Factory Defect?

So I was working on my 70 Challenger RT/SE clone last night, and it struck me that there is no spare tire hold down brackets welded in place. It was originally a 318/904/column shift car. I am absolutely positive that the pan has never been replace, and there is no signs of the brackets being cut out. I had the trunk sand blasted- so I'd be able to tell if either the pan was replaced, or any grinding to remove the brackets. Is this just another example of a "friday" built car, just sloppy manufacturing and a mistake- or did some cars not have them due to the way they were ordered (doesn't make sense) I think its just an error? Thought it was interesting.

Anyone?

I don't have much information for you but I always thought that even if you didn't order a spare tire, you still got a rim mounted in the trunk. I would think that all cars would have had the spare tire hold downs.

Here's a picture of Tony D'Agostino's Challenger he
posted awhile back...
same missing spare tire bracket; yes, presumably a factory error.

Rick

Thanks Rick- I thought there was a debate in the past about this. Mine is by no means a survivor- but I am certain that there never was one in place- and the pan is original. I thought it was funny that I never noticed it and I've been working on it since october! Tony and I should compare build dates- and see if there is any connection.

Quote:

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Here's a picture of Tony D'Agostino's Challenger he
posted awhile back...
same missing spare tire bracket; yes, presumably a factory error.

Rick

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is that a convertible in that pic ? would the tire be mounted in the middle still on a 'vert ? I know 68 - 7- b bodies the spare was located elsewhere from hardtop/coupes ???