Appearances Can Be Deceiving! Some Fit…Some Don’t. Understand Interchangeability & Differences In Early Ford Bumpers
Identifying bumpers can easily become a nightmare, so let us help. Everybody knows that a ‘32 bumper is straight and looks like a highway guardrail so we didn’t include it. 1933 and later has 2 basic groups: 1933-1936 and 1937-1940 and each bumper is surprisingly different.
1933-1934 One groove identifies these but the measurement between the center holes is different (see drawing). You can use a ‘33 bumper on a ‘34, or vice-versa, but you must use the matching braces (bumper arms). Note: 1933 pickups originally used round-head bumper bolts which are not currently reproduced, but our oval-head styles work perfectly and look nicer. 1935-1936 Two grooves mark this group. The only difference here is the end wrap. You can interchange these, just use the matching irons. There is also a Pickup version of each of these which does not have a dip in the center. Again, all are interchangeable, year to year, car or pickup. Just use matching braces. 1937 & 1938 -1939 Standard It seems that Ford simply installed the same 1937 bumpers upside-down for 1938-1939 Standard, but there are other mounting hole differences as follows; 1937: When installed the end curve goes down like a frown. The bolt holes are just below center line. The rear bumper is different in that it has a larger bow compared to the front. 1938-1939 Standard: When this one is installed the end curve goes up like a smile. The bolt holes are noticeably above center line. Front and rear are the same. 1939 Deluxe This one is easily identified by its rounded ends and a wide groove through the center. The hole spacing is the same as the 1937-39 Standard. 1940 There are two bumpers, one fits passenger car front and rear as well as pickup front and can be identified by the narrower spacing between the center holes. The other fits pickup rear. It has a little flatter bow from side to side and the center holes are farther apart as shown. NOTE: The 1940-41 pickup rear bumper has the same hole spacing as the 1937-39 bumpers and will interchange without changing mounting braces.
1933 vs 1934
1933 22"
1934 26"
1" Square Hole
1935-1936
26"
1935-1936 BUMPER END DIFFERENCES
1935
1936
FROWNING END DOWNWARD CURVE
1937
55" 29"
1" Inner Hole
7/16" Outer Hole
1938 All-1939 Standard
55" 29"
SMILING END UPWARD CURVE
1939 Deluxe
55" 29"
1" Inner Hole
7/16" Outer Hole
1940 Car & 1940-1941 Pickup
Car 24" / Pickup 29"
Car & Pickup 55"
420
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