Hello all,

I began a 240 bumper swap last fall on my 78 280z, with the end result hopefully being a fiberglass font bumper painted body color, and a shaved rear.

I decided that the shaved look would be impractical for seattle daily driving(we'll get to that) and built a rear bumper bar using the center from an old 240 and endcaps made from overriders. It was not a showpiece, but something, until I could make up my mind.

I was rear-ended thursday, damage being limited to the steel panel below the taillights being destroyed, my bumper left dangling by a bolt, a great scuff on the tailgate, and my twice-pipe's tips being crumpled. The Blazer that hit me rode over the bumper, not into it...I think the old stock bumper would have been forced down and not compressed as intended, bending the shocks, unibody mounts, and maybe even into the fuel tank...

The point of all this...I'm down to two options, repair panel for the steel with a fiberglass rear bumper, or a repair panel for the steel and one of MSA's rear skirts, the types with bumper detail...http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RS/50-1473 or http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RS/50-1450G

does anyone have any photos of these installed? How is the fit? beyond the usual finessing do they hug close to the body, line up well? A side shot would be cool, I like the clean look of the rear end and don't want anything bulky back there(that's why the bumpers went...)

The point of all this...I'm down to two options, repair panel for the steel with a fiberglass rear bumper, or a repair panel for the steel and one of MSA's rear skirts, the types with bumper detail...http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RS/50-1473 or http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RS/50-1450G

Which one did you decide on? Pics?

went with the type 3 skirt, http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/7RS/50-1450G

after some bodywork on the damaged steel. it required some trimming to fit, and I built an Aluminum bracket behind the license plate to support the back portion. used a few screws and finish washers where i could, but the the pro-set two part epoxy is what is really holding it to the car, and a bead around the upper edge helps blend it into the body. also had to modify exhaust cutouts.

the overall look is a little too honda racer for me, but its growing on me, especially after paint. i've kept my car bone-stock for a long time and its fun to play around with it a little, and seeing as how i will own my z the rest of my life, i can always return it to factory...

there are some pics in my member gallery, more on the way along with door panel and carpet projects.