I'm thinking the reproduction is not shaped right. Is there a better repro that will fit, or are they all made in the same place?
1. You’re right.
2. Not likely.
3. Yes, they are.
Welcome to reproductions. They are close, but not right. I’ve used many pieces and the “not right” fit is running at least 75% of the time. You will need to make it work or make your own. I ended up making my own for my GMC using the rotten original as a pattern. It turned out well.
Here’s Frankenchevy’s project version of home built for a Chev. “Slightly customized”
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1447335/21.htmlBasically what I did, but he did it much better than I. I loved his little wooden form.
Here’s mine, as close to GMC original as I could get it at home:
https://goo.gl/photos/Xn1cRQfpTasUjJLa6I cut off the original bumper brackets and straightened/ cleanup.
Next, I traced the damage original onto some new sheet metal and left about 3/4” of “overhang” to create the folded over lip.
Cut the “rear step( GMC thing)” off the original to weld onto the new flat filler piece.
Put relief cuts along the 3/4” overhang. You don’t need many along the front edge, only the very ends with the tight radiuses need a bunch. Or leave the tight ends flush, and weld a curved piece onto it… that’d be simpler methinks.
Folded it all over and welded back up. Welded on the rear step. Ground all smooth.
Installed bumper brackets to bumper.
Placed new panel piece on top, lined it up well, measured, plugged welded the new panel onto the original bumper brackets.
A lot of work? Yes. Fits great? Yes. Cheap? Yes. Made in Canada vs China? Yes, because it fits!
Or you can cut the reproduction apart, make it fit, and weld it solid.
Or live with the reproduction fit. Ugh.
