Is it bad form to....

[280z1975]

Ok,

I have a question to kinda through to the Z gallery.

I like the 280z, except for one thing, those big nasty bumpers that they have.

Would it be bad form to replace them with the much more stylish 240z bumpers?

Thanks ...

[olderthanme]

no way...that is a good idea in fact...you just lose all of that safeness of the originals...but with the 240 bumpers your car will be about a foot shorter...

[montoya_fan01]

many people do that. IMO the car will look better, BUT you will lose virtually ALL protection. The 240 bumpers fold up SO easy it isn't funny.

Big trade off, so think about it and go into it with your eyes open.

[26th-Z]

Also keep in mind that the 280Z body is not molded for the early bumper. You may end up replacing the front valance and other pieces. My suggestion before jumping into this is start comparing what you will need to make the change. Start looking closely at the two different models.

The crash worthiness issue is important in that your insurance company may not like you taking off the crash bumpers. However, there is really no need for bumpers at all because rule number one of driving is don't bump anything. If you violate rule number one, you deserve what you get. I think the flashy chrome strips on each end of the Z make it look pretty snazZZy!

[lonetreesteve]

Yeah, I think it's a great idea if looks are what your goal is. If you do this, just be sure to change out the grill (with turn signals), lower valances for 240 parts...ahh, probably easier said than done, huh?

[26th-Z]

Oh MUCH easier said than done. I just watched a freind of mine do his 260Z.

[montoya_fan01]

However, there is really no need for bumpers at all because rule number one of driving is don't bump anything. If you violate rule number one, you deserve what you get.

Now you just have to convince every other a$$hole that drives or parks near your car to follow Rule #1.

I came out from a movie theatre to find that some jerk had hit the front of my car. Bumper looked like a "W" instead of a "U", hood was bent, headlight scoops badly cracked, BRE Spook busted too.

[Zrush]

Gregg check out my gallery with the silver Scarab. It's a 77 body with 240Z bumpers front and rear. The car still has the 280Z grill too.

Vicky

[280z1975]

Also keep in mind that the 280Z body is not molded for the early bumper. You may end up replacing the front valance and other pieces. My suggestion before jumping into this is start comparing what you will need to make the change. Start looking closely at the two different models.

The crash worthiness issue is important in that your insurance company may not like you taking off the crash bumpers. However, there is really no need for bumpers at all because rule number one of driving is don't bump anything. If you violate rule number one, you deserve what you get. I think the flashy chrome strips on each end of the Z make it look pretty snazZZy!

I am already going to replace my front valance with an airdam, so if I choose to do this, it's not a big problem.

The whole Rule Number 1, well I have never violated it, but in the 11 years I have been driving I have been violated against three times while my car was parked. Some people have NO sense of space when backing up.

One guy came into Blockbuster and was like, "Ok, who owns' the white Nissan Sentra" I thought it was some hidden video/ gag show thing, but nope it wasn't. He took his Lincoln Town car front bumper and scrapped it a full three feet from the middle of the rear door to the end of the bumper! The whole (not scrape) left behind was about 5 inches deep. You thought he would have noticed after the first foot of scraping.

Now I just need to find me some 240z bumpers ....

[trvlndon]

Gregg, I just had my 1974 1/2 260 redone and considered swapping the old federal mandate bumper for the cleaner look of the smaller bumpers. I found bumper parts are very difficult to procure and like the guys mentioned its more than a bumper swap. I suggest you identify all the parts you need and get a feel for prices. I think an attractive alternative would be aftermarket fiberglass or plastic bumpers. Good luck.