Rebuild or alterkation?

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Dart_Guy

Dart_Guy

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I need some adive or tips...

I am tearing down the front end of my car and the way I see it, I have two options. I am tearing it down primarily to clean it up and get it ready for paint.

1.) just replace all the bushings and call it good. I can upgrade to disk breaks down the road when money is better.

2.) Just wait until money is better (probably 2 years or so) and get a front end replacement that comes with new steering, brakes, basically the whole shibang.

How many people have done opttion 2 and what is the best kit? How much am I looking at spending for one on a 69 Dart with a 340? Is it worth the money? I am leaning towards option 2 even though I know 1 is far cheaper.
 
I'm in the process of installing option 2. I was in your position at one time too. Let me tell you, with the alter-k-tion kit, there is a ton of room in the engine bay now, and it's lighter. It was that or Just Suspension's "The Works" kit. I always wanted the alterk though so if I was going to spend that much money I wanted to spend it on a setup that I wouldn't regret years later. Thats my opinion though, some people like keeping their stock K-Frame, I'm not building my car to be original though so the choice is yours!
 
ckj688 said:
I'm in the process of installing option 2. I was in your position at one time too. Let me tell you, with the alter-k-tion kit, there is a ton of room in the engine bay now, and it's lighter. It was that or Just Suspension's "The Works" kit. I always wanted the alterk though so if I was going to spend that much money I wanted to spend it on a setup that I wouldn't regret years later. Thats my opinion though, some people like keeping their stock K-Frame, I'm not building my car to be original though so the choice is yours!
Click to expand...

do you have a few pics of your alter-k-tion set up? how much did the whole setup cost?
 
Thanks for the advice. I am not looking at staying all original but I will keep most the parts for what ever reason... I am keeping this car for years to come and if it helps the ride I am on board.

And yes, cost and pics?

anyone see any reason not go thsi route would be the question then?
 
If you get the full front setup, which includes the motor mounts and the power rack and pinion, it's $4250, then I added front and rear disc brakes which was another $1300.

A member, abodyjoe has a real nice album of his install, he has pics from beginning to end (http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i109/abodyjoe/71 dart/alter-k/). I have pics of just taking out the stock K-Frame and test fitting the new one (which fit great). I'll take more pics as I keep going on the project, the pics I have now are at home so I will post em when I get out of work!

I don't see any cons to this setup thus far. It removes the steering box which is great and uses your stock power steering pump. It also gives you heavy duty u-joint's so you don't have to deal the steering coupler that I never seemed to seal the rubber boot on right with that thin clamp...

Just don't make the same mistake as me and figure out that you need a rear sump oil pan to fit the rack and pinion steering! Cost some extra time when I could have made some progress!
 
I just finished mocking up my Alterkation in my 63 and I am very pleased with the fit and quality of workmanship. I purchased the handling kit (comes with front sway bar) and the Wilwood 12" slotted rotors and 4 piston calipers, and the price was just shy of 5K.
 
Hey CKJ, where in MA. are you, I live in Fall River (about an hour south of Boston) ?
 
Tincup said:
I just finished mocking up my Alterkation in my 63 and I am very pleased with the fit and quality of workmanship. I purchased the handling kit (comes with front sway bar) and the Wilwood 12" slotted rotors and 4 piston calipers, and the price was just shy of 5K.
Click to expand...

Curious, what did you use to coat the K-Frame with?

I'm in Northborough, 10 mins from Worcester.
 
I have not coated it yet, but I am planning on using etch primer, Hammertone spray paint (I like the look) and then urethane clear to give it some protection.
I have a good friend that lives in Holden, MA.
 
Hey CKJ, did you have to cut the threaded ends on the rack, they seam a bit long.
 
I travel out there all the time because my g/f lives in Hubbardston.

On coating, I first coated it with POR-15, then did self etch, then a coat of rustoleum satin black...I was thinking of hammertone but wasn't sure what it would look like, Bill Reilly suggested hammertone as well though.
 
Thanks for all the input, think I might go ahead and go with option 2. Of course it costs a wee bit more then I originally thought, but for what it sounds like you get it would be worth it.
 
Tincup said:
Hey CKJ, did you have to cut the threaded ends on the rack, they seam a bit long.
Click to expand...

I haven't gotten a chance to see how the rack fits in the car yet so I don't have a good guage to tell me if their long or not.
 
The only real downside is the cost.

Dart_Guy said:
Thanks for all the input, think I might go ahead and go with option 2. Of course it costs a wee bit more then I originally thought, but for what it sounds like you get it would be worth it.
Click to expand...
 
thanson_mopar said:
do you have a few pics of your alter-k-tion set up? how much did the whole setup cost?
Click to expand...

Here's some pics of just the kit:

n215200221_76913_667546.jpg


n215200221_77040_7877650.jpg


n215200221_77044_6883002.jpg


n215200221_77045_6992283.jpg
 
I am definately into New School, my car is going to be low and fast. I am using Billit Specialties Apex G, 17 x 7 front and 18 x 10 rear.
ckj688 said:
What did you decide on for wheels?
Click to expand...
 
I fell in love with the Coy's wheels, prob going with 17X7 on both front and back, I'm afraid of clearance issues with anything wider.

c5_gunmetal_s.jpg
 
Those are awsome, mine are very similar. I am in the process of finishing up the rear tubs as we speak. It will be worth it! 8)
ckj688 said:
I fell in love with the Coy's wheels, prob going with 17X7 on both front and back, I'm afraid of clearance issues with anything wider.

c5_gunmetal_s.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Sorry Dart Guy, didn't mean to hijack your thread. I do have some pic's at home I will try and post them later tonight.

Dart_Guy said:
I need some adive or tips...

I am tearing down the front end of my car and the way I see it, I have two options. I am tearing it down primarily to clean it up and get it ready for paint.

1.) just replace all the bushings and call it good. I can upgrade to disk breaks down the road when money is better.

2.) Just wait until money is better (probably 2 years or so) and get a front end replacement that comes with new steering, brakes, basically the whole shibang.

How many people have done opttion 2 and what is the best kit? How much am I looking at spending for one on a 69 Dart with a 340? Is it worth the money? I am leaning towards option 2 even though I know 1 is far cheaper.
Click to expand...
 
Haven't been there in years. I was going to go last year for Mopar day (I had a 05 Magnum R/T) but never made it. Maybe when the Dart is done.
ckj688 said:
Do you go to the New England Summer Nationals at all?
Click to expand...
 
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