73 Front Bumper Options

[KenFirch]

I removed my front bumper and I'd like to replace it with a 70-72 style bumper instead.

I was looking at the Futofab 70-72 front, or perhaps a decent used one if I can find one.  

Are the bumper bracket holes on the 73 frame the same as 70-72?  

Are there special brackets needed to mount the early bumpers to a 73?

What have other 73 owners done?

My 73 setup is in pretty good, maybe I should just straighten out the one minor kink and replace the rubber parts.  But I like the tucked in fit the earlier ones better.

 

Thanks

[SteveJ]

I did the conversion last year. I used the Harrington Group bumpers, but the mounting points should be the same on the Futofab bumpers.

You'll need the 70-72 brackets.

 

https://fiddlingwithzcars.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/installing-the-front-bumper/

https://fiddlingwithzcars.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/rear-bumper-install-73-240z/

[Zup]

Some things to consider-----

 

Replacing the rubber parts on a 73 is not easy on the wallet.

Those parts are distinctly different from any other year of production for the 240Z, and are very expensive IF you can find them.

 

I know from experience as I have a 6/73.

If you do decide to go the 70-72 bracket route it will be cheaper by far than sourcing the rubber parts alone. The rubber packing pieces you show in the photo above run approximately $325.00 a side for new and there is only one place that I know of that has them dependably. The long bumper trim strips at each side of the bumper are unobtainable from all the searching I have done. The over-rider rubber trim is hard to find as well. They are sided---right and left--- and again they are different than any other year of production. I've paid $90.00 each and was damn glad to find them when I did. Straightening and re-chroming the bumper itself is doable, but at a cost comparable to new Futofab when shipping each way is taken into consideration. 

The rear bumper is nearly the same situation regarding the rubber trim. It is very hard to find and quite expensive if you are fortunate enough to locate it.

 

I've decided to keep mine, as I want the car to be as original as possible, but the knowledge that the rubber will all need replacement in the future makes it a difficult choice to maintain.

 

There was some talk of reproducing rubber trim among the forum members a short while back, but it hasn't gained much traction to date.

If you decide to ditch your originals, please let me know. You may have an interested buyer in me.

 

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

Jim D.

"Zup"

[KenFirch]

Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.   If my Z had the original block (now a L26) I'd be more likely to keep it as stock as possible.   Previous owner also replaced flat-top Hitachi carbs with 4 screw SU's, and a stereo.  Also not in the photo is the thin metal piece between the bumper guards, which I need to paint.    I'm guessing a flat type black, but any paint suggestions are welcome.

Right now I'm leaning towards renewing and running what I have for now until I round up most the needed early parts. When I sell I'll be sure to let this forum know.    Rear bumper will be next.   Those Harrington bumpers look great, just a bit pricey right now.

[rossiz]

fwiw - i got the rear bumper from futofab and the front from black dragon. both are beautiful, and very affordable.

[SteveJ]

I bought mine from Harrington Group because the others weren't available at the time. If they had been, I would have gone with the chromed instead of stainless steel. I still have to mount the rear bumper on the 74.