What do I have here?
 

Hi all,
I'm new to the Barn and would like some help identifying a feature of my car. I have a 1931 Deluxe Roadster that has a pair of uprights bolted to the front and back bumpers. I haven't been able to find out anything about them, other than they've been on the car for a long time.
When I was a kid, back in the 70s, there was an old lady who lived on our block that had this car for her daily driver. It was hand re-painted at some time, and in the 80s my dad overhauled the motor for her, along with other maintenance work. When she passed away in the early 90s, her family offered my dad first dibs on the car, and he bought it. I recently bought the car from him, and have begun the process of fixing it up.
Can anyone provide info on the bumpers, please? Thank you for any help!

Re: What do I have here?
 

Early overriders ?

Re: What do I have here?
 

Look like bumper guards - possibly homemade

Re: What do I have here?
 

Yes , old time guards that prevented the bumper from riding up over another cars bumper and causing them to get stuck together. These were very common and were available just about everywhere as an aftermarket item.

Re: What do I have here?
 

I agree with you about them being what you call "guards" - we call them "overriders".You are also correct about the intended benefit of having them but in reality, they were a failure because they didn't stop cars getting stuck together. They made it nearly impossible to separate cars on the side of the road in the event of a minor nose to tail. :(
They have been deleted from cars for a reason.
As for the OP, I'd leave them on the car. They are a legitimate part of its history and will be a great talking point when the car is on show. (assuming you are not restoring it for judging)

Re: What do I have here?
 

Thank you, all, for your help with this!
Synchro909- the car won't be restored to judging quality, and they will be polished up and left on, now. Thank you!