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74 Challenger bumpers #478345
09/24/09 03:22 PM
09/24/09 03:22 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 196
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Merlin45 Offline OP
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Merlin45  Offline OP
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I'm having my rusted rear frame rails replaced and now see this as the best opportunity to remove the black plastic filler and pull the bumpers in closer to the car body. I've read where others have done this, installing 70/71 bumper brackets and even changing their bumpers out. Can I do this while using my original bumper mounts/brackets? I have a skilled bodyman doing the frame rails and know he can tackle any job such as this. Just need some advice and guidance on how best to pull my bumpers in closer to the body.
As always, Thanks!

Re: 74 Challenger bumpers [Re: Merlin45] #478346
09/24/09 04:08 PM
09/24/09 04:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,314
St. Louis, Mo
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318 Stroker Offline
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318 Stroker  Offline
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St. Louis, Mo
The holes in the frame, i.e.--the "bumper mounts", are the same. The bumper brackets you need are 70-72 style, which are shorter. Or you can have your bodyman shorten & re-weld your existing brackets. Personally, I think that using the 70-72 mounts is easier. You will also need the 70-72 "filler", a narrow strip of sheet metal that fills the gap between the bumper & body. It's barely noticeable, but you will defininatly notice if it's not there. The filler is being re-popped.

Also, have the bodyman remove the upside down "V" bracket that the license plate bolts to. The plate will now bolt directly to the rear valance. If not, the plate sticks out too far and the license plate light won't illuminate it properly.
You will also need the 2 vertical "bumperettes" that bolt to and hang down off the bumper and fill the rectangular holes in the valance.

There are a few differences in the bumpers themselves. Physically, they are all the same shape, with some "hole" variations, and different style of bumper jacks used. On my 73, I used a 70-71 style bumper, w/o the jack slots. If you do this, you will need a different jack, with a Challenger-specific #102 jack hook. I believe you can re-use your 74 bumpers, but will be left with extra holes where the huge 74 bumpers guards were bolted. You can fill those with extra bumper bolts.

On the front of my 73, I used 70-72 brackets. I have since found out that it's easy to re-use your existing brackets, and re-drill them. You will also need the 70-72 rubber "wedges" for the bumper corners.

Hope this helps... PM me if you have any questions.

Re: 74 Challenger bumpers [Re: 318 Stroker] #478347
09/24/09 04:40 PM
09/24/09 04:40 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 196
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Merlin45 Offline OP
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Merlin45  Offline OP
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Thanks for the info, will give it all serious consideration. Right now I'm very happy with the appearance so can wait till I pay off this little expense and consider my next move, but she's almost to where I want her to be for a high quality driver.

Re: 74 Challenger bumpers [Re: 318 Stroker] #478348
09/25/09 09:16 AM
09/25/09 09:16 AM
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Ansonia, CT
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CJK440 Offline
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Quote:

You will also need the 70-72 "filler", a narrow strip of sheet metal that fills the gap between the bumper & body. It's barely noticeable, but you will defininatly notice if it's not there. The filler is being re-popped.




I did did the early bumper bracket swap recently on my 73 and bought the repop filler. Don't know why its needed and never used it.


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