DIY bumpers?

[5bzhive]

I have searched and been unable find out if anyone has made a set of bumpers.

I know it sounds stupid but I was just curious if it could be done. I have a 4/73 240 and it does not have either bumper.

I have seen the fiberglass ones and I would like to have a little protection so instead of trying to find a good original set I was thinking if making some customs might work.

Any thoughts?

And remember what my mother says "if you can't say anything nice... eat a sandwich"

Glen

[SteveJ]

Don't expect metal bumpers to be cheap. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200765561432?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Oh, and you'll need bumper brackets from a 72 or earlier to mount the bumper.

[5bzhive]

SteveJ

You have hit on one reason I was looking at Do It Yourself bumpers. Plus I think if you Do It Yourself (Even if they are butt ugly) you luv'em.

[72 OJ]

Nice used ones pop up on Ebay and on this site classifieds , keep your eyes open , good luck in the hunt

[grantf]

could you steal reinforced fiberglass bumpers? just a thought.

[Stanley]

Yeah, I made one last year when the front bumper got scrambled in a very minor bender. You probably won't like it - but it's functional, til you find a nice one. Only works on a 73, I think, cause the 73 has hefty steel cylinders about 5 inch long on the end of the brackets, parallel to the bumper. I measured the I.D. and went to a steel pipe place, got a smooth pipe that fits perfect. It slid in easy and stayed there - installed it right there at the shop. Total cost about $30 including a can of black metalflake paint. Lighter and stronger than the original bumper, but not nearly as pretty.

[alternativez]

Harrington Group makes very nice stainless bumpers for many cars. The pair for my '70 Z cost under a grand with shipping. They are thin, so the aren't much protection, but they are very light. They made mine without holes, and they made the rear one piece for me, not three sections. May not be what you want, but it's worth a look at their site. It's a British company, but the bumpers are made in Vietnam. I do have the original rear to get rid of, but it probably doesn't fit your '73, and the chrome is not in the best condition. Good luck!

[5bzhive]

Stanley

You wouldn't happen to have any pictures of what you did would you? I have never seen a 73 bumper first hand so I am having problems follow what you did.

[Stanley]

DSCF0399.pdf

Don't know if you have the brackets.

[5bzhive]

Stanley

Thanks for the pic.

I'm thinking a bigger tube bent to follow the original bumper's lines and somehow narrowed on the ends might do ok.

Any other thoughts?

[Stanley]

More into tuning than bumpers right now but still it's an issue for me.... Other than stock or welding and plating some tubes there must be hundreds that would sorta fit. If had the bucks I'd probably get some split type off a 69-74 Ferrari Dino. Those bumpers are available but if you have to ask they're too expensive. 70-73 Cameros stole that look, sort of, and would be way cheaper. Early Mustang bumpers look similar to 240z except more angular - cool if you want bosozoko style. If you're good with bondo you could get MSA fiberglass or carbon fiber, tilt them down a little, fair them in and paint them to match the body - for a 2011 Ferrari Italia look. Just some ideas.

[5bzhive]

You know I never really thought of adapting another car's bumpers. People are all ways wanting to get rid of the 280 bumpers. I wonder if you could cut them down and fab brackets to get them to fit and look good?