1969 A-12 Roadrunner. Garage Find Survivor

[MRL777]

1969 Roadrunner. Solid car. Purchased from 2nd owner of 35 years a couple of months ago. 15 years in a garage not running.
Missing original engine, now a 383. Got it running and runs great.
Also missing original hood.
Not sure if correct, but has a Four speed and Sure Grip rear. One repaint
Interior 98%, just needs cleaning and a corner of the headliner tucked.

PO told me the hood was a PIA to deal with to do basic things like checking oil, so he traded it. He also told me he put the 383 in for better mileage and less hassle.

Everything else is there and in really good shape.
Very little rust. Some wiring issues to resolve.

I just wanted another project and really did not realize what I had bought and it’s potential until now.

I’m looking for your opinions on how worried about keeping it original I should be since it’s not numbers matching anyway.

I Was thinking of a strong 440, a complete frame off and maybe a color change?
Very curious what kind of ideas I’ll get. Thanks !

 

[Beekeeper]

You should slip over to the A12 playground
and introduce yourself and your car. May be someone there that knows some history
about it and see if it’s in the registry.

 

[VANDAN]

Great Car & Find ! I personally like My Mopars as close to their Factory build as possible. A-12's are Very High on My list. I would build a 440, date coded if possible, with a 6 pack set-up, find a hood, and keep the color the same as original. On the other hand, it is Your Car, and You should do what will make You the Happiest ! Time goes by fast, so opt, and Go For It !

 

[MRL777]

You should slip over to the A12 playground
and introduce yourself and your car. May be someone there that knows some history
about it and see if it’s in the registry.

I thought I posted in the A12 section?

 

[Beekeeper]

yea you sure did but the A12 playground is a site dedicated to A12 cars

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I thought I posted in the A12 section?

You did, the A12 guys actually have their own website, very focused on A12's and nothing but A12's..

http://a12mopar.com/yabb/YaBB.pl

 

[Chargerjase]

If it were mine I would go back to stock. Yeah not a numbers car but still an A12. They are too rare to be messed with. Good luck.

 

[MRL777]

You did, the A12 guys actually have their own website, very focused on A12's and nothing but A12's..

http://a12mopar.com/yabb/YaBB.pl

Ok got it. Thanks!

 

[33 IMP]

Pics of fender tag please! You mentioned a sure grip. Is it a dana?

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Ok got it. Thanks!

BTW just cause we told ya about the A12 site doesn't mean you don't have to tell us more about your project & your not allowed to run way & not talk to us lowly regular B body guys anymore...

 

[MRL777]

Pics of fender tag please! You mentioned a sure grip. Is it a dana?

No fender tag, but do have broadcast sheet.
8 3/4 489 rear is all I know so far.
I turned wheels up on the lift and both turned same direction.
Just haven’t had time to study it all yet.

 

[MRL777]

BTW just cause we told ya about the A12 site doesn't mean you don't have to tell us more about your project & your not allowed to run way & not talk to us lowly regular B body guys anymore...

I have been on that sight looking at the old pictures ever since you sent that link! So cool

 

[33 IMP]

No offense, but an 8 3/4 is not correct for any A12, or any six pack four speed car. I need to look at your broadcast more, to compare to mine.
Edit: actually the statement above is incorrect, too all encompassing. The six pack four speed E body SMALL BLOCKS came with 8 3/4. The statement is correct for 440 cars.

 

[MRL777]

No offense, but an 8 3/4 is not correct for any A12, or any six pack four speed car. I need to look at your broadcast more, to compare to mine.

None taken. Still learning. First Mopar since I was a kid.

VIN is M code and says Manual Six Pack on “remarks” of broadcast sheet. So all A12 cars were Dana’s?

Vin

 

[33 IMP]

Yep, every one! Four speed and torqueflite. Mandatory part of A12 package.

 

[70 SUPERBIRD]

Congratulations. Cool find

 

[MRL777]

Yep, every one!

Hmm
Maybe I need to check everything a little closer.
A buddy of mine pointed out the A12 on the broadcast sheet yesterday so maybe I’m getting ahead of myself posting all this.

I’m sure I’m about to learn a lot about these cars.
Good thing is I didn’t buy it thinking it was anything really rare so if it is that’s a bonus. Didn’t pay big bucks so I’m not too worried about it, just something to tinker on and have some fun.

Anything else I should check?
Has the 26” radiator. What about the four speed? Anything different on those?

 

[33 IMP]

Step one. Does the vin on the broadcast match the vin on the dash? Even if it does, does the dash vin look like it might be changed? No fender tag is not a good sign.
( buy a legit a12 broadcast, then explain why none of the a12 parts are there, then Jack up price..... it's possible).
I don't mean to rain on your parade , just hoping to find out you have what you think you have..

 

[Beekeeper]

If I see it correctly looks like RM23M is the first 5 of Vin that broadcast sheet is for sure A12.
check the front radiator support and the left side trunk gutter for the vin of the car. If they match all is well all the parts could have been swapped out at some point in it’s life.

 

[MRL777]

Yep, every one! Four speed and torqueflite. Mandatory part of A12 package.[/QUOTE

Step one. Does the vin on the broadcast match the vin on the dash? Even if it does, does the dash vin look like it might be changed? No fender tag is not a good sign.
( buy a legit a12 broadcast, then explain why none of the a12 parts are there, then Jack up price..... it's possible).
I don't mean to rain on your parade , just hoping to find out you have what you think you have..

No worries , I’d rather know. I appreciate everybody’s time and input. If this guy lied, he was really good. I guess anything is possible.

I’ll start looking at everything a little closer and see what I can learn and post back.