The Dodge Challenger Message Board

Not a Challenger owner yet, my plan is to buy a decent SE next winter, after I've sold my Harley.

My plan is to go the pro-touring route, with a stroked 360 and a really updated suspension etc. I'll probably want to lose the vinyl top though, and my question is this: do I have to switch to a larger rear window along with this, or is it possible to make the "frame" for the SE rear window flow evenly with the rest without too much filler. I now assume that this piece is regular metal, is it? And will the rubber/trim around the window fit easily without the vinyl? I am sure someone has done this conversion before, and I anticipate some well informed answers...

The filler panel is plastic so it might be tough to get a smooth join that will not crack.

If you want to keep the smaller window then keep the vinyl. If you want to loose the vinyl then i think loosing the smaller window is the best way to do it.

To be honest the rear visability is not great with the standard size window. I would hate the smaller SE version. It is not as if you can make up for it by using the door mirrors. They are not much use either.

Thanks for a quick and informative answer!
I do not want to mix plastic and metal, and I guess you are right: I would be better off switching to a larger rear window anyhow. By the way: I just realized this thread rather should have been placed in the paint/bodywork section. My mistake, sorry bout that.

I just moved it!

Hey Odin,
Why don't you tell me a little about that Harley you want to sell.

y buy an se and then remove its most noticable feature??

Well, yes.

I'd want an SE mostly for its overhead console, and high trim grade. (My brother has a Cougar XR7, and I'd want to do him one better). I'm not all too keen on the vinyl top, but this can very well change until next year. I will also consider making an all steel replacement for the plastic window framing, and keep the smaller window.

This all depends on the condition of the car I purchase: I will be less eager to modify if I end up with a really nice object. I do not want to permanently alter an SE/RT. Time will show.

About the Harley: a '93 FXR with some custom mods and lots of chrome and billet parts. A nice bike, but as I'm located in Norway it will most likely be sold here too.