Looking at a 72 Charger

[Pghstarsky]

Hey all, I'm thinking of buying this 1972 Charger with a 440 and auto tranny...but before I buy it I just need to ask you guys a few questions since you seem like the right people to ask. First, did the 72 charger come with a automatic transmission cooler in front of the radiator? Because this one looks like it should have one buts it's not there. Secondly, did it come stock with a coolant overflow/recovery tank? And last for right now, does 10 thousand original miles sound right for a 72, and is there any way to find out the actual mileage? Thanks so much,
Sam


And here is a picture of the car and an engine shot

[TruckDriver]

There is no way that car has only 10,000 original miles on it. All '72 SEs came with vinyl tops, it has a '73 hood, and something isn't right where the front bumper meets the fender. Yes, they should have a coolent overflow tank, no on the tranny cooler. The car has air conditioning as well, and the condensor would of been mounted up front. Just from the pictures, I'd only pay about $3 to 4,000 for it. I paid $1,500 for mine, and it was all numbers matching when I got it (minus the air conditioning stuff). Plus it was a Arizona car.

[Pghstarsky]

Vinyl tops? I dont understand. Yeah. the guy said he put that hood on but he has the original hood too. And should there be more of a gap between the fender and the bumper? There is no overflow tank or fan shrowd. And yeah, it has ac, so I guess the hose that is cut is an AC line and it's missing the condensor. Thanks you for the info, should I put more engine pics up? how about some pics from the back and in the trunk?

[TruckDriver]

No fan shroud,    I'd like to see the fender tag. I am curious to see if it even came with a 440. And if you look at my car, you can see where the vinyl top was because the trim is still there. All '72 SE cars came from the factory with them.

[Nacho-RT74]

all SEs since 72 have a body plug filler on quarter window opening to give a different look or treatment from the rest, so to hide the meeting areas between body and filler, used AS PART OF PACKAGE the vinyl top

[Pghstarsky]

Well, I know that the intire interior has been redone and it's pretty much all non-original now. So, that could explain the no vinyl top. And here's a picture of the tag, but it's hard to see. So, I have the vin number if that helps.

[TruckDriver]

Not having the vinyl top is no big deal. Some people don't like them. But if that car was a original low milage car, it most likely would still have it.

Here's one with the vinyl top yet.

[Pghstarsky]

Oh okay, well. A lot of the car has been done over. And since the interior was done maybe they took off that vinyl top. I think it looks better without it anyway.

[TruckDriver]

Thought so, you car originally came with a 400 2bbl like mine. I had a feeling when you said no fan shroud.

Code Description
WP29 W = Dodge Coronet / Charger
P = Premium
29 = 2 Door Sports Hardtop
M28 M = 400 190HP(net) 1-2BBL 8 CYL
2 = 1972
8 = Export
199037 Sequence Number '199037'

[Pghstarsky]

Seriously? Cause the vin that it has I could swear says it has the 440, here's the vin WP29M2G199037. And how would I tell if that's actually a 440 in there now?

[TruckDriver]

I ran your whole tag but 4 codes I can't make out. This is what came back

Decoding of Fender Tag: Botttom to Top, Left to Right

Code Description 
D34 TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
WP29 W = Dodge Coronet / Charger
P = Premium
29 = 2 Door Sports Hardtop
M28 M = 400 190HP(net) 1-2BBL 8 CYL
2 = 1972
8 = Export
199037 Sequence Number '199037'
V3X9 Trim Grade/Style/Color
V = V Class
3 = Cloth and Vinyl Split Bench w/ Center Armrest
X9 = Black
TX9 Upper Door Frame: Black / Black Velvet
510 Date Built: 5 / 10 / 1972
134802 Order Number: 134802
V1X Roof Type OR Color:  Full Vinyl Top - Black
U Built to Specifications for USA Order
A76 Monaco Brougm
B41 Front Disc Brakes Some Yrs. Power
B51 Power Assisted Brakes
B11 Standard Duty Front Disc Brakes
H51 Single Air /w Heater
J25 3 Speed Variable Wipers
J52 Inside Hood Release
L31 Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M21 Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M31 Belt & Hood Molding
R11 Music Master Radio AM
V5X Black - Mouldings - Protective Insert Body Side
V78 Accent Stripes - Delete
26 26 in. Radiator
END End of Codes

[Pghstarsky]

So how can I tell if it has the 440 in it now?

[terrible one]

Usually when a car is painted black along the bottom like that, it's because they bondo'd up some rust and needed to hide it/repaint without doing the entire car.

[TruckDriver]

Would have to find the code stamp on the block itself.

[Pghstarsky]

It's Plum on the bottom, I took a magnet along the bottom and it stuck the whole way. So, where is the tag on the engine? Screw this dealer. He wants $6000 for the car, but I'm dont think I'm going to pay that now that the engine might not be a 440.

[TruckDriver]

So, where is the tag on the engine? Screw this dealer. He wants $6000 for the car, but I'm dont think I'm going to pay that now that the engine might not be a 440.

Would be stamped into the engine block on the head (forget which side) $6,000 is to high for that car anyway. Like I said, $3,000 to $4,000 considering it isn't correct and it does need work yet. "72 S.E.s are the least desireable of Chargers in '72. Gotta have a aquired taste for them.

[Bob]

If your standing in front of the car looking at the engine, just to the right of the distributor, about 3 to 4 inches, is the location of the engine ID pad. You may have to look close since it may be painted over. Just write down whats there and post it.
Bob

[Pghstarsky]

Alright thanks guys, I'll go out today and look for it. I appreciate your help so much.

[jackel440]

I noticed the engine bay has the bars that run from the fenders to the cowl.my 72 didn't have those.is that a big block thing.since mine is a 318 car?

[TruckDriver]

I noticed the engine bay has the bars that run from the fenders to the cowl.my 72 didn't have those.is that a big block thing.since mine is a 318 car?

It should have them. Every car had them.

[Nacho-RT74]

I noticed the engine bay has the bars that run from the fenders to the cowl.my 72 didn't have those.is that a big block thing.since mine is a 318 car?

It should have them. Every car had them.

don't think so... Well at least down here 71/72s didn't have them

[ramit]

I think in 72 the big block cars had them.

[ramit]

I think if the guy is asking $6,000 he isn't too far off.   I think for $5,000 it would be an ok deal.  You have to remember that you don't get much for $5,000 nowadays and it looks to be a decent driver at least.

[charger490]

if you buy the car take off the plastic fuel filter and throw it away and get a metal one. the plastic cracks and you have a fire in engine bay

[CDN72SE]

I think in 72 the big block cars had them.

The two 318 '72 SE's I own both have the bars.

[ramit]

I think in 72 the big block cars had them.

The two 318 '72 SE's I own both have the bars.

Ok, I guess I was wrong.  I thought it was a big block thing.

[Drache]

Ok, I guess I was wrong.  I thought it was a big block thing.

It is with the Chevys and Pontiacs....

[Pghstarsky]

Alright, I'm not going to buy the car now basically. I want a true 440 not a 440 knock off. It wouldn't even be worth $5000 to me now. Oh well, I would have bought it if it were a true 440. Screw that dealer anyway for trying to trick me, that's the only reason he would put that damn hood on. Asshole.

[TruckDriver]

Probably is a 440 car now, but it wasn't originally. Unless your looking for a car that originally came with a 440.

[Drache]

wasn't the last year for the 440 in '71 and then in '72 they downgraded to the 400? 

[supserdave]

Nope, 440 all the way until 73.....

[NHCharger]

I think in 72 the big block cars had them.

The two 318 '72 SE's I own both have the bars.

The two 72, 318 Charger's I have do NOT have the bars. One is a 72k all original rust bucket/parts car.

Weren't the 440's available thru 74? But only putting out a measly 275 HP.
The 400 replaced the 383 starting in 72.

[hemihead]

73 and 74 had 440's also.

[CharlieCharger]

I have an matchin numbers 318/tranny car and no bars..but then again I have no fender tag either 

[CharlieCharger]

Oh, and I like that SE  with no vinyl

[Pghstarsky]

Well, it's not a 440, it's a 400, with a 4 barrel carb and some other stupid shit done to it. So, I'm just not going to get it. I just really wanted the 440 in it. Oh well, maybe some day I'll get one.

[Charger72SE]

the engine ID pad is on the front left side of the engine block - just in front of the valley pan

H = 1972
440 enfine
9-17 is block casting date
HP 2 is second shift

hope you find the Charger you're looking for

I found mine on this web site about 4 years ago

[konigcharger]

wasn't the last year for the 440 in '71 and then in '72 they downgraded to the 400? 

  did you mean 78

[Drache]

wasn't the last year for the 440 in '71 and then in '72 they downgraded to the 400? 

  did you mean 78

Ive been 48 hours without sleep lol. It was in '71 that the R/T was the last year and '72 they replaced the 383 with the 400.... right? Now Im all confused....

[1972Rallye]

the engine ID pad is on the front left side of the engine block - just in front of the valley pan

H = 1972
440 enfine
9-17 is block casting date
HP 2 is second shift

hope you find the Charger you're looking for

I found mine on this web site about 4 years ago

Just a quick clarification... the 9-17 in this pic is the engine build / assembly date.  The casting date is cast into the block on the side...  Also curious to note the 2 different fonts for the number 4... one is closed at the top, the other is not.

[konigcharger]

wasn't the last year for the 440 in '71 and then in '72 they downgraded to the 400? 

  did you mean 78

Ive been 48 hours without sleep lol. It was in '71 that the R/T was the last year and '72 they replaced the 383 with the 400.... right? Now Im all confused....

yep

[T16]

"72 S.E.s are the least desireable of Chargers in '72.

Hey! Dont say it like that 

[TruckDriver]

"72 S.E.s are the least desireable of Chargers in '72.

Hey! Dont say it like that 

I can say that cause I own one and it is sadly true

[Goldfinger71]

Hey Wi',

Don't diss the 72 SE's like that!I like them besides those BUTT UGLY taillights which are horrible!

I think the Topper package 72's are one of the least disrerable cars...... I like em' but when I see them for sale I hardly ever see anybody buy one..wonder why?

There is the guy,I can't think of his name right now who restores some awesome 72 SE's! :yesnod:He has a few pics online and most of the 72's he's restored are loaded including sunroofs!

classicmopars.net

[TruckDriver]

I was just joking...shezz

[Goldfinger71]

Haha,
I was just playing with ya!
..............Now get to work on your car!
We need a few more good 72 SE examples out there to represent the 3rd gens!

[Charger1973]

I noticed the engine bay has the bars that run from the fenders to the cowl.my 72 didn't have those.is that a big block thing.since mine is a 318 car?

Every 73/74 Charger I have owned has had those bars.  They came with them, on both small and big block cars.

[Goldfinger71]

Hey 73'
I haven't forgot ya about GY4 pic....

[TUFCAT]

Those braces were there for frontal side impact. (.....if you got hit broadside in the front fender)  All 3rd gens have them.

[Charger1973]

Hey 73'
I haven't forgot ya about GY4 pic....

Hey man, I didnt want to do it, but I gave in...  Im going with black.  Couldnt afford the $900 for seat covers when I can get them in black for $450.  But I will have some decent gold parts to sell now... 

[Goldfinger71]

Welcome TUFCAT!
.......But your wrong!
All 3rd gens DID NOT have those braces bolted within the engine compartment...

[twilt]

Welcome TUFCAT!
.......But your wrong!
All 3rd gens DID NOT have those braces bolted within the engine compartment...

I tend to agree with that. I`ve owned around 30 71-74 Chargers and not all had those bars. Specifically,  I don`t recall any of the 7-8 71`s that I have owned having them. As far as their purpose....I don`t believe that they are there to minimize side impact damage. I`d tend to believe that they just help prevent body flex. (lots of later model cars have similiar bars to serve that purpose) The last 72 parts car I dismantled did have them which kind of intrigued me as I do not recall any of my other 72`s having them. At that time, I wondered if it was a SB vs. BB issue for 72 as the car I parted was a BB. It should also be noted that there was some question on my part as if they belonged on that car as it had at one point had been a "rebuilt" salvage car and it was obvious that the donor car had been a 73. Opposing that theory was the fact that many of the 73-74 Small block cars I have had did have them. I don`t have a black and white answer as to the bars but I do believe that some of the "answers" posted already are not accurate and should be taken with a grain of salt.

As far as the desirable/ less desirable thing... I don`t find 72 SE`s or Toppers less desirable as they both had some good options, notably hideaway headlights and Rallye gauges which are certainly desirable in my book.   On the flip side I would not make a big deal out of either car  or feel that those options make them  particularly or significantly "more desirable"  Pete, I dont know if it makes you feel better  but I do find your car desirable. Big Block, Hideaways, Rallye Gauges, Front sway bar, minimal rust AZ car.....thats a pretty good start.

[bordin34]

my 74 318 has those bars and also those black square things above the wheel well.

[TUFCAT]

Hmmm, I may be wrong on that  - - since you mentioned it, I'm not totally sure about the 1971's  having them - -    I know 72's, 73's, 74's did.

[AKcharger]

While I'm not a 3rd Gen expert I will say they're one of the 1st things people take off to make it look more open, so it's not suprising if some cars didn't have them..after all it's been 35 years

mine has 'em, '72 400

[Charger1973]

my 74 318 has those bars and also those black square things above the wheel well.

The metal plates?  All 73/74 small blocks will have those.  Big blocks have the plate on the drivers side, but the passenger side has a large cutout and a rubber mat covering it instead. 

[Nacho-RT74]

Those braces were there for frontal side impact. (.....if you got hit broadside in the front fender)  All 3rd gens have them.

No...

Welcome TUFCAT!
.......But your wrong!
All 3rd gens DID NOT have those braces bolted within the engine compartment...

Dunno if is Venezuelan stuff, but down here  71 and 72 didn't have them. Not even the stud in the middle. Casuality or not, all 71/72s down here are small blocks ( 318 4bbls ) however as far has been stated here, it does look is not an engine stuff.

is just what I have experienced.

"72 S.E.s are the least desireable of Chargers in '72.

Hey! Dont say it like that 

I can say that cause I own one and it is sadly true

Dunno if joke or not, but just in case about somebody could think that, I would say, SEs is at least more desireable than regulars or regulars with those "trims" invented for that year, simply just based on hideaways, rallye cluster and stuff like that.

tail lights, I'm agree, 72s are the ugliest of all ( regulars or SEs, no matter ), of course rallies exception, what even I don't like either ( not even 71 R/Ts ), they looks the better for that year.

IMHO 72-74s SEs without vinyl top, look some weird or uncomplete.

[TruckDriver]

IMHO 72-74s SEs without vinyl top, look some weird or uncomplete.