Bumpers, again..

[Chart505]

Just purchased an extremely clean 75 280Z. Great shape, will post some pics later. The rear bumper needs re-chroming due to muffler fumes fading the chrome above the tailpipe. Front is perfect. The issue is all the rubber parts have shrunken and/or faded over time as they will do. These are very expensive and hard to find pieces for the 75 cars. Including rechroming the rear, I could easily have $1,000 into the front and rear bumpers. Going with 240 bumpers is a hassle too, as either they are very expensive new or will require similar work to the chrome and rubber parts if used. And, I really dont like the look of the after 72 bumpers anyways. IMO, it takes away from the really clean lines of these cars. Im not going to seriously cut up a nice clean Z but not hung up on 100% originality either.

I like the lightly modded look, and was thinking of going to fiberglass MSA bumpers. Once I take ther rear off, there are many holes for the shock units and several other large openings (stock) in the rear valence.

Will the early repro bumpers cover up these holes or will they need patching with metal/glass?

I think this would be a good swap- any comments?

[Arne]

No, early bumpers will not cover the bumper shock holes.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Consider something like these....

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=30238

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4846

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=26846

[Chart505]

Thanks for the help. I knew the shock holes would have to be filled, but there are several elongated oval opennings that run from horizontally from the left to right, was hoping the early bumper would cover those. the more I look at those huge chrome bumpers the more I think I need to mod them somehow. I have had several mid-70s cars in the past and it always amazed me that the car designers could not have come up with a better alternative than simply hanging a huge piece of metal off the ends of a car.

[Chart505]

Correction- to replace all 3 parts of the rubber trim over the front and rear bumpers on the 75 model is around $ 2000- these parts are only NOS and apparently are not being repro'd. The corners alone are around $300 each from MSA. The parts on the car now look bad (30 years of aging) with cracks and shrinkage, dont do the car justice as the rest of the car is perfect. Including the rechrome of the rear, Im looking at having $2,500 into bumpers! So, im looking for alternatives!

[srbigbutt]

Correction- to replace all 3 parts of the rubber trim over the front and rear bumpers on the 75 model is around $ 2000- these parts are only NOS and apparently are not being repro'd. The corners alone are around $300 each from MSA. The parts on the car now look bad (30 years of aging) with cracks and shrinkage, dont do the car justice as the rest of the car is perfect. Including the rechrome of the rear, Im looking at having $2,500 into bumpers! So, im looking for alternatives!

Wow! Thats pretty pricey to pay for something that doesn't look to good anyway!

The 240z bumper covers most of the holes in the back. The only ones you can really see are the shock mount holes. And you only see those if you duck down and look at them.

Here are a couple pictures for you to see. This is not my car but its pretty much what mine looks like right now.

I don't really like the look of the fiberglass rear bumpers. Makes it look like an mid 90s car. Doesn't really fit. The shaved rear looks pretty good.

[Chart505]

Yes, the prices for the new rubber parts are just insane.

[JohnnyO]

I got a quote for re-chroming my 240z bumpers yesterday. Show chrome cost per bumper $435 including the guards. Series 1 hubcaps cleaned, show chromed and straightened (they saw a dent in one that I never noticed, I was impressed) $150 each. I think MikeB said he budgeted $300 each hubcap to rechrome in his neck of the woods.

I have not priced out the rubber yet but have seen the occasional set on ebay for under $100, I think.

[Mike B]

I think MikeB said he budgeted $300 each hubcap to rechrome in his neck of the woods.

Actually, I think that was 26thZ, not me. I haven't priced getting any hubcaps rechromed yet.

-Mike

[Chart505]

THis is what I mean- the rubber has shrunk and cracked due to age, etc.

The rest of the car is 99% just perfect, so I guess Im going to have to bite the bullet and pay thru the nost for NOS parts.