72-74 Challenger Grill and Header Panel

[Cbridgewater]

Is there a functional purpose of the grill and header panel being two separate pieces? I am wanting to make some alterations to the two and think my goal will be easier met if they are permanently attached to each other. Thoughts?

[HP2]

They were two piece to facilitate quick assembly on the line.

[Cbridgewater]

Ok, so I can combine the two pieces with no potential access issues. Awesome!

[jimynick]

Other than realizing that now if there's a small ouchie to the grille area, that you'll be removing/repairing/replacing the whole magilla. I've got a 74 and am interested in where you're going with this. Please keep us up to date with photos! Good luck 

[Cbridgewater]

Once I get the courage to start I will definitely document it!

[HP2]

I've got an idea of changes I may execute to mine, but they will lead to removal of the original grill.

[Cbridgewater]

I purchased some honeycomb material that I am going to replace the original grill with, at least that's the idea at the moment.

[7212Mopar]

Post some sketches or renderings on what you have in mind. I am ok wit h the factory design but open to mods.

[Burdar]

I purchased some honeycomb material that I am going to replace the original grill with, at least that's the idea at the moment.

Cut out the original horizontal pieces in the grill but leave the vertical pieces there.  That will give you something to hold the honeycomb material.  You could even slightly notch the honeycomb around the vertical pieces on the back side.  That would let you inset the honeycomb more.  I think that would be a really nice mod to the factory grill.  It would still look like a 72+ but with a more modern look.

[7212Mopar]

My anodized trim piece is old and pitted, not shiny anymore. I had been thinking to take it out to sand down to smooth it out. finish painting it flat black.

[Cbridgewater]

First I would like to trim the protruding portion of the header back back to the black sharpie line. Cut it, and glass it back. Then, some how permanently attach the grill section to the header panel, and replace the horizontal grill portion with the honeycomb material you see in the photo.

[Cbridgewater]

Ok, started this morning. The general idea is to recess the "nose"
portion of the header panel. You can see in the photos where I cut.

[Cbridgewater]

Taped into place.

[Cbridgewater]

Couple more angles

[MoparLeo]

Injection molded plastic grill and chopped fiberglass header panel. Sometimes things that look good at the car show are not practical on the street ( real world things can happen, like hitting something) Will be hard to fix center grill if it is part of the whole header panel.