I just bought a 1997 Flareside and like many of them, the rear bumper is completely rusted through. Surprisingly, the rest of the truck looks pretty good...just a little rust starting at the bottom of the driver's side door. Otherwise it looks good. So looking around, it seems these Flareside bumpers are not easy to find used. I found a replacement bumper kit on Ebay for $300 shipped. Is that a good way to go?

Let me know and thanks guys,

Warner


Here's the truck:

 

A few years ago (approx. 2007) I wrecked my '03 flareside. I needed a bumper and tailgate.

I got an OEM bumper from an aftermarket body shop supplier for about $300 and $75 to paint.

I still haven't ponied up the cash for a tailgate since mine still opens and closes just fine. At least it did until I was T-boned at 25mph last year...Now it sticks a little and is hard to close.

 

Yeah, my tailgate is FINE....really good in fact. It's just the damn bumper that's wasted. Mine is chrome so it won't need paint. If the rest of the truck didn't look so good still, I probably wouldn't replace it. But it looks pretty decent, and I would like to be able to put a tow ball on the bumper for very occasional towing, but wouldn't feel great about putting it on the existing bumper, even though it's probably fine structurally.