Bumper Brackets + Hardware

Automobile bumpers have undergone quite an evolution since they first appeared almost 100 years ago. What were once little more than steel beams have become complex energy absorbing assemblies. But although their configuration has changed over the years, from the chrome plated slabs of yore to today’s modern plastic-covered constructions, all employ mounts that attach the bumper to the vehicle frame. These mounts have also evolved, from simple rigid brackets to elaborate supports and energy absorbers, but they too have a commonality – you’ll find them right here on our digital shelves.

Up until the early 1970s, metal bumper brackets merely supported the bumper and held it in position in relation to the vehicle body. Early bumper brackets were exposed but they gradually became concealed as bumpers were integrated into the body design. This mounting system began to disappear with the advent of 5-mph bumper regulations. The new standards dictated that bumpers must prevent damage to the body and critical safety components like headlights during low speed impacts. Instead of unyielding brackets, bumpers started being supported by mechanical absorbers or sacrificial "crush boxes".

Those first regulation bumpers were adaptations of existing designs, which resulted in bulky, protruding bumpers and unfortunate vehicle styling. But bumper regulations continued to evolve and car stylists developed body designs more pleasing to customers, with the end result being the sculpted plastic fascia concealing an energy absorbing bumper mechanism that predominates the industry today. The thermoplastic cover conceals an aluminum or UHSS (Ultra High Strength Steel) bumper reinforcement bar, which is attached to the frame rails with crush tubes, crush boxes or hydraulic absorbers. Energy absorbing foam or plastic honeycomb material may be placed between the cover and reinforcement, and the flexible cover often requires underlying supports and stiffeners.

Instead of being just ordinary mounting brackets, modern bumper mounts and supports are part of a crash management system. In low speed impacts, contemporary bumpers are designed to absorb energy and minimize the damage to the rest of the vehicle and repair costs. In higher speed impacts, the bumper reinforcement bar and its mounts channels the collision energy into the frame rails and vehicle crush zones where it can dissipate before reaching the passenger cabin. To properly restore a crash-damaged vehicle to pre-accident condition, it must once again be made crash-worthy so the vehicle and passengers are afforded the same degree of protection in the event of a future collision. This means that all bumper mounts must be carefully inspected and replaced if there are any signs of damage.

From classic car to late-model daily driver, regardless of when your car or truck was made or what type of bumper it has, we have the bumper brackets, stays, supports, stiffeners, and braces you need to restore it to like new condition, as well as the proper hardware to make all attachments. We also have all of the related brackets and hardware for bumper mounted components like fog lights and license plates, which can also be damaged in a collision. Brackets and mounts are the foundation of your bumper system and if they’re not right it can negatively affect the way your vehicle looks and the way the bumper performs in the unfortunate event of a collision. All of the parts we offer are made to original equipment specifications, so you can count on perfect fit, function and appearance.