Difference between 1970 and 1971 interior • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Peter** » 07 Jan 2002 20:42

what is the difference between 1970 and 1971 standard interior.( buckets seats )

by **Jack T** » 08 Jan 2002 6:42

The consoles were different and so were the rear quarter interior panels. The 1970 console has no ashtray at the rear, it has a seat belt buckle holder. The 1971-1974 consoles had an ashtray at the rear instead of the place for the seat belt buckles. The 1970 rear interior panels each had an ashtray in the small armrest and the 1971-1974 rear interior panels did not have ashtrays.

by **dave-r** » 08 Jan 2002 8:39

The challenger script was embossed in the 1970 dash and I am think I am right is saying the seat covers had a different pattern? I would have to check the Year One catalog to remind myself.

by **Jack T** » 09 Jan 2002 4:06

You're right - the upholstery changed patterns a bit. According to Legendary, the 1970 and 71 leather seats were the same, but the cloth and vinyl seats were different. Dave is correct, the 1970 dash pad is unique in that the Challenger script is embossed. The 1971-74 dash pads had a flat spot a script emblem was stuck on.

by **Christer** » 10 Jan 2002 6:14

The rear interior panels in my ´70 Challenger have no ashtray in the small armrest.
(Strange car....No wood-grained inserts in the door panels, no ashtrays....Maybe it has something to do with the fact that my car was built quite early: September, 1969 I think)

by **dave-r** » 10 Jan 2002 8:36

I don't have ash trays in the rear panels of my 1970 car either but the panels are not original to the car so it doesn't back that up.

by **Alan Lotarski (Sean)** » 13 Mar 2002 16:01

My rear panels are original on both T/A's and there are NO ASHTRAYS nor are there in any other 70 Challenger I have owned or seen.

by **Jack T (Jackt)** » 13 Mar 2002 21:46

I have two examples of 1970 interiors, an R/T and an R/T SE and have seen others with rear interior panels with ashtrays off both assembly lines, LA and Dodge Main. I can't figure out why some 1970's have the ashtrays and why others don't.

by **Dave R (Roppa440)** » 14 Mar 2002 8:38

I will tell you what is on my rear interior panels. On top of the 'arm rest' part of the panel (if that's what it is) there is two small screw holes on each side. I do not know what was once fixed there or if it was factory or not.

by **Alan (Sean)** » 14 Mar 2002 14:18

Could they may have been an option? I have never seen any.

by **Dave R (Roppa440)** » 14 Mar 2002 16:09

It is not listed as an option in the factory material I have available.

by **Alan (Sean)** » 14 Mar 2002 21:52

The examples that Jack has is proving to be interesting. I am beginning to wonder if the rear panels on the examples he has are early 71 on late 70. I spoke with my brother in-law about this the other day. He looked through shop manuals and seems to believe that they are 71 panels. They do fit about the same.Thereis no evidence that supports ahs trays on the 70 model as far as he knows. He has worked as a wrench for Dodge dealerships for over 25 yrs.

by **Christer** » 06 Dec 2003 17:32

I have a question about the rear opening of the ´70 center console. The rear opening looks so empty on my console (it looks as if something is missing). Is it supposed look like in the pic below, or am I missing some part?

by **Christer** » 06 Dec 2003 17:44

...and another question: Let´s say that you do a minor mod on the ´70 console. Is it then possible to make the ´71-´74 ashtray fit? (maybe not recommended as it probably will decrease the value of the console....)

by **dave-r** » 06 Dec 2003 18:46

Easier to buy and fit a 1971-74 console than to modify the 1970 one. Then you have the original type to put back in if needed.

The reason a 1970 console has that hole instead of an ashtray is that they thought it would be a neat idea to have someplace to store the lap belt buckle when you were not wearing the lap belt.

by **Christer** » 06 Dec 2003 19:13

Thanks. I guess you are right. ....but still, am I the only one who thinks that the opening is ugly

Not much to do about it except not to look at it :lol:

by **dave-r** » 06 Dec 2003 20:30

I keep snapping off the edges of the hole on mine. I have to carry one slick on the back seat and it often hits the console there.

I guess customers thought the hole was ugly too. Plus there was no place to put a shoulder belt buckle. You have to always keep in mind that the 1970 Challenger was rushed into production. They just never had time to get the details (or the quality) right.

by **NZ440R/T** » 01 Mar 2004 17:16

Another little note, 1970 dashes had there badge on the dash ingraved/imroaded. 1971-74 there stuck on by adhesive.

Thats all........lol!! :lol:

by **dave-r** » 01 Mar 2004 17:41

We already covered that on page one of this thread!

Strewth! You been having a busy day on here today 'an't you?

by **NZ440R/T** » 01 Mar 2004 17:49

Oops sorry :oops: