Aftermarket Nissan 240sx Bumpers - Body Kit & Aero Upgrades

240sx Bumpers - An Iconic Japanese Sports Coupe

The Nissan 240sx is a popular Japanese sports coupe that was in production from 1989 to 1998. It's known for its lightweight rear-wheel drive platform, responsive handling, and immense aftermarket support. The 240sx is based on the outgoing Nissan S13 chassis design but features updated 2.4L KA24E engines and is visually distinguished by its pop-up headlights and sloping hatchback shape.

The OEM Bumpers

While the 240sx looks aggressive straight from the factory, like any good Japanese tuner car, many owners opt to replace the OEM bumpers with aftermarket ones for an even sportier appearance. The stock bumpers on the 240sx are made of plastic, and unlike other body panels, bumpers often take the brunt of day-to-day wear and tear.

Cracked, scraped, or sun-damaged OE plastic bumpers are common on these 30+ year olds sports coupes. Pair that with the abundance of choices in the aftermarket, and there are plenty of reasons enthusiasts replace the original bumpers for something more stylish.

The Most Popular Aftermarket Bumpers

There is practically an endless array of choices for upgrading the front and rear bumpers on a 240sx, but some of the most popular aftermarket bumpers include:

• Origin Labo SPL Bumpers: Dramatically restyles the front and rear with a unique chiseled, track-focused look with venting.
• PandaLab Chopped Bumpers: Modernizes the lines with 90s tuner style "chops" for an aggressive but clean street style.
• Top Secret Style Front Bumper: This iconic front bumper mimics the famous Top Secret JDM Nissan tuning shop's 240sx design.
• Kouki Conversion Bumper: Kouki refers to the later model pre-facelift 240sx's produced in Japan. This bumper converts a USDM or Zenki model to the Kouki styling.

Popular Body Kits & Sideskirts

Beyond standalone bumpers, some of the most well-known companies like Pandem, Origin, Stance, and Rocket Bunny offer complete aero body kits for the Nissan 240sx. These kits include sideskirts to match the front/rear bumpers for maximum effect. These full kits enhance the sports styling dramatically and make the somewhat dated lines of the 240sx really pop. Drift enthusiasts particularly favor the over-fenders on many kits to get that slammed drift machine look.

Wheel Fitment Considerations

Depending on the design, many aftermarket bumpers and kits are wider than the stock ones. So when going with an upgraded set, it's important to make sure your wheels and tires clear properly. A bumper that looks slammed around your existing wheels may end up looking oddly gapped out if you need to run negative camber to dial-in your fitment. Test fitting before you commit to a new bumper design is advised.

Paint Matching

The factory paint on a 30+ year old 240sx won't always be in the best condition. For aftermarket bumpers and body kits, you'll want to color match your new panel's paint to other exterior surfaces for the most seamless blend. While some items can be purchased pre-painted from the manufacturer or supplier, others will need to be paint matched to your specific 240sx's code during installation.

Installation & Compatibility Checking

Some aftermarket bumpers and kits are made exclusively for certain 240sx model years, so double checking compatibility based on your specific chassis code (e.g. S13, S14) is crucial before purchasing. Many bumpers utilize the factory mounting points and locations, but some may require minor trimming, drilling, or cutting to install correctly.

Unless you're an experienced mechanic, having a professional body shop or customization garage handle the paint and install is highly recommended. They'll ensure everything fits properly and have the tools and skills to finesse the final look. While tempting to save money, improperly installed bumpers and poor fitment dramatically cheapen the overall effect.

The Bumper Look Inspires The Build

A common saying among automotive enthusiasts is that changing bumpers changes the entire persona of a car. The right Nissan 240sx bumper upgrade can take your S-Chassis build in an entirely new styling direction.

Are you aiming to emulate an iconic JDM demo car? Want a super aggressive kit for the drift track? Or just a subtle improvement over stock for a great street style? Your bumper choice will dictate what the end vision will be. There's plenty to consider when embarking on your 240sx bumper upgrade, but with so many excellent options, you really can't go wrong infusing new style into these legendary Japanese tuner cars.

FAQs

What's the easiest bumper upgrade for a beginner?

For those new to modifying their 240sx, starting with a direct OEM replacement style bumper is easiest. Brands like Duraflex make cost-effective bumpers that bolt up to factory mounting points without much hassle.

What tools do I need to install aftermarket bumpers?

Basic hand tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers will get most bumpers installed. Some modifications may need power tools like saws and drills. Heat guns and rivet guns are also helpful for fitting. Leave extensive mods to the pros.

Should I go with fiberglass or polyurethane bumpers?

Fiberglass replicas provide the most realistic OEM-style appearance, while polyurethane offers increased durability for scrapped bottom sides. Polyurethane is generally cheaper as well. Most drift enthusiasts go poly.

Will big overfenders clear my current wheels and suspension?

It depends on your setup, but generally overfenders add at least 2 inches of extra width. Check your current fitment measurements and test fit before installing wide overfenders with your existing components.