I just bought a 1973 Jaguar V12 2+2. I would like to get rid of the US government-mandated large rubber front bumper guards and replace them with the more conservative-looking European type. I notice Baratts has them. The question is do they just bolt right in after the old ones are removed or do they require extra modifications? I notice these bumper guards come with expensive bumpers. I don't really need them. I just want to replace the bumper guards.


My Jag.

 

This link may require more than you would prefer to do.. but may provide some good info


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/e...ersion-215334/

 

Wow! Thanks. All I want to do is replace just the large rubber blocks they call bumper guards on the front only. The bumpers themselves, front and rear can stay. Sounds like a bolt on process.

Mike Walsh

 

My thought is if it ain't broke don't fix it. There is so much to do to keep this car running there is no reason to make more work.

 

What a beautiful car. Must get a lot of attention. As for the bumpers. Maybe you're correct, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." Besides they run over $ 300 a pair.

 

My '73 wasn't broke, but I fixed it anyway and I'm very happy I did. You're correct, it'll cost a little over $300, plus a little elbow grease.
In my case I bought the 2 overriders (BD38803, BD38804) from SNG Barratt for $289. You'll also need an angle grinder. I got this one for $40 at Ace Hardware. And you'll need a tap to thread the mount holes.
Here are some "before, during and after" photos (yes, I know the overriders are upside down, I think they look better that way. YMMV ).
The changeover is reversible, so keep the original overriders in the event of resale.
Cheers,

Rick

Before

Overriders removed

Tapping the bolt holes

Bumpers removed, grinding complete, bolt holes tapped

Trial fit "rightside up"

Trial fit "upside down"

Project complete

 

Ok. It does look better. $600.00 better. Yea maybe.

 

What about the rear?

 

The big 5mph rear bumper overriders weren't added to the E-Type until 1974.
So my '73 didn't need any modifications.

 

Quite frankly the 73's do not look that bad. The 74 on the other hand are awful.

 

I have done a complete about face. Thanks to your post I discovered a problem I did not know I had. I ordered front and rear bumpers for my 1974 xke $1,832.00 plus tax and shipping from Mr. Fiat. I have so much money is this car I might as well make it look better. If I can not get it running properly it will be a good looking boat anchor.

 

RHVH!!

Nice job! and really great photos and documentation! You made a very nice upgrade that IMO, improves the car. I had a 74 Midget with those shoebox overriders and had considered trying to replace with them with the older chrome version, but could never find all the parts to get it done (MANY years ago).

EGOLD56

While it's not my place to spend your money, IMO it was well spent to make this improvement to your car. They can be a PITA at times and you wonder if they are really a car or a money pit. They are not making these cars anymore... they are history as well as historic. If that is your red E in the photo... it looks very nice. Go watch some of the YouTube videos where Es that have been sorely trashed are being done over. Yours is FAR nicer, and you WILL get there with all the work you are doing.

 

Yes the red one is mine. It was in storage for 20 years and I have spent the last six months and thousands of dollars getting it running. Believe it or not the A/

C actually works now. It is also getting new shocks. Yes it is a PITA.

 

I have a 73 E. Just converted the front bumpers to euro version. Did it during bare metal repaint.
Got the front over-riders from martin robey in England. Significantly less expensive than US suppliers.
They will work with the existing bumper blades but they will need to be drilled to accept the bolt and a brace welded inside the bumper blade to securely bolt on.
The support for the impact portion has to be removed and the hole in the bonnet which it exits through will need to be patched and welded.
The support, however, needs to be cut and with as much retained as possible. The reason for this is that the bonnet will not stay open safely without that weight while doing engine work.
It sounds difficult but is the smartest thing to do if repainting or restoring.
The rubber that goes over the US bumper is no longer available (at least that I could find and I tried hard). Eventually, you will end up with an even more unsightly loop on the front of your car.

 

That is good information but sobering. Did you look at the bumper from Mr Fiat which is advertised as simple bolt on.

 

If you're going to do it, do it right