What Would You Do?

[MJS73]

I'm looking for advice from everyone.  I put together a bunch of body parts for what I considered the "ultimate" '73 Challenger, but now that the car has actually gone in to be painted I'm having second thought. 

Currently, the car is white (and is staying white) with a hood blackout and front T/A spoilers and chrome WV Magnum 500s.  I'd appreciate everyone's opinions from those listed below, or those I haven't thought of (I've ruled out the '71-style side stripes).  Please note that I know there was no R/T is '73, but I have a 360 in it that was built to 390 HP, so I feel that I have met R/T standards.

SIDE STRIPES:

1.  No stripes, only the Challenger script and R/T emblem on the front fenders.

2.  Challenger script on the front fenders and R/T longitudinal stripe.

3.  I had Joe Hoth make up a custom stripe that is identical to the T/A stripe, but has the actual R/T logo cut out where the T/A letters would be.

REAR:
Note: No matter what, I have decided to remove the silver paint on the tailpanel on paint it white (body color).

1.  Only the Challenger script and R/T emblem on the rear decklid.

2.  Black bumblebee stripe and Challenger script and R/T emblem on the rear decklid.

3.  T/A spoiler with custom T/A-style Challenger R/T decal (see #3 above).

VINYL TOP:

I bought on eBay a complete black vinyl top kit: new vinyl top, clips and all of the molding polished to show quality.  put on the vinyl top or not?  If not, the kit will go back on eBay.

Please indicate which options you'd do in all three categories.  I'll hold off on saying which way I'm leaning until after I decide.

Thanks,
Mike

[Rare_T_A]

Some people don't like the vinyl tops but I do so I'd go with it. As for the strips, this is very personal as to what YOU like. If it were mine I'd do what I like as you have to live with it not someone else. This is what I did with my RR. It was painted the OEM color but I changed just about everything else to what I would have wanted if I ordered it new. I figure if someone else dosn't like it they don't have to look at it. Best of luck with your decitions.

[Pistol Gripper]

I'd go for the 70 R/T stripe, hood blackout & vinyl top.  T/A wing (R/T) on back and any badging you like.

P.G.

[back n black]

Keep it clean.  Don't go for any stripes down the side or any vinyl top.  A T/A spoiler wouldn't be bad, or go more plain with just Challenger and Rt badging.  I like your choice of wheels.  That will be a very striking car.  Can't wait to see more pics.

[ChallengerHK]

You're looking at many of the same things I've been looking at over the past couple of years.

I personally like the TA stripe, and I'll be making a similar change to what you did. I'm considering having them painted on, though.

I think that the combination of a TA side stripe with a bumblebee rear is too busy. The 70 RT stripe is very classy, but of the options you listed, I'd go with the TA spoiler and the RT decal. It looks more aggresive.

I was seriously considering leaving the vinyl top off of my car. I came across a pic somewhere of a white TA with a black vinyl top that changed my mind. It's going back on for me. I generally don't liek vinyl tops, and some of the worst ones (later year Javelins, 71 Mustangs) make a car look bad, but the Challenger vinyl really sets off the car's lines nicely.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I know it's a matter of taste, but I like the side stripes to break things up a bit. Just my 2 pennies here. 


  Mike

[MJS73]

I think I'm going to go with my original plan: T/A-style R/T stripes on the sides, black vinyl top and T/A spoiler with T/A-style R/T decal.  I should have the car back the week after Memorial Day, I'll post pics when it's done.  By the way, my new engine photo is up at www.mikes73.com.

Mike