I would like to install a 71 cuda grill in my 74 cuda. Can anyone list all the parts I would need to do this swap?
I would like to keep my original header panel, valance and fenders if it all possible.

You will need a 71 grill and 4 headlights. ☺
Welcome to Moparts Mike. Hopefully someone with some E body knowlegde can help you.

I vote for doing the sidemarkers and tail lights panel too.

you definitely need a headlight wiring harness cause of the 4 headlights. you might even need '71 fenders too.

You need to change the headlamp buckets from a 71

You also need a 71 valence since that is where the turn signals are in 71

You'll need the turn signal assemblies and a different headlamp wiring harness.

you would probably need a older 70-71 front bumper with brackets. the 74 had those big energy absorber brackets and fillers for the gaps they cause.

71 Cuda Hood Latch, 71 Headlight mounting plates, Headlight cups/Bulbs, Convert buckets in front of fenders, grill mount brackets, 71 header panel plus the above...and I'm sure there's more i'm forgetting.

Im swapping out the 74 bumper brackets for some 72's to eliminate the bulky bumper look. I think I will go with some new fenders.
I thought the 71-74 header panels were the same? What is different about the hood latch?
The wiring is no problem, thats the easy part. So here is the parts list of things I definitely need to buy
-repro grill
-head lamp bracket
-grill mtg brackets
-side marker light set
-valance

I would like a second opinion on the hood latch and header panel.

As far as the front valance is concerned, I could use the 74 as it has the turn signals in it too. Hmm, I wonder how that would look.

it's been a few years since I worked on a 71 cuda so my memory might be wrong.
the top of the header panel, between the fenders, is the same. the lower bracing where the grill mounts to is different on the 71.
on the hood latch. the secondary hood release, part you push that goes thru the grill, is different between the years.

So what is the general opinion on running the 71 grill but keeping the 72-74 valance? I was pricing everything out and those 71 parking lights are absolutely ridiculously priced. Im not spending $500 on a pair of running lights.

You see things my way.

I have a '74 and I've given this some thought too (either '70 or '71 style direction):

-The signal lights on the '74's are an eyesore, I'll throw mine away. I was thinking about doing some of those new LED style lights and setting them behind the grill for signal lights.

-The side markers are also an eyesore, they're going in the garbage as well and I was thinking about small LEDs there too and filling the rest of the hole.

Welcome to the world of 71 cudas

I have a couple questions. Do I have to modify my 74 fenders to use the 74 grill? If so, are the pieces available?
Second, are the headlight buckets from a 72-4 challenger the same as 71 cuda? Im sure I have a set of them.

The 71 inside the fenders is different. The 4 headlight fenders (71) have a smaller recess than the 2 headlight cars (70 & 72-74). You may be able to work the brackets in but how much work I am not sure.
Here are the parts for conversion. I'm sure other companies make them too but these were easy to find.

http://beaparts.com/list_items.aspx?body=E&cat=E&subcat=37

I do not know if the brackets that hold headlamp buckets on a challenger will fit but the buckets that the bulbs (lamps) set into and the trim rings that hold the bulbs into the buckets will fit from any 4 headlight mopar of that era. There are differences in high low and left right.

I've got a couple of extra left side parking lights here if you can find a right side...

I have a few extra left side parking lights if you can find a right side I'll sell you one cheap.

Ah cool, I can convert my 74 fenders and run the later side markers. That will save me a bunch of $$ but damn the 71 side markers look so much better. Guess I need to decide how much I want to invest in this.
Ordered a new grill last night. Let the wallet draining begin.

Ordered most of the parts yesterday. My grill came in today and it looks great. Just need to decide on argent or body color....more decisions.

-full quarter panels.
-71 fenders
-front valance
-valance filler
-side marker set
-header panel (not exactly sure what the difference is in the 71)
-headlight brackets
-fender splash shields

Still need RH park light housing.

Parts I already had
-full shaker setup
-fender gills
-go wing

Getting close to having everything I need to build my dream car. Does anyone know if the 71 cuda tail light housings are available? I see the lens and bezels but have not come across the housings. I am entertaining the idea of changing out the tail panel to the 71 to complete the package.

I now have a 71 tail panel coming and im working on getting all the tail light parts needed. Are there any other parts I will need to swap in this 71 tail into my 74? Is the trunk lock different? Fuel filler?
Trying to gather everything ahead of time but im sure I will overlook some items. I did find a decent 71 wire harness for the rear.
Still need one park light housing and hood latch.