What differences are there, if any, of the 70-74 challenger hoods? Are they interchangeable?

The only difference I know of is '70 hoods don't have the crumple zones. Other than that they should interchange.

70 uses different size bolts on hinge to hood than 71-74

From what I know .. there is a center body line diff .. but they will interchange.

So if I'm looking at a challenger hood not on a car what visual clues will tell me it is a 70 versus 71-74?

The early 70's didn't have crumple zones and had smaller bolts like was said.

If you are going for OEM correct then it matters otherwise they will all interchange and look/fit fine.

The only other difference is the 71-74 hoods had pull rods for the second latch, the 70's had a tab. There is a raised spot on the underside of the hood for the pull rod mount which uses 2 screws and a bracket. If your installing on a 70 it's no problem. If you have a 70 hood on a 71-74 take care when mounting the rod support bracket so it doesn't dent the hood from underside.

thanks for the info!

I don't remember having to grind the slots on my 70 hinges when I put a 72 hood on it but it was about 25 years ago so I don't really remember.

Here is a pick of a 73 hood with the rod and bracket screwed to the hood. Notice the raised spot on the under structure to prevent the screws from hitting the underside of the outer hood.

Thanks!

Tav

anyone got pics of 70 challenger hood? It would help alot.

Not sure if this will help you any, but here's a pic for you. This IS a 1970 challenger hood.

I think you're looking for a hood for an RT/SE though right?

Tav

The RT cars came with this hood (or optional shaker hood).

I'm not sure which year this specific hood is, you can't tell from the top.

I believe reproductions are available if you're not going for OEM correct. Do you plan on having the car professionally judged at shows, or are you just out to have fun with your car?

Tav

Yes, I'm looking for a pic of an R/T SE hood

probably get into some shows locally but not that requires OEM parts. Mostly just to drive and have fun with it.

Sounds great.

The SE cars could come with any hood, depending on what other options the car had.

The RT cars came standard with a hood like the blue one in my picture.

Some cars came with a shaker hood, but that wasn't available with air conditioning. Did you say your car had air conditioning?

More than likely your looking for a hood like the blue one in my picture. They can be found on 70-71 RT cars, and 72-74 Rallye cars, and they were optional on other challengers too. It's a popular hood. (which is probably why yours is missing?) Might take some searching to find an original in decent shape, or you could order up a reproduction hood.

P.S. if your looking for aftermarket sheetmetal, AMD has some of the best quality stuff available for mopars.

Tav

As stated above the '70 hoods lacked "crush zones" & use 5/16" bolts to attach to the hood hinges. Late in model year 1970 is when the running change to "crush zones" & 3/8" bolts took place (at least on SHAKER in April & scooped hood in June).


Topside of a '70 flat hood with the raised area for the "fratzog" emblem. Not used on "rallye" hood, "DODGE" letters instead.


underside of a '70 flat hood (scooped R/T hood is similar)


topside of a '73 flat hood ('71-'74 is similar)


underside of a '73 flat hood ('71-'74 scooped R/T & "rallye" hood is similar)
notice larger reinforcement for nose of hood (under middle "D")
--------------- '70 hoods quite often had nose folded down just from closing the hood
also compare mounting points for secondary latch
two bolts for spring loaded latch in '70 VS. 4 bolts for latch & guide on '71 and newer

Technically there is no such thing as an R/T hood since the R/T could have 3 different hoods and the 340 cars could also get the hoods used on the R/T.

Just thought I'd be a pita. ;-)