71 Challenger parts fit a 73 Challenger???

[rharveysr]

We have a 73 Challenger at home that is in need of some serious rust repair...I have located a 71 that has a great looking roof structure that does not have any rust.  There are a few other parts that I could use off of the 71.. Or would it be better to use the stuff off of the 73 on put on the 71 to make it a complete car???

Thanks
Rick

[4Cruizn]

Is there a solution to where both cars will survive??   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

That's a toughie without seeing what each car looks like.   Do you have, or can you get a clean title for each? For the record, you can use the 73 stuff on the 71, but you would need to use the whole front clip, and tail panel, if they need replaced. The doors are interchangeable. I'm just touching on the body, since that seems to be your need. The interior and everything else should switch without any trouble.

  Mike

[rharveysr]

The 73 is a rust bucket ....so to say.  The roof has rust all along the drip rail,front windshield chrome,rear window chrome,driver floor pan, and the section between the rear window and trunk lid, around the rear wheel openings. Inner fenders look good,frame looks good,trunk pan is solid. The 73 is complete..as far as us having all the parts. Its even an a/c car with front disk brakes,8.75 rearend,motor and tranny.
 The 71 on the other had is no interior,motor tranny,glass,motor,tranny.  Its basically a shell....

We have even thought about selling the Challenger for what we have in it..$1500 and let it go down the road. It sure would be nice to free up some room...

Rick

[rharveysr]

I know this picture is going to be large but that way you can see the rust...

[rharveysr]

Here is another one...

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Thanks for the pics. I agree with you, that top needs replaced. The rust you mentioned is typical of these cars.  So I have to ask if this 73 at least has a solid frame to work with. If you see any Swiss cheese anywhere, I would be inclined to sell.

  Mike

[rharveysr]

Mike,

The frame is solid! I would venture to guess that this car had a vinyl top on it at the beginning of its life.  We found it in a garage over on the coast.  The car is complete with all the glass and interior. It does need to be redone but its there.

Rick

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Rick,
  Just judging the 2 pics you posted. You have a car worth more than $1500. I know you are at the frustration point, but I think you have something to work with there. I have seen much worse brought back to life. Are you able to do the welding and such to replace the roof?

  Mike

[rharveysr]

Yes.....All I need to do is find the parts.  That was the reason that I wondering about the 71...I think it would be cool and a lot of fun to rip into the 73...
 Actually what is in the works now is to open a Mopar Hotrod and Restoration shop.  Dont have the date yet but we are working toward it.
 Here is my buddy's shop in Texas...This is something like what we would like to do...

www.paintshop101.com

Rick

[inot2old]

The '71 are for the most part more desireable cars, so it seems to me if you can switch parts from the '73 to the '71 it would be worth more in the long run.

[speedfreak440]

Don't want to hi-jack but... are the front and rear fascia interchange going from 72 to either a 70 or 71? I am basically trying to make a 70 or 71 clone out of a 72 (not for profit!) Sorry, I was about to make a new thread but this one is very similar, thanks.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Don't want to hi-jack but... are the front and rear fascia interchange going from 72 to either a 70 or 71? I am basically trying to make a 70 or 71 clone out of a 72 (not for profit!) Sorry, I was about to make a new thread but this one is very similar, thanks.

In answer to your question, no. Unless you are good at cutting away at metal and welding, this would be a tough job. Maybe some one else can offer more details, but I believe this would be a whole lotta work to pull off.

  Mike

[Street_Challenged73]

Judging from the photos and knowing that the frame is solid, I would definitely try to save that '73.  Sure it's the "less desirable" when compared to the '70-'71s, but it looks solid enough to tackle a restoration on it and keep another one from being sent to a wrecking yard.  besides the roof and cowl, you should be able to purchase any other sheetmetal you'll need through aftermarket suppliers and have great results.  As for the '71, I'd say try to keep it as is and maybe sell it to help pay for the Challenger's parts that you'll need.  You'd be surprised what just a rust-free shell for a '71 Challenger will go for.

[speedfreak440]

Thanks for the info MEKrunner. I have been thinking about converting it to a 70/71 but did not have the car on hand to really take it apart and look at the front end.