Inter-changing rear bumpers from 1973 to 70-72 style

[ff6849]

Just got back from Mopars at the Strip, very motivated to finish the Cuda,

 I was told that I could swap rear bumper from my 1973 to 70-72 style bumper by just swaping the bumper brackets and rear valances. I really like the look of the bumper tucked in much better than my '73. Before I buy everything for this switch  is this legit. 

[Jamiez]

I know it's possible on a challenger.  I'm not sure about a Barracuda.  I have a moparts thread on my home machine book marked that walks through the defails, but unfortunately I don't have access to it right now.  I'll post it later.

What I remember is:

For the challenger you need the different brackets and bumper (and different guards if you are using them). I believe the brackets need new holes drilled/existing holes ovaled to fit.

I know the 72 bumper is the best choice because it uses the same jack as the 73-74.  70/71 require a different jack.

73/74 had a filler strip that needs to be removed.  I can't remember if there is a new one for 70 - 72 or if you just leave it out.

The 73/74 license plate bracket/light are part of the bumper system.  If you swap to an earlier year, the light and bracket no longer line up, which means the light doesn't shine on the plate, which is technically illegal.  They can be relocated.

[burdar]

The front bumper is easy.  If you look at your bumper brackets, you'll see some square holes infront of the original round bumper mounting holes.  Drill out those square holes to 5/8" or slot them for some adjustment.  Those now become your new mounting points.  Remove the bumper guard and put an extra bumper bolt in the hole.

The rear is more difficult.  You will need to buy the 70-72 bumper brackets or....cut the original brackets, overlap the pieces and weld them together.  To look the cleanest, Jamie is right...you want to remove the rubber filler strips front and rear.  Also. remove the lisence plate bracket on the rear valance.

[73Chally]

Not sure if it's the same with Cudas, but my 73 Challenger was a direct bolt on using a set of 70 front and rear brackets.  Nothing had to be modified, other than filling in the top holes from the bumperettes, which cost an extra $5 when I had the bumpers rechromed.  I did add the 70 style bumperettes on the rear, but again, nothing had to be modified, other than massaging the aftermarket rear valence to line the cutouts up.

[diyhemi.com]

For the Cuda, the only rear valance differences are the support brackets/ bracing. Supposedly the 70 rear valance didn't have the same backing supports as the 71-74. The valances are the same other than that, so there is no point in changing them. The only thing you will need is to get the 70-72 bumper support brackets or cut your existing one and shorten it. I am going to run 70 bumpers on my 73 and get rid of the ugly bumper gap as mandated by federal safety laws concerning impact absorption. What the heck do they know anyway, lol

[Jamiez]

This is the thread I mentioned
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=4780596&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

[highberg]

Already done it on a 73. Get the 72 bumper, has the jack holes. Requires bumper brackets, bumper guards, bumper guard brackets, bumper guard bracket braces and bumper guard fillers. The valance doesn't matter. Pull the ugly rubber strip from the bottom of the tail light panel and the rubber filler on the side of the quarters where the old bumper fit. Looks way better. PM me if you want pictures or AMD part numbers for each of the pieces. The bumper guard fillers are available on ebay for about $25.

[71340RT]

I have a set of rear brackets part # 2962306 & 2962307 off a 70 cuda and the bumper guards that mount to the bumper and the frame. Here is a picture of the parts.