Hello All, front bumper identification help

[rnevers]

Hello all and fellow Z car owners. I haven't been on here in a awhile so long I forgot my old login information. Anyhow my name is Reed Nevers and for those of you who remember me hello again. I live in Longmont Colorado and own a 72 240z. I've been restoring it and I came across a front bumper for it and I'm wondering what year it is because I don't think it will fit my 240z as a novice I can't identify the differences. Is there anypone out there that could help me identify the differences of the bumpers. I can send you a picture of it if need be. I will appreciate anyones help because if its wrong I will sell it and find the right bumper for my car.

Thanks again

Reed Nevers

[5thhorsemann]

You would do well to post an attachment picture. Or, you can go to the gallery and look at some early Z pics and see if you can ID your bumper.

Edited February 20, 2012 by 5thhorsemann

[zdogg]

I agree with 5thhorsemann, post a picture and it will be easier to help you

[bluezcrazy]

Hey Reed,

Assuming the bumper is at least from a 240z, you will be able to tell if is 70-72 vs. 73 by the distance between the main mounting studs. A 73 has the studs 3-4 inches apart, where the 70-72 is maybe an inch. Good luck

Bryce

[rnevers]

Thank you all for your remarks i will photo the inside of the bumper where the mount is and then post the picture for review

[Bonzi Lon]

Blue is a 73, black is a 70. The over riders on the 70-72 will be in line with the hood line, the 73 over riders are set inward a few more inches. The 73 will use the large bumper brackets, 70-72 look like strap steel. The 73 bumper is a little larger in all directions to place the rubber inserts on the sides & a flat metal piece that fits between the two, it makes the 73 bumper stick out about 3-4 inches more.

Bonzi Lon

[rnevers]

Thanks Bonzi It looks like I have a 73 bumper. Man its like brand new but I would have to buy all the extra parts and it wouldn't be the true bumper. Bummer. I would like to have teh 72 bumper. I guess I'll sell this one and look for teh original. What do you think?

Reed

[Kathy & Rick]

Hey Reed,

Assuming the bumper is at least from a 240z, you will be able to tell if is 70-72 vs. 73 by the distance between the main mounting studs. A 73 has the studs 3-4 inches apart, where the 70-72 is maybe an inch. Good luck

Bryce

Bryce, that's a good comment. Not having owned a '73 I perhaps shouldn't say anything, but the gears are whirling.......

I am pondering how difficult it would be to make an adapter out of strap steel which adapts the '73 bumper to the '72.

I visualize it as having holes to bolt the bumper to, and other holes to bolt it to the brackets that go to the frame.

The cost of the strap steel and a couple of bolts would be a lot less than trying to buy a '69-'72 bumper in nice condition.

One consideration that hasn't been mentioned is the distance between the bumper's extreme ends: is it the same on the

'73's vs. the earlier ones? I suppose so; the parts manual (I gave mine away years ago) might give some indication.

Another thought is: Reed used the term "restore;" to me that means to bring the car back to exactly as it came out of

the factory. To Reed it might mean something a little different.

All Z Best,..................................Kathy & Rick

Edited February 26, 2012 by Kathy & Rick

[Bonzi Lon]

Kathy & Rick,

It is my understanding that the 73 bumper is a little larger in all ways, north, south, east, west, up & down. Now I wish I had removed, measured & compared the early 70 with the 73 bumper. One day soon Bryce (bluecrazy) and I will meet up, he has an early one, mine will be removed for replating, so maybe we can get exact measurements. The 73 over-riders are wider also. Photo #1 shows the larger bumper bracket & the wider mounting points.

Bonzi Lon

[bluezcrazy]

As Bonzi Lon stated, I just purchased a 72 bumper to replace my 73 bumper. When I get the 73 bumper off I will have to lay them together and see what all is different. Not sure when I will be getting to that, but I will update you after I get it off.

Bryce

[bluezcrazy]

So....I happened to lay the 72 and 73 bumper together the other day. They are practically identical in size, and length. The mounts are very different, as everyone knows. The problem you would run into, if you were thinking about tucking in a 73, is the mounting studs. They stick out alot and it wouldn't look as good without the middle filler piece covering the mounting area. There isn't much room to tuck with the middle filler piece in place.

Bryce

[macro123]

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