Rear bumper 'filler' and gas tank...78 280

[Palmer]

The rear bumper filler on the 78 280 that I'm working on is damaged and needs to be removed. I've cut the four support fingers but there seems to be some rivets between the flange of the the filler and the body that are holding it on also. Is that what these are? There is rust back there so I'm just going to cut it off with a Dremel tool. Just want to make sure I'm not missing some small nuts and bolts instead. Also, I need to remove the gas tank to flush it out. There is a small plug, like the oil pan plug, on the left side of the tank, on the bottom. Is this a drain plug or is this holding the float meachanism in place or for something else that I shouldn't mess with. If it's a drain plug please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris

[LanceM]

Can't say about the filler but the plug is the drain for the tank, it can be removed without bothering anything.

[sosobad280zx]

chris pulling a bumper off is the hardest thing i ever did to my z but it was worth it so take your time the "small nuts and bolts" you spoke about are probably there so just be patient i had to use my book as a reference but ultimately didnt have to .....and yes that

is the gas drain plug on the left side if you have any questions feel free to message me back

[mriz]

If this is the piece you are referring to as the filler it is only held on by welded brackets. The manual calls it as the sight shield .

[daveinc]

I just took my "sight shield" "filler" whatever off. There are several welded brackets and also six or seven spot welds. No bolts or nuts. It is difficult to drill or cut them out without some distortion/damage that will need to be repaired. Hope this helps.

Best, David

[Palmer]

Thanks guys...and thank everyone for keeping the Z alive.

[drunkenmaster]

If this is the piece you are referring to as the filler it is only held on by welded brackets. The manual calls it as the sight shield .

Is that some sort of aftermarket rear bumper?

Never seen it before :surprised

[mriz]

No ,it's the stock piece without the bumper on yet.It covers up the space created by the length of the shocks on the bumper . Without it you would have a 4 or 5 inch gap between bumper and body. Daveinc , I cut mine off and made up new ones to weld back on .

[daveinc]

Hey Jim,

Glad to help. My bumpers are so rusted/damaged that I have removed them alltogether and am looking at alternatives. Don't really want to go with a Motorsport body kit, although it would hide almost all the body rust damage and replace the bumpers. They look too modern for me. I like that "vintage" old sportscar look. I may try to retrofit 240 bumpers or make some custom. On a related note, when I got the car, my front valance was missing and the side pieces flapped around. I cut down that rear bumper piece and created a (very) temporary brace/spoiler. :-) Cheapness is the mother of neccessity! I need to learn metalworking next.

Best of luck with your Z, David