Opinion Time: 240 to 280 bumper swap

[KDMatt]

Okay, so I'm going to put this out there.

It seems to be common knowledge that 280 bumpers are less about form, and more about function, so I'm looking for information about swapping thinner-styled bumpers from an earlier Z (E260/240) onto my 280.

I've done some searching around on the forums and come up with some vague, rather lackluster results, and I'm hoping some helpful folks can point me toward some info as well as, hopefully, examples of projects like this that have been done in the past.

This is a project I would like to tackle at some undetermined point in the future, and I figure the more I know sooner, the better prepared I will be.

My opinion question to anyone kind enough to give this thread a once-over sounds something like this:

I know there are a couple of different "early" bumper styles... so which swap do you think is liable to be the simplest (i.e. less drilling/modification), easiest (as in finding parts, if different), and/or best looking?

The opinion part, of course, is optional, I'd just like some detailed info. please. Thanks guys!

[280z1975]

I posted a similar question earlier in the year and the response was baiscly, "It can be done, but there aren't any write-ups on doing it".

I have gone back and forth on doing the swap, but I am going to stick with my 280z bumpers for the moment as my car will be a semi-daily driver and I want the extra protection from stupid people. Later when I make the car less daily driven I will get it re-painted and do the bumper swap.

My best 'guess' at how the swap will be done is having to modify the mounting brackets of the 240z bumpers (which are bent flat metal) to the holes for the 280z hydralic bumper mounts. Other than that I belive they fit 'fairly' well to the body, but I don't think it's a perfect fit.

The thread I proposed: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20613

[LBO730]

Hey Matt,

I have done this conversion to my 75 280. The car is still on a rotissiere but the work has been done. I am using an air dam on the front so the lower valence panels aren't being used anyway. I see no reason that I won't be using the 280 grill. The installation is simply a matter of fabricating brackets to attach to the brackets on the bumpers and then match up the other end with the holes where the 280 bumper shocks mounted. I made mine from 1/8" steel. The rear is exactly the same prodecure as the front. Brackets have to be made, however there are a few other considerations. #1 - The quarter panels do not have the small groove cut out for the bumper ends/corners like the 240 quarter. The bumper still fits fine. The other thing is the holes for the shocks and a few other bolt holes in the rear valance area. The holes do not effect installation, its just an appearance issue. Lastly, the brackets are a little more tricky to make because you have to get uniform clearance between the inside of the bumper and the body all the way around the inside of the bumper. I have gone through all this and both are mounted and look good. The car is almost ready for paint. Good Luck!

Bryan

[BARACU]

Matt: Here's a link to the bumper conversion that both I and another guy did. Both are along similar lines. It does require some fabrication, but it is relatively simple. AL

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=109717&highlight=bumpers

[KDMatt]

Fantastic info you guys!

280z1975: Thanks for linking me to that other thread. I somehow missed that one when I was searching last night.

LBO730: Thanks for the info, though it would be nice to see some detailed pictures of the trouble spots you describe.

Baracu: Awesome link... that's exactly what I'd like to do I think. Placement looks good... Hell it's another silver '76 Z... what more could I ask for? '

[DatsunZsRule]

Well everyone has there opinion about the bigger bumpers on the 280Z's. I personally am one of the rare breed that loves them I think (my opinion) they look every bit as nice as the earlier ones with the added bonus of better protection for your investment. Do whatever you wish man. It's your Z. I'm just giving my 0.02 cents worth on the subject

[KenshinX]

Nice thread BARACU I will definitly be archiving that one for myself and anyone else who needs it. I love the was that guys 280 turned out. Probably couldve passed for a 260 or 240 if the turn signal were lower to the average person.

[KDMatt]

Well everyone has there opinion about the bigger bumpers on the 280Z's. I personally am one of the rare breed that loves them I think (my opinion) they look every bit as nice as the earlier ones with the added bonus of better protection for your investment. Do whatever you wish man. It's your Z. I'm just giving my 0.02 cents worth on the subject

Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm not completely dejected to the old-school bumpers that are on the car currently... That said, however, it's been difficult for me to really get "attached" to them seeing as my bumper ends are still sagging off. :laugh:

Besides, one of the things I love about the design of these old-school Z's is how the rear end curves and tucks up underneath, with the fatter 280z bumpers that's almost impossible to see! :knockedou

[DavD3]

Here is one more link for you :

http://www.zcarcreations.com/howto/240bump.htm