72 Charger - Long Awaited Update...

[AirborneSilva]

Nice project 

FWIW It looks like you have the welder heat set too cold. Also, is that flux core wire you are using instead of gas? If so, using gas works worlds better and produces much better welds.

It's easier to weld with gas too, well for me anyway.

[72Charger-SE]

So...  I never did like those SE Windows...

I wanted to get rid of them... and I was able to...   Kudos to Dodge for adding the insert that can be 'not so easily' removed.  Another Kudos for leaving the R/T style window glass and mechanism in place.  Now I am able to have the R/T style passenger windows in my Charger SE.    AMEN!  One down..  One to Go!

[AirborneSilva]

You've got my interest peaked, keep the pictures coming 

[72Charger-SE]

Airborne...   My interest is peaked as well...

Quick welding update...  I ordered the necessary gas add-on kit for my Century 125GL MIG welder.  This should be here possibly tomorrow but probably next week.  I have the argon tank (75/25) ready to go and picked up a welding cart (need to put it together) from Harbor Freight yesterday.  All in all I think it will be a nice setup for what I will be doing.   

LORD Willing...   the other 'insert' will be removed tonight...   I need to get a bit more CFM from my compressor for the angle cutting tool....  looking at 'piggy-backing' another compressor with the new one...  just not sure exactly how to do it the 'right' way....  It just takes more time as the compressor has to 'build up' so I can use the cut off tool each time.

Also, my son removed the old 'patch' from the driver's side rear quarter panel.  It is very thin metal like and was covered in bondo and crap!  Shouldn't be too difficult to fix this area right!

[chargd72]

Nice!  Have you found the trim and interior panels to match your current interior with new windows?

[72Charger-SE]

Hmmm... I hadn't thought of that... 

So... no actually.. I have not...   Thanks for the advice...

[AirborneSilva]

I would think that standard 73 sail panels, door panels etc. would fit, could be wrong though 

[chargd72]

I would think that standard 73 sail panels, door panels etc. would fit, could be wrong though 

Don't think so.  Even the louvered windows go back farther than those.  It would still be showing metal from the inside.

[72Charger-SE]

So I may need a custom solution or perhaps the sail panels from a 71 R/T?

[AirborneSilva]

I would think that standard 73 sail panels, door panels etc. would fit, could be wrong though 

Don't think so.  Even the louvered windows go back farther than those.  It would still be showing metal from the inside.

Yeah and I just realized the subject says 72SE not 73SE  

[Daytona R/T SE]

So...  I never did like those SE Windows...

I wanted to get rid of them... and I was able to...   Kudos to Dodge for adding the insert that can be 'not so easily' removed.  Another Kudos for leaving the R/T style window glass and mechanism in place.  Now I am able to have the R/T style passenger windows in my Charger SE.    AMEN!  One down..  One to Go!

So....did you destroy the SE inserts in the process of removing them? Some crazy 72SE owner (like myself) would want them and the SE window chrome and interior trim that you have removed...

And the SE drip rail stainless...

And the vinyl top trim...

[72Charger-SE]

Not destroyed... that is why it was very difficult to remove them...  the main part is together ...  the lower clip is there.. the top clip is separated from the add-in and would have to be re-welded to it. 

[Daytona R/T SE]

Not destroyed... that is why it was very difficult to remove them...  the main part is together ...  the lower clip is there.. the top clip is separated from the add-in and would have to be re-welded to it.  

Post pics of everything you have removed...

I might make an offer...

Where are you?

[72Charger-SE]

Charles City, IA...   

Now that I know how they are 'secured' I should be able to better preserve the driver's side add-in.

[chargd72]

So I may need a custom solution or perhaps the sail panels from a 71 R/T?

I don't know for sure but a 71/72 Topper should work as well.

[72Charger-SE]

Vinyl top?  My wife said... NO VINYL TOP on this car! 

[72Charger-SE]

I believe I have decided on the paint color.... 

This looks very close to the color of my '07 Goldwing that I sold last year.

All one color with cream rally stripes painted on the hood, top and trunk... (maybe)... we'll see how the paint looks without first...

[chargd72]

Vinyl top?  My wife said... NO VINYL TOP on this car! 

No vinyl needed.  I'm just saying trim and sail panels might match.

[72Charger-SE]

Oh.. you mean the interior 'topper'... headliner...  Got it...

[72Charger-SE]

With assistance from my youngest Daughter, Gabby, the welding cart is built.  Now I am just waiting on the gas line/hose to attach to the regulator and the welder.

[72Charger-SE]

The Driver's Side SE Window add-in was removed 100% in tact.  Here are a few pics of the parts taken out and the final results.  I need to do some grinding and cleanup but the R/T look window was tonight's goal!   Mission Accomplished! 

[ACUDANUT]

Keeping a vinyle top off a 72 SE is going to be a serious problem.   That window plug they put in those requires alot of bondo/filler.

[ACUDANUT]

Good choice. I'd have removed that plug too.

[nvrbdn]

thatgs an awfully cute helper you have there. precious memories for sure.

[72Charger-SE]

Keeping a vinyle top off a 72 SE is going to be a serious problem.   That window plug they put in those requires alot of bondo/filler.

Can you help me better understand your comment?  What specifically will I need to do that is going to be such an issue?  I am very new to the lingo so I don't fully understand 'that window plug they put in those requires alot of bondo/filler'?

Thanks!