Headlights to bezel fitment issue

[Charlie71rt]

71 Challenger, I have a big gap between the headlights and the bezels on both sides. The fenders are OE Mopar replacements installed in the early 80s. The grill to bumper reveal looks about right and I checked the numbers on the buckets the lights mount to they seem to be correct, (all 4 for 1971 have different numbers as per the parts book) Is it possible the part welded in the fenders are too far back? Using the hood rubber bumpers for reference, the welded part in question is right behind the hood bumper stud (see pics), maybe it should be in front of the stud? In my photos you can see the part in question just behind the hood latch tray. Anyone have a 71 complete or just a fender for comparison? Also note in the last pic I am out of adjustment at the the bottom Thanks Charlie

 

[Challenger RTA]

There is a brace that bolts to the core support to headlight mount. Do you have it in place? It is adjustable.

 

[Steve340]

If those are repop headlight bezels I found they did not fit very well.
That is likely to be your problem.

 

[Charlie71rt]

There is a brace that bolts to the core support to headlight mount. Do you have it in place? It is adjustable.
View attachment 147641

 

[Charlie71rt]

The brace is all the way out, it is seen in my 2nd pic. One of the bezels is original to the car ‘71 and the other I purchased from Dodge dealership in mid to late 70s. Thanks I appreciate you taking time to show interest and reply.

 

[Charlie71rt]

There is a brace that bolts to the core support to headlight mount. Do you have it in place? It is adjustable.
View attachment 147641

The brace is all the way out, visible in my second pic. I don’t see the threads for your hood adjustment rubber bumper is it behind the panel? Mine is in front, as shown in my first pic. Thanks Charlie

 

[moparlee]

The brace is all the way out, visible in my second pic. I don’t see the threads for your hood adjustment rubber bumper is it behind the panel? Mine is in front, as shown in my first pic. Thanks Charlie

On my 71 looking from the front the rubber bumper stud is at the back edge of bucket panel. But your inboard bucket is the one that has the gap. That brace on yours looks a little wonky. Try straightening it out.

 

[Charlie71rt]

On my 71 looking from the front the rubber bumper stud is at the back edge of bucket panel. But your inboard bucket is the one that has the gap. That brace on yours looks a little wonky. Try straightening it out.

Thanks, I cut the spot welds and pushed and pulled and straightened the bracket, got the panel in front of the hood bumper. Much better, but in my research I see two different locations for the hood bumper, one survivor has them near the headlight bracket like mine (my fenders are OEM replacement from the 70s) but I can see marks on my hood where the original bumpers must have been behind the Radiator support, so who the heck knows. Thanks for input

 

[moparlee]

Thanks, I cut the spot welds and pushed and pulled and straightened the bracket, got the panel in front of the hood bumper. Much better, but in my research I see two different locations for the hood bumper, one survivor has them near the headlight bracket like mine (my fenders are OEM replacement from the 70s) but I can see marks on my hood where the original bumpers must have been behind the Radiator support, so who the heck knows. Thanks for input View attachment 147837View attachment 147838

That does look much better.