Help identifying bumper brackets

[derail]

Hi guys. I usually lurk around the 60-66 forums but I thought maybe you guys could help me out. I recently bought a stepside rear bumper and brackets for my '65 but when I got it home, the brackets definately won't work. I'm pretty sure that they're from a 55-59 but would like to be positive before I sell them locally. They measure about 41" from inside bracket to inside bracket if that helps out. Thanks in advance.

[OrrieG]

To fit on a 55-59 the inside dimension would need to be 34".

[derail]

OrrieG, interesting about the 34 inches because that's what my '65 is. There must be some differance between the two or else the brackets would interchange. Right? Now I'm not really sure what I have.

[OrrieG]

Here is a photo of the 59 brackets. Chevy kept the frame width 34" with the springs on the outside until at least 78. My rear end came out of a 74 and bolted right up. I looked online and it appears Ford and Dodge of the era are similar (which would make sense because alot of them used the same axles). Maybe you have a standard truck bumper that was adapted to a bigger truck or trailer with a wider frame??

[derail]

OrrieG, is your truck a fleetside? Your avatar has a stepside but your build thread says fleetside. Just wondering if this could be the difference in brackets. The bumper is definately from a 55-66 stepside. Thanks again. Anyone else have any ideas?

[OrrieG]

Yes it is, but frame width is the same. The step side brackets bend in like yours but are still 34" inside width where they bolt to the frame.

[57 Jimmy]

I have those on my 57 GMC and no they are not stock and the rear bumper is not stock.
The reason I know I ordered some from LMC and the ones I got won't work with the present bumper. I too would like to know what there from.

[derail]

Weird. o.k. well thanks for the help. I guess I'll keep looking and let you know if I find anything out.

[Russell Ashley]

Here's a pic of my stock 57 rear bumper. The bumper you have looks correct to me but looks like someone might have re-formed the brackets to fit something else. You might be able to heat them and bend them back to fit your truck.

[derail]

Just to let everyone know, I found out that they are for a '60-'62 stepside. Apparently these trucks are actually wider than everyone else at the rear frame rails. (according to 62 Bowtie) Mystery solved.