Front and Rear Bumper Install for 1967-1970 C10s

Front and Rear Bumper Install for 1967-1970 C10s

Last Updated August 8, 2023 | Alison Smith

Whether you have rusty or broken bumpers on your Chevy C10, there are plenty of reasons for upgrading. Bumpers offer protection, provide aesthetics, and a leg up when you need to access the truck bed. Follow the steps below to learn how to install new front and rear bumpers on your 1967-1970 C10.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In the steps below, we’ll show you how to install this chrome front bumper and rear bumper. The front bumper is a direct fit for the 1967-1970 C10 or 1967-1968 GMC truck. The rear bumper will only fit the 1967-1972 C10 with a Fleetside bed.

Required Tools:

  • 1 3/4" Ratchet
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Pry Bar (Optional)

Step 1: Remove Bolts from Front Bumper

Using a 1 3/4” ratchet, remove the six bolts from the front bumper. The bolts can be tricky to access as they’re right behind the bumper. Luckily, you don’t have to use the wrench on the front. Just loosen and remove the nut to get the bolt off.

Removing bolts from front bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Pro Tip: Rusted bolts are common on classic trucks, so you may need to break it free with a pair of pliers if it’s stuck. If you run into issues, the bolt could snap off completely. In this case, we recommend getting new hardware for the bumper so it’s easier to install.

Step 2: Take Brackets and Bumper Off Frame

We were unable to remove some of the bolts from the bumper, so to remove the bumper we have to remove the bumper brackets from the frame. The bolts go through the bottom of the frame, so once you take them out, the brackets will stay attached to the bumper.

Taking brackets and front bumper off frame on 1967-1970 C10

Step 3: Take Brackets Off Front Bumper

Remove the brackets from the old bumper so you can reuse them on the new one. The nut may be difficult to remove, but once it comes off, just wiggle the bracket off. Use a screwdriver or pry bar to get the spacer off. Repeat the same process for the other bracket.

Taking brackets off front bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 4: Reinstall Brackets on New Front Bumper

You can ditch the old front bumper now that we’re ready to put the new one on. Slide a new or existing bolt into the lower hole of the bumper. Then, slide the spacer and factory bracket on the bolt before securing with a flat washer, lock washer, and then the nut. Repeat on the other side.

Reinstalling brackets on new front bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 5: Slide Front Bumper Over Frame Rails

Once the brackets are on, slide the new bumper over the frame rails. Take it nice and slow so you don’t scratch the bumper or body of the truck.

Sliding front bumper over frame rails on 1967-1970 C10

Step 6: Attach New Front Bumper

Attach the new front bumper using the new or existing hardware. Slide the bolt in and line it up with the square hole. Once the bolts are in place, secure them with a washer, lock washer, and nut before tightening them down. After installing and tightening all the bolts, you’re done with the front bumper!

Attaching new front bumper to 1967-1970 C10

Step 7: Remove Bolts from Rear Bumper

As with the front bumper, it may be difficult to remove the old hardware. Try to find the fun in the struggle and replace any old hardware if needed.

Removing bolts from rear bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 8: Disconnect Wire Attached to Bumper

After the bumper is off, disconnect the attached wire from the license plate light.

Disconnecting wire attached to rear bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 9: Remove License Plate Light

Remove the two screws holding the license plate light in place. Loosen them using a Phillips screwdriver. They may be rusty, so use some elbow grease or penetrating oil to get them out.

Removing license plate from rear bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 10: Remove License Plate Bracket

Unscrew the four bolts holding in the license plate bracket. Once again, the bolts might be difficult to remove, so you may need to use penetrating oil to loosen them up first.

Removing license plate bracket on 1967-1970 C10

Pro Tip: With the license plate bracket off, now’s a good time to paint or replace yours with something that will look better on your truck.

Step 11: Reinstall License Plate Bracket

Slide the license plate bracket onto the new rear bumper and reinstall the factory hardware.

Reinstalling license plate bracket on new rear bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 12: Reinstall License Plate Light

Reinstall the license plate light using the original two screws. Tighten the screws down.

Reinstalling brackets on new front bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Step 13: Install New Rear Bumper

Slide the new rear bumper onto the brackets and attach using the hardware. Tighten all the bolts down, and the installation is complete!

Installing new rear bumper on 1967-1970 C10

Considerations for Your C10 Bumper Install

Depending on the bumpers you select, the installation process may vary slightly. If your Chevy C10 has a lot of rusted bolts, you might need a little more elbow grease and a new set of hardware. You can also swap out the bumper and license plate brackets if needed. Be sure to follow any specific manufacturer instructions that come with your new bumpers. For other impactful upgrades you can make to your C10, check out these install guides:

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Please Note: This guide is a tool to help you install parts on your vehicle. If you don’t feel confident performing this installation on your own, please have a professional install the parts for you.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about CJ's editorial standards and guidelines.