Question on 1969 440 A-bodies

Do I have this straight?

--Built with 383s but special-order M in the VIN, then sent to Hurst in Madison Heights

--Limited warranty (12/12)

--No PS even though the 383 had it as an option

--All console automatics (why console mandatory?)

--3.55 standard, 3.91 optional

--Manual drum brakes

Did I miss anything pertinent? Thank you!

Automatic only because 440 engine required Dana for 4-speed trans and no Dana available that was narrow enough for the A-body at the time.

Specific 383/440 A-body radiator with bottom radiator hose outlet spout relocated slightly to clear oil filter

Special or specific driver's side exhaust manifold for clearance of steering column and (?)


Mike

Radiator hose routing to water pump may also have been a concern or issue for power steering??? Pretty tight on the driver's side between the 440 engine, firewall and inner fender. My M-code Dart like probably a few that wanted headers had to cut the fender wells and head out that way to get a good performing set.

I read the console auto only was due to there being no room for the column shift linkage to fit.

Yes you missed the most important point, they WERE assembled at the Hamtramck plant and NOT sent outside, please do not perpetuate that old wives tale... The 48 Mr. Norms 440 GSS Darts and the 6 factory Super Stock 68 Darts were assembled at Hurst-Campbell...

Never read that but I figured that was the reason

Mike

Originally Posted by Diego (not Ted)
Do I have this straight?

--Built with 383s but special-order M in the VIN, then sent to Hurst in Madison Heights

--Limited warranty (12/12)

--No PS even though the 383 had it as an option - correct no room for power steering pump and different driver's side engine mount

--All console automatics (why console mandatory?) - Probably because no room for column shift linkage to automatic only trans (A12 wrote )

--3.55 standard, 3.91 optional - correct

--Manual drum brakes - correct, again no room for power brake booster?

Did I miss anything pertinent? Thank you!

Y'know, I had heard there was some misinformation going on for years but thought it may have been the '68s. Thanks for the clarification.

Funny thing is that I think I got it right in my book.

This one was at the Mopar show in Dubuque Iowa in August. Were they all radio delete?

No, the majority of them had a radio.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/autom...o-69-compacts-are-similar-on-paper-only/