bumpers...

[Tim 76' 280Z]

Hey Guys! What do you guys think is going to be a better thing to do??? Get new rubber for the stock bumpers on my 76 280 or get a bumper off of a 260 and get a front spolier??? Its seams to me that the only rumber you can get is the end pieces.

[AndysPlit]

From what I understand it's going to be a bitch to convert your car to fit 260 bumpers. I would just get the rubber ends and call it a day.

[Jeff G 78]

It all depends what you use your car for. If you are not worried about low speed crash protection, you could switch to 240 bumpers. You will shed around 80-90 lbs from your car and make it look better. You will lose all parking lot protection and your car will not be as safe overall. It will take some fab work and you will need to find good 240 bumpers, but it will look great. You can sell your bumpers if they are in nice shape. The rubber '76 ends are not cheap, so you will have to spend money either way. Check out 280z-hab's car. His website shows the before and after and what you would have to do. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2066609

[Sailor Bob]

Carefull with that decision. I have seen it both ways but recently pushed my car into the shed and couldn't stop her rolling in time to avoid a bump. I believe that low speed bumper saved me some cash then and a couple of other times.

I like the period gear anyway, but it does have a practical reason for being there.

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I really like the look of the 280s with the 240 bumpers. It looks like im going to speed alot of money on the rubber. So I might as well do what i want and just get myself some 240 bumpers. Can someone give me a link for like a step by step for changing the bumpers if there is one...

[Arne]

Be warned, Tim. Real 240Z bumpers are hard to find these days, and can be quite expensive for nice ones - Several hundred per end easily.

If you like the look, but don't need chrome, you might look into the fiberglass or CF 240Z-style bumpers that MSA sells.

[conedodger]

I used to have a site called PlanetZ that outlined this and other modifications. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being so easy, your 10 year old could do it while you sip a beverage and watch to 10 you need a degree in mechanical engineering and a budget similar to NASA I would say this is about a 4-5.

You need a good set of 260 bumpers. I imagine the carbon fiber or fiberglass replacements would work as long as the fit is good. You need all the rubber associated parts.

Remove your existing bumpers and find several friends to help you lift them into the dumpster.

Remove the screw in the leading edge of your impact absorbers.

With a drill bit you puncture a membrane and let out the Co2 and as you push back, the mineral oil in the absorber.

Now, mount the 260 bumpers and test fit. You will have to push them back until you get the fit you want to the body.

Mark the location the strut is at and remove the bumper.

Tack weld the strut in the location you marked.

Reinstall the bumper.

The front one will bolt right on.

The rear one will mount to the struts but you will have to drill holes and insert bolts to mount the sides.

I would say this was one of the most satisfying modifications I ever did to my 280Z.

Obviously, you lose protection.

The biggest hassle and expense of this modification is finding straight or straightening 260Z bumpers. Good luck...

[beezee]

Conedodger is correct about the front bumper but use also the early 260 shock absorbing mount for a direct fit . Ive just removed this setup from a 77 280 donor car. On my 74 260 the bumper is compressed to the body and with the 240 overiders has the 73 240 appearance from the front