70 Challenger SE Tail Panel Molding Aftermarket Extensions?

[Jarhead71]

Has anyone tried these aftermarket tail panel extensions for an SE Tail panel? I'm assuming you would have to cut the original section off trying to leave enough metal to underlap so the new piece will hold the rest of the tail panel in place.

 

[Juan Veldez]

I installed these trim pieces on my 73 Chally. Not sure why you say anything about cutting? If you remove the three nuts from inside the trunk, the entire trim piece and attachment studs pop off. Then install the studs on the new trim piece, aligning them to the holes, install the felt washers and nuts. Sorry if I misunderstood your question.

I am not certain if the felt washers went inside next to the nut or between the stud and body? I tried it both ways on a test run and can't remember which way "looked" correct. Someone else can chime in on the correct location.

 

[Jarhead71]

I installed these trim pieces on my 73 Chally. Not sure why you say anything about cutting? If you remove the three nuts from inside the trunk, the entire trim piece and attachment studs pop off. Then install the studs on the new trim piece, aligning them to the holes, install the felt washers and nuts. Sorry if I misunderstood your question.

I am not certain if the felt washers went inside next to the nut or between the stud and body? I tried it both ways on a test run and can't remember which way "looked" correct. Someone else can chime in on the correct location.

I guess I should of said 70 SE tail panel trim. It's all one piece. Is the non SE tail panel trim more than one piece?

 

[Juan Veldez]

I guess I should of said 70 SE tail panel trim. It's all one piece. Is the non SE tail panel trim more than one piece?

Since I am not an expert on other years and models, someone with 70 SE experience needs to respond. Good luck.

 

[challenger6pak]

If your rear panel is that bad you can use them. I have seen it done. You can't cut the whole piece off of the SE panel. You basically cut the quarter moulding that is made into the panel in half. Then you flatten it and solder the new moulding in its place. Before all of that, there are shops that restore the panel. That is the best way to go. Post some pics of yours so we can see if it can be saved without replacing the quarter mouldings.

 

[Jarhead71]

If your rear panel is that bad you can use them. I have seen it done. You can't cut the whole piece off of the SE panel. You basically cut the quarter moulding that is made into the panel in half. Then you flatten it and solder the new moulding in its place. Before all of that, there are shops that restore the panel. That is the best way to go. Post some pics of yours so we can see if it can be saved without replacing the quarter mouldings.

Thank you. I understand what you are saying. They are beat up. You have to wonder how the heck they got so damaged. I'll have to get some more pics up close.

 

[One of few]

Those pieces are tough to find, the 70 SE and the RT/SE had those. I would search for a shop to restore that piece before cutting on it.

 

[R4Sedan]

Personally I've seen a lot worse. I would just fix yours.

 

[challenger6pak]

I agree. See if you can find someone to repair it.

 

[brotow]

If your rear panel is that bad you can use them. I have seen it done. You can't cut the whole piece off of the SE panel. You basically cut the quarter moulding that is made into the panel in half. Then you flatten it and solder the new moulding in its place. Before all of that, there are shops that restore the panel. That is the best way to go. Post some pics of yours so we can see if it can be saved without replacing the quarter mouldings.

You can't solder aluminum.

 

[challenger6pak]

True. That's what happens when the computer helps with sentences.

 

[iaff801]

I know its been a while but what did you end up doing with the rear trim piece? I am having the same issue. I recently purchased a 1970 RT/SE and purchased trunk lid and rear qtr panel molding. The rear is all one piece. Did you have it repaired or send it to be repaired?

 

[brotow]

If your rear panel is that bad you can use them. I have seen it done. You can't cut the whole piece off of the SE panel. You basically cut the quarter moulding that is made into the panel in half. Then you flatten it and solder the new moulding in its place. Before all of that, there are shops that restore the panel. That is the best way to go. Post some pics of yours so we can see if it can be saved without replacing the quarter mouldings.

You can not solder aluminum.

 

[iaff801]

You can not solder aluminum.

Not sure what that has to do with my question. I am wondering if he took it to be repaired or cut the moulding off of the panel.

 

[NixDad]

My ends are also crushed, as yours is in the picture.
I also considered just overlapping the new corner pieces.
I did not think (and have confirmed with a few trim restorers) that once that aluminum is crushed it is beyond the point of bringing back.
I found a good one and had it restored, so never went down that path. (I still have the original if anyone wants to work with it)
I think it could be done pretty effectively and unnoticeable until someone gets very close

 

[6PKRTSE]

My Challenger came with a satin black painted tail panel like an S.E. panel. However, it does not have the quarter panel extension mouldings integrated into the panel. It has the quarter moulding pieces bolted on separately. It is not just the sheet metal painted satin black.
This is about the best picture I have of it showing that it is screwed on in the trunk edge.

 

[iaff801]

Any chance someone cut the moulding off the panel and then just bolted the new moulding over top?

 

[6PKRTSE]

No signs of being cut. Or someone metal finished it perfectly before being painted and installed