The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I have a70 RTSE that somehow came without the rear finish panel but I am now installing one.It seems like the lock cylinder, when fitted from the outside of the panel, doesn't allow for the clamp to secure it to the body inside the car. Could the SE have a longer lock cylinder that allows for the finish panel? Help

hmmm mine installed fine i did go around as to install the lock before the panel or have it fit over... that would affect the distance,(i can look at it for a part # or some other clues?) have you installed the panel? there are certain attaching clips that you need rt specialties used to carry them i believe. its also patience trying, having someone helping you is best(i did it alone) ..

Frank, I chose to not install the lower clips that go through the body if I ever choose to remove it I didnt want the holes (we filled them in). The panel, attached from the ends with the normal quarter clips holds it pretty well. When the lock cylinder is put through from the outside of the panel, it holds the lower half nice and snud against the body. Problem is, the u-clamp doesnt grab the cylinder at the same section inside the trunk side like it used to because the cylinder is drawn out a bit. Help

geez i forgot i replied to this thread what kind of help do you want? i am thinking for the se they made a special lock cylinder that was extra long?i am surprized the panel holds well without the lower pieces mine needed everything to make it hold like i thought it should..heh i will look @ mine again and tell you if i see anything else

whoops i re-read this thread.... forget the part of my reply that starts with i am thinking..lol

I'd be surpised Frank if it came with a longer cylinder, but 3 different ones didn't fit enough through the panel to get the retaining clip on. I'm adding this part to my RTSE (documented). Second owner said it didn't come with the panel. Anyone surprised? Can anyone offer insight that has added this part to a non SE car?

riz i finally got to look at mine and found that the lock (lip?) doesnt go to the outside of the panel it goes underneath it. now will you need those clips? mine had to have come factory that way otherwise there would be an outline of the lock on the panel.... which it doesnt have. also if it had the holes drilled where the panel goes then it would be hard to believe the factory let it go w/out a se panel there they look incomplete not to mention no 1/4 panel trim if it were me i would try it this way, lock installed the panel then over it. and if it works without bending anything and the holes all line up then it must be right either that or mine isnt right. in that case ...sh** ....lol hope this helps

Thanks . frank, yours is right. The holes are impossible to locate now.I wish I had an se nearby to look at so the holes can be drilled in the factory locations. Any clues on where to drill the holes now? I also got some clips from RT Specialties but the body shop lost them. They are hand made and difficult to find.

well thats good!...not the other problems your having but that we got the lock prob out of the way AND that mine is in right. the holes were already drilled on mine so i didnt have that problem someone welded yours up? sounds like someone needed to be slapped...lol i would take mine off and measure the holes & distance between BUT it was a pain to put on, so sorry. i can see the holes from inside the trunk and prob get a measurement that way for you if you think that would work? tom race should be able to help you down there at RT specialties for those clips cause i found them(i think) there by the way do you know of a place that sells dual exhaust tips for a good price? last i checked pricewise 200-300 range thats way too much for my cheap ass ...lol

I bought repros from year one.