Hemi Fender Tags

[Stefano]

Were all Hemi Cuda's to have a second or third Fender tag to designate the special prep Hemi Fenders?

[Bill Pritchard]

Not sure about the Cudas, but I know my old 70 Challenger did not have a separate fender tag even though its wheel openings had the same mods as did the Cudas.

[njsteve]

Stefano, the Cudas had the second tag to alert the assembly line personnel to install the radiused fenders. The Challengers did not get the tag. Nice to see the original mounting screws still intact in the photo, as well as the original fusible link and starter relay wiring. But the real question is why the engine compartment in your photo is black and not body color? Shopping?

[Stefano]

Original owners did some funky things back in the day? I believe you are correct about the screws.

[Johnny Horsepower]

Just had an ebody guru restorer, (not roger) looking at my cudas. This guy was good and works for one of the most astute collectors in the world. He said not all hemi cars had the diferent fenders. I need to get his explanation strait, and post it, it was a whirlwind day. Also Galen told me that some cars did not have the hemi fender tag. although mine is not there and appears to have the screw hole where it would be.
another restorer said that the rolled fenders were only on 15" wheeled cars and if the car came with 14s the fender was diferent. Then someone, who was not an authority, said all 70 Hemicudas had 15s.(?)
I know someone who commented on my fenders not being rolled and said they could not be original.
I have had Galen and 2 restoration experts tell me that my metal is absolutley factory original. And my fenders dont't have the "hemi-only" roll. I am going to research this issue further so i have a clear answer
Opinions on this issue are welcome, but unless you are "all knowing" do not state them as absolutes.

JOHN

[Bill Pritchard]

I had always been under the impression that all 70 & 71 Hemi E-bodies came with 15" wheels. Will be interesting to hear what you find out on this.

[Stefano]

Not an expert, just an enthusiast on the Mopar issues and they have proven to do many different things with their cars.

I was always under the impression that you had to get 15" wheels with a Hemi and due to the extra weight and tall tires all were to receive the rolled Fender Lips. What is the case for T/As and 6 PACs?

Many of the restored cars might have original Mopar sheet metal/fenders but that doesn't mean the fenders are original to the car? I don't see how anyone (Galen) could make that claim without having pictures or an original unrestored car.

[prototype]

I've got a 71 340 Challenger convertible and a 71 hemi Challenger, both have 15" wheels.

[Stefano]

Do they both have rolled fender lips and is this designated on the trim tag or build sheet?

[njsteve]

[ QUOTE ]
Opinions on this issue are welcome, but unless you are "all knowing" do not state them as absolutes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well here's my opinion as an all knowing guy who's had a bunch of these cars over the past 25 years, from 340s to 71 440 six barrel ragtops and a 71 hemicuda ragtop. The Hemicuda came with a 15 tire standard in 70 and 71. Other cudas did not, except for the AAR and T/A Challengers which had the "TA Fender" tag. Whether or not the astute person on the assembly line actually bolted on the correct set of fenders is another matter. (They did have different part numbers) My 71 Hemicuda ragtop had the fender tag but did not have rolled fenders on it prior to when I restored it. My 71 440-6 Cuda 4 speed ragtop had the rolled fenders because it was ordered with the 15" wheels while my 71 440-6 automatic had the standard 14" Rallye wheels. Personally I have never been able to visually tell the difference between the two unless I had them side by side. So if you have any comparison photos I'd be happy to see them for reference purposes.