Need 1970-71 D100-200 Front Bumper, Valance & Grille

[Deazel]

Hi All,

Got in a front end collision with my beloved 1970 D200 Camper Special.
I'm looking for a front bumper (chrome), front grille (Aluminum) and front valance panel.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[1970D300]

Grille is the same as 1970-71 D300 and W300 also.

1972-74 400 commercial models too if that helps?

[jeffc57]

front bumper can be straitened and re-chromed by good bright chrome shop, local one to me would do it for around $600plus

[martincom]

I had an extra grille, but it has some dings, and was missing the two left plastic inserts. I sold it to a friend for garage wall art. I'm thinking the aluminum wouldn't straighten well. However, if you need the right plastic inserts, I could reach out to him.

[Deazel]

Thanks for the information and help.

Thought I had a line on the grille and valance, but still no luck.
I'll see about straightening the bumper.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

That piece you call a "valance" is part of the core support and is welded to it.

[Deazel]

Hmmm, I'll have to check that out.
I'm talking about the lower panel under the grille, directly behind the bumper.

Found a grille from Bonanza Auto Dismantlers in CA FYI

Thanks again

[jeffc57]

yes, core support, bolts to frame behind bumper and holds radiator

[PwrWgnDrvr]

.....
I'm talking about the lower panel under the grille, directly behind the bumper.....

Yup, that piece is welded to the core support. Could cut all the welds to remove and replace it, but you would be looking for someone else to do the same in order to sell you just that part.

[soopernaut]

Found a grille from Bonanza Auto Dismantlers in CA FYI

If you are looking for parts closer to you, Doug's 4-Wheelers in Pella Iowa would have all the parts. He might not have any parts in perfect condition, but you could look in person.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Hmmm, I'll have to check that out.
I'm talking about the lower panel under the grille, directly behind the bumper.
Thanks again

Did you check the back side of the radiator? Damage like that almost always flexes the core support back and bumps the radiator into the fan.

[Deazel]

I'll take your word for the valance panel being welded to the core support. I don't see any spot welds (pics attached). Guess I'll find out when I try to take it apart. (Waiting for the parts to come in) Had a few bone yards say they can offer me a "front valance panel", hopefully they know what they're in for.

I replaced the transmission cooler and re-cored the radiator. A few pieces of plastic poked through the front of both, but luckily the impact stopped short of moving the core support and radiator. The truck drives fine now. The front end damage is a head turner on the street though. Used to be everyone would smile and wave seeing the truck, now they just wince and shake their heads!

There's a small bit of paint popped off the frame just an inch or two back from the bumper mounting brackets, but no other paint loose on the frame, so it doesn't appear that the frame's damaged or moved (much). passenger door closes just slightly different than before, hopefully fix that with a hinge adjustment, but other than that all panels seem lined up OK too.

I'll give Doug's 4-Wheelers in Pella Iowa a call... Still hoping for a bumper. Straightening the damaged one would be a chore. The bolts are punched through and the thing is a pretty good pretzel. I have the skill to do it, but it would take a lot of labor time. I paid insurance for 25 years with no accidents, so I'm hoping to have a shop do at least part (or most) of the work. Local shop said they can "try" to straighten the bumper, but it would definitely looked damaged after the repair. I did find a painted bumper, thinking I could probably sandblast it and and have it chromed? Anyone done that?

Thanks all
-D

[PwrWgnDrvr]

There is a bolt on front valance on the 300 and up trucks. It attaches below the painted section you see on your truck below the grill.
btw - I have an NOS chrome bumper if you got the money.

[jeffc57]

why you don't see the welds, is they are "pinch" welds, small spot welds that are hard to see. The top of the fender over the wheel to the outer fender are held the same way. Pinch welds can be drilled out and chiseled apart,

[Deazel]

why you don't see the welds, is they are "pinch" welds, small spot welds that are hard to see. The top of the fender over the wheel to the outer fender are held the same way. Pinch welds can be drilled out and chiseled apart,

I checked the parts manual and see that you all right about that piece being part of the "radiator grille panel support".
Makes me wonder what they're going to send me from the yard I bought the "valance panel" from :(

There is a bolt on front valance on the 300 and up trucks. It attaches below the painted section you see on your truck below the grill.
btw - I have an NOS chrome bumper if you got the money.

PwrWgnDrvr I sent you a PM... I'm interested

Thanks again

[jeffc57]

" I did find a painted bumper, thinking I could probably sandblast it and and have it chromed? Anyone done that?"

yes it can be done, however, it doubles the cost of the plating, and as you said needs to be a clean surface. It has to be dipped more times than a bumper that is sent-in for a re-dip. So, much better to find a chrome good bumper, or strait (or close to strait) one that needs re-dip.
Bright chrome shop gave a price of $1200 to do one I have if I strep it clean, $600 if already chrome

[Deazel]

" I did find a painted bumper, thinking I could probably sandblast it and and have it chromed? Anyone done that?"

yes it can be done, however, it doubles the cost of the plating, and as you said needs to be a clean surface. It has to be dipped more times than a bumper that is sent-in for a re-dip. So, much better to find a chrome good bumper, or strait (or close to strait) one that needs re-dip.
Bright chrome shop gave a price of $1200 to do one I have if I strep it clean, $600 if already chrome

Thanks for the info.

[martincom]

The bumper shop in my hometown is still doing straightening and re=chroming of bumpers:

https://www.northstarplating.com/

They were acquired by Keystone a number of years ago.