JJ, it's been a long time since I have modified cars, but if I remember correctly putting an extra leaf spring on the right (passenger) side was to prevent wheel hop. I am not sure if it was done at the factory or not at the time.

Can you tell us more details about the car?

Thanks

Will

 

The Paddock is the only link you have so far? Let me get you some more.

Here's a list:

Year one of course : www.yearone.com

R/t Specialties : http://www.rtspecialties.net/.

Just Dashes : (Dash pads hard to find)http://www.justdashes.com/Index.htm

Those are a few I use. E-bodies have the largest aftermarket of all the mopars so finding parts is really quite easy. You should pick up a copy of Mopar Collectors guide or Mopar Muscle Magazine to help you find parts suppliers.

 

JJ, it's been a long time since I have modified cars, but if I remember correctly putting an extra leaf spring on the right (passenger) side was to prevent wheel hop. I am not sure if it was done at the factory or not at the time.

Can you tell us more details about the car?

Thanks

Will

I don't know a whole lot about these beasts anymore (use it or lose it analogy). What would help? I have the tag #/vin # if that helps.

 

I was more interested int the history. Where did you find it? How many miles and stuff like that...

Will

 

post the fender tag information here. Many of us can decode it for you, I'm sure. I'll double check but as I recall they all have an extra leaf on one side due to torque considerations, I don't think it's anything special - but I could be wrong - working from memory here. There are tons of e body parts available, those and 69 beepers are probably the two easiest cars to restore.
A butt stripe doesn't make it an R/T. Mopar has lots of odd balls like that and unless you're the original owner it could have been applied by a previous owner. If there's an A57 in the fender tag codes it's a Rallye package. I'll poke thru my books later tonite.

 

Hey thanks a lot. I do have all the tag #'s but they're at home right now. I had a local Mopar guru tell me that it came stock with an "R/T stripe" (according to the tag he says). I'll post them once my internet comes online sometime tomorrow from home! Yippie!

As far as the history, kind of funny. We were looking through the newspapers at garage sales, said "Baby crib, clothes, R/T Challenger, swingset, etc etc" lol! We also found a 68 Roadrunner big block car right accross the street that my roommate bought. Anyhow, I went to check it out, the guy had a price tag of 2500 in the window, I didn't even see it, I saw the car and walked directly to him and said "How much?!" I got the car for 1500. He had a friend rebuild the motor that didn't have a clue what he was doing, he had 28 miles on the original 340 when the rods started knocking. I sold that motor as is, not running for $500 and purchased the current 340 for 800 from a cuda that was in a wrecking yard I was working at in my youth. I think it was 1990 as I had just graduated from high school. So I guess that would mean I've had it for 16 years now. It has the 150mph rallye dash, 4 speed pistol grip shifter, factory, 340 and the bump up hood with the two slots. I was told that the original ugly light blue color was a special edition Richard Petty color. *NOT* going back to original colors in the resto, yuk. The car is all there except for some minor things, over the years it has succumbed to some body rot in the passenger door and a little bit under the vinyl top.

The last time I drove it was on my wedding day some 12 years ago. I sold my 69 Roadrunner 383hp for a wedding ring then, now I don't have either. I can honestly say, I sure do miss that car, lol!

The interior had blue seats that someone has painted black.

If you don't mind running the numbers once I post, see if what you come up with is the same the other guy came up with. From what I remember he stated it had a white head liner, blue interior, factory electronic ignition, the blue paint and white R/T stripe/vinyl top.

That's pretty much all I know about the car at this piont, I had to park it because I live in a small community where the cops kept their eyes out for me as a teen, I couldn't win or afford gas much in those days

 

Ok here are the #'s I have:

VIN#: JH23H2B505465

TAG#:
R11 V7W EN2
M42 N23 N41 N42 N95
G35 J25 J54 L25 L31 M21
V1W U B51 C16 C56 G11
TB3 B6B5 000 714 382839
E55 D21 JH23 H2B 505465

 

This is what I got:

Code Description
E55 340-4 Barrel 69-73
D21 Heavy Duty 4-Speed Manual Transmission
JH23 J = Dodge Challenger
H = High
23 = 2 Door Hardtop

H2B H = 340 240HP(net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL
2 = 1972
B = Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
505465 Sequence Number '505465'
TB3 Paint Code: Unknown At This Time
B6B5 Trim Grade/Style/Color
B = B Class
6 = Vinyl Bucket Seats
B5 = Medium Blue
000 Upper Door Frame: Full Door Panel
714 Date Built: 7 / 14 / 1972
382839 Order Number: 382839
V1W Roof Type OR Color: Full Vinyl Top - White
U Built to Specifications for USA Order
B51 Power Assisted Brakes
C16 Console w/ Buckets
C56 Bucket Seats 1972 up
G11 Tinted Glass All
G35 Delete Standard Outside Mirror
J25 3 Speed Variable Wipers
J54 Hood Insulating Pad
L25 Trunk Compartment Light
L31 Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M21 Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M42 Front End Molding
N23 Electronic Ignition 72 only
N41 Duel Exhaust w/o Tips
N42 Chrome Duel Exhaust Tips
N95 Nox Exhaust Emission Control
R11 Music Master Radio AM
V7W Accent Stripes - White
EN2 End of Codes Assembly Line 2

Hope this helps. Do you still have the build sheet? It should be under the springs of the back seat.

 

• I saw this info Here:​
• Challengers could either be hardtop coupes or convertibles (through 1971 only). The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), available in both body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof and a smaller 'formal' rear window. The convertible Challnger was only available as an R/T in 1970. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye". Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972.

 

Thanks a lot Rodkil1...

Everret, so if I'm to restore this thing, there would be no such thing as an R/T stripe then eh? So I might as well leave those Rallye scoops on the side and put the stripe kit that apply for that? I surely don't want to fake this into looking like something it isn't.

Thanks a lot fellas.

Rodkil1, I don't think that the build sheet is there. I'll have to dig next week when I go back to work on it (it's not here at my house, it's at my friends shop). I did glance for it but didn't notice it, I serioulsy doubt it's even there

 

Thanks a lot Rodkil1...

Everret, so if I'm to restore this thing, there would be no such thing as an R/T stripe then eh? So I might as well leave those Rallye scoops on the side and put the stripe kit that apply for that? I surely don't want to fake this into looking like something it isn't.

You are correct in thinking that it did not have any stripes other than the Rallye Strobe Stripes. I assume the guy who told you that it had an R/T stripe was looking at the V7W code on your tag. Which stands for the white strobe stripes.

But if you like another stripe, GO FOR IT! You can always peel it off and put the originals back on. If you are thinking of taking the Rallye strakes (scoops) off and welding the holes up just make a template. That way if you would ever decide to put them back on you can use it for a guide to redrill the holes. You could do this and not hurt the paint.

 

TB 3 is called "Super Blue" in both 72 and 73 for Dodge, for Chy/Ply/Imp it's called Basin Street Blue.
According to my White book total 72 Challenger Rallye 340 production was 6865. 1,243 were 4 speeds.
Looks like Rodkil got the rest of it for you. Nice car, enjoy it. If you need any other help let us know.

 

To bad about the build sheet, it really helps with a good resto. Have fun with the resto and keep us informed.

 

Ok guys. I appriciate all of your input.

I'm going to keep the scoops and do the strobe stripes. Probably go black stripes and black vinyl top instead of the white. I was looking at the new 2006 Dodge trucks, they come with a "Patriot Blue Pearl" color that I really like and think would look sharp. Either that or their "Electric Blue" color that isn't so dark.

I was thinking of something else while reviewing this thread. It was mentioned that mine didn't come with the factory square tips on the exhaust. That's too bad, I already purchased some for 220 dollars because I assumed they were on this car. Would it be wrong if I put those on there? One other thing: My previous Challenger had the inserts in the door panels with the woodgrain stickers, my current car does not. I really thought it was a nice touch and purchased a set of those too. I would like to see those and the exhaust tips on the car if it isn't going to take away from what the car really is. Any suggestions?

I have 2 weeks to strip the entire car down for the sand blaster guy who's coming to town to do a few so I'll be crammed for time. My kids are only here for one more week then back to Kansas so I don't want to pull away time from them while they're here...crunch time is great!

Final question: Does anyone make an aftermarket grill for this car? Not the grill itself but the backing where the headlights set in? Mine is cracked pretty bad, probably reparable but I'd really rather have something better to start from, or do I need to be looking for this piece in a wrecking yard?

Thanks again, have a good rest of the weekend....

 

• Here is a link to a non-rallye Challenger.
• The TB3 color also used to be known as - Petty Blue :

 

N42 Chrome Duel Exhaust Tips

I think the square tips where the only ones available, unless you’re talking about the smaller A & B body tips. But does it really matter? If you're not going for a perfect Show car Restoration just keep your changes subtle and if you do show it enter it in the Restified class. Not having the original paint color will almost always get you DQ'ed out of the stock class in most car shows.

Me, I hate the Stock class I would almost always prefer to see cars Restified. So I say have fun, I love to see cars that look stock but have some changes done to them. Have you thought about Kieslers 5-speed kit it would really help with highway driving, or Classic Auto Air's perfect fit A/C system they're a great fit. I just finished putting one in a 68 ford truck fit like a glove and works great. Have fun and keep us updated maybe some pics now and again.

 

For parts I agree with an earlier suggestion: get a copy of Mopar Collectors Guide magazine. There are tons of ads in there and you should be able to find whatever you need. Otherwise check out Tony's parts at tonysparts.com. Big Mopar guy. There are many other places, this is just one suggestion.

I take it from the tone of your questions you are concerned about "collectibility". Despite that fact that E bodies are always popular, 72 340 cars are not high buck collector items. You need to be clear in your mind about what you want - fun with a touch of "your style" or a true resto. If you really don't like the "Petty Blue" then by all means dump it. If you want the square tips then make sure you get the correct rear valence with the cut outs for the tips. You essentially have a blank sheet of paper to work with. Before you start spending a lot of money be clear about what you want so you don't spend more money later doing it over.

 

As rodkil1 stated your car came with the tips. The only way the R/T and Ralley cars came without the tips is if the car went to Ca. to be sold and then they were not coded for the tips.

As far as the door inserts I am not familiar if the were available on the 72 cars. But if you like them put them on. It's not going to hurt the value.

The fiberglass Grill suround is not avail. as a repro. So nice used is you only option. I see them on ebay from time to time and moparts.com.

 

Ok, I thought I read that it had no exhaust tips in a previous post. Nonetheless, I intend on putting them on

Also, what EXACTLY does "V7W Accent Stripes - White" mean?
Accent stripes? Wasn't there a ton of different stripes? I guess what I'm trying to figure out is, is this a Rallye car or not. The #'s don't come right out and say that. And my car looks just like the non Rallye car posted above except I don't have the chrome going along the sides of the car midway up.

I agree, I don't want to do a stock resto...not really one of those kinds of guys. I don't want to make it what it isn't either, such as faking it to be an R/T, that's just not for me either. I do have the correct rear valance for the square tips

Thanks again guys. I'll be popping in here and there to ask your ideas and pick your brains. I'm EXTREMELY excited to get this thing back on the road and intend to use it as my summer daily driver, not a show car.

The Kieslers 5-speed kit sounds suhweet, I just wonder how much this would be, knowing mopar, lots! I will at least look into it.

Thanks again for all your valuable input!

 

Here is a Link to some Mopar codes:

There seems to de a code for Rallye Challengers. A57

A57 F-Body Road Runner or R/T Package, Monaco 500 Package, Cuda 383 Package (69), Challenger and Charger Rallye Package (72-74)

I'm not 100% on that, maybe other readers can expand on this.

As far as the accent stripes, the only other stripes I could find were the ones that go from the front fender to the base of the B pillar. I have a LINK here to a red Challenger from a 1972 brochure... If I remember right these may have been painted on also.

 

A57 is the Rallye option code for Chargers and Challengers. The only stripes available 72-74 were the strobe stipes that Rodkil mentioned in his earlier post. Per the picture in the link they extend from the strakes rearward and are segmented. If you go to the Year One site they will show you picks of the stripes on the correct year application.

 

Here is a link to a 73-74 Challenger with "Painted" stripes article;

Exterior Paint
Challenger Rallye still had the dummy air ducts on the front fenders with the strobe stripe extending along the door but the base models could now have a painted accent stripe that traced the upper contours of the body.

These are more and more rare each year because they have to be Painted back on, No stickers. V6W was the code for the strobe stripes so I would think V7W would be the code for the Painted stripe.

 

Well fellas,

My friend and I have been working VERY hard on my car for the past week or so. (I never found the build sheet while tearing everything out either, sadly).

Anyhow, wanted to post a 'progress' pic.

I must admit, the more stuff we strip out (especially the dash, wiring harness and all of the exterior trim pieces) the more scared I become that I'll never get these parts back in later on. *gasp*

Here is a couple of quick photos, sorry for quality, I took them with my phone last night but wanted to share!

 

Yeah Takeing them apart like that can be real scary. I remember taking my charger apart. Just take good notes and lots of pics.

 

Having suffered from an electrical fire under the dash on my 70 Beeper some years ago I strongly suggest that you do not reuse the original dash wiring harness (or any of the harnesses for that manner). Complete,new replacements are available thru Year One. Depending on the car it sometimes takes them a while to ship, so order well in advance so you have it when you're ready to reassemble. While not cheap it is a worthwhile investment. Also, if you don't have a shop manual for the car get one. They're available on CD and will save you lots of time and trouble putting the car back together. The wiring diagrams alone are worth the price.