280z bumpers

[steveo77]

Hey guys,

i 've got a 77 280z and i hate the crash bumpers it has.

I've done a search but haven't really found an answer yet.

here is my question,

what can i do to get rid of them?

i've heard you can put on 240 bumpers, or you can just take them off and get a kit from msa.

what would the best solution be?

i would like that air dam, lip, kit (or whatever you want to call it) look.

any pics would also be great!

p.s

what about the back bumper?

thanks all

steve

ottawa canada

[CaptnKrunch]

hi Steve... have u looked at this car on this sight ?

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8376

not a bad a way to get rid of the bumpers...

[steveo77]

Ya i looked through some pics and came across that car, i sent him a msg, waiting for a reply,

that is one sick looking ride. Do you know the name of the kit?

[2ManyZs]

The best way to get rid of them is with the MSA bumper cover/airdam....which is part of their "aero kit"

But, if possible, I'd almost consider keeping the bumper shock absorbers and putting a flat steel bar across there for a little more protection and piece of mind. You could bolt in a 2 or 3 inch wide piece of 3/8 steel and end up with some resemblance of a bumper under the cover.

Especially on the front, where with just a little bump, you can end up with a lot of damage in the radiator support, and inner fender panel that the headlight buckets bolt onto.

The rear panel where the taillights mount is no longer available as a replacement panel, so any protection you can give it in the event of even a minor fender bender is a good idea. Even a parking lot "oops" could do a lot of damage under the cover if you have nothing else to protect it.

[Zvoiture]

Or you could just get rid of them without adding a kit...gotta blend in the 'smiles' a bit...and then there are quite a few who think my car is "ugly" or "unfinished". hehe

steve77

[2ManyZs]

Here's a link to the full body kit, or you can purchase the front/rear and side skirts individually.....

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=50-1504_50-1510&Category_Code=7AP

[steveo77]

wow that was the solution i was looking for! thanks guys!

[Zrush]

Steveo77,

2ManyZ's was right. I purchased a complete aero kit from MSA and fabricated steel bumpers behind the kit. I used two by quarter inch square tubing and fabricated it to fit the contour of the aero kit on both the front and rear. I mounted them using the same bumper shock mounts and kept the crash bar slightly away from the inside of the aero kit so there would be no vibration issues possibly cracking the fiberglass. Also, we capped off the ends of the bumper pieces and filled them with ordinary play sand to give the crash bars additional strength. Not only did I do this for safety reasons but Haggerty Insurance Co. would not insure the car if it didn't have some type of protective bumpers thus reducing the repair costs of the car if it had been in either a front or rear collision. Thankz 2ManyZ's for the help.:classic:

[PrOxLaMuS©]

Here's a good question...

Can you stil have your bumper shocks on the car if you get that MSA bumper? I know the bumper may stick out a bit but, If you COmpress the shocks a little bit or drain some of the fluid, you can squeeze em down a little bit.

So then you have your modern day bumper.... Fiberglass or plastic bumper with bumper shocks behind to absorb the impact.

But naturally, if you get in an accident it prob will crack the bumper but at least it wont bend the frame in a slow collision.

[Zrush]

We tried keeping the bumper shocks on but they extended out too far.

[mushupork5]

on sale for christmas through MSA for $499

[Smokey]

Quick question. I know the front and rear are bolt on affairs, but what about the sides? I do like the kit, and would like to do away with the big bumpers on the 280Z I plan on getting. The side skirts will also cover up the only body damage on the car.

However, I will not do this if it requires drilling or blending to the body. I would like to buy it, paint it, and bolt it on. Just a thought.