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Bumper Options

2841 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Mmusicman, 
neon-eon
I have a 1998 Astro I bought last year, and have been perpetually bothered by the bumpers, mostly for aesthetic reasons. I've done some searches on here and haven't had a lot of luck finding good threads demonstrating what I'm looking for, but maybe I'm just not digging deep enough.

I was initially desiring giving the van a more classic look with some G20 style chrome bumpers. I don't like how low the stock front goes, I'd love something that gives a little more ground clearance and I just like the way the chrome, older-style one's look on those vans, but I can't find a manufacturer or even many examples of them. I'm wondering if there's something prohibitive about how these are designed mounted? Or maybe something else that exists that might be just as flattering

I equally don't like the rear bumper. It's the plastic looking foot-step, plus mine is sagging on one side and it makes me feel sad. I also really need to add a Tow Hitch so was looking at options to remove the existing bumper and replace it with something sturdy and with a integrated hitch that keeps the ground clearance high. I've shopped around a bit but wanted to see if anyone had any recc's.

Thanks to anyone who has any ideas or a direction for me to go.
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AstroWill
Maybe pick up a nice example from an older van, or even a wider full sized van and cut it down, weld it back together and then have it chromed?
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Mmusicman
I see no reason you couldn't certainly take an older set of G20 chrome bumpers (and mounting brackets) and make them fit (unless they're too wide). Anything can be done. Biggest problem I see (beside fit) is that the giant stock plastic bumper covers (on Gen 2) actually cover up a bunch of undesirable stuff. But maybe it's not so bad.

Gen 1 utilizes an air-dam system.. but that's not critical either.

DO IT!
Please share the results.

Maybe something from a car???
I've seen a LOT of that stuff interchanged on classic show cars.

PS: I still have a nice set of chrome 74 G10 bumpers in my shed. I'm old-school and love that look. If they fit.. I'd probably try them on my hotrod 92. I may even go out and measure them up this weekend.. great idea. I've already started sizing up side-pipes and sun-roof (from my G10) for my Astro.

Here's the front bumper from my 74 G10.
Unfortunately, I suspect it will be too wide for the Astro...
Car Automotive parking light Vehicle Land vehicle Hood
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Rod's Trucks
Just removing the plastic covering, will expose a somewhat normal black steel bumper 'support'. That can be painted or maybe even chromed.
The factory supports are adequate, and easy to fabricate up to, to hold some other bumper of your choice.
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neon-eon
AstroWill said:
Maybe pick up a nice example from an older van, or even a wider full sized van and cut it down, weld it back together and then have it chromed?
Click to expand...
I'll look into that. Seems like a lot of fabricating but I have access to a shoppe where I could do the work. Thanks
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neon-eon
Mmusicman said:
I see no reason you couldn't certainly take an older set of G20 chrome bumpers (and mounting brackets) and make them fit (unless they're too wide). Anything can be done. Biggest problem I see (beside fit) is that the giant stock plastic bumper covers (on Gen 2) actually cover up a bunch of undesirable stuff. But maybe it's not so bad.

Maybe something from a car???
I've seen a LOT of that stuff interchanged on classic show cars.

PS: I still have a nice set of chrome 74 G10 bumpers in my shed. I'm old-school and love that look. If they fit.. I'd probably try them on my hotrod 92. I may even go out and measure them up this weekend.. great idea. I've already started sizing up side-pipes and sun-roof (from my G10) for my Astro.

Here's the front bumper from my 74 G10.
Unfortunately, I suspect it will be too wide for the Astro...
Click to expand...
Ya, exposing what was underneath the existing bumper was my concern. I haven''t really looking to deeply under there, but it seems like it should work out. I'm gonna look around for something existing is a good fit. Maybe take some measurement to a scrap yard. That's a good suggestion, looking at cars.

Your idea for those older G10 bumpers sound cool. I'd love to see that and side pipes on an astro.
Thank you, I'll look into all of this.
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neon-eon
Rod's Trucks said:
Just removing the plastic covering, will expose a somewhat normal black steel bumper 'support'. That can be painted or maybe even chromed.
The factory supports are adequate, and easy to fabricate up to, to hold some other bumper of your choice.
Click to expand...
Copy that. Good to know. I've never done this sort of thing and wasn't sure how universal/interchangable the mounting points may be but it sounds like where there is a will there's a way.
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Birdshake
Looks like truck bumpers can be made to fit.
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markmitch
1st gen bumpers did come in chrome and would possibly fit heres one that is painted for example 86- 90 Astro Front Bumper | eBay
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T
Lots of guys here make their own bumpers. Anything can be chromed. Finding one to adapt would be less expensive.

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Lowcountry
What tungtide said…
Automotive parking light Tire Wheel Car Automotive side marker light

Tire Wheel Automotive tail & brake light Automotive lighting Automotive tire
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T
I like that propane tank idea. Been thinking about that, then a propane version of Webasto heater.
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Mmusicman
neon-eon said:
I was initially desiring giving the van a more classic look with some G20 style chrome bumpers.... I just like the way the chrome, older-style one's look on those vans, but I can't find a manufacturer or even many examples of them.
Click to expand...
I think some of you may not understand what it seems the OP is looking for... or what a "more classic look" actually is. The G20 bumper is sleek, stylish, thin, & chrome. I've posted a picture of mine.

The stock Gen 1 Astro chrome bumper might be an option? We know they fit. This forum is full of boxy bulky off-road home-made bumpers. I don't think these are classic look. LP tanks and camper bumpers probably aren't it either. Additionally, painted bumpers are not chrome. Having some home-made bar-stock chromed probably isn't going to cut it either.

My feeling is if it sticks out PAST the body of the van, then it doesn't "fit". It just looks like an add-on. It should "conform". But that is up to the OP

The older 60's mid-engine vans may have exactly what you are looking for (fit and style), but good luck finding them. Simple, sleek. These vans were a little less wide, like the Astro. As I suggested.. you may find something that fits and looks right from an old classic car too.. maybe even going way back.

Quick search I found this:
Holley Classic Trucks Chrome Bumper
Maybe closer to what you are looking for?
No idea if it's a good fit either...but they carry others too.
Rectangle Automotive exterior Table Metal Monochrome


Good luck
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