Hidden headlights and the third gens

[Ghoste]

Let's see a show of hands from people who believe the hidden headlights should have remained as a standard feature until the end of the 1974 models?  I wonder especially thsoe of you who are big fans of the 3rd gen, how you feel.  Do you think it was a bad move or do you like the look better without them?

[rayderluvr]

I love third gen Chargers and think they should have kept the hidden headlights through  '74. I have a  ´73 SE and am looking for hidden headlights for it.

[6pkrtse]

I have only had one third gen Charger. It was a 71' 500 & the whole timeIi owned it I was looking for the hidden head light assy. If I buy another one it will have the hidden headlight option. So, yes. I think they all should of came that way thru 74.

[Ghoste]

Do you think it should have been optional on base models or Super Bees?  I think it should have stayed across the board myself and I expect most people will say that but I am wondering if there are a few who disagree.

[6pkrtse]

I think across the board myself. I love just about any hidden headlight car. GTO, Riviera, Corvette, RS Camaro, many others, etc. Personally, the exposed head lights is what I hate about a 69 500 Charger. I get the whole aero thing but still hate it.

[Ghoste]

And ironic, seeing as how one of the reasons for going with the hidden headlights on the Charger in the first place was to emulate the no headlight look of the stock cars.  At least that was one of the things marketing claimed at the time.

[Dino]

Hidden headlights for all!

It's one of those things that makes the Charger, regardless of generation.  I too am no fan of the 69 500 as not only that great grille went away but it took the rear window tunnel with it as well.  I know it was done for a purpose but it just doesn't look right. 

I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd gens but they're still great cars.  With exposed headlights however they just don't do it for me.

[chargd72]

The two things I thought of as a requirement on my 3rd gen are concealed headlights and bulge hood.

[Paul G]

Hidden head lights should have stayed through out the entire run. It is the main reason I sold my 73 Rallye 440 car. No hidden headlight option.

[FLG]

Main reason why i bought hidden headlights for my 73 

[hatersaurusrex]

It doesn't seem like a Charger without the hidden headlights.   It's one of the defining features of the name, and they should have left it alone.   Along with a V8 and two doors.    This is why 4th, 5th, and 6th gens aren't really considered Chargers by most measuring sticks.   You couldn't get all 3 after '74 anymore.

[Brass]

I'm a big fan of hidden headlights but I'm starting to like some 3rd gens without.  Especially the 73's. 

[charger1972]

The two things I thought of as a requirement on my 3rd gen are concealed headlights and bulge hood.

I agree.

[elanmars]

the '73 and '74 are my favorite body styles out of the 3rd generation bunch (I think the rear windows look less goofy/are better designed and I also like the opera windows)-the only thing that sucks is the lack of hidden headlights...HOWEVER, if I were to own another '73 or '74, I will gladly buy a '71-'72 grille and put that in place.

then it's just right.

[ACUDANUT]

No, when they ruined the roof/quarter window area (73-74) they killed the car already. Why throw good money at bad money. 

[ACUDANUT]

IMO, it seems like everyone who owns a 73/74 Charger wished they had bought a 71/72.  Including me.

[Chargerguy74]

No, when they ruined the roof/quarter window area (73-74) they killed the car already. Why throw good money at bad money.  

I much prefer the 73/74 quarter windows to the 71/72. That being said, I'm not fond of the SE louvers and 72 SE quarter windows. It's just a personal thing, I do own a 72 SE and a 73 SE. I ran into a guy at work with a 71 R/T and we started talking Chargers. The one thing he disliked about his car was the quarter windows but really liked the 73/74 style.

IMO, it seems like everyone who owns a 73/74 Charger wished they had bought a 71/72.  Including me.

Well definitely not me. Right now I'm sitting in the shop, drinking a beer, and staring at my Sienna Metallic 74 Rallye 400 HP 4 speed with the amazing gold gradated side stripes shining back at me. And no, I do not wish I bought a 71 or 72 instead...but I do have a 72 gunmetal 4 speed Rallye in the other building. Regardless, if I could keep just one car it would be this 74.

Also, another personal preference of mine is the 72 hideaways over the 71s, but the 72 standard grilles are by far my personal favorite of all 3rd gen options. My

[Ghoste]

There used to be a black 74 up the street from me when I was a kid and I always loved that thing.  It was brand new and shiny then and I always walked a little slower past that driveway on the way to school.

[elanmars]

Hidden headlights for all!

It's one of those things that makes the Charger, regardless of generation.  I too am no fan of the 69 500 as not only that great grille went away but it took the rear window tunnel with it as well.  I know it was done for a purpose but it just doesn't look right. 

I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd gens but they're still great cars.  With exposed headlights however they just don't do it for me.

Never been a fan of the '69 500 either, looks like a Coronet and Fairlane/Torino hybrid or something.

[Nacho-RT74]

IMO, it seems like everyone who owns a 73/74 Charger wished they had bought a 71/72.  Including me.

not me LOL

[Nacho-RT74]

No, when they ruined the roof/quarter window area (73-74) they killed the car already. Why throw good money at bad money. 

I much prefer the 73/74 quarter windows to the 71/72. That being said, I'm not fond of the SE louvers and 72 SE quarter windows. It's just a personal thing, I do own a 72 SE and a 73 SE. I ran into a guy at work with a 71 R/T and we started talking Chargers. The one thing he disliked about his car was the quarter windows but really liked the 73/74 style.

IMO, it seems like everyone who owns a 73/74 Charger wished they had bought a 71/72.  Including me.

Well definitely not me. Right now I'm sitting in the shop, drinking a beer, and staring at my Sienna Metallic 74 Rallye 400 HP 4 speed with the amazing gold graduated side stripes shining back at me. And no, I do not wish I bought a 71 or 72 instead...but I do have a 72 gunmetal 4 speed Rallye in the other building. Regardless, if I could keep just one car it would be this 74.

Also, another personal preference of mine is the 72 hideaways over the 71s, but the 72 standard grilles are by far my personal favorite of all 3rd gen options. My

agreed on everything, but preffer 71s hidden headlights grill and standard grill against 72. I like 73/74 Grilles.

Nooot sure If I'd mount a hideaways setup.

There is one GREAT detail only 68s got and I love!! the bezel around headlights when doors opened NIIICE TOUCH UP. I hate the look of the front with doors up, and the "uncomplete" grille look due the unexistant trim there.

Now, imagine your hideaways motor fails and has to drive around with doors opened all day long and that empty space being shown up. AAAARRRRRGHHHH

[Chargerguy74]

agreed on everything, but preffer 71s hidden headlights grill and standard grill against 72. I like 73/74 Grilles.

[65post]

Not a 3rd gen.fan but I would not turn down a triple black 72 SE 440 4spd. 

[74Rallye]

Hidden headlights are an improvement. The stock 74 grills just have that sensible look that old (in 1974) people would like.  

[74bluecharger440]

So it is possible to put hidden headlights on a 74 just by getting the grills and headlights kit...MMMMM  interesting....

[74Rallye]

When I changed to 71 hidden headlights on my 74, I had to use everything that's on a 71. The brackets, buckets, braces, etc. In other words, I used the whole 71 setup except for the bumper itself and still had to make a few parts. I have some pics from the project somewhere. I'll post them as soon as I can find them.

[74bluecharger440]

NICE ,.  Wicked Cool ,. Here  goes more $$$$ into the Beast.

[Ghoste]

Yeah, but it'll be worth every cent.

[74Rallye]

Found it.

[Nacho-RT74]

When I changed to 71 hidden headlights on my 74, I had to use everything that's on a 71. The brackets, buckets, braces, etc. In other words, I used the whole 71 setup except for the bumper itself and still had to make a few parts. I have some pics from the project somewhere. I'll post them as soon as I can find them.

I remember that thread... it was awesome... BTW I thought you were lost LOL... long time without see you.

My notes about this:

73/74 bumper to frame rail brackets needs to be kept and match the car year

lower cross bar is not mandatory

has been prooved the hideaways headlight pedestals are not mandatory but better ( AKCharger didn't change them )... keeping the standard grilles headlights pedestal will get you smaller room to hide the doors when lift up, but still will work

AAAND, I think to remember the top bumper bracket/reinforcement can be kept from the 73/74. They are the same all years. My bracket has all the holes, not in use, I guess for hideaways assembly, so I think they made one unique piece in 71 for both assemblies ( standard and hideaways ) and kept the same piece up to 74. I remember back in 2008 when I went to Carlisle, that I personally dissasembled a 72 Hideaways assembly and couln't find a diff from my 74 on that piece

[Ghoste]

Think you'll ever do it to yours Nacho?

[74Rallye]

"I remember that thread... it was awesome... BTW I thought you were lost LOL... long time without see you."

Hi Nacho,
My best answer to being missing starts with "3 kids later...". I still pop in and read up every week or so.

I also notched the mounting holes for the rail brackets to be rid of the rubber filler strip. That's why I also had to modify the top fender-to-bumper brackets.
When I put my hideaway setup together I also replaced the plastic piviot bushings on the hideaway doors with bronze bushings from a door hinge repair kit from NAPA.

[Tilar]

I personally think the 73 Rallye's look good with hidden headlights.

[Charger454]

If I had wanted anything else, I would have bought it. That said, I personally like the 73 the best. But they should have kept the hidden headlights and go-wing as at least an option

[TheGhost]

I will be the odd one out here.  I prefer the standard grill on 71-72 Chargers.

[Gary42]

I will be the odd one out here.  I prefer the standard grill on 71-72 Chargers.

I have to agree with you on that on Ghost. I sold a complete hidden head light set up to a guy in Germany 2 years back because he had wrecked his car. I was going to put it on my 72 Rally, but it just doesn't look good. Not saying they are not good looking on "some" cars, just not the 3 gen 71/72 package cars. Just a thought.

[Ghoste]

Reasonable to assume you don't care much for the 73-74 ones that get converted then either?

[ACUDANUT]

Man O man, the hidden headlights is another positive for the 71/72's.

[JPL]

LOVE my hidden headlight's!

[TheGhost]

Reasonable to assume you don't care much for the 73-74 ones that get converted then either?

Oddly enough, I like the hidden lamps better on the 73-74s.

[ACUDANUT]

I love the 71/72 Chargers the most.  They had the best roof line/quarter glass that just looks better imo.
Besides the hidden headlights, They also had the louvered doors, better taillights (rallye & R/T) powerbulge hood and better HP engines.  Oh, and didn't have those horrible looking rubber bumper guards sticking out 5 inches, AND 150 mph gauges. 71/72 Chargers also sell better and demand more money to own one.
To each their own. 

[Chargerguy74]

I love the 71/72 Chargers the most.  They had the best roof line/quarter glass that just looks better imo.
Besides the hidden headlights, They also had the louvered doors, better taillights (rallye & R/T) powerbulge hood and better HP engines.  Oh, and didn't have those horrible looking rubber bumper guards sticking out 5 inches, AND 150 mph gauges. 71/72 Chargers also sell better and demand more money to own one.
To each their own.  

Gotta love the scalloped 72 Rallye doors. But in the 73/74 Charger's defence, the hoods are all the same from 72-74 with the exception of vents and N96 option on the 72. The 71 obviously had the R/T louvers and Super Bee inserts to make them unique. The 72 HP engines can be grouped in with the 73/74s. The only exception would be the couple of V code 72s that were built. My 74 is a factory 150mph speedo car too. Just seperating fact from opinion  

[74bluecharger440]

I agree that the bumperettes look like crap,  they are not on my 74, nor are the rubber flanges around the bumpers, just chrome  ..But  I will be  installing the hidden  headlights ,I have the bulge hood and the front end would look so much cleaner and meaner with H.H. It's only time and $$$$$...

[EccentricMagpies]

IMO, it seems like everyone who owns a 73/74 Charger wished they had bought a 71/72.  Including me.

not me LOL

Agree.  I have never wished for a 71/72 after buying my '74.

My grey '74 actually was being sold with a hide-away setup and I told the guy I'd buy the car if he put back the original grill.   I liked the look of the original grills.

'course I tried to get both setups and I wasn't going to move up in price that I felt the hide-away was worth to me.

[1974dodgecharger]

writing was on the wall for car makers....nothing fancy when times are changing to PURE LUXURY and gas prices climb.

[Chryco Psycho]

71/72 Chargers also sell better and demand more money to own one.
To each their own.  

I wish , know anyone that wants one fully restored .... me either 2 years and no bites.
From the first Charger they all had hidden headlights , why they first became an option in 71 & dropped totally in 73 I have no clue , I like them with the hidden headlights .

[Nacho-RT74]

Think you'll ever do it to yours Nacho?

doooon't really know... I don't think so since I try to keep my car as correct year piece. The only "incorrect option" pieces on my Charger are the variable speed wiper switch ( which got the 71 as last year option, then become on 3 speeds ), the windshield and rear glass moldings, being SS ( 74s were aluminium ) and the electric trunk latch from lates Chrysler models.

OH, and the alternator, being a lates models too. Then as you know I have added performance, but Correct to Mopars at least.

IF I was to add hideaways, was to be 71 kind, never 72s...  but also 71s are harder to find.

I likes 73/74 grilles a lot though! In fact the only grill year I don't like are 72s, in any form.

[Chargerguy74]

Think you'll ever do it to yours Nacho?

doooon't really know... I don't think so since I try to keep my car as correct year piece. The only "incorrect option" pieces on my Charger are the variable speed wiper switch ( which got the 71 as last year option, then become on 3 speeds ), the windshield and rear glass moldings, being SS ( 74s were aluminium ) and the electric trunk latch from lates Chrysler models.

OH, and the alternator, being a lates models too. Then as you know I have added performance, but Correct to Mopars at least.

IF I was to add hideaways, was to be 71 kind, never 72s...  but also 71s are harder to find.

I likes 73/74 grilles a lot though! In fact the only grill year I don't like are 72s, in any form.

Ever plan on going back to the V6R stripes?

We're the exact opposite on the grilles. Personally, the 72 grilles are my all time favorite 3rd gen grilles with the 72 hideaways being my second.

[TK73]

Never once considered changing the 73 grill ( or taillights) on mine.
Like both as they sit. 
IF I ever got a 71/72 then I'd of course do hidden and the cool taillights...

[74Rallye]

Hmm..., Maybe a 1970 style grill mod?

[Ghoste]

I can picture it.

[Nacho-RT74]

has been done with 73 coronet bumper and grill

Ever plan on going back to the V6R stripes?

Made "by me"?, seriouslly doubt it... From Phoenix Graphics? not untill see them personally. I don't want to be dissapointed

[71green go]

I love the 71/72 Chargers the most.  They had the best roof line/quarter glass that just looks better imo.
Besides the hidden headlights, They also had the louvered doors, better taillights (rallye & R/T) powerbulge hood and better HP engines.  Oh, and didn't have those horrible looking rubber bumper guards sticking out 5 inches, AND 150 mph gauges. 71/72 Chargers also sell better and demand more money to own one.
To each their own. 

I have to agree 100% ...My first car was a 74...and although at the time I liked the car I never loved it......and Although I would trade my 71 R/T for a 68/69 charger I have to say I love it!.....dont much care for the 73/74 and only the 72 Rallye car.....love that
but again to each thier ...

[Dino]

I love the 71/72 Chargers the most.  They had the best roof line/quarter glass that just looks better imo.
Besides the hidden headlights, They also had the louvered doors, better taillights (rallye & R/T) powerbulge hood and better HP engines.  Oh, and didn't have those horrible looking rubber bumper guards sticking out 5 inches, AND 150 mph gauges. 71/72 Chargers also sell better and demand more money to own one.
To each their own. 

I have to agree 100% ...My first car was a 74...and although at the time I liked the car I never loved it......and Although I would trade my 71 R/T for a 68/69 charger I have to say I love it!.....dont much care for the 73/74 and only the 72 Rallye car.....love that
but again to each thier ...

Sorry to hijack.  Steve please check your email, I've been trying to reach you.

[Chargerguy74]

has been done with 73 coronet bumper and grill

Ever plan on going back to the V6R stripes?

Made "by me"?, seriouslly doubt it... From Phoenix Graphics? not untill see them personally. I don't want to be dissapointed

Did you have a complete NOS stripe? I can't remember. I have 2 NOS V6R sets, if you're interested in one send me a message. Although, reproduction would be cheaper.

[Nacho-RT74]

I have one full side that ONLY WORKS for sample to try reproduce it, not to install. The transfer paper was so stickied to the stripe itself that it wasn't to work to fit on the car. Is in fact is the one I have used like template to made my whites, after remove as much as posible the transfer paper to get the right proportions of the stripe and charger cutout

2 NOS sets ?.... mmmmm.... I will be begining again a new body job on my car and of course the new paint ( I NEVER have been satisfied with has been done on my Charger ) on a couple of months. Will let you know when finish

[Chargerguy74]

I have one full side that ONLY WORKS for sample to try reproduce it, not to install. The transfer paper was so stickied to the stripe itself that it wasn't to work to fit on the car. Is in fact is the one I have used like template to made my whites, after remove as much as posible the transfer paper to get the right proportions of the stripe and charger cutout

2 NOS sets ?.... mmmmm.... I will be begining again a new body job on my car and of course the new paint ( I NEVER have been satisfied with has been done on my Charger ) on a couple of months. Will let you know when finish

Sounds good.