Spent the day installing a rear bumper on a customers 1940 Ford Pickup. Truck never had one and the rear cross bar had been run into or backed into something, took longer than it should. I guess it goes with the wide white walls and red wheels, just not sure if it looks good, what is your opinion? Your photos may help. Bob
I voted yes, it completes the look. Here's a pic of my '40. I've had five of these trucks, and have always run front and rear bumpers..personal taste.
^^^^^^ Tail lights and center mount plate change the whole look, I like that! Just noticed the no chain look, like that even better. Bob
As a rule of thumb, no matter the year, I say no to rear bumpers on trucks. But, you have to have a tidy rear pan. I'm building a 41 now, and don't plan on running a rear bumper.
I guess if you are not worried about someone hitting your rear and messing up your tailgate/bed then don't.
Run a four inch pipe bumper. j/k Depends on if you want a more stock or street rod look. Personally I like a nice chrome bumper on an early truck.
I didn’t like mine at first - but now I think it matches the over character of the truck. I use my truck and it’s a handy step when I don’t want to drop the tailgate. It’s staying -
Convincing examples of both ends of the spectrum exist and it seems a personal decision that has no right or wrong but vulnerability to damage to more precious cargo exists without the bumper in between......On the Ole Hotrod I have no protection front and back other than the front spreader bar so I guess we takes our chances.
in a crash a bumper may help... but in a fender bender or shopping center mishap the bumper saves what "used to be" easy to find replacements. the reason for the spreader bar / bumper on my coupe... .
Just some things I found out in searching out stuff for my truck, in case you decide to run bumpers: •The pickup rear bumper for 40-41 is flatter in the curve than the normal 40-41 front. Looks better against the flat bed and tailgate. •The truck bumper brackets are different than car also. •The trucks equipped with rear bumper had taillight brackets that raised the light above the bumper.
I am of the opinion that the vast majority of rear pans people build look like ass. They are too tall, making the rear of the truck look like a building wall or too rolled, which just doesn't visually work on these trucks.
If it were mine, I'd run a bumper of some kind. Especially if you actually drive the thing. Original style, pipe, etc. works. IMO. Ya gotta watch out for all the cell phone amateur drivers out there...........
To me you have to be REAL careful when not running a rear bumper, it's easy to run into street rod territory. I like bumpers.....even though mine is far from functional (best shot I have since I'm at work).
Personally I'd run a nerf bar or something. 38s - 40s styling defined the difference between the 50s. Or most 80s adding the lower valence. Might as well use some bow tie stoplights frenched in. Yikes I pissed off a shit load of people. Sorry
Im a yes . to many dipshits on the road. They pass me on the left ,They pass me on the right ,shit ,If I didnt have a bumper they would probably try to go right lthrough me !
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