Beginning in 1951, the rear bumper became an option on both Chevrolet and GMC pickups. This required a change in the standard left tail light bracket. The tail light assembly was now unprotected without the bumper. GM created a new bracket design that brought the tail light slightly ahead of the rear edge of the stake pocket.
In this way the tail light was not hit when the pickup backed against a loading dock. Of course, when the truck came with the now optional rear bumper, the tail light bracket remained as earlier years.
The non rear bumper tail light bracket is not being reproduced. For the perfectionist, it will require some hunting to uncover one of these rare assemblies. Most restorers want the optional rear bumper and thus there is little demand for this forgotten bracket.
Reason for making the rear bumper an option:
After so many years in GM truck restoration, Jim Carter Truck Parts discovered why this was necessary. Before 1951 many new owners removed their rear bumper as soon as they drove the pickup to their farm or business. Many said this change was long overdue.
Why the change:
With the bumper in place it was a receipt for broken bones of people or on livestock which then had to be disposed of.
The bumper with braces prevented the pickup from backing flush against the dock.
On occasions the resulting gap or space allowed careless person’s foot and then their leg to drop down. Usually the person’s foot did not quite reach the pavement. Big trouble for a leg or hip.
When it came to livestock it was even worse. When they were under pressure to be forced in or out of the pickup, sometimes they did not see the gap. Disaster! It could only be hoped butchering / Meat Company was nearby. This is all left to your imagination.
