I've done a search, but could not find what I'm looking for. My question is around the position of our rear bumpers. If you use the license plate frame that goes right under the tail light, you can't see the plate. Is my only option to lower the bumper and leave that gap between the bed and bumper?

 

You could modify the mount to lower the plate. You are kind of stuck between a rock and hard place in the looks department.

 

My plate has been like that since I had the truck rebuilt and painted in 1999. I Never had a rear bumper but put one on in 1999. I have never been pulled over by the cops. And if I am pulled over I will tell them everything is in its stock location.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-location.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...-and-cops.html

 

Here is a SoCal solution...notch the bumper then move the bumper up and in.

 

We corrected our problem with flipping the mount and round taillight on the drivers side, so the plate was above the taillight. The one I have now doesn't have stock taillights (nor a rear bumper yet), so I want to put a receiver hitch one that is removable.

 

Thanks for all your tips.

 

Why not leave the plate where it is? Remove the existing plate holder, and install a small light for the plate.

 

Only because I like the way it looks under the tail light.

 

Have you been told by the cops or the inspection station to change it? If not then why change it? We don't have to retrofit our classic trucks to meet modern laws, like seat belts, airbags, rear bumpers, and environmental things. Exceptions would be a second tail light and turn signals.

 

No, no issue with that. But it seems unusual that this issue was there from the get go. Unless these trucks didn't have bumpers originally.

 

Rear bumpers weren't even optional until '51, and even then it seems most used step bumpers manufactured locally with integral hitch.

The worst part of the stock under-taillight location is is that you'll catch your pants on it in the garage. Or other people will when it's parked. It could bend it.

 

I saw one picture of a truck on here ant they used the top bolt on the gate hinge for the bottom bolt in the tail light bracket and bolted it to the backside of the stakepocket.

 

In CA it don't matter what year your vehicle is, if the plate is obscured, even by a trailer ball, it is technically illegal. If I remember correctly you are in IL, so looking up the law is the only way to say whether you are good or not.

Abe, what you said is not true in all states, in CA you don't need to add seat belts or two tail lights based on year, but in Iowa, where I am from, you need to retrofit seat belts no matter what was original (per the vehicle code there).

Just saying giving legal advice per where you live is not always a good idea.

 

From what I remember, rear bumpers were in option in 48-52 trucks. Not sure about 53-56, but that very well could be the case too.