Rear Bumper Valence Panel Available?

[rossiz]

1978 280z with 240z front bumper (from Black Dragon)

i'm getting ready to do the body work at the rear to clean up all the holes/mounting points from removing the rear bumper. just wondering if anyone has a source for a 240 replacement body panel or even a blank one that i could just weld in and reduce the amount of filler/patching. i'd rather have new metal than a bunch of patches and filler back there...

any ideas?

[cbuczesk]

I'd just weld the 2 big holes for the 280Z bumper shocks and then see what has to be done to mount the 240Z bumper. You should be able to make a bracket to mount to the rear panel using the existing holes. Mount the bumper where I attached the rotisserie.

Chuck

[rossiz]

thanks for the reply chuck - i'm actually not going to have any rear bumper, just smooth bodywork. that's the idea behind getting a replacement panel: to avoid all the filler in the old bumper mounts or having to cut them out and weld in new metal.

your z looks mighty fresh...

[zKars]

MSA has the panel. Motorsport! Rear Panel Lower Repair Insert, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z, 9/74-78* 260Z-280Z* - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

BTW its raw, ie flat. It does not fit "as is". They are not kidding when they say:

"Note: This is a weld-in patch panel, not an original panel replacement. It will require modifications and fitting to match your existing panel".

Going to have to go get yourself a nice english wheel and make it curvy. Eastwood has a nice little one. They are SO fun to use and experiment with.

(please forgive the non-Z in the forground. At least it's a datsun)

[cbuczesk]

Oh, I misunderstood. Hmmm...I think I'd just make some nice patches and weld those holes shut. You might have to do some cutting/drilling to eliminate the rear "L" braces where I mounted the rotisserie. I'm not sure what to do with the recessed section where the rear panel welds to the trunk floor. I guess I'd cut that out and extend the floor.

Chuck

[rossiz]

yeah, i'm guessing it's cut-n-weld and be done with it.

had to ask though, as many have done this mod and i hoped someone had found the ever-elusive "easier way"...