73 Challenger converted to a 70-71

[money pit]

I was watching Grave Yard Carz and they were talking about converting a 1973 challenger to 70-71 Challenger. Are the front grill and back panels interchangable?  Just curious.

[jimynick]

No, they're not. You can convert a 72-74 to the 70-71 style, but it requires changing the fenders and 1/4's to achieve the headlamps and inset marker lights that only the 70 and 71 have- you can buy patch panels to cut out and replace the old marker mounts. You'd need the grille and h/l bezels and the rear lower trunk panel would need to be replaced as well as the tailamps which are stand alone for either the 70 or 71- each being different from each other. A lot of work and a lot of expense, but it's been done a number of times. Hope that explains it. 

[money pit]

Thanks for the explanation. On the show, they never explained how they were going to do the conversion.

[jimynick]

LOL They rarely do and then it all happens in 20 minutes too, right? 

[70chall440]

It obviously can be done as many have gone down this road; that said it isn't a super easy and definitely not a cheap/quick effort. For me personally, I don't think I'd do it; if you just have to have a 70/71 then go out and find one (they are still out there), however I am a big supporter of "your car, do what you want". While the 72-74 Challengers are not as sexy as the 70/71, I do like them for what they are. I had a 74 with a 440 6 pack (obviously not original) which I loved. I would be proud to have one again, actually I looked for a 72-74 4 spd car for quite awhile but never landed one.

Again, your car, your money, do as you wish. But, I would say there is no shame in owning 72-74 Challenger.

[jimynick]

"Again, your car, your money, do as you wish. But, I would say there is no shame in owning 72-74 Challenger" Yup, as the owner of a 74 I can get behind that sentiment! 

[money pit]

I had a 73 Challenger. I was just wondering how they were going to convert it. Thanks