Question about bumper supports

[dan2286]

This is probably a stupid question, but how do I tell if mine are aluminum or steel? I pulled my back one off and it has no rust at all and it almost looks like it could be aluminum but it is still kinda heavy. I have never compared the weight of a steel and aluminum one, so I don't know what it should weigh. What did the steel ones look like from the factory, bare or painted? Mine looks like it has corrosion all over it if that helps.

 

[beermonkey9417]

find a sopt on it and grind it till its shiny, then leave it out for a few days and then if you see rust then there steel.

 

[dan2286]

I am dumb, I forgot about the magnet trick! I tried sticking a magnet to the inner support and it does not stick, so I guess it is aluminum. I didn't think this car would have them.

 

[Blake442]

You can also check your RPO label underneath your trunk lid.

VD6- FRONT BUMPER-REINFORCEMENT-ALUMINUM
VD7- REAR BUMPER-REINFORCEMENT-ALUMINUM

 

[dan2286]

You can also check your RPO label underneath your trunk lid.

VD6- FRONT BUMPER-REINFORCEMENT-ALUMINUM
VD7- REAR BUMPER-REINFORCEMENT-ALUMINUM

Thanks Blake! Both codes are there.

 

[Phoenyx]

Were these avalible on all gbodys? Any chance 80 Malibus had them?

 

[Blake442]

I'm not sure about all G-bodies...

I know they were available front and rear on Regal's as well.

My 442 has them front and rear, though the front is currently steel because the bumper had been replaced prior to my ownership due to an accident. I have a replacement aluminum one in the garage.

My '79 Malibu wagon has an aluminum reinforcement up front, but not in the rear.

My '81 Monte that I used to have had an aluminum reinforcement under the rubber bumper cover. Never checked the rear.

I have no idea what dictated recieving them on the assembly line.