73 to 70 rear bumper swap

Author Topic: 73 to 70 rear bumper swap  (Read 979 times)

Offline 19Cha11enger73

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73 to 70 rear bumper swap
« on: April 10, 2018 - 11:57:38 AM »
Good morning forums!

I’m currently working on a 73 Challenger.  The rear bumper had been damaged at some point in the cars life so I wanted to replace it. The plan is to swap the factory rear bumper with the 1970 bumper.

Here’s my roadblock. The factory bumper I own has an inner support bracket(correct term?). This is also bent along with the bumper itself.  I just received the 70 bumper and 70 rear brackets yesterday. From my google results I am having trouble finding any solid answer. Is the inner support bracket from a 73 compatible with the 70 style bumper? If not, does anyone know of a source to find reproductions?

Thanks in advance!




Offline 70chall440

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Re: 73 to 70 rear bumper swap
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2018 - 01:38:20 PM »
I cannot offer a "solid" answer per se, but I do not believe the inner brace is transferable without modifying it. Most people discard the brace (me included). The issue is that the holes don't line up between the years.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline redo1973

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Re: 73 to 70 rear bumper swap
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2018 - 09:51:46 PM »
I had the same situation and tried to fit that "frame" but the curves and holes were off.  I decide to omit it and went with a 1972 bumper.  no apparent issues.

Offline jimynick

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Re: 73 to 70 rear bumper swap
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2018 - 11:50:51 PM »
You also need the 72 brackets as the 73's are deeper to effect the "stand-off" required by the government in 73. The re-bar will not fit the earlier blades and is a 73-4 specific deal. You'll be able to lose the plastic fillers as well as tighten the bmpr/quarter gaps. Good luck  :cheers: