DIY bumpers?

[grantf]

one problem with the 280 bumpers is the rubber ends may not fit right. that is if you could even find them in ok condition. if your trying to save money, what about buying 240 bumpers that have worn chrome and painting them.

[5bzhive]

grantf

Saving $$ is always a good thing but apparently everyone loves the smaller bumpers so they are getting harder to find and if you find them shipping adds more $$. So I wanted to explorer other alternatives. I would guess the PPO (Previous Previous Owner) sold the bumpers off this one since he was supposed to be racing it. I may find some used ones since I am not above having them painted instead of chromed. They are doing good things with powder coatings too.

[EScanlon]

The bumpers prove to be more decoration that protection. So it might be that the PPO somehow bent/damaged the bumpers or the car came to him that way and it was decided that the car looked better without than with pretzel style bumpers.

260 bumpers in the same basic style as the 240's are a bit bigger and thicker, but they may be as rare or rarer to find than the 240's.

The 280 bumpers will require the shock absorbers and the mounting systerm as well as the finishing rubber ends etc.

Money being a strong consideration, your only solution may be the boneyard and finding something from another older car. If you did have some leeway with money, you might check some of the restoration/customization sites such as Chev's of the 40's, or the like, to see what they have.

At the Roadster Show we see hundreds of cars with customized bumpers as well as shaved or incorporated bumper schemes. However, some of the treatments are outrageously expensive.

E

[5bzhive]

Another big consideration is the laws about bumpers on cars. I am not sure of my states (TN) laws (going to research these sometime) but I have to assume that if it came equipped with bumpers from the factory then you would have to have them now. If not I might consider just filling in and not putting any back on.

[Stanley]

Early Z bumpers could be strengthened by welding a 1/8" x 2" (or whatever fits) steel bar, bent to fit, just inside the open side. 1/8" x 1/2" fillet weld top and bottom every 8 inch or so. Carbon fiber bumpers could be strengthened by adding more carbon fiber/epoxy inside and making it closed section.

BTW, if you every want to race legal, except test 'n tune night at the drags, you need a bumper that looks stock (fiberglass or carbon fiber OK), unless you want to be in modified class with the 13 second cars.

Post some pics when you're done, OK? Still wondering what to do about mine. Checked MSA - bumper prices really shot up the last year or two.

[grantf]

grantf

Saving $$ is always a good thing but apparently everyone loves the smaller bumpers so they are getting harder to find and if you find them shipping adds more $$. So I wanted to explorer other alternatives. I would guess the PPO (Previous Previous Owner) sold the bumpers off this one since he was supposed to be racing it. I may find some used ones since I am not above having them painted instead of chromed. They are doing good things with powder coatings too.

Powder coating, not a bad idea.

[72 OJ]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-70-72-240z-Front-Rear-Bumper-Set-260z-280z-/261073487690?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc931474a&vxp=mtr#ht_6528wt_1395http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-70-72-240z-Front-Rear-Bumper-Set-260z-280z-/261073487690?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc931474a&vxp=mtr#ht_6528wt_1395http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-70-72-240z-Front-Rear-Bumper-Set-260z-280z-/261073487690?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cc931474a&vxp=mtr#ht_6528wt_1395on Ebay today

[hls30.com]

in my younger years, I built a set out of schedule 40 pipe-and painted them, Hard(did I mention it was hard) work but cheap to do. Typical time, energy, money stuf. I die grinder, a drill, Oxy/acet, the sledge hammer I used for splitting wood, and all of my patience. Notched the corners with the grinder, bent then hammer welded and ground smooth. Just basic metal working skills were required, and you can make them fit as well as your patience will keep you working. I'll see if I can round up a picture or two over the next few days. You could certainly do the same thing with thinner pipe, but I wanted something more than a cosmetic piece where a bumper should be.

[5bzhive]

Hey that would be cool. What was the diameter you used?