Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

So, whether the front overriders stayed on has been debated in my mind for some time - Always thought it looked a bit too ‘busy’ up front. Mostly left them there because I didn’t want to deal with maybe having to rechrome it. Turns out, once i got them off, it wasn’t that bad.


Managed to clean the bumper up pretty well … and then as I was about to put it back on, I noticed something:

It looks almost ‘right’ without it


A dilemma ensued. Went out for a coffee to ponder … Didn't help. So, opinions welcome - Bumper (without overriders) on or off?

Easy answer, Kai, if you don't mind the loss of protection the bumper provides: a bumper on that car would look as out of place as one on a BRE or a Bob Sharp roadster. Socks on a rooster!

Jon

I ran without the front bumper, for decades, but had to reinstall the cross bar (no overriders, ever) for NY 'safety' inspection, even though the bumper is below the 29" minimum specified height above the ground.

Ditto rwmann: no bumpers front or rear for decades...1981 to present.

Lol … “Socks on a Rooster”

I’m not worried about not having a bumper up front. Nearest I can tell, all they do for our cars is add eight pounds - They would be less than useless in a collision (A couple small pieces of 1/16” pre-bent pig iron attached to an eight pound bumper isn’t going to absorb anything). Also, the center of my bumper was only 11 3/8” from the road, even my boot is higher than that … suppose a rabbit might be annoyed by the bumper a bit in a collision

This is definitely about aesthetics for me. I do like the basic simplicity of the bumpers (without overriders) as well. My chrome is decent so it’s not an eyesore. Hmmm …

rwmann wrote: Fri Aug 05, 2022 1:10 pm I ran without the front bumper, for decades, but had to reinstall the cross bar (no overriders, ever) for NY 'safety' inspection, even though the bumper is below the 29" minimum specified height above the ground.

Minimum spec height 29 " what !
MO. Max height for middle of bumpers is 27" that's too high
Ya most all states safety equip that came with it has to be there
The whole point of the stachute is to avoid a vehicle from running under it by keeping the bumper height low enough to stop it

For Florida:

Bumper Height Requirements
Owners of automobiles and pickup trucks are required to have both front and rear bumpers mounted within certain height levels. Height limitations are governed by the new shipping weight of the vehicle; not the modified or altered weight. The maximum allowable heights between the pavement and bottom of the front and rear bumper, as provided by Section 316.251, Florida Statutes, are:

Cars with a net weight of less than 2,500 pounds — 22 inches front and rear;
Cars 2,500 pounds or more but less than 3,500 pounds — 24 inches front and 26 inches rear;
Cars 3,500 pounds or more — 27 inches front; 29 inches rear;
Trucks under 2,000 — 24 inches front; 26 inches rear;
Trucks 2,000 pounds or more but less than 3,000 pounds — 27 inches front, and 29 inches rear;
Trucks 3,000 pounds or more but not more than 5,000 pounds — 28 inches front; 30 inches rear.

Golf carts? How high?

What are the minimums? Probably still higher than ours I would imagine.
I think some of those Max heights could pretty much drive right over me … most of me anyways.

Lol … Pretty sure the golf cart has a higher bumper than mine.

If you don't want to run a front bumper than don't, they offer no protection. Ask me how I know! My mounting openings have driving lights in them.

Agree with jhayden on your particular car. If you are going to do any autocrossing than the bumper might protect the whimpy valance from being damaged by a cone.

I hear ya Phil. Always thought of these bumpers as just another piece of chrome trim really.

Mike - That may be the first legitimate reason I’ve heard for keeping them on (other than personal preference)

Do individual States set MINIMUM bumper heights for cars? I’m thinking of how many custom lowered cars there are everywhere and it appears only the ground is the limit

I removed my front bumper, added the BRE (?) spook, put driving lights in the bumper openings several years ago... never going back. I love the look of the car like that!