How to Decipher a VIN Code on a 1969 Dodge Dart

by David Curtis

dodge challenger prototype image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com

The Dodge Dart was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation between the years of 1960 and 1976. It was offered as a two-door, a four-door, a convertible, a hardtop, a fastback and a station wagon. The engine was offered in many different configurations. In 1969, the GTS model produced 330 horsepower from a 383-cubic-inch V8 engine. The Vehicle Identification Number can offer a lot of information about your vehicle. Follow these steps to decode your 1969 Dodge Dart VIN.

Step 1

Locate the Vehicle Identification Number, referred to as the VIN, under the driver's-side windshield molding attached to the dash or on the title. On 1969 models and up, the VIN is also stamped on a tag located on the driver's-side fender under the hood.

Step 2

Interpret the first character. This indicates the model. L designates a Dodge Dart. Other codes are B for Plymouth Barracuda, C for Chrysler Newport, D for Dodge Polara, P for Plymouth Fury, K for Belvedere, V for Valiant, W for Dodge Coronet, X for Charger and Y for a Chrysler Imperial.

Step 3

Interpret the second character. This indicates the price class. L indicates a standard Dodge Dart. S indicates a specialty Dart and P is a premium model. Other possibilities include E for Economy, M for Medium, H for High, K for a Police vehicle and T for a Taxi.

Step 4

Interpret the third and fourth characters. These indicate the body style. 21 is for a two-door sedan or coupe, 23 is a two-door hardtop, 27 is a convertible, 29 is a two-door sports hardtop, 41 is a four-door sedan, 43 is a four-door hardtop, 45 is a six-passenger station wagon and 46 is a nine-passenger station wagon.

Step 5

Interpret the fifth character. This indicates the engine code. A is for a 170 6-cylinder engine, B is for a 225, C is for a special-order 6-cylinder, D is for a 273 8-cylinder, F is for a 318, G is for a 383, H is for a 383 high-performance, J is for a 426, K is for a 440, L is for a 440 high-performance, M is for a special-order 8-cylinder, and P is for a 340 high-performance engine.

Step 6

Interpret the sixth character. This indicates the model year. The number 9 indicates a 1969 vehicle.

Step 7

Interpret the seventh character. This indicates the assembly plant. A is Lynch Road, Michigan; B is Hamtramck, Michigan; C is Jefferson, Michigan; D is Belvedere, Illinois; E is Los Angeles, California; F is Newark, Delaware; G is St. Louis, Missouri; and R is Windsor, Ontario, Canada