‘65 Convertible versus Coupe V8 K-frame

[azaustin]

Does anyone know if the K-frame on a ‘65 Dart GT convertible V8 is the same as the coupe with a V8? Assuming they are the same but there are some additional braces on a convertible. If they are the same I’m thinking about using the K frame out of my coupe (which is on the rotisserie) to build up with suspension and my new engine and then install it all as a unit.

 

[Professor Fate]

Early A ('66 and earlier) K frames are ALL the same- coupes, sedans, convertibles, wagons... Dodge and Plymouth... V8 and slant 6... ALL THE SAME. No differences. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

 

[65dartcharger]

Does anyone know if the K-frame on a ‘65 Dart GT convertible V8 is the same as the coupe with a V8? Assuming they are the same but there are some additional braces on a convertible. If they are the same I’m thinking about using the K frame out of my coupe (which is on the rotisserie) to build up with suspension and my new engine and then install it all as a unit.

That's a great idea and will save you time too!

 

[65 Dartman]

I’m doing it the sane way

 

[azaustin]

That's a great idea and will save you time too!

View attachment 1716463000

Thanks, Ulf. The picture really helps to let me know what I can attach.

 

[azaustin]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. I was pretty sure they would interchange, but it never hurts to hit the FABO memory banks just to be sure. I got my engine back from IMM this summer (not the first of May as promised). I’ll make another post with the good and the bad of that experience, along with the dyno numbers. It’s going to be while before I get to hear it run, because I want to paint and detail the engine compartment while the engine is out. Also, I want to rebuild the suspension, install the OEM KH disc brakes, and change out the lower control arms for the tabbed sway bar arms. All that will have to be painted and detailed too.

Pictures below: Engine on the dyno at IMM, followed by what I found on my garage floor when I got home from the summer cabin. Not a confidence builder after spending so much money. Fortunately, it was just a loose oil pan drain bolt. Tightening it to 20ft-lbs stopped the leak. Hopefully, that’s the only loose bolt on, or in, the engine.

Thank again for the responses.

 

[cudamark]

Early A ('66 and earlier) K frames are ALL the same- coupes, sedans, convertibles, wagons... Dodge and Plymouth... V8 and slant 6... ALL THE SAME. No differences. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

Well.....I hate to be picky, but, I'll do it anyway! The '65-6K-members have extra holes for the factory sway bar option.

 

[Professor Fate]

Well.....I hate to be picky, but, I'll do it anyway! The '65-6K-members have extra holes for the factory sway bar option.

Nuthin' a 3/8" (or is it 5/16?) drill won't solve!

 

[Kern Dog]

Early A ('66 and earlier) K frames are ALL the same- coupes, sedans, convertibles, wagons... Dodge and Plymouth... V8 and slant 6... ALL THE SAME. No differences. Nada. Zero. Zilch.

This is something that the factory should have stuck with.
It makes absolutely no financial sense to have made different K members for slant six and V8 cars. You already had different engine mount brackets anyway.

 

[65dartcharger]

Well.....I hate to be picky, but, I'll do it anyway! The '65-6K-members have extra holes for the factory sway bar option.

Yepp, your right.

 

[azaustin]

Glad to hear they both have them. I knew the convertible had them, haven’t checked the coupe. Neither car came with sway bars or disc brakes but they will have them when done. I have the parts for both. Good catch. Thanks.