Changing a 72 to a 70....debating it. Comments?

[dodj]

Make it what you like. Parts availability/cost may make the decision for you. Do they repop '70 grills and light assy's?

[rhamson]

Well....I know this is a question that has been asked before but just looking for opinions....my car is a 72 340 4 speed rally car....the car is apart waiting on me to put back together....the problem it is a non matching number car...the engine is a 73 and the 4 speed is a 70...the car was hit in the drivers side fender at some point in it's life so I don't have the fender tag:(...I looked for the  build sheet with no luck...the vin is a rally 340..the car was never apart from what I can tell...66k yellow with black int and console...I know it's a fairly rare car....my issue is I like the looks of the 70/71 better.....I hate to cut her up but without the matching numbers or fender tag I don't ever see it being worth as much as. 70.....I know it will take some body work (tail light panel...the marker lights...grill....guess I'm looking for opinions why I shouldn't do it.....and what else am I missing to switch it over?  thanks

I guess you should ask yourself what is the purpose for the restoration. Is it to increase the value of the car for resale or is it to make the car look the way you wish for your own personal enjoyment? Either way these years (1972 to 1974) are the less collectable because they did not have the big block option. On the other hand a lot or moparites hate the "sad mouth" grille and rear tail lights. So you have to choose between the two. When all is said and done is the car a personal statement or an investment enterprise.

[dave73chally]

I guess you should ask yourself what is the purpose for the restoration. Is it to increase the value of the car for resale or is it to make the car look the way you wish for your own personal enjoyment? Either way these years (1972 to 1974) are the less collectable because they did not have the big block option. On the other hand a lot or moparites hate the "sad mouth" grille and rear tail lights. So you have to choose between the two. When all is said and done is the car a personal statement or an investment enterprise.

Well said, either build it to sell or keep. That should determine what you do

[AAR6BBL]

Are you doing it to drive it and enjoy it or rebuild it to sell it down the road?
IF it was a numbers matching, highly optioned, all original car then you may have a debate, otherwise you can build it the way you want to from resto-mod to pro cruiser.
Certain amount of freedom in that, I have to debate all my plans for the AAR because it's a#'s matching somewhat rare car.
It's your car, you should do what you want (and your budget allows)
Greg

[HemiOrange70]

The guy who painted my car-his cousin has a 72 Cuda and he changed it to a 70. Big money and headaches. I like all the Cudas and told him don't do it. He did and is now regretting it big time. Yes the non #'s etc is a big factor for later value. I am not a fan of changing a car, but, I do love the 70 Challenger look. IF it is for you then do it.To sell later would be a disappointed $ wise IMHO.  PERSONALLY, I hate the sad mouth Challenger grille and the fact it is called that. Just don't make it nicer than my 70

[Mpdlawdog]

Thanks for the replys....my buddy has a 71 440 4 speed car...I fell in love with it....I tried to find a 70/71 4 speed car...but Im not a rich guy...found this 72 tucked away since the 80's (has a set of brand new goodyear eagles with the sticker on them)..its a solid project that I couldnt pass up....I was alittle disappointed it didnt have the fender tag or numbers matching but I dont plan on selling it for awhile (at least until my kids get out of the house) so it wasnt an issue....its a 4 speed rally car (vin)....it was yellow with black interior so I know its a "rare" car..just not as desirable as a 70/71.  I hate to do it because I like to keep things original...but without the proper documentation or matching numbers and being a 72 it will never be worth as much....Im guessing if I do switch it over to a 70/71 and being the fact its a 4 speed car, Im betting it would be worth money than restoring it as a 72?  Thoughts on that??? Im honestly weighing towards leaving it as is....I actually like the rear tail light panel when its painted black...that front grill just kills me...what were they thinking going from the 70/71 grill to that!  Does anyone have any pics of a/their 72-74 car with any front grill updates/ways to make it look better...  Thanks

[dave73chally]

Here's what I've done to mine so far. Painted the header panel black, taped off the fender lip on the header to keep it body color, grill black and grill trim black, rear tail panel black.

As an FYI, i used PlastiDip on the front chrome grill trim in case I didn't like the painted look of it. Stuff is awesome 

[anlauto]

I wonder what it would look like if you painted that trim on the fender and the hood piece a Chrome silver, or actually remove those sections of fibreglass and install aluminum trim there and on the hood

[Mpdlawdog]

I wonder what it would look like if you painted that trim on the fender and the hood piece a Chrome silver, or actually remove those sections of fibreglass and install aluminum trim there and on the hood

Thats a thought...

[anlauto]

You could do something like that and even paint the whole grill surround area argent silver with a black grill insert

[Katfish]

You don't have to convert the whole, just change the grill.  Sounds like that would fill the need and could be changed back.
I had a 72, and that sad face grill always bothered me too.

[E-Body Products]

I've admired all the challengers over the years. Some 70's look terrible if not setting right. Some 72-74's I'd have traded my 70 Cuda for. I really think it's the scheme and attitude that make the car.


E-Body Products
www.ebodyproducts.com
606-481-9014

[dodj]

I had a 72, and that sad face grill always bothered me too.

It's pretty much the same as the current Charger grille, but no one seems to have an issue with that. The current Mustang has the same type grille opening as well. 

[Katfish]

I do miss my old car, a blast from the past

[dave73chally]

Quick edit on my phone, not great but you get the idea. I'm liking Alan's idea