I am going to confess that I am NOT a Mopar Man. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them, it is more that I feel they are typically over-priced. Yet I am always on the lookout for a cool car of high quality.
I discovered this car in rural Indiana. This restoration was performed by a lifelong fan of the Pentastar and his son. They did the work in his backyard four bay shop. Outside the shop was a very interesting collection of historic Mopar muscle cars that were awaiting their turn to get on the rotisserie. Yes, this car was rotisserie restored.
I had in depth communication with the boys before making the trip to buy the car. They provided lots of information about the car and were helpful in convincing me to make the trip. Their knowledge about all things Mopar was important to me. Not only is this a numbers matching car, but it was done to a high level.
If you decode the VIN of LM23P9Bxxxxxx, you will find that it is a 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger, medium price class, 2 door hardtop with 275 HP 340-4V that was built at the Hamtramck, MI plant. If you know where to look, you will discover the stamped pad of the engine contains the same digits as the serial number of the car. Unfortunately, the fender tag is missing. There were no original documents provided. I felt these two men were being truthful.
They informed me that this car was completely stripped to bare metal, new partial quarters and fenders installed, the spare tire well was replaced, body work performed and repainted to its original R4, Charger Red, color. They used a base coat/clear coat finish. The chassis and suspension was blasted and refinished. The windshield was replaced, but the rest of the glass is original. A new vinyl top, new lenses and bezels, new bumpers, new locks, new antenna and mirror and new emblems were installed. The proper decals were sourced and installed.
The engine was rebuilt. A rebuilt non-original four speed was installed. A new clutch was installed. An Edelbrock carburetor replaced the Carter. The radiator, heater core, hoses, belts and ignition are new. This car still has a points style distributor. The new Accurate 2.5 inch dual exhaust system ends in correct rectangular tips. The rear axle has an 8.75 differential that contains 3.23 to 1 gearing and Sure-Grip.
The entire fuel and braking systems were replaced. All of the suspension, both front and rear, as well as the steering components were either rebuilt or replaced. This is a manual steering and manual drum brake car. The 14 inch steel wheels were blasted and repainted. All five are wrapped in new Hankook 205/70/14 radials. The “dog dish” hubcaps have been refurbished.
The interior has been almost completely redone. The door panels and arm rests are the exception due to a long backorder on the door panels. The carpet, headliner and seat covers are new. The dashpad and package tray were replaced. New speakers are beneath the package tray and get their vibes from a new Sony Xplod stereo that has USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM/CD and remote control. The factory AM radio still resides in the dash.
The only feature of this car that we found to be non-functional is the parking brake. All other work properly. All lights work as they should, including license plate and backup lights. Even the REVERSE indicator under the dash works. There are two sets of keys to operate the ignition switch and new door and trunk locks. There is a spare wheel with new tire, lug wrench, bumper jack and spare tire cover. All of which reside beneath a new trunk mat.
As you have read, there has been a lot of expense and effort put into this Dart Swinger. It is obvious when you look at the list of accomplishments that the car is ready to enjoy. It is also ready to show. It looks great and is also very nice underneath.
I was attracted to this car because of its quality and the fact that is it somewhat unique. There are a lot of Roadrunners, Chargers, GTX’s, Cudas and Challengers out there. But not too many Dart Swingers. I have always been a fan of the 340 engine and truly enjoy driving a car with a four speed.
You are more than welcome to come and see the car for yourself. In my opinion, it is a great value. It is of high quality and is desirable. I look forward to your visit.
