Greetings Folks,
Can anyone provide me with approximate production build dates for 1969?
I’m trying to identify what is consider early vs late build. Other years would help also
Thanks
My 1969 XR7 was built in San Jose in October of 1968 if that helps.
My 1969 XR-7 is also a San Jose assembly vehicle. November 13, 1968 which is close to the completion of the Cougars production run at San Jose ( which I believe finished at the end of November ).
Production scheduling began on July 4, 1968 for the 1969 model year. Actual production began maybe by mid August 1968. During August both 1968 and 1969 models would be built.
At the end of the 1969 Model year the same thing would happen. 1970 models could have scheduled build dates as early as July 4, 1969. Actual build dates for 1970 models would be in mid - August. During August 1969 both 1969 and 1970 models would be built on the line.
Get a Marti report for your car’s actual build date. It is invariably different from the scheduled build date printed on your door tag.
Early vs late build dates need to be put into context. If you are just talking general production then you go by the build date on a Marti report. Using the term early or late build is usually used in relation to a production change. For instance the early 1969 Cougars with factory A/C used a different heater box than the later built cars. So there is usually a build date associated with that production change thus making early or late builds. So it would probably be helpful to know why you are asking.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
Not true in this case. The door tag date is 28D, 28th day of April 1969. Build info from the Marti report shows scheduled build date of April 28, 1969 and actual built date of April 25, 1969
Randy, Since you asked, yes I am asking about a production part change. There has been an eBay user that has been listing an “rare” hood latch that claims was only used in 1969.
I was curious about this since I have never heard of this before.
Just for giggles I decided to check WCCC 
and see what they said. They have 2 listed for 1969. A short handle one and one with a longer handle. The short handle is listed as being used for early Cougars and the longer handle one being used for later Cougars. I happen to have both so I’ll put the longer handle one on the car.
Just out of curiosity, what is the difference you mentioned about the heater box?
On a side note, if you look at the Marti Report, it shows for the trim code as FAA when it actually should be just FA as the door tag indicates. Also the Mustang & Cougar tag book does not list an DSO code of 22 for the 1969 Cougar.
My newer copy of the Cougar, by the Numbers shows DSO 22 as Dallas for the 1969 Mercurys… This is a copy stating to be 3rd edition, first printing. I have a First edition out in the shop. I have noted a few other “Up Dates”
The trim code may be a typo. I also noted your report is 13 years old. I don’t know if they have gotten better or worse at this over the years they have been doing them. But that are better the old “CAC” reports.
That is a nicely optioned Cougar convertible,
The second A indicates that there was a variance of some sort. In one instance the panels on the back side of the front seats were different. It was done to keep production going.
DSO 22 is definitely the Dallas District Sales Office. The two Sport Specials I owned were delivered to Holiday Lincoln Mercury in Ft. Worth, and Eagle Lincoln Mercury in Dallas, and both had 22 on the tags. It must have been a huge territory since the dealer was in Midland, which is a bit over halfway to El Paso (~330 miles).
The heater box difference has to do with the configuration of the hoses as they come through the firewall and into the engine compartment. The early cars were the same as the 68s. The later cars style continued into 1970. If you go onto the WCCC online catalog you can see the differences. They have photos showing both styles.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95