Rear bumper removal

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I took the rear bumper and the rubber...(what’s left of it) off my 76 280. The front shock absorbers come off easy but it looks like the rear shock absorbers are nearly impossible to take off with out removing a lot of other things. For those of you that have done this what all do you have to remove to take the rear absorbers out???

[overdrivex]

theres 4 bolts hold them on. but im pretty sure you figured that much out. the driver side one is easy to take out you just have to maneuver it around to get the end peice to fit through the hole. the passenger side one is alittle more tricky. but you dont need to completely drop your tank. just loosen the passenger side strap on the tank and detach the main gas tube from the tank. this should give you just enough room to loosen the bolts and work the absorber out.

- also helps if you have a mini ratchet with the 1/4 inch drive with appropriate socket so you can room for the ratchet to move back and forward.

Edited March 7, 2009 by overdrivex

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I was hoping I didnt have to drop the whole tank.

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I have another question about the rear shock absorbers. If im going to be putting a 240z style bumper on should I still remove them? Is there a special bracket out there?

[Arne]

I'm pretty certain the shocks will need to come off to use a 240Z bumper.

Take a look at these. Brian appears to be out of stock now, but these are probably what you want.

http://www.zccjdm.com/catalog.php/azcarbum/dt81970/pd1790406/280Z_TO_240Z_BUMPER_CONVERSION_BRACKETS_

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I'm pretty certain the shocks will need to come off to use a 240Z bumper.

Take a look at these. Brian appears to be out of stock now, but these are probably what you want.

http://www.zccjdm.com/catalog.php/azcarbum/dt81970/pd1790406/280Z_TO_240Z_BUMPER_CONVERSION_BRACKETS_

Is Brian the only one that would have these brackets?

[Arne]

I believe so, because I think he makes them. Shoot him an email, he lives near Tumalo.

[Tim 76' 280Z]

Ya I just sent him an email. Im not in a hurry to get them so its fine. I dont even have replacment bumpers yet. I have all the bumper parts of the car now! Finally! Looks alot shorter!

[Tim 76' 280Z]

MAN! Already got an email back from Brian! That was fast! He's going to have some brackets ready within the next week.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Tim 76' 280Z

[Tim 76' 280Z]

Is this mounting blot hole the same I will be using for the 240 bumper? Or do they even mount to the side of the car?

Edited March 8, 2009 by Tim 76' 280Z

[Arne]

They do bolt to the side, but farther forward than that. On a 240Z the hole is not threaded, and is about 10 1/2" from the rear. On the right side it is about even with the rear edge of the fuel door. The 240Z bumper has a threaded mounting tab on it, the bolt goes through from the inside of the fender into the bumper mount.