Bodies

[grdprx]

I need to increase my knowledge of 1st and 3rd gen Chargers.  When I see one on the road, what differences will tell me what year it is?  I'm schooled in the 2nd generation.  But when I see a 1st or 3rd, that's as far as I can get with it.  Teach me!   

On a 1st gen, I know there are some cars with hide away lights, and others that are in plain sight.  Is that year specific?  3rd generation, I haven't got a clue.

[Ghoste]

All of the 1st and 2nd gen had hideaways.  The 1st gens had the ability to leave the headlights exposed but turned off if so desired.  The quickest way to determine 66 and 67 is that 67 will have the little pointed section at the very leading edge of the front fender trim that is a fender mounted turn signal indicator.  The other quickie is that 66 has a full length console from front to back and four buckets.  The 67 has a short console like a 68 or 69 and it will have four buckets but it may also have the console deleted and the "mother in law" seat added which can give the glancing impression of a front bench.  The 71 has split marker lights so that there is an upper half and a lower.  A 72 should not have bumper guards but the marker lights should be reflectors (not lights) that sit on the outside of the body panel.

[Mike DC]

An easy giveaway on the 3rd-gens is the rear/side windows.  1971-72 was one style and 1973-74 was different. 

[Richard Cranium]

An easy giveaway on the 3rd-gens is the rear/side windows.  1971-72 was one style and 1973-74 was different. 

The same goes for the grille, tail lights, and side markers between the 2nd generation Chargers. The 68's were one way, the 69's were another way, and the 70's were another way again.   

[billfury]

"An easy giveaway on the 3rd-gens is the rear/side windows.  1971-72 was one style and 1973-74 was different. "

1972 charger SE is a one year only with a small 1/4 widow because of a plug welded on the roof.(Can be removed)
All the other 71 & 72 had the same 1/4 glass style.

73 & 74 SE only had louvers.Then one style had roll down windows and one with a stationary 1/4 window.
Confused yet.

 

[TK73]

Do Google search for pics of each year 3rd gen.

Look for the main split:  71-72 / 73-74.  Quarter windows, tail lights and grills are the main things to look for.  Tail lights and grills are often changed though...

The quickest way to tell the 71-72 difference for me is the side marker lights.  Then option packages: R/T, SE...

73-74 differences are minor enough to not worry about right off.