1951 kaiser Bumperettes

[boatingbill]

I am assuming that the front and rear bumperettes on the '51 are the same pair, is that
correct? Then are the front and rear bumpers interchangeable too? I have two sets of bumperettes
drilled out with bolts fun through them. Maybe these are called bumper guards?

[Fid]

The 1951 Kaiser parts book lists 2 different front bumpers - one "drilled for wings" p/n 208573 and one "not drilled for wings" 208572.
It also lists 2 different rear bumpers - p/n 208506 for all except utility models and 208507 for utility models.
Since the front license plate bracket bolts to the front bumper and the rear plate bracket fastens to the deck lid, the holes for mounting that bracket may be the only difference between the two on the non-utility models.
The parts book list several part numbers for bumper gaurds:   right front and left rear (plain) are p/n 208512. The left front and right rear (plain) are p/n 208513 so the difference is in which side, not front or rear.
It also lists right front and left rear "torpedo type" as p/n 208571 and left front and right rear "torpedo type" a p/n 208518.

[joefrazer]

In 1951 Kaisers could be bought in two different exterior trim levels, the Special and the DeLuxe. The bumper guards differ between them. If you have the Special, the LF and RR guards are the same and the RF and LR guards are the same. If you have the DeLuxe, all four differ and can't be swapped. The bumpers can be swapped but as was mentioned, the front bumper is drilled for the plate holder.

[boatingbill]

Joefrazer: My rear bumper has the holes drilled in it for the license plate, so somewhere along the
line it was a front bumper, but not a deluxe model. My '51 is a Deluxe so it has the correct front
bumper with the end caps. I am looking for the front bumper guards. I got a replacement bumper
and end caps for the rear so far.

[boatingbill]

Fid: What is the difference between bumper guards and "torpedo" type bumper guards on a '51?

[joefrazer]

The difference is as I stated in my reply, they look different due to the trim line. The car pictured is a Special and has the non-torpedo style guards on it, which are correct for this model.

[Fid]

I don't have any pictures of a Deluxe '51 to see what the actual difference is. I just went by what the parts book said. If I come across some pictures, I'll post them.