Need to get a new front bumper

The Nissan 300ZX (Z32) general community discussion forum
gja06
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:52 am
Car: 91 300zx TT

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Either want the original style bumper (can be just a replica replacement), or some aftermarket one that's not too low. I prefer the first option though. I've searched a bit and have found a replacement one for about $200, but not sure if it fits the tt. Anyone know where I can get one for a decent price or any suggestions on what to do?


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DCaff300ZX
Posts: 4202
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:18 am
Car: .
1993 CRP TT- Modified
Location: Tacoma, Washington

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Generally front bumpers run over your $200 number, so if that's your limit then used parts are your answer. Craigslist and Z-site classifieds would be the source.
However since the car's value won't be helped nor will you generally be able to get a complete bumper setup, I recommend using Z-1 or CZP for a J-spec OEM bumper- the cost is far lower than OEM units and the fitment is OEM perfect, plus the look is FAR improved over the OEM unit.

gja06
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:52 am
Car: 91 300zx TT

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DCaff300ZX wrote:Generally front bumpers run over your $200 number, so if that's your limit then used parts are your answer. Craigslist and Z-site classifieds would be the source.
However since the car's value won't be helped nor will you generally be able to get a complete bumper setup, I recommend using Z-1 or CZP for a J-spec OEM bumper- the cost is far lower than OEM units and the fitment is OEM perfect, plus the look is FAR improved over the OEM unit.
This one, right? Looks awesome! Question is, do I need the shaved tag bracket, intercooler ducts, corner lights, or foam insert and retainer? Will it be fine if I just get it with the grille?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/aero-and- ... -1537.html

javadave
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:32 pm
Car: 1990 300ZX 2+2 NA 5-Speed
Location: Georgia, USA

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gja06 wrote:
DCaff300ZX wrote:Generally front bumpers run over your $200 number, so if that's your limit then used parts are your answer. Craigslist and Z-site classifieds would be the source.
However since the car's value won't be helped nor will you generally be able to get a complete bumper setup, I recommend using Z-1 or CZP for a J-spec OEM bumper- the cost is far lower than OEM units and the fitment is OEM perfect, plus the look is FAR improved over the OEM unit.
This one, right? Looks awesome! Question is, do I need the shaved tag bracket, intercooler ducts, corner lights, or foam insert and retainer? Will it be fine if I just get it with the grille?

https://www.z1motorsports.com/aero-and- ... -1537.html
The shaved tag bracket depends on a) Does your state require a front tag/license plate , b) If not, would you want to put something else there. I've seen that front bumper with a nicely done "300ZX" plaque the same width and height of the bracket, though my preference would be to shave it. VIS Racing makes a replica of this bumper already without the tag bracket, just not sure of how the fitment is, also available from Z1.

Intercooler ducts aren't absolutely needed, but do a better job of directing air to SMICs, recommended for the TT models.

The corner lights of the US models are shaped differently, so you'd either have to order them from Z1 or source some JDMs elsewhere.

Foam insert and retainer help it better hold its shape, again aren't necessary, but suggested.

gja06
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:52 am
Car: 91 300zx TT

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Yeah I realized that after my post haha. Trying to spend minimal money on this cause I want to do some performance upgrades as well. Not a big fan of the body kits cause they just seem too extreme to me but this one seems decent and is under $500. Would I need to get additional stuff for this, or would the kit be ready to install as is? Appreciate all the help btw!

http://www.andysautosport.com/products/ ... X-099.html

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DCaff300ZX
Posts: 4202
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:18 am
Car: .
1993 CRP TT- Modified
Location: Tacoma, Washington

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Ummmm, there's a video in your link that covers everything...
VIS is a quality body kit company, as far as that goes and means, and Andy's a long term solution in that area so I'd trust THAT much.
Basically I'd expect to not have provisions for the OEM bracing and such that the Jspec would have, and some tweaking/modding may be needed especially in the rear depending on how straight your car is (and I don't mean an accident; Nissan rears are very wavy and irregular) and how different than OEM the kit is.
I had what turned out to be a crappy version of a quality kit put on my NA years ago, and you really don't want that under any circumstances so keep that all in mind- it's aftermarket, custom, and not made from your car as a template (or possibly any template at all!)

gja06
Posts: 22
Joined: Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:52 am
Car: 91 300zx TT

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DCaff300ZX wrote:Ummmm, there's a video in your link that covers everything...
VIS is a quality body kit company, as far as that goes and means, and Andy's a long term solution in that area so I'd trust THAT much.
Basically I'd expect to not have provisions for the OEM bracing and such that the Jspec would have, and some tweaking/modding may be needed especially in the rear depending on how straight your car is (and I don't mean an accident; Nissan rears are very wavy and irregular) and how different than OEM the kit is.
I had what turned out to be a crappy version of a quality kit put on my NA years ago, and you really don't want that under any circumstances so keep that all in mind- it's aftermarket, custom, and not made from your car as a template (or possibly any template at all!)
Post from work and the videos are blocked. I'm really leaning towards spending the money and getting the jspec front fascia. Decided that I'm not going to get it done now though as the winter is coming, but I did get quoted from a body shop and they told me $750 to install and paint the bumper(pearl white). Does that seem like a decent price?

topless300
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2015 1:09 pm
Car: 1995 Nissan 300ZX Convertible
2007 Infiniti G35 S Sedan 6MT (Sold) :(
2002 Lexus IS300 (DD)
Location: Ottawa ON

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Just seeing if there was an update on your bumper situation. I've got the same situation at the moment and I'm leaning towards the VIS Racing JDM Replica.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/aero-and- ... -5996.html

My car is also Arctic Glacier White (QN0) and I'm concerned about having the paint matched properly. I just finished a TT swap on my 95 convertible and my NA bumper doesn't have the vents for the intercoolers. This bumper situation has actually proved more difficult and time consuming then I previously thought. (Which is silly of me considering how aware I am that EVERYTHING on these beautiful cars is difficult and time consuming)


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