allcars Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Have a fold-down rear guard that came with a bunch of '38 Buick chrome pieces that came my way years ago. Can any of your Pre-War parts gurus do a positive ID on it? Is it a Buick accessory, and what year(s) would the application be? Apologies for the reflections that make it hard to see the details, but hopefully the shape and mechanism will tell the story. The face has a single thin vertical black painted stripe going up the center, with a break at one point. I found the patent online...it was issued in June of 1937. It may be NOS. The "$3.90" written in china marker on the inner surface is probably the original price, I'm guessing. Thanks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS VEGAS DAVE Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 It looks like the center bumper guard on the rear bumper. It folds down so that the trunk can open. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Thanks for posting the pix! I have that exact part, but it's missing some of the clamp/latching mechanism and now I see what I have to fabricate. That guard is identical in configuration to the guards that comprise the front grille guard, which is why I wanted to fix mine. Sorry I can't tell you if this is a Buick factory fold down cuz I don't know. Anyone else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malo48 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 I looked up that patent number and discovered it was submitted by two gentlemen in Chicago in 1937, one of whom founded Midland Tire & Rubber (retreaded tires) as well as a big auto-parts store in Chicago that only closed just recently. Doesn't appear to be tied to GM, etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCHinson Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 I would need to see a side view to be sure but I don't think it is a Buick one. It looks similar to the 1937/1938 Buick Accessory rear fold down center bumper guard, part number 980568. You can find the Buick part in this accessories book: http://www.1937and1938buicks.com/1938-Ads/Buick Accessories Facts Book 1938 (Submitted by Brian DePouli).pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allcars Posted April 20, 2017 Author Share Posted April 20, 2017 Thanks, guys. Malo48, the added history on the patent holder is interesting. However, the fold-down guard was made under license, according its markings. It may have been made by another manufacturer who paid for the rights to use the design. MC Hinson, I agree it is not a '37-'38 Buick authorized accessory, per the illustration in the Accessories Fact Book, which shows horizontal detailing not on this piece. It may be an aftermarket piece, but it might also be specific to a car that has that narrow black vertical center stripe also on its bumpers guards...will keep searching. Going through the 1938 Accessories .pdf, I did learn that a Buick heater I have out in the garage somewhere is apparently a 1938 DeLuxe edition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuickBob49 Posted April 20, 2017 Share Posted April 20, 2017 I have a similar center rear bumper guard on my 1939 Roadmaster. It also unlatches and drops down so you can open the trunk. However, mine has three horizontal hash marks on each side of the base that match the hash marks on the other two bumper guards. Does anyone need photos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynaflash8 Posted April 24, 2017 Share Posted April 24, 2017 I think it is an aftermarket accessory not an official GM accessory, although they did have them. As far as I know they matched the regular outside bumper guards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted April 24, 2017 Share Posted April 24, 2017 Here is a photo of a '38 fold down bumper guard. It is about 14" long 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuickBob49 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 Here are a few photos of the rear center bumper guard on my 1939 Roadmaster. Let me know if you need higher-res versions, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS VEGAS DAVE Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 MINE IS AN ORIGINAL ONE AND THE LITTLE INDENTED LINES ARE PAINTED BLACK JUST LIKE ON THE OUTER TWO GAURDS. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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