Front Bumper Mount Conversion Question

[merc359]

Hello,

I have a 1978 Shortbox Chevy 4X4. It originally came with the old-style bumper mounts, brackets, and bumper: the type that have a single bolt through the brack-to-frame just in front of the steering box and a second bolt mount on the tip of the frame rail. The older style bumpers bolt on slightly differently.

I have converted the front clip to a 1987 Chevy front clip, and the new bumper I have requires the newer, 2-bolt frame-to-bracket mount system. Someone told me that the easiest method of converting to the new bumper is to chop the front frame rails and drill a pair of holes on each side. It sounds crazy to me... Another person recommended just drilling the new style holes, but this too isn't a great solution as it's not so easily accomplished with the body all back on the frame.

Has anyone made this conversion or know of a tech tip / tutorial link that someone has posted doing this before?

Thanks,

Merc359

 

[gone huntin]

I have seen it done, they did have to cut the frame to match a later style frame.

 

[sweetk30]

simple fix.

old frame had rounded and half caped nose on ends of rails at front.

newer 81-up is slant cut all open.

just make templet from card board and match it up and cut grind smoth and drill a few holes and bolt it on and go.