73’ sad mouth seen better days

[A.Gramz]

I'm not sure what's best here.    The grill/headlight area has multiple cracks missing mounts.  And broken bolts that hold the head lights in.      Are these available anywhere.   Or is my only option to fix this.   

[71vert340]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-1974-Dodge-Challenger-Showcars-Front-Outer-Grille-Header-Panel-HP-0001-/123798943905

[Brads70]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-1974-Dodge-Challenger-Showcars-Front-Outer-Grille-Header-Panel-HP-0001-/123798943905

  Stay away from that guy, legendary around these parts, and not for anything positive

[anlauto]

  I agree with Brad, guy sells nothing but garbage

[71vert340]

That is good to know.
Terry W.

[jimynick]

Are the mounting studs still in thte panel? If they are that makes a repair much easier. Being fibre glass/SMC you can V out the cracks, grind the edges back and buy a gallon of Tiger Hair short strand fibreglass. I used cloth cut in shape to reinforce the V'd out cracks. The frt lips are notorious for breaking off the little alignment pins, but if you get your mounts functioning you can mount the header to the fenders, tape the fenders and gradually build yourself the frt lip. Catch the Tiger Hair at the right time and a Surfoam blade will cut pretty well. You're going to eat a fair bit of grinding dust, so consider where you're doing this and wear breathing protection. Time and patience will get the job done, should you decide to go for it. Been there, done that. Good luck 

[A.Gramz]

Ya brad I remember a few post about that guy back in the day.   Looking more like my only option is going to be to fix it.   

[Brads70]

Ya brad I remember a few post about that guy back in the day.   Looking more like my only option is going to be to fix it.

If I remember correctly, " someone" on here ( in Ontario) has one hanging on their shop wall for art. No idea if it's for sale or not though....

[jimynick]

Ya brad I remember a few post about that guy back in the day.   Looking more like my only option is going to be to fix it.

If I remember correctly, " someone" on here ( in Ontario) has one hanging on their shop wall for art. No idea if it's for sale or not though....

LOL!! Gee, I wonder whom may that be?

[torredcuda]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5945299648824971/?hoisted=false&ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A5a7c1ce7-aad8-4c79-b61b-4968cdf4fdc8

[HP2]

These do pop up for sale somewhat regularly here and on other sites.  Odds are fair you can find a decent replacement.

Worst case, fix it. As a fiberglass piece, they are easily repaired.

Showcars makes crap parts. Looking at the header panel that was linked, it doesn't appears it has any studs or bolts in it for mounting, which means you would be doing a lot of fiberglass work to get it to mount. If that's the case, fiberglass your original part that you knw fits.

Sad mouth...numerous cars have this grill configuration, yet only the Challenger have ever got this title. Never have understood why.

[PLY474]

Sad mouth...numerous cars have this grill configuration, yet only the Challenger have ever got this title. Never have understood why.

I agree. IMO, the height of the Challenger bumper visually obscures the lower grill opening and emphasizes the upper grill opening.  The Shelby pictured has a thinner bumper height and the upper and lower openings look like one.

I'm hoping that someone someday makes a split bumper 72-74 Challenger to show off the full mouth opening.  Future SEMA car???

[HP2]

Split bumper, hmmm, never thought of that. Definitely would be different.

I'm actually working on disappearing headlight covers a-la Charger for my '74. Not an easy proposition. Actually is something I'm surprised was never offered on Challengers.

[jimynick]

Split bumper, hmmm, never thought of that. Definitely would be different.

I'm actually working on disappearing headlight covers a-la Charger for my '74. Not an easy proposition. Actually is something I'm surprised was never offered on Challengers.

That's an interesting concept! I've got a 74 also and I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if it goes anywhere. 

[HP2]

I'll create a separate thread for it. Don't hold your breath though. I don't work fast at all, and engine bay repairs and paint are on the list ahead of disappearing headlights.