Okay, Let's talk bumpers

[CoastGuardZ]

Well I've found a Z and the wife says okay if it's in decent enough shape. But there is always a catch. It's a 73. I've been looking for a 70-72 because I know they are everything I want and i know that all cars in 73 in the USA had to meet certain crappy guidelines. Now the carbs don't bother me because the end result won't include stock carbs anyway, but the bumpers do.

How much do the bumpers differ between 72 and 73?

Can pre-73 bumpers be used on a 73?

What other differences were there in 73?

I love the look of the slim bumber with the two bumper "guards" was it the same in 73 with just different mounts?

How much is the price of tea in china?

Thanks for your time and patience.

Nate

[datto_240z]

well i think they are exactly the same. I agree though, the late bumper uprights are ugly... If your gonna change the carbs etc. I wouldnt worry about the bumpers too much coz if they are different its just a simple bracket you could probly make yourself.

Cheers

Chris Beattie

[CoastGuardZ]

Thanks Chris.

Yeah, I'm starting to really give a 3.1 stroker some serious thought. Heck, if the cars gonna look mean it better deliver. But, back to the bumpers. I've also been searching some previous posts and it's starting to sound like the bumpers are interchangeable as long as you swap the brakets too.

If you swap the bumpers and brakets what else will need to be swapped?

Will there be huge holes left in the body where the old brakets came through?

The final outcome of my Z will be a not 100% original car but be better than they came from the factory. Not a Concours de' Elegance winner but a concours winner at any Z show... look out guys here I come. Even if it takes $30,000 and 10 years to complete!

Thanks again,

Nate

[Marty Rogan]

Nate,

As Michael stated , the 73 has a spacer between the body and the bumper and the upright guards are a little wider.

I used to have a 73 and did not like the look of the front bumper either. I changed it out easily for an earlier bumper. Just remove the 73 bumper and spacer. Get mounting brackets for a 70-72. They are nothing more than plate steel, with a slight bend to it and some slotted holes in it. Nissan conveniently left the threaded bolt holes in the body for you!

I never bothered with the rear bumper. It's been too long since I owned a 73, but they may have those pistons for the 5 MPH bumpers. That would make converting the rear one a little tougher, but I know it can be done.

I would suggest you start now looking for parts as bumpers are starting to get NLA, especially the rear center piece. Rare means $$$$'s. I have seen people selling the rear center piece for up to $275. I believe front bumpers are easier to obtain new.

Good luck and congrats on getting your Z.

Marty

[Ed]

Say Nate,

As a proud owner of a 73 I have to say, Go for it! The front bumper is really the only visible difference. It has the larger bumper guards and the bumper itself is mounted about 2" away from the body. The gap is then filled with molded rubber inserts. The mounts are bolted to the body above the frame rail with 3 bolts. These bolt holes are what I used to attach my rotisserie to the body.

When I was looking for a replacement bumper I found that because of the mounts only a 73 bumper will fit a 73. Now if you change the mounts I'm sure you could put what ever year bumper you want.

One advantage of a 73 is it has factory rear swaybar mounts. A swaybar from a 74 bolts right up. Unless the 73 your looking at already has one.

Let us know if you get it!

[Bambikiller240]

The bumpers for the 73 are in fact different than the 70-72 model cars. The mounts are different and extend the bumpers forward, but the bumper still has to reach back to the same point (on the ends) as the 70-72 bumpers, so the bumper dimensions needed to be different to accomplish this.

With the appropriate mounting brackets the 70-72 bumpers can be used.

Differences include the carbs, "smog version" of the E88 cylinder head, as opposed to the E31 or early E88 cylinder head. Lighted Heater control panel for 73.

Price of Tea in China? Less than in USA no doubt, but it comes with a dose of SARS included at no extra charge.

[tanny]

and a civet cat for good measure. If the 73 bumpers are in good shape, I sure wouldn't bother changing. I can't tell the difference from a distance. But then Im not very observant and am easy to please. Save the money for the good stuff like the engine.