The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 47-53 front splash apron

I'm working on a 1953 3800 pickup. Front apron was gone when i got it, so i bought a reproduction probably 10 years ago. Never got around to putting it on until now, and it doesnt fit well. I think if i cut and rewelded 2 brackets i could get it on, but the shape doesnt match the bumper real well, its too "flat". I have another 1953 3800 in the woods, that is in very rough shape. Front apron is rusted through, but bumper doesn't seem to be bent. When i lay the new splash apron over that one, again its too "flat". It touches on the outside, but in the middle its probably 3/4" away from the bumper. Since i have two trucks and the bumpers on both match pretty close, 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? The aftermarket one i have is at least 10 years old, i don't remember where i got it. Thanks,
Josh

Pa Farmer Could it be that the one you have is for a 3100 pickup,3800 is a bigger truck. I've had a few ton ones but not sure how they compare.

The 3100 and 3800 share the same splash apron behind the bumper
All sheet metal parts are shared cab forward
The bumper itself is just thicker and the bumper spring to frame mount is different but that’s all hidden under the apron which connects with 4 of the bumper bolts.
The curvature of the 1/2 to the 1 ton is the same
You need to go bigger to 1.5 ton to get the larger steel bumper and larger apron

The apron might connect onto all 5 bumper bolts I think there is a flang for the center bolt.

source:
Parts and Accessories Catalog P&A 30 March 1957

Group: 1.287 PANEL, Radiator Grille Filler
1947-53 ALL COMM.* (exc. DD**) 3684145

*ALL COMM. = 1/2, 3/4 and 1 TON TRUCK
** DD = (Dubl--Duti)(Forward Control Delivery Chassis)

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.html

Basically 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/Xn1cRQfpTasUjJLa6

I 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.

I purchased the replacement front splash apron for my truck ( 1954 3604 ) from Jim Carter. Part number SM412 and it fits just fine. I had no issues with fitment. Pics attached.

PaFarmer,

Post a photo of it with the bumper.

Maybe someone could tell if it's supposed to be for another truck or if your bumper is curved incorrectly or bent.

Dusty,
That does look good. I wonder if its fit is better because it’s a 54/55?

I don't believe so , the front bumper is Jim Carter MSB238NC , 1947 - 1955 , Pickup, Panel, Suburban. And yes, the splash panel came from Jim Carter as well. The bumper mounted to the stock GM bumper brackets that were on the truck, so.....I'm thinking PA Farmer either got a bad panel or perhaps the wrong panel. Hopefully PA Farmer posts some photo's so we can maybe get to the bottom of this?

The bumper might be the same from 1947-1955st but the splash apron is not the same.

One style for 47-53 and then different for 54/55st.

the parts book state it’s a different part
Only 47-53 is common

Yep, an easy way to tell is the 47-53 apron has a spot for the front license plate bracket on the right side. Also, the front grille is more pointed on the 54-55's. Here's a pic of the bumper and apron I drug out of a wrecking yard in Nebraska.

Dusty 53 Nice paint work,that green is a nice color, get your caps on be ready to cruise !!