69 numbers matching looking to modify?

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carhog

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I have just started restoration on my 69 numbers matching road runner. It's f8 green, vinyl top, 383 , 727 trans. I'm planning to change it to a 4 speed and possibly change color of the car. I know a lot of people are picky about all the numbers matching. I'm not restoring to sell. But I'm still having a hard time deciding if it's a terrible idea to change the car. I know modifying will lower the value. But I don't know if this model would be a big dollar car anyway. Any thoughts that may help me decide?

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Tough one. I'm just finishing a Charger R/T auto to a 4 speed. I think it adds value for most people but it was not a #s matching car. Hmmm
 
My Runner was a four-speed manual car, but someone had put a 727 trans in it. I like the console so went that rout with bucket seats. It was not a number matching car any ways different motor and automatic came in it. I had to buy another 383 motor due to having to open bore up much to my disliking. Put 3:55 gearing in the rear. Your car build it like you want it.
 
Thank you for the advice! I love the car. I see so many posts and videos about numbers matching and I think it was getting in my head a little. But i know i want some things different. I think i will do the changes to make it the car I want. I don't plan to sell and in 20-30 years when I may want to we probably won't be able to drive these anymore. I think I need to enjoy it while I can
 
Keep it the original color.
1. COMPLETE Color changes are hard and nothing wrong with green. Your new green won't exactly match the original paint anyway. (I've learned from experience painting cars) Go with one you can live with. It will be great and stand out from the pack.

2 Change it to a 4 speed especially if you are going to keep the car and want to. No body else matters. If you are going to sell it probably leave it alone. No point in the money and extra work for a dubious return on investment.

3. I hate vinyl tops because of upkeep and rust. Not particularly because of looks if you want it. I would remove it on my car.
 
I would keep the original colour myself, If you want a 4 spd go for it. Put the auto in a corner and keep it for future. At least you will have the correct pieces. But as others have said, It’s your car, build it the way you want.
 
carhog said:
I have just started restoration on my 69 numbers matching road runner. It's f8 green, vinyl top, 383 , 727 trans. I'm planning to change it to a 4 speed and possibly change color of the car. I know a lot of people are picky about all the numbers matching. I'm not restoring to sell. But I'm still having a hard time deciding if it's a terrible idea to change the car. I know modifying will lower the value. But I don't know if this model would be a big dollar car anyway. Any thoughts that may help me decide?

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Hi Carhog, it’s totally up to you. If the numbers thing has you doubting your direction. Keep your car as is.
If on the other hand, you are the more
Adventurous type. Definitely, try out the conversion kit.
I did it. IMG_2169.jpegIMG_2254.jpeg70354779655__3A7020CF-6174-4AE6-9223-FE280CF1E594.jpegIMG_8596.jpegIMG_8595.jpeg
 
The engine has been modified. Bored and cammed.
An electronic MSD ignition replaced the original points ignition.
The Automatic 727 Transmission converted to A833 4-speed conversion kit. From Brewers Performance. contact@brewersperformance.com
The rear quarter panels were replaced.
I removed the leaf springs. Put the QA1. 4- link rear suspension in.
Drum brakes converted Wildwood disc brakes.
The stock gauge cluster was upgraded to Dakota Digital gauges.
Painless wiring harness replaced the original wiring.
Still working on the glass chrome moulding.
Just about ready to take a spin.
 
Mr. 4- speed.
Red looks awesome as well. Bottom line is, the 69 Roadrunner line is awesome. No matter what color. Even though black is not a color…….. the center lines are awesome as well. Nice looking Roadrunner.
 
Being a numbers matching car I would have a hard time changing anything major on it like transmission or color but that is just me. When I went looking for one back in 2000 I specifically wanted an FC7 car and only considered ones that were coded for that from the factory because I did not want to do a color change. Bottom line is your car, your choice.
 
The green cars tend to be tough sells when done oem. You could consider doing it oem and with just the 440 upgrade. With the numbers engine sold with it they wouldn’t hurt any value and likely would add some. I’d think starting with a 4 speed car would be easier though than converting and you could send a numbers car onto a guy that wants it that way.
 
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