So what would you have changed?

[Slotts]

This isn't a "bash your Cuda or Challenger" thread, just a "Monday Morning Quarterback's" view on what you think could have been done to improve these rides before they were released as a production car.

A couple of my ideas for improvement would have been the e body bucket seats. They were just one step above sitting on a crate with just about no padding. There is no comparison after you sit in a Charger or Road Runner's bucket seats. My rear still hurts from driving my first Challenger back in the 70's.

Another was the absence of any Rallye emblem identifyers for the 72, 73 and 74 Challengers.

Slotts

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I would have changed the design of the hood latch thingie since it is always finding it's way into my skull.  I think anyone over 6' tall knows where I'm coming from.


  Mike

[Bullitt-]

I always found the position of the steering wheel as it relates to arm length not to my liking. A telescoping as well as tilt column would be a + in my book...I know Chrysler's came with that column in '77 .....I wonder.....

[backtobasics]

I would:
Put the door hinges on steroids, so they didn't sag.
Seat position, even at 6" tall I feel like a miget driving a semi...
ignition system, ballast resistors, thin wiring, and dual field alternators

[426HEMI]

Fit and finish would have been first priority,  Then like was said the seats front and back could have been more comfortable.  Another thing would have been road noise reduction.  Stereo's would have been good back then also with speakers.  Not complaiining but things that would have made them even better than they are.

[73Chally]

Seats would absolutely be my highest priority.  My brother-in-law and father-in-law both have 66 B bodies (Charger and Satellite), and it is so much more comfortable sitting in those.  The seats are the perfect height to rest your left arm on the window sill (?), although I do kind of like the speed racer feel you get sitting so low in my Challenger

[LAA66]

 Since we're on seats more side support would be nice. Driving around corners it feels like I'm sliding off the seat. Also the shoulder belt rubs on my neck and is irritating after a while.  That and try to release the emergency brake with the belt on tight.

[cowboy]

I always found the position of the steering wheel as it relates to arm length not to my liking. A telescoping as well as tilt column would be a + in my book...I know Chrysler's came with that column in '77 .....I wonder.....

When I started reading this post, My thoughts was..  "Ooohhh no,- another from down under wanting the steering wheel placed rigthsided..

 

[hemiken]

 

When I started reading this post, My thoughts was..  "Ooohhh no,- another from down under wanting the steering wheel placed rigthsided..

 

Well Cowboy, seeing as how you brought it up.  What would be so bad about that, can't you change gears with your left hand.
 

[73Chally]

Well Cowboy, seeing as how you brought it up.  What would be so bad about that, can't you change gears with your left hand.
 

Isn't the left hand for hanging out the window and waving to all the girls?  That would be pretty tough to do when sitting in the right seat. 

[JayBee]

Considering the e-body design this probably would have been impossible BUT...
...a little bigger trunk!!!!!

[71340RT]

Tilt wheel would be nice along with better seats and a bigger back seat for all the girls that wanted a ride in my Cuda. Better fit and finish would be great.

[purple1]

Considering the e-body design this probably would have been impossible BUT...
...a little bigger trunk!!!!!

Thats one reason why I made the trailer...

Dave

[Carlwalski]

Good thread idea Jim. I think it's very easy to restore better than factory. I would never restore a car to "factory condition", not 100%. Just too many things that were crap, it was 38+ years ago though but that's the reason I wouldn't as I think improving them while keeping it mainly hidden offers a greater driving car, as well as durability and longevity wise.

Here are some of the improvements I think the factory could have made, without going into great detail like blacking out screws, having head bolts point the same way, blacking out extra parts behind the grille etc. Simple yet dramatic improvements. Overall I think E-Bodies are fantastic the way they are and there really isn't anything major at all that needs improving.


# Better bucket seats that had side support.
# Slightly more back seat leg room.
# Better fit and finish, more so interior.
# Brighter instrument cluster light.
# Bigger wheels/tires.
# Lighter doors, stronger door & hood hinges, they're truly pathetic sag magnets.
# Tilt steering column to allow people to actually get in, in a dignified manner.

[alphabuck]

my list would aim higher im thinking. . .

titanium shell
kevlar door panels and dash
stainless steel bumpers, grill and trim
lexan lenses on lighting

oh yea and no challenger should have ever been made without a scooped hood