1980 Chevy K5 Blazer Rear Bumper Restoration Help!

[Streetstock72]

Hello All, I have a 1980 Chevy K5 Blazer that had very HD off road use bumpers on it when I got it and I wanted to replace the bumpers with stock factory correct bumpers. The front bumper no problem just remove and replace but the rear bumper is a issue.It has two wire spring like supports so the tailgate doesn't fall on the bumper I guess and I can not find these replacement busing anywere? They come out from the frame as in the pic.The other issue is the bolts I got from LMC for the rear outside brackets to go from the frame to bracket are like half the size of the bolts? Do I just drill out the bolt holes on the frame and remove those backing plates that have welded bolts to them? I don't just want to butcher this install...

 

[Streetstock72]

I can't seem to post the pic's here about the bracket bushings in the rear so if anyone knows what I am referring to I would look to hear from you.

 

[Streetstock72]

http://s134.photobucket.com/user/legend56bc/library/?sort=3&page=1

 

[Streetstock72]

Ok l have the holes worked out l went to hone them out and it was just the thick under coatcoating making them look small,still just need to know about those bushings on those pins under to tailgate to the frame

 

[Blue85]

It looks like the bolts are OK, you just need new bushings. I don't know if LMC truck or the like carries them, but you can probably make some out of plastic electrical conduit or PVC pipe. Another option is to use something like heater hose. IIRC, the door striker bolts are sort of compatible, so could experiment with that if you have some. I think washers are OK instead of the shoulders on the stock bushings. I've been running with conduit in there for years.

 

[Blue85]

Look at this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-CHEVY-PI...ash=item4b11cc436e:g:zGMAAOSwB-1YoEV6&vxp=mtr

 

[Streetstock72]

Look at this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-CHEVY-PI...ash=item4b11cc436e:g:zGMAAOSwB-1YoEV6&vxp=mtr

Thankyou very much just ordered 2,l really want to correct this truck!