71-74 Inner fender rods to firewall

[Charger454]

Will the two "Fender To Firewall" brace rods from a 73 Charger fit a 71 Road Runner? See attached pic.

Thanks!

[71charger_fan]

The '71 doesn't have the firewall stud to which they mount on the later cars. If you add that, I don't imagine it would be a problem.

[Paul G]

My 72 had the firewall stud. Still the rods had to be modified to fit.

[Charger454]

Modification? Elaborate please. Also, from these two replies, I'm guessing that Mopar added them in late 71? Why? For crash strengthening? Thanks

[Paul G]

Modification? Elaborate please. Also, from these two replies, I'm guessing that Mopar added them in late 71? Why? For crash strengthening? Thanks

The rods were too long to install as they were. I had to elongate the slots on the fire wall side, and trim the end of the rod at the fender side to get them to bolt up. Easy enough to do. They stopped the front end of the doghouse from moving around while driving down the road. They added a little stability to the front of the fenders, bumper, grill area.

[Paul G]

Also, on the passenger side The rod touched the hood hinge when the hood is closed. I had to make a slight bend in the rod to clear the hinge.

[plum500]

I made one out of some 1" square and a few pieces of angle iron. Seems to really reduce flex.

Here's a thread...
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,46777.0.html

[chargd72]

Good thread.  I have a '72 as well and a set of '73 braces.  They are a bit longer but like Paul said, if you elongate the holes in the braces you should be able to get them to fit.

Keeping the discussion alive, is there really a benefit to using them?  I mean is there a noticeable difference?  I never put them in because I'm not crazy about the look. 

[Nacho-RT74]

Thats where fenders differs on bolt location between 71/72 and 73/74 ( along with the rest of mounting diff even perfect match with body lines )

[Charger454]

Keeping the discussion alive, is there really a benefit to using them?  I mean is there a noticeable difference?  I never put them in because I'm not crazy about the look.

I couldn't have asked & said that better!

So essentially, with minor modification, these will fit all the 71-74 Mopar B-Bodies?

[ACUDANUT]

no benefit at all.