73 charger front bumper modification

[gmeyer]

I am the proud owner of a 73 SE Charger, They have great lines don't they? Anyway I have a hankering to remove the center bar and install 72 hideaway headlamps. the grilles will need extensive modification or i will create a new one piece. The fabrication is not a huge concern. I'm 30+ years in auto body. i'm looking for more of a 70 style front end.  Have you guys ever heard of anyone doing this?

[E5 Charger]

Check this out. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,94608.25.html
Something looks a bit odd in the middle, so may be a Photoshop photo. Scroll to the bottom.

[Nacho-RT74]

nobody still that we know yet. The 71/73 Coronet Front bumper change has being done, but as far we know, not with hideaways.

[RallyeMike]

It would certainly be unique. I've never seen it done.

FYI - the hidden headlight grilles from 71-72 cars are cast pot metal and would be very difficult to modify. You could perhaps use the headlight cover portions, but for the the grill across the middle you'd probably be best off making it from scratch.

[plum500]

Here's an image that has stuck with me since I first saw it... I toyed with the idea, but decided not to do this mostly because of time. I really think a '71 coronet bumper would do the trick as I'm sure the contour/hood shape in the middle are the same. But I do agree, I'd make the grill mostly from scratch. Probably keep the doors, and all the mounting hardware, but a single piece to go in the center would be easier to make from scratch I would think.

[plum500]

If I were to do it... I'd seriously consider ABS for anything that had to shaped as much as some of the original cast parts (especially something like the surrounds). It's super easy to form, weld, cut, sand shape... once painted, you wouldn't know the difference. Plus it's easy to modify and repair, so if something isn't quite right, you can most often reverse anything that didn't work out right.

[JB400]

Looks like a cool concept.  Keep us up to date whether you do it or not

[gmeyer]

I'm still working through the mental end of things. much fabrication is going to be required to create a center grille. I'm currently leaning toward an aluminum creation from some flat and bar stock similar to the rendering you sent. a little cutting tig welding and some powder coat should to fine. Time will tell. Thanks for the photo

[chapel40]

How about taking a 70 charger bumper and modifying it?

[gmeyer]

A 70 front bumper is out. the 70 bumper is flat across the front and has a different vertical height. The 73 has a bit of an outward ark towards the middle. I have located another 73 bumper, grilles and hide away headlamps. I will post some pics when I get around to carving it up and fabricating

[Nacho-RT74]

Being talked

http://wichargerguy.proboards.com/thread/21278/modified-front-bumper-grille?page=1

[chargervert]

A 70 front bumper is out. the 70 bumper is flat across the front and has a different vertical height. The 73 has a bit of an outward ark towards the middle. I have located another 73 bumper, grilles and hide away headlamps. I will post some pics when I get around to carving it up and fabricating

A 70 Charger bumper is not flat across the front. It actually curves in from the sides,for about a foot,them peaks out to the center from both sides. That said,to achieve the look of the drawing,I would use a 71/72 Coronet bumper,and modify a 70 Charger grille to fit it. Modifying a plastic grille is far easier than modifying cast pot metal grilles.

[gmeyer]

I have a coronet bumper off a wagon. thanks for the 70 grille idea. I can certainly add some plate to the inside of the grille area on the bumper to create the shape of the 70 grille and modifying the 70 hideaway headlamps to work with the coronet bumper is no problem. Now to find some 70 headlamps.....thanks  :cheers:my friend

[chargervert]

If you need 70 headlight doors I got them. Let me know what you need.