New Horse in the barn! 1969 GTX Vert!

[resq302]

Ok everyone. I need your help.  NH Charger and NH Mopar Fan have offered to check out a possible purchase that dad will be making on a trade of his 70 El Camino SS 396 for a 69 GTX Vert, 440-auto.  Any particular areas to check for aside from the normal stuff that our beloved chargers would be prone to rust?  The article says that it has original sheet metal but the trunk floor looks perfect in the pic.  Granted, it could be the fact that it was an Oregon car but none the less, it supposedly has 109K miles.  Again, anything is possible depending on how the car was kept up through the years.

[Aero426]

I would check to make sure that the mufflers have the original drain holes in them.   

[resq302]

exhaust system will have to get replaced as I think the only original part is the front pipes which are pretty rusty.  But yes, the ones that will be put in place IF we get the car will most definitely HAVE drain holes so they don't fill up with water like what happened with my charger.  I don't need any more headaches with exhaust systems.  

The only water I want to keep retained in our vehicles is inside the cooling system!  And only to have to drain and change that out every 2-3 years!   

[Aero426]

Looks like a cool car.   Hope it is as nice as it looks. 

[resq302]

thanks.  Dad likes it and it would sure make a lot more space in our basement getting rid of all the spare and NOS parts for our el camino.  Lets face it, having a 69 charger, and a 70 chally vert would certainly be able to swap spare parts a lot easier with another Mopar in the barn!     Those darn GM parts have a hell of a time matching up to anything!   

[1974dodgecharger]

That is a cool as looking car.....

[Dino]

You would find the same rust issues on a GTX as you would any other b body so that will make it pretty easy to inspect. 

Also check the reinforcements they do for converts, I'm not sure how they did it on b bodies but you always want to check for cracks or repairs.

[resq302]

The one thing I found odd is that there is no vinyl top color listed on the fender tag.  Factory error maybe?   

[Dino]

The one thing I found odd is that there is no vinyl top color listed on the fender tag.  Factory error maybe?   

There's no color listed for the vinyl top because there is no vinyl top.   

The code for a convertible body style is 27 which is the third and fourth digit on the tag.  You could get the top in black or white, I don't think there's a code for that on any fender tag but it is probably on the build sheet.

[moparstuart]

The one thing I found odd is that there is no vinyl top color listed on the fender tag.  Factory error maybe?   

how about roof moldings drip rail molding      

[resq302]

There was a white gtx vert same year that F6daytona sent me which has the convert top color listed on the fender tag.  Our 70 chally vert also has the code for the vinyl top on it.

Stuart-

Nope, but its got belt moldings!   

Decoding of Fender Tag: Botttom to Top, Left to Right
Code   Description
E86   440-4 Barrel High Preformance
D32   H-D A-727 TorqueFlite Trans / Some Years A-998
RS27   
R = Plymouth GTX
S = Special
27 = Convertible

L9G   
L = 440 375HP 1-4BBL 8 CYL
9 = 1969
G = St. Louis, MO, USA
138783   Sequence Number '138783'
T3   
Paint Code: Unknown At This Time
P6T   
Trim Grade/Style/Color
P = Premium
6 = Vinyl Bucket Seats
T = Saddle Tan
T7   Upper Door Frame: Unknown At This Time
A03   Date Built: 10 / 03 / 1968
212759   Order Number: 212759
A01   Roof Type OR Color:  Light Package
A04   Basic (Radio) Group
C16   Console w/ Buckets
C55   Bucket Seats
G33   Left Hand Outside Mirror - Manual / Chrome
J25   3 Speed Variable Wipers
L31   Hood / Fender Mount Turn Signal
M31   Belt Molding 69-70
M33   Body Side Moldings
R11   Music Master Radio AM
V6W   White Longitude Sports Stripe
END   End of Codes

[Dino]

It looks like the code for the roof should be V3X.  I wonder if it's not on there because it's a St. Louis car.  When they ran out of space on the tag, didn't they usually add a second tag? 

[moparstuart]

 shouldnt it also have  V21 for the hood stripes  ?   if they are suppost to be there

[Dino]

shouldnt it also have  V21 for the hood stripes  ?   if they are suppost to be there

Must be an owner's personal touch thing, the white side stripes are not there either.

[resq302]

I thought the White stripes were supposed to be down at the bottom where the rocker molding is.  I think they might have put the red on vs. the white to compliment the redline tires?  

Honestly, if the blackout strips are supposed to be there or not, I'd leave them!  Looks awesome with them!

[moparstuart]

I thought the White stripes were supposed to be down at the bottom where the rocker molding is.  I think they might have put the red on vs. the white to compliment the redline tires?  

Honestly, if the blackout strips are supposed to be there or not, I'd leave them!  Looks awesome with them!

have they also added an air grabber  N-96 ? because it has the red  N-96 grills on the hood 

[resq302]

no it has the unsilenced air cleaner housing on it with the super commando pie plate

[moparstuart]

no it has the unsilenced air cleaner housing on it with the super commando pie plate

the solid hood grilles should be black then  

   cant tell from the picture if they are the correct solid or the woven mesh the air grabbers take .

[resq302]

stupid question and you would probably know the answer Stuart..... front and rear bumpers from a road runner and gtx the same?

[moparstuart]

stupid question and you would probably know the answer Stuart..... front and rear bumpers from a road runner and gtx the same?

yes  satellite and belvedere also

[resq302]

ok, cool cause I was given some nice core bumpers (could use to be replated) from a 68 road runner.  I know the 69s had the back up lights on the rear bumper but didn't know if 68s did too or not.  Either way, nice to have spares!

[moparstuart]

ok, cool cause I was given some nice core bumpers (could use to be replated) from a 68 road runner.  I know the 69s had the back up lights on the rear bumper but didn't know if 68s did too or not.  Either way, nice to have spares!

no back up 's in the 68

[resq302]

Ah,  ok.  I guess we could always cut holes in them to make it work .      

[71ChallengeHer]

Floor pans and frame rails. Ask me how I know.   

[NHCharger]

Just talked to Roland at Carroll St. Auto. Told him that Darryl and I would stop by mid afternoon and we're both Mopar guys, he said no problem, car is already on the lift for us to look at. Seems like he has nothing to hide, hopefully a good sign.

[resq302]

Just talked to Roland at Carroll St. Auto. Told him that Darryl and I would stop by mid afternoon and we're both Mopar guys, he said no problem, car is already on the lift for us to look at. Seems like he has nothing to hide, hopefully a good sign.

Brian,

thanks again so much.  I owe you and Darryl!     Maybe if we make it to Carlisle this year, snow cones on me again!   

[RJS]

I drove all the way there a couple of years ago to see a 71 Charger that looked good online.
Didn't look anywhere near as nice in person, what a waste of my and Chris's time!!!

[NHCharger]

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24340336

Some pics from today's inspection

[resq302]

pics of our 70 el camino SS 396 which would be part of the deal. 

[resq302]

engine and undercarriage.

[nh_mopar_fan]

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24340336

Some pics from today's inspection

I didn't bother with many of the pics since the ad had a ton of them already and we really couldn't add anything to that. Nice car but the passenger door needs some attention. I think that was the most glaring issue for me. Brian?

Oh, and that gas tank...

[resq302]

Yeh, Roland told us about the mishap with the gas tank and will be worked into the deal.  Talking to Stu, he said the door issue could be something as simple as the lower door hinge being worn out and in need of rebuilding.  Again, something easy that I could do.   

[Nacho-RT74]

answer to the original question

PAY ATTENTION TO THE DECK LID FINISH PANEL CONDITIONS



no need to worry though... somebody has some of them available   

[resq302]

Yes, Stu had already mentioned to me about checking that and the tail light housings.  Brian and Darryl gave us the info on that area also.

[Nacho-RT74]

[resq302]

We shall see what happens.   

[moparstuart]

Oh by the way did i mention the Nacho is selling NOS deck lid finish panels   

[nh_mopar_fan]

IMO, that door is more than an alignment issue. The front bottom edge has a bend in it. The rest could be an alignment issue but we both looked at the front edge and saw a bend.  

[resq302]

eh, oh well.  Not a deal breaker for us that I am aware of yet as it will be a nice cruise night car and touring car for mom and dad whenever they go on AACA tours or local region events.  Its something that could also be addressed in the future.     Or warm up the paint on the panel and take a rubber mallet to it.   

[nh_mopar_fan]

Oh definitely. Just didn't want you to think we hadn't done our due diligence. 

Really nice car. Man, when he drove it out into the sun, it really popped. Sharp. 

[resq302]

Yeh, thats what Brian said.  Those flourescent lights do no justice to paint but do show up any and all flaws!    All I know is that the sun really makes my red car pop, however, under artificial light and taking pictures, I've had my car turn out pink AND orange!

Again, dad and I can not thank you guys enough!  There is plans for taking a day trip out to Carlisle this year with moms 03 Sebring vert and entering it into the showfield so we don't have to walk to far.  If we make it, I'll bring the snow cone maker and snow cones on me again!   

[NHCharger]

If we make it, I'll bring the snow cone maker and snow cones on me again!   

Better talk to your Dad. He promised me he would smuggle some beer in for us 

As Darryl mentioned very nice car except to the passenger door. The gap between the door and the quarter starts out at -1/8" at the top, then about 2-3" down from the top body line it flares out to 1/4"-5/16" for about 2" then closes back in to about 1/8"+. Between that and the issue with the front gap at the bottom we were wondering if there had been a mishap with the car involving that door. Couldn't find any bondo on that side

[resq302]

Im sure we can acomplish that!     Besides, the more beer we drink or give away means the more room we have for bringing parts home!   

[472 R/T SE]

My buddy just sold a '69 X vert for $26k, it's going overseas.  Hope your parents are getting $$ back since that Camino looks way nicer.

[resq302]

Well, the el camino has a lot of things that the GTX does not.  For starters, the el camino front clip we were told was replaced at some point, at least the rad support and had some repair to the rear floor under the smugglers box on the driver side.  Also, the elky is not numbers matching.  Some big advantages of this GTX is that it is a numbers matching drive train as well as retain its original sheet metal.  Two huge plus' in my book.  Also, el caminos seem to have a love / hate following.  So you could be waiting for a while trying to get the price you want for it.  All things considered, dad and I are very happy with what they are giving us for the elky on trade.  

On the upside for the elky is that there are only a hand full of them restored back to a restoration of this level.  This is an original triple black car.  It is a TRUE SS and not a clone.  It also has a ton of factory optional items which were either discontinued mid year or was a one year only option.

All in all, we have had this vehicle for the past 10 years now and dad has gotten bored with it and wants something new and wants it to be another Mopar in the barn.  Im sure down the road there will be times where we wish we kept it just like the discussions that come up occasionally with the 71 Buick Skylark GS that we sold.  But at least it will give me ideas as to what to get dad for presents since I have plain just run out of ideas for him since all of our cars are complete and done!   

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

My buddy just sold a '69 X vert for $26k, it's going overseas.  Hope your parents are getting $$ back since that Camino looks way nicer.

Good lookin car for the money Mike....sold too cheap for a b body 'vert IMHO

[resq302]

My buddy just sold a '69 X vert for $26k, it's going overseas.  Hope your parents are getting $$ back since that Camino looks way nicer.

Good lookin car for the money Mike....sold too cheap for a b body 'vert IMHO

I agree. 

[TUFCAT]

So inquiring minds want to know...is there a T3 GTX convertible in your Dad's future? 

[resq302]

possibly!  Dad is leaning that way but has to work out some details with Roland.  The guy is supposed to be in Carlisle this weekend for the swap meet.

[472 R/T SE]

My buddy just sold a '69 X vert for $26k, it's going overseas.  Hope your parents are getting $$ back since that Camino looks way nicer.

Good lookin car for the money Mike....sold too cheap for a b body 'vert IMHO

Yeah, if my wife hadn't cracked down on my spending it would have been my new 2nd car.  I actually sold it for him here.  I posted a couple pix with his asking price like with Brian's thread mentioning a Coronet vert in a thread & a dude registered from overseas just to PM me about it.  I put them in touch with each other & it sold.  I knew it would.  Tom's pretty honest.  He had just picked it up & hadn't went through it so he very well didn't make any $$?  



I know he did real well @ BJ in Scottsdale so it was a good time to get into his wallet.  Remember this triple black '68 SuperBee with red stripe (tribute, clone), 440, column auto that brought stupid money?  That was one of his cars', I think he had less than $20k in it.  He lucked into SPEED doing a little feature on it.  SPEED also did a between car feature on this 442 of his.  Crazy, real 442 (red & white no less), 4 gear went cheaper than a non correct fake Super Bee.  

SPEED did it all on their own.


Trust me, I was apprehensive in putting them in touch.  Tom's the guy who gave me $15k & Dane's red Daytona for AllBlue.  You can't accuse him of being cheap.  He was the dude with me @ Carlisle.

[resq302]

So inquiring minds want to know...is there a T3 GTX convertible in your Dad's future? 

Should have a definite answer by either Mon or Tues if a new addition will be in the garage!   

[resq302]

Well, just got the call from Dad.  Even though he had a minor mishap on the way up there with his truck, (exhaust hanger broke which caused part of the exhaust system to break) they made it up there ok with the elky and Dad was VERY pleased with the GTX!  They had to add a little hydraulic fluid to the convertible top but aside from that, everything was fine and then some.  They even replaced all of the radiator and heater hoses so now they all match (black color at least) vs. having one red heater hose and one black.  Dad can't be happier.

Special thanks again to Darryl ( NH Mopar Fan) and Brian (NHcharger) from the board who checked out the car in person first for us.  We can't thank you enough!     Certainly two great guys in our book and can't wait to thank them in person out at Carlisle (even if we are only going for a day this year!)

[Old Moparz]

   Better post a video of your Dad smoking the tires with the top down!   

[nh_mopar_fan]

Congrats!

[resq302]

Turns out the reason why they had to add the hydraulic fluid to the convert top system was cause of a plastic fitting that had cracked.  New one put in and everything should be ok!  Now I can't wait for them to get home with it so I can conveniently stop by on Wed and check it out first hand also!  One thing for sure, I'll have no problem thinking of stuff to get for dad for his new toy come the time for presents!   

[JB400]

Glad he got it   By the way, Father's Day is a little over a month a way

[69CoronetRT]

There was a white gtx vert same year that F6daytona sent me which has the convert top color listed on the fender tag.  Our 70 chally vert also has the code for the vinyl top on it.

If the White car codes the top, the tag is remade. Your tag looks good to me from here .

What was coded, when it was coded and even where it was coded changed year to year and varies plant to plant. You can't compare a 70 Hamtrack tag to a 69 STL and expect them to make sense. ALWAYS compare same plant same year and to the best of your ability the same time of year. Early tags can and will vary from late tags.

[Budnicks]

It appears to be a nice 69 GTX Convertible, I hope your dad loves it & has fun with the car... good luck

[resq302]

69CoronetRT -

What you said makes sense and never even thought about the different assembly plants.  The Sched. Prod. Date is Oct of 1968 so it is a fairly early prod. car, hence the lack of the mandatory head rests which started Jan 1 of 69.

Budnicks-

So far, dad is having a blast with it and he barely has any behind the wheel time with it.  As of right now, the car has more time on the enclosed trailer behind his truck than it does with him actually behind the wheel of it!   

One thing I would love to find (which is probably non existant) is how many were made with this color paint.  Dad also found out that it has a 6 way seat in it!  I wonder if he will notice it missing and changed out with my charger's seat frame?   

[Budnicks]

69CoronetRT -

What you said makes sense and never even thought about the different assembly plants.  The Sched. Prod. Date is Oct of 1968 so it is a fairly early prod. car, hence the lack of the mandatory head rests which started Jan 1 of 69.

Budnicks-

So far, dad is having a blast with it and he barely has any behind the wheel time with it.  As of right now, the car has more time on the enclosed trailer behind his truck than it does with him actually behind the wheel of it!   
One thing I would love to find (which is probably non existant) is how many were made with this color paint.  Dad also found out that it has a 6 way seat in it!  I wonder if he will notice it missing and changed out with my charger's seat frame?   

Very cool  I love all the Plymouth's 68-69-70 GTX, RoadRunner, Belvedere, Satellite, Sport Satellite's 2 doors Post Coupe, HT & Verts especially, had over 20 of them combined, currently on my 13th RR a 68 RM23 HT

[NHCharger]

Tell your Dad congrats on the purchase We had a good time checking out the car. That guy had some serious iron stuffed in that little garage.

[resq302]

Brian,

Thank you guys again so much for your help.  It was certainly a major deciding factor for the deal.   

[bakerhillpins]

So glad to hear that it worked out for you all!!

[charge69]

Also glad it worked out for you.

I remember my good friends' '69 GTX convertible fondly as a great car. He bought it used around 1977 and it was, as I remember, a dark copper colored (probably T7) model with a white top and a Dana rear with a high ratio (again, probably a 4.10). Although it had a 727 auto, it was pretty quick from 0 to 60 with that rear and a beautiful car. I think I remember a tan interior but not real sure.

Again, congrats on the nice purchase!