I need some ideas for SOMETHING to give a bit of protection. A previous owner removed the bumpers. I like the look, but even a parking lot bump will cause quite a bit of damage in the current state.


Front - Something running close just above the foglights would be nice.





Rear - I like the lip added, but it's just thin sheet metal. Some type of bumper mounted below would be nice.





Thanks!

 

If you want bumpers for "protection", you have two options:

Locate & install the stock hideous 280Z bumpers.
Locate & install (with some modification) 240Z bumpers.

 

Then maybe I just need to be careful and get something that looks nice! I don't like look of the section below the lip on the back, so I want something for down there.

Thanks for the input!

JM

 

If you just want shaved, remove that bumper trim (IIRC that's just the stock bumper trim left in place), and fill in the holes properly.

240Z bumpers look the best IMO.

For the front there are a few air dams out there, that have a bumper look and improve the overall look along with aerodynamics. My personal fav so far is the MSA Type 2, followed by the Type 3. There are matching rear bumper/fascias as well. Behind these parts a simple round tube bumper could be fabricated to give some low speed impact protection.

 

What I am going to do in the future. Is if I get a 280z instead of a 240z. I was going to put 240z bumpers on it also. I really love the look of the 240z, and I feel they don't need a bodykit. But it is up to you. Just my opinion, but definitely don't put the 280z style bumpers back on. Good luck man.

 

The 240 bumpers don't "just fit". You need to make adaptor brackets and the corners need to be redrilled. The rear fenders don't have the indentation so you need the center piece from an early 260. If you can find a decent set.

 

Good comment Ram, I had forgotten about the indentations on the sides of
the quarter panels. Nice adaptation from the 260Z also; but would not the
entire rear bumper from an early 260 fit by itself? (Just wondering.)

Going back to the original post where Journeyman asked about something for
PROTECTION, the 240Z bumpers LOOK great, but they're awfully weak.
Another thing to note, which I consider a design defect: the peak at the
front edge of the hood is close to being as far forward as the bumper. The
slightest mismatch in bumper height of another car contacting this area, and
the hood gets crunched. And due to the construction of the hood at that
point, access is tough when trying to make the repair.

The aftermarket bumper overrider bars which were eventually carried by
the parts dept at Datsun dealers are the best solution, and on our '70 have
gotten bent several times while protecting the hood, so they are very
functional. But many (including myself) hold the view that they adversely
affect the appearance of the car.

So I guess the tradeoff is protection versus appearance. The only other
option I can think of, is NEVER PARK YOUR Z WHERE SOME OTHER CAR CAN
BACK INTO ITS NOSE!

All Z Best,............................Kathy & Rick