1969 Dodge Question

[kevink]

Let me reword my question. Is there a price difference in a 1969 Dodge Charger's price if it has a column shift v/s a console shift? It seem the price is higher for console cars. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Kevin k

[Jim Curnane]

I think its a matter of personal preference value depends on how rare the car is its performance,color and options

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

The console was a $54.45 option.........on the other hand the buddy seat also was $54.45 so I guess they're even.

If you are referring to resale value than yes a console car will bring more money unless its a Hemicar....then all bets are off!

[Jim Curnane]

No offence but I disagree If I had my choice between a 440 car on the column and a 383 car with a console providing there both automatics I would want the 440 I think the big blocks on the column are pretty mean.

[BrianShaughnessy]

No offence but I disagree If I had my choice between a 440 car on the column and a 383 car with a console providing there both automatics I would want the 440 I think the big blocks on the column are pretty mean.

That's your personal preference.   I prefer consoles.   I find most people prefer consoles and buckets but there are people that like floor shifters and bench seats too.

Unless its some #'s matching HEMI trailer queen the value is determined by the preferences of the individual owner. 

[Chris G.]

No offence but I disagree If I had my choice between a 440 car on the column and a 383 car with a console providing there both automatics I would want the 440 I think the big blocks on the column are pretty mean.

That's your personal preference.   I prefer consoles.   

I think most people prefer consoles. I think Chris was comparing RT vs. RT. I think if it was an RT car vs. a 383 car, most would take the RT regardless of the console.

[Ghoste]

Exactly.  We keep getting into apples versus oranges here.  The bottom line is that with two cars that are in identical in every way except for the shift lever location, the console would be more valuable.  Even then, of course, the caveat would be added that some people hate console shift.  But I think you get it.

[Jim Curnane]

I agree if both cars are Identical The question was vague. If they were identical I would prefer a console also ..

[BrianShaughnessy]

No offence but I disagree If I had my choice between a 440 car on the column and a 383 car with a console providing there both automatics I would want the 440 I think the big blocks on the column are pretty mean.

That's your personal preference.   I prefer consoles.   

I think most people prefer consoles. I think Chris was comparing RT vs. RT. I think if it was an RT car vs. a 383 car, most would take the RT regardless of the console.

Now that I recall... one of the 1st 69's I was looking into back 5 years or more ago was a Cali #'s 69 440autoR/T.   3xF8 with a column shift.    I was trying to figure out how to dump the column but I let the deal slide anyway.   It was overpriced for a green car anyway 

[kevink]

Well, I have a chance to buy a Green, black top, green interior numbers matching 383 62,000 original miles car that has a little rust in the lower quarters on both sides for $14,000. It is a column shift car too. I like the console cars but, don't really mind the column shift either. The car seems to be really soild. What do you think on price? Would I be paying to much? It is also an SE....... Does that bring in value? I just do not want to pay to much.

[Ghoste]

Yes, the SE adds value.  It was an upscale trim package.  Without seeing the car, it's hard to tell across the internet.  Off the top of my head it doesn't sound like a bad deal but I imagine that you will get answers telling you to hurry up and buy it because it is so cheap and others telling you to pass.

[BigBlockSam]

aren't all 2nd gens  r/t's  console cars?

[Ghoste]

Nope.  Although it does seem that way.  I'd would certainly bet that FAR more of them are console shift today than Chrysler ever shipped. 

[Jim Curnane]

You need to find a comparable find out what its worth then figure out what it will take to get the one your looking at in the same condition you also need to compare originality on both cars don't be in a hurry its better to lose a deal when your homework is not complete at least you would have lost it for a good reason. The way to act quick and not lose a good deal is to go in allready knowing all about the car.

[Ghoste]

Although console versus non-console value may be splitting hairs in this case.  At least if you are using it to apply a value to the car to determine whether or not it's a good deal.
Do you like the car?  Does it seem a fair price?  If you do and it does, then just buy it and don't worry about how much a console adds.
If you are still unsure, ask someone who knows the car.

[JimShine]

If a car was priced at fair market value, the buddy seat would just be part of the making or breaking of the deal. Though I do not care for the buddy seats/column shift, I could live with it.

[Chris G.]

Yes, the SE adds value.  It was an upscale trim package. 

While that is true, I would pay more for a non-SE, non AC car. The SE package "Familied" up the interior too much for me (in 70). Plus, how dare they snatch the ultimate badge off the roof pillar for something as tiny as that SE badge? 

Yes, the value guides say the SE package and A/C add to the value, but I go by a different book. 

[Ghoste]

Very true and it just underscores my last post. " Do you like the car, does it seem a fair price to you" are the only(?) questions to ask.

[cool440]

I agree with pretty much all that has been said.

I love owning a console.  I rebuilt my 727 for a manual shift reverse valve train, now I shift 1,2,3 down and love driving it this way.  I would hate it if it was on the column.  Wouldn't have done it at all and missed out on a more pleasurable experience.

Just my two cents

Michael

[kevink]

I just like Chargers all together. This one is close to me and from the guys word a soild car. Want really know until I see it. It seems every solid charger I see today is priced over $24,000 in decent shape. I don't really want to spend that much. I could always do a 4-speed coversion? That can be done for around $1000 right?

[bull]

I think console cars are more desirable but other than running numbers on some price guide website I doubt you can really prove that the console really adds much value.

[tan top]

 you could allways  swap to consol shift  and make it look factory , and then save all the original parts .i would not think twice about doing this if i found the charger i really wanted , color, body work condition , options,  price range etc just my  

[JimShine]

It is a personal thing. And the situation would be near impossible to create. Two identically speced cars, same colors, same conditions from top to bottom, one consoled, one column shift, both full restos, I would pay $2K tops extra for the console car. After that I would really think about how much more I realy need that console. On driveable project cars, the console would add maybe $1K extra value. Non-driving complete and restorable project car, $400. But that is my personal choice. The guides do not factor in such things, but again, they are GUIDES, not 'set in stone values'.

Yeah, one could change all the stuff over, but that costs money, so I tend to factor in the expense of doing that into an already done car. Figure what a console assembly will run you, a plain steering column, shifter assembly, metal work, etc.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I agree with pretty much all that has been said.

I love owning a console. I rebuilt my 727 for a manual shift reverse valve train, now I shift 1,2,3 down and love driving it this way. I would hate it if it was on the column. Wouldn't have done it at all and missed out on a more pleasurable experience.

Just my two cents

Michael

but does yours look like this

[cool440]

I agree with pretty much all that has been said.

I love owning a console. I rebuilt my 727 for a manual shift reverse valve train, now I shift 1,2,3 down and love driving it this way. I would hate it if it was on the column. Wouldn't have done it at all and missed out on a more pleasurable experience.

Just my two cents

Michael

but does yours look like this

Did you re-label your gear selector yourself?  Looks great!  By the away "D"=Deliriously fast!

Michael