeper into the grille on top (no difference on the bottom), since those grilles set back further than the 58 - 59 grilles. For the most part, the guards are the same with this exception. I've already cut both back to be essentially flush with the top line of the bumper, as you show in your pics. Thank you again for the info. On a separate note, what are your plans for that 58? Would you want to sell the marker lenses?

11-16-2016, 10:07 PM	#5
Foot Stomper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,252	Re: 1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help Glad you got it figured out. What marker lenses / park lights? __________________ So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in? My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989

11-17-2016, 12:17 AM	#6
DA68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 967	Re: 1959 GMC Bumper Guards Help Yes, I'm sorry, the parking lights. Any chance you want to sell them? Mine are pretty beat (see band aids on driver side light). After cutting back roughly 2" from the tops of the guards, I was able to match up with the bumper line pretty good. You'd be hard pressed to tell these were not original to this truck. Attached Images



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