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I’ve been noticing a lot of front bumpers being tucked closer to the front sheet metal on 53-56 F100s at the shows. I like the look and am considering doing it to one of my trucks.
How is this accomplished? If it’s by cutting the frame horns; where and by how much.
I haven't got to that point yet but I agree on the looks . I would think if you are using a stock style bumper it would be easiest to take a piece out behind the mount holes where the frame is consistent . but I'm sure someone with experience will chime in .
All I did was mark the centers of the existing holes back 1 1/2 " ,drilled the new holes then cut off 1 1/2" from the end of the frame horns on my pickup
I made a "Z" cut behind the mounting holes where the frame narrows. Took out 1.5 inches and re-welded. Ground the outside smooth and you can't even see where I cut it. Makes the front end look much better without the big gap between the bumper and the body. I also put shortie brackets on the rear bumper to complete the look all around. Very easy modification to do with even moderate cutting / welding skills. Go for it! Steve
All I did was mark the centers of the existing holes back 1 1/2 " ,drilled the new holes then cut off 1 1/2" from the end of the frame horns on my pickup
I wondered if it was that simple John.
Steve,
I’ve got shorty brackets for the back too. Got any pictures of your truck?
Just the small one by my user name. I'm practically computer illiterate! I also have a rear roll pan that I cut holes in just large enough for the shorty brackets to pass through. Yes I did a lot of extra work but I'm just funny that way. I was still employed offshore then and had 14 days at a time to come up with new ideas! Also the next 14 on the water with lots of time to dream up new ways to re-invent the wheel. I cannot put 1 finger between my rear bumper and the roll pan so I'm very happy with the final result. I guess there is no wrong way, just "longer" ways. Steve
No John, I didn't take it as criticism. My wife accuses me quite often of being a perfectionist and I tell her "of course I am, that's how I ended up with you". Jack I can clean behind the bumper only if I slide the cleaning rag in from the side. I see you are from Mississippi also. Are you going to Cruisin' the Coast? I'd love to see your beautiful truck in person. You're welcome to come also John but I see you would have quite a drive!! It's all good, Steve
I cut mine the same as 56panelford. Some guys will cut out a chunk and re-weld the horn back on to maintain the horn but I didn't care about that so I just cut it and drilled new holes.I topped it off with new chrome bolts.
If you can get your hands on an October 2012 issue of Custom Classic trucks, it has a step-by-step article that walks you through the process. Really straight forward. The article calls for removing 1-9/16".
If you can get your hands on an October 2012 issue of Custom Classic trucks, it has a step-by-step article that walks you through the process. Really straight forward. The article calls for removing 1-9/16".
