1955-1956 Thunderbird Bumperette - The Hard-to-Find Side

Up for your consideration is a 1955-1956 Ford Thunderbird bumper guard or "bumperette" as they are known to T-Bird fans.  These were original equipment on the front of all 1955 and 1956 Thunderbirds, as well as used on the rear of the 1955 (with a different insert to allow for exhaust pipe porting).  The fronts and rears are completely interchangeable other than the insert.  THIS IS THE SCARCE SIDE.  For many years up until the 80s, the RH rear 1955 bumperette was available through Ford dealers (which, with the bullet nose insert, is the same unit as the LH front on 55-56).  But the much, much scarcer RH front (LH rear on 55) went obsolete many years ago and is now the key to the set.

This one has some man-made damage.  As the pictures show, the little metal bridge below the square hole at the base has been removed by some dagoofus with a torch long ago.  If you were going to have this unit replated, you would need to weld a piece back in there.  A look at the back shows the normal surface rust from it being plated with no polishing (at the factory).  Structurally it is as good as they come, with all the mounting "ears" intact.  There is no distortion or dents save for one little area about the size of a pencil eraser on the outer rim, as shown in the photos.  This can easily be repaired by the plater.

The insert is being sold separately, because if you want this for the rear of a 55, you need a different insert as explained above.  No sense paying extra for something that is no good to you.

This would be ideal if you're selling a parts car to replace the rare-side bumperette with, and make some extra cash off the sale (and get even with the dear fellow who keeps knocking your price down).  This is a $200-$300 piece with the missing "bridge" intact.

Also note: Since these photos were taken, I have had the screw stud remnants professionally removed from all tabs.  All tabs are now ready to attach any front or rear inserts you desire. 

Quoted shipping is to the lower 48 united states only.  Areas outside the lower 48 US, please wait for my invoice.