Z/28 Front bumper guards.... have or not to have

[Smartin72!]

Hey all, hopefully I am posting this in the correct section, if not apologies. So I have information on the first two owners of my car.  The 2nd owner, I actually have a picture and it tells a story.  When it originally came from the factory it had the flat hood, front and rear bumper guards and did not have the D80 spoiler options.  At some point in the car's history it has been restored pretty close to factory (again, I am always finding out more about whether something is a correct period replacement, etc).

What's interesting is that when it was restored, the 302 Cowl hood was added as were the front and rear spoilers and both front and rear bumper guards removed.  I know the rear spoiler is not factory because the paint would have stopped at the edge of the trunk and not continued as a non spoiler car would have.

I have put rear bumper guards back on the car and debating adding the front bumper guards to get it closer to how it would have looked from the factory.  I realize there are two schools of thought on this and ultimately, it's my decision, but just curious what other Camaro enthusiast's think.  The second owner unfortunately passed away last December, but through his obituary I was able to track down his family and I sent them this picture of their Dad with his car. Felt that's where it belonged.

[boomer632]

It is my understanding that rear guards came standard on all 69 Z28 and the front guards were an option. The D80 option became standard on Z's as a mid year change. Your car, your preference. Im a purist and prefer factory. Both of those items could be added at dealership later, so adding them isnt like your doing a day 2 modification.. IMHO

[Smartin72!]

Yes, you are correct, rear bumper guards were standard Z28 option which is why I added those back on first. I thought about taking the spoilers off, but that would require body work on the rear deck lid and I actually like it with the spoilers.  I just keep going back and forth on the front bumper guards.... something I will ponder in the off-season.

[169INDY]

Are the Holes for the Fronts still in the Front lower valance?

It might just be better to install them-
I vote for install (*opinion)

[boomer632]

Are the Holes for the Fronts still in the Front lower valance?

It might just be better to install them-
I vote for install (*opinion)

I personally like the look. They're on my car front and back.

[BillOhio]

I have a car with the holes for the front guard but not sure if they were added.  They were not on it when I bought it.  If someone has a car with them originally, is there a nut on the back side or one welded on?  I had a guy look at it and he thought the holes were kind of crude like someone added them. 

[boomer632]

On the back valance there is a weldnut on the back side of roll pan. If the weld nut hole is painted over, you can reach reach up between the gas tank and roll pan and feel the weld nut to locate the hole. Tight fit, but doable.
I used a tiny broken drill bit and spun it with fingers to pierce the paint on front side without damaging it. On the front, there is just a hole. Bolt and nut is used to attached the gaurd.

[BillOhio]

Thanks boomer.  I will inspect the holes a little closer now that I have it off and see it they look drilled or punched or maybe mangled lol

[KevinW]

Reading this post, caused me to chuckle a little. Thinking hypothetically about the original sale/salesperson asking the buyer if they wanted the bumper guards. Buyer said yes, little knowing the Z/28 came with the rear guards standard.  But the option when ordered came with both front and rear.  Basically original buyer bought only the fronts for the option price (for both).  Dealer/GM made a small amount of $$ there.    

[Smartin72!]

KevinW.... lol... good point!  I guess sales guys at car dealers have not really changed over the years.  That's like convincing someone in AZ to buy "rust protection".....