Prepping factory k-member for race duty

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MOPARMAGA

" The other hard member"
FABO Gold Member
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Hello, I am getting my front end ready for my big block, it's a 70 slant 6. I've got the entire steering linkage brakes & k-member out of the car.
I have a milodon super stock oil pan and I assume I'll have to do some trimming & reboxing in also weld the seam & remove unnecessary mounts for my application.
Anybody have an idea how far into the center I'd have to cut. I imagine 3 inches would be plenty of clearance, anyways looking for opinions & pics, not looking to go tubular (yet)
 
Since you’re going to cut it once...

Cut it and box it as far as you need to in order to remove the pan is what I would do.

Bonus is some weight removal.
 
If you are real serious, cut off the mounts and use an engine plate. Weld everything solid and add reinforcement washers on the strut rod holes.
 
If you are real serious, cut off the mounts and use an engine plate. Weld everything solid and add reinforcement washers on the strut rod holes.
Yes sir, I'm removing the mounts, welding it all & using a plate.
Thank you for the tip with the reinforcement washers. I didn't think about that.
 
Not to hijack the OP's thread, but I'm building a hairy little 408 for my bone stock 1970 Swinger 340. I bought a stock 340 K frame with the 340 washer from a member here(Thanks again, oldkimmer!). Should I reinforce the welds while I have it stripped, or are the factory welds good enough for 500-520 HP? I'll start another thread if I've broken the Mods rules. I can supply photos. Paul.
 
Not to hijack the OP's thread, but I'm building a hairy little 408 for my bone stock 1970 Swinger 340. I bought a stock 340 K frame with the 340 washer from a member here(Thanks again, oldkimmer!). Should I reinforce the welds while I have it stripped, or are the factory welds good enough for 500-520 HP? I'll start another thread if I've broken the Mods rules. I can supply photos. Paul.
You'd be making the k-member stiffer & that is a good thing. I say go for it !, By the way you weren't hijacking. More info is good
 
Thanks, neighbor. Next time I head to Mount Spokane, I'll try to schedule some time for a quick cold one. I appreciate your information sharing.
 
Thanks, neighbor. Next time I head to Mount Spokane, I'll try to schedule some time for a quick cold one. I appreciate your information sharing.
I just celebrated 10 years sobriety, you can have mine lol
 
I posted the same question a while back.

Found out that the washers in those k-frame reinforcement kits for the LCA pivot holes go on the side the LCA comes in on, the rear, not on the nut side, the front.

Makes sense as you want it reinforced, but it makes no sense as the LCA tube is clearly welded to the k-frame from the inside at the rear, and not the front.

I cut the frame open to weld the front of the tube to the k-frame on the inside.
 
I posted the same question a while back.

Found out that the washers in those k-frame reinforcement kits for the LCA pivot holes go on the side the LCA comes in on, the rear, not on the nut side, the front.

Makes sense as you want it reinforced, but it makes no sense as the LCA tube is clearly welded to the k-frame from the inside at the rear, and not the front.

I cut the frame open to weld the front of the tube to the k-frame on the inside.
Well, thank you for your post. You peaked my interest when you said "kit", then I looked & had no idea there is a reinforcement kit. Mopar Leo mentioned washers but I didn't quite get the picture.
 
Santa (my bride of 35 years) brought me this for Christmas. The rust is flying off the K frame! It works as well as all the other 20V Li-ion DeWalt tools. Another local member, Clementine, has offered his mad welding skills to clean up the factory gorilla welds. I'll spritz some POR-15 on it, and call it good. Happy New Year's to all members of this fine site!
20211225_133450.jpg
 
Santa (my bride of 35 years) brought me this for Christmas. The rust is flying off the K frame! It works as well as all the other 20V Li-ion DeWalt tools. Another local member, Clementine, has offered his mad welding skills to clean up the factory gorilla welds. I'll spritz some POR-15 on it, and call it good. Happy New Year's to all members of this fine site!View attachment 1715844430
Wow, dude your getting after it. My k- member is just sitting at work for 3 weeks now I better get going on it.
 
Photos please !
From me, or MOPARMAGA? I don't mind sharing. The rust is flying off the K frame I bought from oldkimmer in Saskatchewan, from his priceless boneyard. He's parted with some rare parts to me over the years for fair prices. I hope to return the favor to him soon. I've boxed up a package for Halifaxhops, too. He also has been a great source of knowledge and parts. Kudos to all my FABO brothers and sisters for their help over the years. I'm getting closer.
 
From me, or MOPARMAGA? I don't mind sharing. The rust is flying off the K frame I bought from oldkimmer in Saskatchewan, from his priceless boneyard. He's parted with some rare parts to me over the years for fair prices. I hope to return the favor to him soon. I've boxed up a package for Halifaxhops, too. He also has been a great source of knowledge and parts. Kudos to all my FABO brothers and sisters for their help over the years. I'm getting closer.
I don't see have any pictures yet. Too bad you don't have access to a hot tank, man that made my life easy & A spotless k-member
 
I have a soda blaster, and a sandblasting cabinet that it will fit in (homemade, 3/4 plywood). I could take it to my high quality machine shop. Which do you recommend? Hard to do any outdoor blasting with soda or sand with the current snow/freeze. I have patience, though. I want to do this right. "clementine" has agreed to do the welding, but I want to bring it to him as clean as I can get it. He's a hell of a nice guy, with a cool big block 383 1967 'Cuda.
 
I have a soda blaster, and a sandblasting cabinet that it will fit in (homemade, 3/4 plywood). I could take it to my high quality machine shop. Which do you recommend? Hard to do any outdoor blasting with soda or sand with the current snow/freeze. I have patience, though. I want to do this right. "clementine" has agreed to do the welding, but I want to bring it to him as clean as I can get it. He's a hell of a nice guy, with a cool big block 383 1967 'Cuda.
Yep, the current weather is not helpful for outside cleaning parts. I have to wait until April until the damned irrigation water is back on to get the underside of my car pressure washed so I can remove the undercoating. I would call the machine shop & see if they can & how much. I work at a machine shop over here I think it's like $30-50 to tank, pressure wash & dry parts. My K-member was bare metal after 3 hours but it won't remove surface rust. I'm sure its not cost effective to get it over my way so I could prep it for you as a Christmas present. But if you could I would do it for you and oh my darlin clementine could do the welding
 
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I appreciate your kindness. We're supposed to thaw at the end of the week. I've got my garage up to 63 degrees, and have been going at it with the new grinder and my Dremel tool. I'll post some pictures later this week. Paul.
 
I appreciate your kindness. We're supposed to thaw at the end of the week. I've got my garage up to 63 degrees, and have been going at it with the new grinder and my Dremel tool. I'll post some pictures later this week. Paul.
Alright take care
 
Making progress on my K frame, which I got from "oldkimmer" in Saskatchewan. He's a great guy. The K frame I got from him even has the original washer welded to the front.
20220103_181316_resized.jpg
 
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