You own and love an original 69 383s, what’s next?

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1969383S said:
I happen to have a 72 “I think” 400 handy. One of the reasons I am thinking!

I will pass on the checking account though!
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470-512 put some trick flow 240s on it & have a blast
 
Like said the 383 has plenty of power. I know if I switch to power steering I need the change the column to do so, will require matching paint and so but still bolt in and no drilling.

The Classic air system seems mostly bolt in and reversible with a few changes. I have been searching for a pic of an A-body 383/400 under hood with the system installed. No luck this far!
 
In my opinion the car should be left alone. if you want creature comforts, start with a car that is not so rare and Valuable,That would be a poor business decision. The new a/c units can fit under the hood with the 383.
I have a 69 383 Cuda, and a 68 GTS 383.
But if I wanted a modern driving comfort oriented car that is old, I would go find a less valuable one.I would never mess with a rare original.

Now a nice 66 sport fury hardtop with a 440 four speed and loaded would really be a nice car to travel in!
 
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You already own it so may as well modify it, I'd try to not cut the car up too much but if it has to be done then it has to be done. At the end of the day it's just a car that can always be fixed with some metal work.
 
The car is yours, make it as you wish. If this were 1970, nobody would care what you did to “your car”.

However, I suggest removing and preserving any parts that you decide to upgrade and replace so that they might be reinstalled later. After all, they didn’t make many of these and it isn’t 1970 anymore. Making it what you want it to be doesn’t mean chucking the past entirely...
 
Tough decision.

I've seen his car in person. It's a beautiful specimen. It's not only a show car though, he drives it.

Can you get a late model HEMI and air in it without cutting? If you can, I'd say go for it. If not, is there another body style you like?
 
1969383S said:
That 400 is a 4 barrel original motor with the boss holes to drop right in and would be a great mil if done right and brought to 470, really not my issue per say.

The 383 mil is strong and fine.

I want modern comfort in an old body.
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Don’t believe all you read in the magazines and media about these pro-Turing cars

Go find someone with old body that you think has modern comfort and get an actual ride in it.

... those pretty crease free leather custom seats are rock hard. Stuffed up.

...the custom suspensions with metal to metal spherical rod ends transmit road vibration and noise.

... the 700-800 hellaphant motors don’t have traction control, run on thin sidewall tires that don’t hook, stiff suspension without weight transfer

... get a new challenger
 
1969383S said:
Like said the 383 has plenty of power. I know if I switch to power steering I need the change the column to do so, will require matching paint and so but still bolt in and no drilling.

The Classic air system seems mostly bolt in and reversible with a few changes. I have been searching for a pic of an A-body 383/400 under hood with the system installed. No luck this far!
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Then, it doesn’t sound your too far away

-power steering conversion (was optional on 69 383 cars)

-classic air. Look at other Mopars with the conversion for hose routing ideas. You go through the heater blower plate. The new blower motors is in different place so you can use that as a pass through and place to mount expansion valve, etc. Don’t focus 100% on 383 A-bodies. B/E-bodies sneak the hoses through the alignment access plates/rubber behind the shock tower. I’ve seen some Hemi A-bodies with classic air. Check those out.

-if the seats bother you, look at modern seats as a core with customer seat covers with the same stying cues as rear or OE seats.

-if noise is issue, go back and add sound insulation. Under carpet, in doors, behind rear interior panels. Make a new rear access panel from special sound insulating plywood with sound insulating mat. That stuff is not seen or unbolts.
 
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I had my 69 383-s for nearly 25 years. I sold it to fund my dream build, a 71 Barracuda. rod

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autoxcuda said:
Then, it doesn’t sound your too far away

-power steering conversion (was optional on 69 383 cars)

-classic air. Look at other Mopars with the conversion for hose routing ideas. You go through the heater blower plate. The new blower motors is in different place so you can use that as a pass through and place to mount expansion valve, etc. Don’t focus 100% on 383 A-bodies. B/E-bodies sneak the hoses through the alignment access plates/rubber behind the shock tower. I’ve seen some Hemi A-bodies with classic air. Check those out.

-if the seats bother you, look at modern seats as a core with customer seat covers with the same stying cues as rear or OE seats.

-if noise is issue, go back and add sound insulation. Under carpet, in doors, behind rear interior panels. Make a new rear access panel from special sound insulating plywood with sound insulating mat. That stuff is not seen or unbolts.
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I love my car and very happy with the performance. The stock interior is awesome and very comfy! I took the extra measures on re-upholstery to ensure that. I need and or “want” AC and power Steering. Pure bolt in! Like said I think I can pull it off without drilling any unwanted non standard holes through the body I spent lots of $ to correct.

Would really like to see an A body 383/400 with it installed under the hood! Through the heater motor opening.
 
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The pure simplicity of a 383 non PS car, engine bay is pleasing to me. Add air and PS and not so sure, I want to go down that road. The PS not so bad but if the only choice for the AC compressor is up high and hoses all over the top, then I may need to change my desires.
 
1969383S said:
The pure simplicity of a 383 non PS car, engine bay is pleasing to me. Add air and PS and not so sure, I want to go down that road. The PS not so bad but if the only choice for the AC compressor is up high and hoses all over the top, then I may need to change my desires.
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You can’t see under the hood while you are driving...just experience the ride and the conditions of driving.

You might want to rethink what you want from driving and what you want from showing...and determine which has a higher priority for you.

It’s just my suggestion because I am experiencing that turning point myself. I have decided to let the driving experience win. My perspective is that if I want a museum show piece then I can’t have the driving fun and enjoyment that I really want...and I just can’t accept that.

I want wheel time more than I want show time.
 
I believe I have enough Baltic Blue suede to do anther column. Maybe power steering is the first step! Course it is really only an issue in tight parking/maneuvering!
 
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1969383S said:
I love my car and very happy with the performance. The stock interior is awesome and very comfy! I took the extra measures on re-upholstery to ensure that. I need and or “want” AC and power Steering. Pure bolt in! Like said I think I can pull it off without drilling any unwanted non standard holes through the body I spent lots of $ to correct.

Would really like to see an A body 383/400 with it installed under the hood! Through the heater motor opening.
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i may have some with a small block A-body showing blower motor pass through. If you want? I know I’ll have some in a couple of months with a small block. I know someone building one. The heater blower opening will be the same for all a-bodies.

I should have pics of big block E and B bodies with classic air. If you want?
 
autoxcuda said:
i may have some with a small block. If you want? I know I’ll have some in a couple of months with a small block. The heater blower opening will be the same or very similar. The motor mounting will be different.

I should have pics of big block E and B bodies with classic air. If you want?
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I have seen the SB pics and like. Mostly high at the alternator. I think the hoses can be secured without a strap to the inner fender. If a BB could be done under the Alternator, that would be my choice!
 
1969383S said:
I believe I have enough Baltic Blue suede to do anther column. Maybe power steering is the first step! Course it is really only an issue it tight parking/maneuvering!
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you can change the shaft in your old blue column. I think then you can just use the parts from an less expensive manual steering column shift.

just another route/choice
 
autoxcuda said:
you can change the shaft in your old blue column. I think then you can just use the parts from an less expensive manual steering column shift.

just another route/choice
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Please elaborate, seems the whole lower tube section must be changed as it is shorter yes?

Never mind the shaft. Seems smarter to just source a PS column and put my standard box and original column in storage.

Then there is the 383 pitman, I have a another new one and can only assume they are interchangeable between manual and power steering.
 
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1969383S said:
I have seen the SB pics and like. Mostly high at the alternator. I think the hoses can be secured without a strap to the inner fender. If a BB could be done under the Alternator, that would be my choice!
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check if Bouchilon has low mount Sanden AC brackets. I think someone makes one. Then see if there would be any space issues with B/E vs A body.
 
1969383S said:
Please elaborate, seems the whole lower tube section must be changed as it is shorter yes?

Never mind the shaft. Seems smarter to just source a PS a column and put my box and original column in storage.
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I don’t remember details. I think it’s been covered on FABO in a discussion. Try search function.
 
Buy a beater slant car in good running condition. Make it your daily driver. That way, when you do drive The S, you'll appreciate its power more and leave it alone.
 
Think the power steering is the first, wife likes that and would be easier on her to drive. She understands the cost involved to do it right and to save the old equipment for posterity. She would prefer that over air conditioning! Seems we have a starting point to move forward to more comfort.
 
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And yes, she enjoys driving the car as well, but struggles with the steering!

Now to source a floor shift Power column, pump, brackets, hoses and box! And that 90 degree adapter for the pressure hose.

I have the lower pulley already.

Maybe I will add a small tag to the Fender tag to list owner installed option codes changed.
 
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