Originally posted by Gav240z

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I agree the 280z bumpers are awful looking comparing them to the earlier Z's but as you say it was a safety issue.

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The large bumpers on USA 70s autos were not for safety but had to meet a 5 mph crash test without damage. Also they had to be at the same height so lights were not crushed / damage. I do believe the height requirement has been dropped and the 5 mph has been lowered to 3 mph. I believe this standard was championed by the insurance industry. Now what I found odd was that in 78 my brother and I were at a stop light in a new 78 Chrysler when we were rear ended. His bumper did its job by depressing the shocks and returning to its proper alignment. Just to make sure everything was ok he had the car inspected by the insurance company of the fellow that hit him and he was told that since the shocks had depressed they had to be replaced to the tune of $1600 :stupid:

Ouch did he have the number of the rear ender offender? :stupid: .

$1600 that could do alot for a Z.

ouch indeed! $1600 nearly gets me a set of coilovers.......

For us US z owners, the large 280z crash bumpers can be replaced by 260z units.....

this will fill the large gap between the headlamp bucket and front valance

the 240z bumpers are too thin and will leave a gap....

the 260z bumpers are thicker and look like they belong....just imagine a 75 260z (late 260z) without the overrider bars, lowered with 16 inch wheels and a nice front airdam.

This is the route I am taking....

Also note that you will have to remove the 260z's bumper mounts...

I will have the vumpers rechrome by JT classic chrome in San Martin, CA

just north of Gilroy...

he will weld up and polish all holes and make it look like it belongs on the car...both for 300 US (show quality chrome)

I was looking at your post do you have a number for JT classic Chrome ?