How rare is this??

Author Topic: How rare is this??  (Read 5284 times)

Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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How rare is this??
« on: January 14, 2009 - 11:23:32 PM »
We came across a bench seat with an arm rest. Supposedly out of a Chally, can't remember ever seeing one, you??   :clueless:
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2009 - 11:25:46 PM »
They didn't make many. I have always thought it would be fun to build a bench seat column shift car.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2009 - 11:42:48 PM »
I thought iit would be fun to have one in my drop top. :bigsmile:
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Offline JH27N0B

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2009 - 11:45:34 PM »
I've seen a couple before but they are not often seen.
I met a guy at a cruise last summer who told a story about ordering a FC7 Challenger 340 convertible with front bench and column automatic from Mr. Norms.  Before the car came in the guy lost his job and went in to the dealer to cancel his order.  Mr. Norm said it was too late to cancel, and that the car would be a tough sell, so he refused to return the guy's deposit money.  :swear:  The guy said since then he has always wondered what happened to that convertible he ordered but wasn't able to buy.
Anyone ever seen a Challenger 340 convertible bench front seat car around??

Offline 426HEMI

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2009 - 11:58:54 PM »
I am thinking the bench seat was standard.  Most dealers wanted buckets in the cuda's and challengers that were on there lots so they ordered them that way.   :2cents:

I have seen a very few with bench seats in them.
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2009 - 12:00:46 AM »
I don't think so, as most plain jane cars and A93 cars (that I have seen have been bucket seat cars). I think bench was an option.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline hotrod98

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2009 - 12:04:59 AM »
I've owned several e-bodies with bench seats. I currently have a 71 Cuda with a bench seat. I've seriously thought about notching out the center area and converting the car to a 4-speed. They never built a bench seat 4-speed car since the seat wouldn't clear the shifter.
1971 Cuda, Tor-red, Bench seat
1971 Cuda Drag Car
1973 Cuda Clone, EFI/OD Limelight
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1971 Barracuda Sassy Grass Green (sold)
1970 Challenger RT SE 383 Plum Crazy
1969 Road Runner Hardtop
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2009 - 12:10:18 AM »
I find it interesting that the 4 speed shifter won't clear the bench seat in the e body, but you could get a b body with a bench seat and 4 speed and the shifter was in the same place, they just used a different pistol grip handle. I'll bet if you used the b body pistol grip it would work on a bench seat e body. Isn't there a member on here that is doing just that?
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2009 - 12:33:16 AM »
I thought b bodys mont the shifter on the trans side and e bodys on the end of the tail shaft? :clueless:
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2009 - 12:34:59 AM »
Not from 71 and up. It was mounted in the same location for the b bodies as the e bodies, which is why they used the same console and shifter for the bucket seat cars.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline mcgheejt

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2009 - 04:34:41 AM »
I would put a bench and column shift in my 318 convertible without a second thought.  I think it would be a nice combination for a nice crusier. 

Offline Roppa440

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #11 on: January 15, 2009 - 05:43:00 AM »
Bucket seats were standard. A bench seat was offered as an extra cost option. Yes you had to pay MORE for a bench.

Aparently the bench seat was a popular option with guys dating or married men that seemed to be working late a lot.
Dave
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Offline heminut

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #12 on: January 15, 2009 - 09:31:48 AM »
Back in the mid 80's I had a 70 Barracuda parts car that had the bench set in it. It was a 318 w/ column shift auto.
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Offline the_engineers

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Re: How rare is this??
« Reply #14 on: January 15, 2009 - 09:57:07 AM »
Would a B-Body bench seat of the same year be the correct part?  Might be easier to find...
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
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