Another new member with a 72 Challenger, mine is a 340-4 4sp • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Ronnie Miller (Tilyous)** » 24 Oct 2002 0:57

Hello all,

Just obtained the car over the weekend. I've been lurking here for a couple of years just waiting to get mine (back). Dave has told me that 1243, 340 4 speeds were made in 72. Now I'm curious as to how many tx9 (black) with black strobe stripes were made. It also originally had a blue interior? I bought it to change to a honeydew color with black vinyl (same as my old 73) but might reconsider if this color combo with powerplant is rare.

Thank you in advance for your assistance/advice,

Ronnie

by **Jeff Maxwell (Redchalleng** » 24 Oct 2002 2:09

Ronnie, congrat on getting your car back. I did the exact same thing - read the postings on the web page and then got involved when I knew that I was getting my old car back.

Dave built his car as he would have wanted it if he could have ordered it, and I believe several others on this board would follow that logic. Mine was as I would have had it new, but when I sold it the next owner made changes that I really liked. The production on your car is rarer than my 71 convertible. My two cents worth is to make sure the car is what you want it to be. Putting it back to where it was has plenty of power, but only if you're really going to go crazy with the resto and plan on entering it in contests. My spin is I want to drive the car as much as I can, so I'm not into trailer queen material. The nice thing about it, with the car you have you can't make a bad choice!

And for those of you out there who don't have their car back, go get it. Also don't hesitate to join the fun here on the Message Board, Dave is going to need our support here soon!

by **Dave_R (Roppa440)** » 24 Oct 2002 7:57

Yeah but black with black stripes is rare and unusual. Blue interior too? Someone was on drugs when they ordered this baby! If mine had come like that I would keep it as that has to be a very rare combination.

Any chance of printing the fender tag codes?

by **Ronnie Miller (Tilyous)** » 24 Oct 2002 12:53

Sure, here's the fender tag numbers:
n85 r11 v6x en2 j54 m21 m42 n23 n41 n42 tx9 u b51 c16 c56 j25 tx9 b6b5 000 405 331527 e55 d21 js23 h2b 382007

What does the b6b5 represent? The current state of the car is; it runs nice, floor boards and trunk are great, rear 1/4s have mud (will more likely replace) and right rocker, rh fender needs replaced. Needs some work but not to bad.

Ronnie

by **Alex (Alex)** » 24 Oct 2002 18:36

Richards old 73 was a black car with black roof, interior and stripes! He never put the stripes back on, it's a shame coz they reflect at night I think, and that would look soooooooo cool!

by **Dave_R (Roppa440)** » 24 Oct 2002 19:50

First of all lets get these codes in the right order (The fender tag is read from bottom to top and left to right). Here is how each line de-codes.

E55 - Engine code (340 cu. in. 8 cyl. 1 x 4bbl carb.)
D21 - Transmission (Heavy Duty 4-Speed manual)
J - Model (Challenger)
S - Price class (Special - in this case meaning it's a Rallye model)
23 - Body type (Two Door Hardtop)
H - Engine code (340 LA)
2 - Model year (1972)
B - Assembly plant (Hamtramck MI.)
382007 - Plant sequential number

TX9 - Body paint (Black)
B6B5 - Vinyl bucket seats / Blue
000 - Full door panels
405 - Scheduled production date (April 5th 1972)
331527 - Dealer order number

TX9 - Painted roof / Black
U - Built to specifications for U.S.A.
B51 – Power Brakes
C16 - Centre console
C56 - Bucket seats
J25 - Variable-speed wipers w/electric washers

J54 – Sport Hood?
M21 – Drip trough mouldings
M42 – Front end moulding?
N23 - Electronic ignition
N41 – Dual exhaust
N42 – Chrome tips

N85 - Tachometer
R11 - A.M. Radio
V6X - Black side stripes
EN2 - End of options list production line two.

I am loosing the knack for this. Have I got J54 and M42 right guys? What the hell is M42 anyway?

by **Ronnie Miller (Tilyous)** » 24 Oct 2002 20:51

It does have the chrome grill mouding under the bumper, maybe that is the m42 since I see alot of these missing on others?

Is there any way to find out how many non-vinyl top, black, 340-4 4speed cars with strobes were made?

by **Hans (72challenger)** » 25 Oct 2002 6:22

The J54 is the sound absorbing material against underside the underside of the hood. (Hood insulation pad) It doesn't mean the Power bulge hood cause it's a JS, they have that hood already. About that front end moulding (it is M42 Dave), I have the idea only '72-'74 challengers have them. I never saw one on a '70 & '71. BTW, the front end moulding is the chrome trim on top of the front valance. But most cars don't have them anymore (mine too) but it does look nice in combo with the grill moulding.

by **Dave_R (Roppa440)** » 25 Oct 2002 8:19

Now you say it It all comes back to my mind. Thanks Hans.

Didn't the A63 code get you something similar to that M42 in 1970-71?

by **Christer (Christer)** » 25 Oct 2002 10:45

My idea is that the front end moulding was part of moulding group A (A63, as Dave writes).
Is that moulding the same as front splash pan scoop?
(Only a suggestion, I have no idea what a front splash pan scoop is. Any help out there?)

by **Dave_R (Roppa440)** » 26 Oct 2002 10:13

Hey Ronnie!

The topic this thread is in is called "Photos of your Challengers".

So how about it?

by **Mike Lanouette (Mikel)** » 26 Oct 2002 11:09

Dave,I have the M42 as BRIGHT HEADLAMP ACCENT

by **Jens (Jj)** » 28 Oct 2002 13:22

The M42 molding could be the one under the bumper, but I am not sure.

See my pictures (Export Challenger).

by **Ronnie (Tilyous)** » 28 Oct 2002 19:41

I think Jens pic is the M42 option, as mine has this trim as well. I will put some pics of my new purchase on my web page soon. I guess nobody has production figures on paint codes? Do you think Galen Govier would know?

Ronnie