Challenger Trunk Lid Quality • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **dave-r** » 12 Jan 2005 23:27

I have heard about the offset of the line on the trunk lid on 1970 Challengers before but this is the first time I have actually measured it for myself.

What you would expect the center of the trunk to be is actually a 1/8 inch to the left! The "centreline" of the trunk measures 28" from the left edge and 28 1/4" from the right edge.

What I cannot remember is if this was a 1970 only thing or if all Challenger trunk lids were like this. Anyone know?

by **Brant** » 13 Jan 2005 15:01

I'll measure mine this weekend - (73 deck lid) and post

by **Follicly Challenged** » 23 Jan 2005 1:28

I better go measure my '72 lid and get back atcha ! It's an original piece

by **Brant** » 24 Jan 2005 17:40

Have not made it home yet, sorry!

by **HemiRick** » 27 Jan 2005 17:51

I measured the 2 70's I have here and 1 was 28 3/16 from both sides and the other was 28 1/8 and 28 1/4 so it was shifted a 16th over.

by **Follicly Challenged** » 12 Feb 2005 17:49

Mines out 1/16" or less ?

by **dave-r** » 13 Feb 2005 12:03

Must just be down to how the sheet steel was placed in the press. There must have been a little side play to make getting the sheet in and out easier?

by **Follicly Challenged** » 15 Feb 2005 13:43

My buddy is checking his factory '70 RT/SE car, but Dave, I'm guessing your explanation is bang-on about the press thing.
Bob out

by **dave-r** » 15 Feb 2005 15:16

It seems an excessive amount of variation though doesn't it?

Now when I think back to my late teens when I worked in a factory at various steel press there was no 'slack' on the tools and steel I used to press. For example I used to press stainless steel domes for the top and bottom of beer kegs (yes steel kegs not ally) and the discs were close to a perfect fit as far as I can remember. Of course they were a smaller diameter when they came out which made getting your fingers in to grip them a lot easier so maybe that is why.

I don't know about the USA but here in the UK when working on a press you get paid a low flat rate and then extra on top (in steps) if you go over a certain number of parts. So to make your money up you had to operate the machine as constant as possible. That usually meant riding the safety guards and getting your fingers in and out while the tool was still moving. The quality of the parts was secondary to making your money up.

I did that for a year when I was 18. It was the hardest/most dangerous work I have ever done. I saw many accidents and carry a few scars myself.