New bumper and hitch

[flyboy2610]

I spent some time with my truck this weekend. It was feeling rather neglected and unloved. So I spruced it up a bit!
I put on a new bumper that I got from LMC, to match the one I put on the trailer, but this one has the lights in the bumper, for hooking up the trailer in the dark I suppose.
First I had to remove the old bumper/hitch...... thing that the PO had on it. the bumper was only attached on one side by a bracket! the receiver tube was extended well back under the truck, and was attached to a crossmember by another piece of tubing coming down vertically from the crossmember.
Then it had a little strap thingy welded to the back of it that ran to another crossmember.
So i unbolted/cut that monster off, and bolted on the new bumper. When I put the bumper on the trailer, I attached the brackets in what I thought was the only way they could go. Instructions were basically non existent. It mounted up, but the bumper was so close the bottom of the tailgate, I couldn't use the rear reflectors I had 'salvaged' to put on to match the '69.
While mounting the bumper on the truck, I forgot that detail and used the trailer as a guide as to how to mount the brackets. It put the bumper to close to the tailgate, and was hitting the reflectors.
I studied on this and then decided to try flipping the brackets over, and exchanging them side for side.
Success! I now had the bumper on and it wasn't hitting the reflectors!

(I have since noticed that the right side is about 1/4 - 1/2" lower that the other side. I'll have to fix that.)

[1971ford]

looks ! i was thinking about getting that bumper for my truck from lmc and now i know how it would look.

[Pipes71]

are they for the back ups? or can you mount a switch in the cab for the lights?

[Pipes71]

never mind just read part 2

[flyboy2610]

I suppose you could wire them into your back up lights, but they are really intended as lights to use while hooking up a trailer in the dark. The wiring kit for them does come with a cab mounted rocker switch.
But read pt. 2, and you'll find out how I did mine.

[flyboy2610]

OK, I don't mind. (Just ask my wife! )

[MAK]

That looks great. I've often admired the looks of that bumper in the LMC catalog but wondered about the quality up-close. You always hear about the poor quality of the repro bumpers compared to the originals... So what can you tell us? Are you happy with it? Is it a good heavy duty quality bumper or does it look better in a photo than up-close? Did it fit good without any tweaking?
Thanks

[1971ford]

was it well worth the price? where did you get it?lmc?

[1971ford]

oops i just read the first post. you did get it from lmc. oops

[flyboy2610]

Yea, it fits OK. I have to get a photo of how the brackets go. I did replace the mounting hardware with grade 8 stuff, though. The hardware that came with it looked a bit cheesy.
As far as quality, it seems to be well made, but the thickness of the material is, as on almost any aftermarket part, less than what would have been stock. The welds are well done, but they could have been a bit longer.It's basically spot welded together. I would not do much towing with it, and only very light towing at that.
But since I don't intend to use it for towing, just for looks, I'm happy with it. I have no quarrel with the finish on it.
Just don't use it to tow, and you should be fine.

[72stepside]

The lights in the bumper look good. I might get that setup. Sure would be nice to actually see what's behind you when backing up at night.