1959 Chevy Apache 3200 Long Bed Rear Bumper

[Bummer1959]

Hey all, I have a 1959 Apache 3200 Long Bed, and I am looking for information on the rear bumper. The research I have been able to gather is very limited, however, I believe that the bumpers used were either a "Special Equipment Farm Rear Bumper" possibly supplied by General Motors, or some sort of after market. I have seen a couple of pictures of the same bumper used on the short box with just a gap between the rear fender and the bumper, but I have also seen at least one picture of a bumper that wrapped around and attached to the rear fenders. I am not sure of the origin of this particular bumper, or if it was fabricated as such. The remnants of the paint on my rear fenders seem to indicate that a rear bumper was once attached that wrapped around to meet both rear fenders. Any thoughts or data out there? Many Thanks.

[OrrieG]

If you are talking about the heavy ones with diamond plate on the top all of the ones I have seen are after market. Some have the extensions that bolt to the bed sides to protect the corners. Most Fleetsides came from the factory without bumpers. Mine originally had a lift on the back that required cutting both of the lower bed corners, took me years to find a good pair at a wrecking yard. Factory Fleetside rear bumpers used to be pretty rare, I have an original chrome one that took 10 years to find in the 80's, but they are now reproduced.

[Bummer1959]

Thank you OrrieG. After I wrote the thread, I found a picture of exactly what I was trying to describe, and it was from diamond plate, wrapped around and connected to both rear fenders. There was also a triangular brace that went vertically down from the upper corner of the box down to the bumper for strength. Basically it provided another step between the back of the fender and the rear of the truck. Probably was aftermarket, however, I saw a partial web message from a number of years ago that reference the "Special Equipment Farm Rear Bumper" supplied by GMC, but I don't know if that is factual or not. I kind of like what I have seen from that picture, but I am sure I would have to have it fabricated as well. I guess I can always go to the painted stock bumper and leave the gap created by the long bed. Thanks again for you reply!

Chuck