The Dodge Challenger Message Board

By Hans on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 08:44 pm:


Anybody knows if a 1972 Challenger Ralley could be ordered with the hoodpins ? Asking
because I have the power bulge hood (see "introducing your challenger") but no hoodpins...

I'm thinking of putting them on the hood or not... Originally mine Ralley didn't have them; should
I install them...what should you do ?

By kev on Thursday, March 08, 2001 - 11:20 am:


Howdy Hans
How original is your car? If it's matching numbers, original paint, orig options etc I wouldnt. But
if it's an everyday beater I'd fit 'em. Remember, it's your car and you have the right to do what
you want! Anyway, think of the poor purists scratching their heads and debating whether they
were available as an option in '72, ha ha!

By dave-r on Thursday, March 08, 2001 - 01:10 pm:


I don't think they were an option after 1971 but I have no evidence either way. We need the
'72-74 option lists badly.

By Hans on Thursday, March 08, 2001 - 02:37 pm:


Thanks Guys,

I don't think I install them... The car is not totally original. It has the right engine, but not a
numbers matching, also the wheels and paint are not original but at the end of the year I gonna
repaint it to Ralley Red I think. Thats an original color... The real original paint was Honeydew,
but I think that color looks awful..

By ted on Friday, March 09, 2001 - 03:26 pm:


i added hood pins to my 74 barracuda

By Hugh (Moparmanuk) on Saturday, March 10, 2001 - 02:25 pm:


Hans, although i cant be 100% about this, i've looked thru my books and challenger info is a
little hazy, however... almost every picture of an E body barracuda from 70-73 (mostly the high
performance models,) had the hood pins fitted, so i dont see any reason that the challengers
would've been denied this option, hope this helps !

By kev on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 12:05 pm:


I thought the Challenger was the shopping version of the Barracuda, so Hugh's idea might not
be correct. Ever seen a 'Cuda with a luggage rack?? Dave, feel free to delete this message! PS I
know a Barracuda ain't a 'Cuda.

By kev on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 12:18 pm:


Surfin' around the net I have found the option code for "Hoodpins w/lanyard" is J45.

By David Robson (Dave) on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 12:29 pm:


I think Hugh is right that the 'Cudas still had the hood pins but I just have a feeling in my bladder
that only 70-71 Challengers had the pins from the factory.

By Hans on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 02:01 pm:


I think Dave is right, I have never seen a 72 or later model with the pins...as far as I know...

For what it's worth, Year One, Jim's Auto Parts and Paddock all sell hood pin kits they say are for 1970-1974 Challengers. I don't know how willing they are to sell you stuff that's wrong for your car so will have to judge for yourselves.

J45 is listed as an option in the small white book with no exclusions for 72 through 74, so I guess one could even order them for a Chrysler Newport as well as a Challenger Rallye if one so desired.

I am putting on a Ralley hood on my 74, and have the hood pin kit and lanyards. Any idea of what the correct placement of the pins would be?

there should be dimples in the fender for the studs , and holes in the inner hood skin.

I installed hood pins on my challenger having had a hood or 2 pop up on me on other cars and trucks at speed in the past. I feel much much safer with them than with out. There are holes in the rad support all ready and on the under side of the hood you can see where the holes need to be drilled. they are about 8 and 1/8 front the front of the hood and 1 1/2 from the side

Thanks for Info. The hood pins are rather optimistic at this point, as the car is torn down, and I have more replacement parts than the whole cast of Baywatch..!