The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk BUMPERS and R. SIDE MIRROR ('54 3100)

I am putting the finishing touches on a '54 3100 and looking to put Chrome or Stainless Steel bumpers on this truck. I'm trying to keep it factory original. Did these trucks come with Chrome or SS bumpers?

Also looking to put a mirror on the right side cowl. Is there a precise location, or template available, to mount this accessory.

Thanks

John

Welcome to the 'Bolt.

I believe that it depended on which trim package the truck originally came with... if it was standard trim, the bumpers were painted.

If it was deluxe or another higher $ trim packege it was chrome.

That is, if the chrome shortage caused by the Korean war was over by that time...

I'm fairly certain that the trucks didn't come with stainelss steel bumpers.

If you notice the truck on the opening page of the 'bolt you'll see the chrome bumper and chrome grill.

Also poke around in the gallery section to see some other options.

At the end of the day it it what you want to do to your truck.

Some websites with great information in various articles that you can use:

http://www.chevytrucks.org

http://50chevy.freeservers.com

http://www.speedprint.com/Deves50/

-W

Welcome John. Someone posted recently that stainless are about the same $$$ as chrome, look nice and shiny, are easier to care for--e.g. buff out scratches--and don't peel etc. But I guess the shiny option from the factory must have been chrome. So if want to show the dear old thing in the category of "Delux 54 AD Truck Most Indistinguishable From Factory Original In The Whole Darn Universe" ya'd better show up with the peely kind if you don't want to give the judges apoplexy. But if you want to drive it, stainless is probably the way to go...

Christian

Go for the SS bumpers,you won't be sorry.The judges are just local guys like you and I.The prices are the same.But SS is better also SS bolts.The stock mirrors brackets will wack you in the arms walking around the truck.May want to try a set of 4" peep mirrors.Look much better.But Chevyduty has the stock type your lookin for

Chrome was original, but all but the really knowledgable won't know or care about the difference, and it isn't that noticable. Chrome bumpers were available as an extra-cost item on standard trim, but came standard with the Deluxe package. The rear bumper might have been an option, I can't remember for '54.

The mirror should have locating spots inside the cowl to start the drill bit. I think there is a tech tip on this here or at chevytrucks.org.

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. My '54 is sporting the deluxe trim package with SS around the door windows (both interior and exterior) and the windshield. It also has a Chrome grill.

John

Let's see some pictures John.

I found the Tech Tip that GMCPanel suggested and it worked. I must admit that I could not image why the Tech Tip suggested removing the glove box liner...until I removed the liner box and then it became perfectly clear. I installed the right side arm and mirror head in a matter of minutes.

I'll post some pics of my truck.

Thanks again for your help!!!!

John