The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk A.D. bumpers

Were the front bumpers used on all of the 1947-53 1/2 ton trucks the same dimensions, or did they vary? What was the case for the rear bumpers?

Thanks for the info.!

The optional rear bumper on 1/2 ton pickups were the same from 47-53. The 1954/55 rear bumper was different from the one used in the earlier years.

From 1947-1955, the 1/2 ton panel-body rear bumper was the same as the 47-55 1/2 ton truck front bumper.

This info. is helpful. What then are the correct dimensions for the 1/2 ton front and rear bumpers?

Original front bumper from 1950, 3604; 78" x 5.5" x .150"(9ga.)

DG

I have the original front bumper off my 50 3100 sitting in the back yard

original 5 1/2
repo on the truck 5 3/4

my original is stampped (and raised letters) in the back
GM-U
...pic...

Does anyone know what the initials "MBC" stand for that are found on the backside of some bumpers? Was that an original GM bumper?

I received a personal correspondence today from Bob Adler. He stated that he believed that the original GM bumpers all included the GM lettering. He did not have any further info. on the MBC lettering that some of us have seen.

Does anybody have any more info. on the MBC bumper?

I did a little google-ing and did find there was once a corporation called Michigan Bumper Company that was in business at least as early as 1941 and was later bought up by Gulf Western. It's a bit of a shot in the dark, but do you think MBC means Michigan Bumper Co.?

Super55, your lead is interesting.

It looks like the MBC that you found was started in 1934 (Grand Rapids, MI) and became part of Gulf & Western in 1958.

Interesting. Can someone confirm if "MBC" supplied GM factory original bumpers or replacement bumpers for the A.D. trucks?

Just a side note: 1947, & '48 GMC 1/2 ton -1 ton front bumpers were a totally different animal to their self.

I sent the following message to GM Heritage
Hello,
Some of the vintage Chevy truck owners have noticed that there is a MBC stamped on the bumpers. Is there a record of who manufactured the bumpers for the Advanced Design trucks? I did find that there was a company called Michigan Bumper Co that was bought by Gulf Western in 1958. Any chance that the MBC means Michigan Bumper Company?
Sincerely,
Paul Stanley
Maple Ridge, BC

Their reply was. We don't know the answer, sorry.

Are we at a dead-end? Does any one else have any further info. to offer on this mystery?

I did some more googling. I did find out in a story on Gulf+Western who bought Michigan Plating and Stamping, which originally was Michigan Bumper Company, that MBC made bumpers for Studebakers. Anyone have a Studie that might want to look to see if MBC is stamped on it?
Too bad the GMC archive people don't know. There must be a record of who supplied bumpers in the GMC history.

Actually, there is a listing for

MICHIGAN PLATING & STAMPING CO
1860 ALPINE N W
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504

Phone: (616) 363-4847

Maybe I'll give them a call tomorrow on my G-phone.

Well, I tried calling and their was no answer. Weird. Anyone from Grand Rapids that might know something about the Michigan Plating and Stamping Co. there?

Any new information to share? Otherwise, I guess we close the chapter on this mystery. Thank you.

Sorry about this, just got back from Great Britain, and I am checking in. I wonder if MBC might have stood for, are you ready? M Must B be C chrome

Maybe? Has anyone found MBC on what they think is an original 1952/53 bumper?

I forgot to try phoning the number I have for Michigan Plating and Stamping. I was hoping that someone that lived in the area would drive by and see what's up. I did phone them one day, but no answer. The phone rang but no one picked up.

MICHIGAN PLATING & STAMPING CO
1860 ALPINE N W
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504

Phone: (616) 363-4847

There must be some sort of archives somewhere that would show more history, but I am no historian and felt lucky to find what I did on the internet.

I have two (F and R) in the house in my parts pile with MBC stamped on them and no other markings. I also have two others out in the garage. Both of those appear to be, and to my knowledge are, original and I will check them tomorrow.

I tired calling Michigan Plating and Stamping with no answer, so I mailed a letter over snail mail. I'll let you know if I receive an answer in the next month or so. If I don't get an answer I would say the company was a victim of the economy.

Well I know why I didn't get an answer when I phoned Michigan Plating and Stamping. The letter I mailed to them came back. The building is vacant. But you know I bet it wasn't vacant long, otherwise I wouldn't even think the phone would ring. Also, when you google the address it looks like they are in business. Those google photos probably aren't too old.

Anyhow unless I could figure out how to investigate old sales records the trail is dead. We may never know, especially since we recently lost Mike Wallace. He could have found out for sure.