how hard would it be to fit a 71,72 Plymouth satellite front bumper on a 73?

[felarx]

I have a 73 Plymouth satellite with the factory hood and front end, but I think the 71 and 72 front bumper looks much better and was curious as to how difficult it would be to fit it on. would I have to replace both front fenders with a 71/72 satellites?

 

[Kern Dog]

Shoot man, the 73-74 front end looks so much better to me!
Yeah, I thought that everything forward of the doors is different. Maybe the hoods will interchange.
You could go another way and really be different…. Install the front end from a 71/72 4 door. They look great in my opinion.

 

[Badvert65]

There are so many differences between the two. Body lines, bumper mounting points, I think even the front frame rails are different because of the change in subframe/mounting.
I wouldn't go as far as to say it is impossible, but it would certainly be a challenge.

 

[Kern Dog]

I wouldn't go as far as to say it is impossible, but it would certainly be a challenge.

 

[Badvert65]

Maybe the hoods will interchange.

The hoods will bolt on, but the front edge is different. the 71/72 is basically flat (straight) but the 73/74 has a 'bump' because of the body line going back from the headlights.

 

[felarx]

Shoot man, the 73-74 front end looks so much better to me!
Yeah, I thought that everything forward of the doors is different. Maybe the hoods will interchange.
You could go another way and really be different…. Install the front end from a 71/72 4 door. They look great in my opinion.

I don't think the 73/74 bumper looks bad at all I simply just like the smooth look of the 71/72 more. I'll try to get some measurements but if it ends up being to much work I'll definitely just stick to the factory bumper.

 

[WileE]

Do you have a complete 71/72 front nose (sans hood ) ?

 

[Kern Dog]

10 years ago I sold some 1971 Satellite fenders. They are not reproduced so they don’t come cheap. Back then I got $500 each for them.

 

[Ron_M]

Another option if you have not already considered. Removing the 73 bumperettes will clean up the look.

 

[YY1]

Yes, the wheel openings are completely different and the lower body line is different.
I think even the curvature is different.

The ISO K frame affects how and where the bumper brackets are positioned.
I've not tried a Plymouth, but on a Charger, the brackets don't really interchange without cutting and welding.
Lots of people eliminate the gap on 73/74, but it's way easier to simply slot the 73/74 bracket than to try to get a 71/72 bracket to work. That ISO mount puts the bracket about 3/4" lower.

It's pretty easy to remove the front guards, and it really does clean up the look.
I've never had an issue with the way 73/74 Satellite front ends look, and I agree they look more "traditional" than the somewhat polarizing 71/72 "lipstick" loop.

 

[YY1]

No bumper guards-

In fact, I think the 73/74 Satellite/Road Runner front end, with the snarly RR hood is one of the meanest looking Moapr front ends of all time. IMO, second only to the 69 Dodge Coronet R/T-Super Bee N96 front end and hood.

 

[YY1]

BTW- the 71/72 bumper brackets that mount the upper part of the loop to the fenders are expensive and hard to find.
...plus they are very rust prone.....and a complete SOB to remove.