Converting 1973 Challenger to 70-71?

[DrEamer]

I may have a chance to pick up a 1973 Challenger at decent price, I much prefer the 70-71 front grills, and 70 tail lights. That said, I know that the front fenders are different, maker lights, and of course, grill and tail light. What is going to be involved to change things over? The car is a H code that had 318, that I plan to resto-mod.

[Beekeeper]

The tail panel may be the most involved part of the job. Not sure if it's possible to modify the current tail panel into what you need. My guess is you will need to change it out. They are a bit pricey too. I guess if you're redoing the entire body and paint, it shouldn't be that bad to switch it.

[jimynick]

Since you already know that you'll need fenders, markers and a new rear lower body panel, it's simply installing all the above (and paying for them) like the existing parts. The cost of the grille and tailights is a hit for sure, but if that's what you want to end up with, then that's the burden you'll have to bear. 

[DrEamer]

Since you already know that you'll need fenders, markers and a new rear lower body panel, it's simply installing all the above (and paying for them) like the existing parts. The cost of the grille and tailights is a hit for sure, but if that's what you want to end up with, then that's the burden you'll have to bear. 

What new lower body panel are you talking about?

On another note, I'm finding 1970 parts more available then 1971 in reproduction, and nothing available for 1971 tail light panels,or  grills for that matter.

[70chall440]

Its been done many times, conversion to a 70 is the easiest. what has to change is

 - front fenders
- grille assembly
- lower valance
- tail light panel (you need to replace the whole thing, not as hard as it seems but requires a fair amount of spot welding)
- tail light assemblies
- marker light support (they sell the sheet metal piece that can be welded into your existing quarters)
- 70 marker lights

[garity]

Add in 70 front bumper brackets and bumper guards, hood latch, and turn signal flasher. My 74 went through the whole process. I think you may need a 70 chrome trim piece for the front of the hood also.

[DrEamer]

Its been done many times, conversion to a 70 is the easiest. what has to change is

 - front fenders
- grille assembly
- lower valance
- tail light panel (you need to replace the whole thing, not as hard as it seems but requires a fair amount of spot welding)
- tail light assemblies
- marker light support (they sell the sheet metal piece that can be welded into your existing quarters)
- 70 marker lights

Thanks, do you have a link or manufacture name for the marker light support? I looked but am not sure what I'm looking for. 

In other news, I did end up getting the 73, but that is another thread.

 

[garity]

Patch panels for a 70. http://www.beaparts.com/list_items.aspx?body=E&cat=E&subcat=37

[DrEamer]

Patch panels for a 70. http://www.beaparts.com/list_items.aspx?body=E&cat=E&subcat=37

Perfect, THANK YOU!!!

[crazyhawk]

Just my 2 cents.  '73's are beautiful cars.  I don't go along with the 40+ year negative stigma people automatically toss at these cars.   Trying to make a '73 into a 70'?  Go ahead but, ugh....

[DrEamer]

Just my 2 cents.  '73's are beautiful cars.  I don't go along with the 40+ year negative stigma people automatically toss at these cars.   Trying to make a '73 into a 70'?  Go ahead but, ugh....

first of all welcome to the forum!!! Don't get me wrong, I like the 72-74's as well. I have owned both a 1970 and 1972, and just like the 70 better. I also like the 1971 stripe kit and side scoops, that might find their way on the car. That's the nice thing about having a non numbers matching car, I can do whatever I want to without really hurting the value of the car.

[Beekeeper]

I might have scoffed at the idea years back but the 70s have become so expensive compared to the 73-74 that it's understandable folks would consider it. I actually like the design of the later years but those tail lights are just awful. 70 tail lights are fantastic!

[jimynick]

A lower body panel is the name for what some folks call a tailamp panel. Capice? 

[DrEamer]

A lower body panel is the name for what some folks call a tailamp panel. Capice? 

Got it! 

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

Keep the 1973 the way it is.

If you want a 1970, buy a 1970, not a 1973.

Why Bastardize it? It will never be a 1970.

Like putting Lipstick on a Pig.

When you go to sell it will be a Humped 1973 with issues of originality.

Think of it as a mismatched rifle or pistol, nowhere near as collectable or desirable.

But that's just me and my 2 cents.