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....