1970 Challenger RT Tail Panel

[kent_goins]

not looking at the tail light mounting holes. The tail lights are installed and there are 7 or 8 holes spanning the tail panel that appear to be mounting holes for the applique panel.

[Cuda Cody]

Can you post a photo so we can see the holes?

To Mopar Dave:
Just went to the shop and looked at my tail panel...It has the 7 or 8 mount holes above the lights for the A63 Applique panel. So....long story short, my car may have had the A63 options, therefore I am going to stick with the full panel. Sorry for getting your hopes up. I really wanted just the quarter trim pieces and not the full panel but changing would require filling the holes and a great deal of extra work.

KG

[70/6chall]

I found the illustration pertaining to the SE rear finish panel in the Dodge 1970 Challenger & Dart Service  Manual Vol. 2, group index 23 pg. 48, fig. 57. Hope it helps. As for the pic on reply #31, of the white Challenger body on the jig, I see none of the holes for the screws above the taillight openings (is this the body in question?) for the SE finish panel, the other holes for the top of finish panel are under the edge of the closed deck lid. My own experience with the finish panel, my Challenger came to me w/ the panel. Using it as a daily driver over the years damaged it and I ended up removing it for future restoration, I filled in the holes and painted the area a satin black. When I finally had the panel restored I had to reopen the screw holes to secure it once more.  Thanks,   Al

[70/6chall]

Sorry it posted upside down. Let's see what happens if I repost.  Sorry Thanks,   Al

[RUNCHARGER]

Good shot Al, that's what I was talking about.

[1 Wild R/T]

To Mopar Dave:
Just went to the shop and looked at my tail panel...It has the 7 or 8 mount holes above the lights for the A63 Applique panel. So....long story short, my car may have had the A63 options, therefore I am going to stick with the full panel. Sorry for getting your hopes up. I really wanted just the quarter trim pieces and not the full panel but changing would require filling the holes and a great deal of extra work.

KG

That panel doesn't require "extra holes" Are you looking at the tail light mounting holes ?

Yes, it does...  Above the tail lights.....

[anlauto]

Okay....let me rephrase.....it doesn't "need" extra holes to be installed and stay in place.

[1 Wild R/T]

Well if you don't use hardware across the tail light area the lower edge of the panel floats & typically hangs over 1/2"out from where it should be....

[anlauto]

It's possible, but I never had that issue, mind you I've only ever restored one RT/SE and that was a long time ago.

[Brads70]

Well if you don't use hardware across the tail light area the lower edge of the panel floats & typically hangs over 1/2"out from where it should be....

When I installed mine, although not correct I used the lock cylinder to hold it in place instead of drilling extra holes and those fasteners seem to be made on unobtainium 

[70/6chall]

You know what! Actually as a collective force,all you guys brought a lot of good info to the table.It took me, what, three times to get the damned illustration right, so we all benefited visually. Brad, hey buddy your right about that lock cylinder bezel holding the center part of the panel in place. I had to remove the bezel the first time to remove the finish panel. It can be a real PITA, after removing all of the requisite clips and nuts, then you find you have to remove the lock cylinder, and then you have to line everything back up so that it works properly when reinstalling. Yes you do need those six nuts above the tail lights to finish it all off.     Thanks,   Al

[1 Wild R/T]

Actually the trim panel covers the lock cylinder, Brad had to open up the hole in his panel to use the lock to secure the panel...

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes: It's designed to go over the lock bezel alright. I made some fasteners and epoxied them into the trim piece along the bottom edge on mine as I couldn't find those fasteners anywhere. They hook into the bottom edge only so only catch by one edge.

[70/6chall]

Well never say never Randy, I know the first time I removed the panel, I did have to also remove the trunk lock bezel. I guess the diffence of the assy. line installation to a dealership body man installation. Which mine was the latter. Mine deffinatley did not have the SE trim present at the end of the assy. line.   Thanks,   Al

[soundcontrol]

Holes on mine, original A63 trim package.