Streetcar
Veteran Member
Maybe the laws vary state to state. When I bought my S-10 pickup in the 80s, there were several bumper choices, thus it was an option. When I took delivery it was literally a 2x4 wood bumper with two 2x4 struts bolted on to the frame. I think it came from the factory that way and the dealer was supposed to up sell you. I couldn't make a decision when I took delivery so I had a wood bumper for several weeks.
I ended up having my friend's uncle weld up a 4in thick walled pipe w/caps and a couple of flat bars to attach to the frame. I first filled it with concrete to get some decent tail wieght. Seriously stout and way cheaper than a Chevy OEM bumper!
Back when I was in high school with old truck I received ticket for having a wood bumper in ohio