Stepdown bumper interchangeability and dimensions

[Deleted User]

For the step downs, has anyone documented which bumpers fits which models, and which year? My 1950 Commodore 8 project has a front bumper which fits, and the outer side two bolts align, but the holes in the bumper for the four! bumper guards are inboard of the holes in the bumper mounts, by about an inch. Previous owner attempted to drill a hole on the drivers side, but I'd rather get the right bumper. Dimensionally, the inner holes are ~ 20.5 inches apart, center to center. The outer holes are ~43.25 inches, c-c. The bumper is perfect.
Regards,
Rick**

[Deleted User]

Actually Rick you should be able to switch any year stepdown front bumper with any other year stepdown. HOWEVER, there is a slight change with regard to the hole location on the inner bumperettes. The front bumper brackets that have 3 holes drilled on the one leaf for use on the inner bumperettes is your best bet for getting a good fit. Earlier bumper brackets had only one hole drilled on each leaf for that bracket. When newer models appeared after the early stepdowns, the inner bumperettes were in a slightly different position than in the earlier stepdowns. Therefore a new 'fits all' type front bumper bracket was introduced to accomodate all past and present front bumpers. Those brackets are really the best . If you don't have that option, you could always drill another hole on the inner bracket leaf meant for the inner bumperette/ horsecollar. Outter holes on the bumpers did not have this problem. The only problem you run into there is the oval head vs. round head bumper bolt flap, but thats another story

[Deleted User]

Thanks for that story. Good input. I apparently did not make my statement of the problem clearly enough. *All four* front bolt holes are misaligned, by about 1 inch, that includes the 3 hole brackets and the 4 hole brackets. The two side holes on the bumper, and the side holes on each outer bracket are aligned OK. The brackets look new, they may be re-pops, or highly restored. Since I don't have a selection of bumper brackets available to chose from, it looks like my best bet is simply some judicious hole drilling in the brackets, and then paint sealing them. Oval head vs round head is not applicable here, fortunately, because the bolts in question are part of the re-chromed bumper guards. B-)
Regards,
Rick**

nick s

48-49
50
51-53
54

[Deleted User]

my dad and i recently found this out also.
The front bumper for a 48/49 is 15 inches from the center of the two bumper guards and a 52 is i believe 13 inches and the nice one i got for my car is probably 14 inches from the centers of both bolt holes..i dont know if it a 50,51 ,53 or 54 bumper tho.
I will have to re measure to be sure but I think those measurements were correct.
Lisa