A few quick questions [1973 Challenger]

[Loa]

Hello!

This is my first post here, and this is my first Mopar, a 1973 Challenger Rallye with a 340. Just got it last week!

A couple of quick questions:
1) The (original) driver seat's leather is in very decent condition, but the springs have seen better days. The seat is clearly lower than the passenger seat. I'm a tall guy and can see OK above the steering wheel, but I was wondering if I could adjust it higher.
2) Is there an official red paint for the "Four Barrel" hood insert, and official blue pain for the motor.

Thanks!

[blown motor]

Welcome to the site. Nice looking Chally, lots of shine.

You can buy the 340 four barrel hood inserts new from Roseville Moparts for 51.70. Might be better than trying to do a perfect job of touching up yours.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Are you sure it's your seat springs, and not worn out seat foam that is causing you to sink in your seat?

The 70 and 71 seat foam are reproduced, but not the 72-74. You will have to find a local upholster shop that might be able to help you there.

The spring issue I can't help you with either. I mean, if it's as bad as you say, maybe you can find a seat on E-Bay or Craigslist that looks like garbage, but has decent springs to use as a donor. The seat cover can be swapped if it's in good condition. You just need pliers, hog rings, and hog ring pliers.

[torredcuda]

The drivers seat also looks to be leaning back more than the passenger-maybe missing a bumper or seat frame could be bent. 

[dutch]

six way seat track in there ?

[7212Mopar]

I choose to replace the front seats with modern aftermarket seats, better supports all around and recline. I kept my old seats in case I need to go back to them. Others had chosen to buy used seats from newer cars and adapt to the Ebody. Seat springs can be changed but not easy. The backs are also easier to redo than the front.

[Loa]

Yes, the driver's seat is leaning back more than the passenger's. That's why I thought that it was something more than just springs and foam. Not sure where to look for bumpers: it seems like the solution would be to raise the back-end an inch or two, but I can't see any place where I could adjust it.

[ToxicWolf]

Yes, the driver's seat is leaning back more than the passenger's. That's why I thought that it was something more than just springs and foam. Not sure where to look for bumpers: it seems like the solution would be to raise the back-end an inch or two, but I can't see any place where I could adjust it.

Your driver seat looks like it needs some serious help, but a quick help might be to unbolt the seat and put a stack of washers over the back two bolts to raise the back of the seat. Try diferent heights, half inch, etc. I have done this before in a pinch.

[FY1Cuda]

I don't know much about '73's, but the earlier E'body seat backs could be adjusted by screwing in or out the "bolt" on the seat back that contacts the disc on the back edge of the seat bottom.  As MEK said, start with replacing the foam.  There might be a piece of spring wire that needs to be rewelded to the frame.  You'd find it when you took the foam out.  Check Legendary for the upholstery foam and covers.

[slsc98]

Welcome; and, schuh-weeeeeeeet ride!

(I mean, ya gotta love the color ;-)

Where you at, anywhere near Maryland?

[dodj]

Are the tail light assemblies chromed?
Nice looking car. 

[Loa]

Thanks for the compliments! The car has been completely redone about 18 years ago (not sure about this date, it's had 2 other owners since), and the guy who did it chromed a few extra parts.

I'm not that far from Maryland: I'm up north in Quebec, near Montreal.

As for the seat, I've looked under it and it looks like I'll have to go under the car to unbolt it. Is that correct? I'm also afraid that half an inch won't be enough.

[Jamiez]

Yes the seats unbolt from the bottom.  Make sure you use some penetrating stuff on them as the hardware is exposed to the weather.  I'd also put anti-seize on them during reinstall.