I had the front bumper stolen off my 2006 250 right in my driveway! Talking to the cops they have had a few Ford bumpers stolen the past few nights. Not sure if its for the metal or what?

Before I replace the bumper, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to prevent this going forward? Only thing I could think would be to weld it on? Anyone know if a better less permanent solution?

Also any hints/advice for buying/installing a replacement would be helpful.

 

I find that incredible that there is a rash of bumper thefts. Those are steel bumpers, either painted or chrome and not all that hard to remove. Two or three folks could do it really quick using air tools, however these guys obviously have it down using hand tools.

Got to be a market for them either overseas or in Mexico or locally somehow. Although I find it kind of odd that a bunch of locals are stealing them to resell locally. But, you can watch Craig's List ads and you will know soon enough if they are local guys.

That really sucks man, sorry that your new year is going poorly. Hang in there.

 

Get a big dog for the yard. No but really maybe bolt on the new bumper with a star or allen head bolt.Like a big security screw but in a bolt version.The theives wouldnt be prepared with that tool to remove it.Same idea as a lug nut lock but in a bolt version.Or drill a small hole thru the end of the bolts and after its mounted put cotter pins thru them on the back side.they wont expect that.
Or run a steel cable from the bumper mount underneath to the chassis.You got to do something they would expect or have the tools for.
Those 05-07 front bumpers are hard to find.Everybody wants them to up grade their 99-04 f250 f350 & excursion to a 07.Its an easy conversion.The hard part is finding that ford 05-07 front bumper.The reproduction ones suck.besides checking craigslist(like someone said before) check backpage.com (its another version on craigslist) and search ebay with the closest location thingy set.That'll bring up the items closest to you first.I hope any of this helps.Good luck.

 

I heard of tailgates being stolen but not bumpers, can to bolt it on and tack weld a spot on the nut and bolt in a couple of places so they can't easily remove it?

Must be someone needing bumpers as a replacement as they don't weigh enough for the scrap value.

another option is adding an alarms sensor with a motion detector, although those can be a PITA with false alarms.

If it does go a off a Bennelli M4 with a couple of 1st shots of shells that have rubber ***** in them followed up with 000 buck in case they are armed.

I just wish the Benelli had a bayonet lug on it like my Mossberg 590.

 

I'd tack weld it on myself. Right on the treads as well.

 

I wouldn't weld it on. I would look into other headed bolts like mentioned. Many different kinds out there.

 

Don't bother with expensive hardware or welding just use some Loctite 262 and no one will ever get that bumper off of your truck or at least with out using a blue tip wrench.

 

what he said! lol

 

They'll just snap the bolts, they aren't that big/strong. If you can't get a wrench/tool on the head of the bolts you can't do anything with them, they would move on to the next.

Once they are committed and in your driveway if the tool fits the bolt that bolt is coming off one way or another. If they run up and see weird bolts in the bumper they will instantly give up and leave.

 

Non standard head bolts or weld the back of the bolt/nut.

Never heard of a bumper being stolen. Plenty of tailgates and tires though. Did they take the back one too? Probably scrappers or some kid had an accident with the same type of truck and needs to cover it up quick!

 

What city are we talking about anyway?

 

If there are a number of these being stolen in an area, they have a system down that allows them to move quickly. If you throw them a curve-ball they will just move on.

Go to Fastenal and get tamper-proof Torx head bolts and a bit/socket and go for it.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like the biggest challenge is going to be finding a good replacement.

This was in RI outside Providence. I know they got me and a 550 Dump across town for sure, just the fronts...just a pain ...

 

Well good luck man.There are reproduced front bumpers for your truck on flEabay but nothing beats a ford original.If you do go the repro bumper route just clean prep and paint the back of the bumper before you mount it and put a good couple coats of wax on the chrome.Doing those things will keep it from prematurely rusting since the repro bumpers use that cheap chinise crap metal that rust in 3 years.And then park really really close to the garage door.Well, try and have a good new year anyway

 

Watch Craigslist for somebody who gets an aftermarket bumper. (At least here in TX, they're pretty plentiful.)

I gooped up the bolts & nuts on my equipment trailer with construction adhesive to make it impossible to get a wrench on them. I think it was PL 400, but not sure.