The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 41-46 Front bumper. 1/2 ton vs Big Bolt

I am thinking about getting a replacement front bumper for my 1942 1.5ton Chevy truck. I have found chrome and stainless versions but they usually say that they are for a 1/2 ton pick-up. Kinda leaning towards the stainless. Is there any difference between a 1/2 ton and a Big Bolt front bumper? My truck does not have the larger bumper that I have seen on some trucks. It looks just like the 1/2ton version. Or should I get mine chrome plated?

I have seen and installed way too many repop bumpers stay away from them if you can, rechrome the one you have if can. If its too far gone I would suggest the stainless bumper, the cheap chinese chrome will eventually bubble and flake off, probably when you torque down on the bumper bolts.

Nearly all of the Chevy 1-tons and up came with the "Channel Bumper" that has a formed bead along the top & bottom edges. All painted, many two-tone black & gray, never chromed or stainless. And I agree on the re-pops. The chrome work is typically junk. At least if you plate your own, you know where they live.

In 41 the big bolts had the smaller chrome 1/2 ton style bumper. In 42 they switched to the larger channel style bumper.

1942 looks to have been a year for both version bumpers on 1 1/2 ton trucks. Some may be early production year trucks, & some later production year trucks. Check the "Gallery" for 1942, & you'll find both "pickup style", & "channel type" bumpers in the photos.

My two 1946 trucks have the same style as the 1/2 ton pickups. The 1 ton is a much thicker bumper and does not flex like my 3/4 ton.