Altered question

When building a '63 Dart Altered and using a Dodge A100 van front axle. You need to narrow the axle, then re-weld. How strong and safe would that be? Proper heat, cooling come into play.

Using that axle would be period correct and cheaper than buying one from speedway that already in correct width.
Is it worth it in the end for safety?

Any other problems doing this?

Thanks, Mike

 

http://www.moparmax.com/printable.html?storylink=tech/ii_1-dart-8.html&pg***le=Dart+Attack,+Part+2

 

I should think you might be surprised to find the van axle weighs more than the stock suspension. I am using a Speedway axle under my '65 Dart.
I think also that what you're saying is that you are building an altered wheelbase car, or a g***er? Or are you simply saying that you are altering your Dart?
More info, please; and we respond kindly to pictures!

 

Do it right, and you won't have to worry about it ever. You need to remove 5.5 inches from the center of the beam to bring the width back to dimension. Also, you will be ahead if you build a fixture or jig to keep the spring pads in alignment.

Dale Snoke

 

Either way works great........Im using the speedway kit becaust it is all new and clean, I highly suggest getting Steve M's book. And lets see some pic's!

 

I should have said I was refering to this build. I really like everything he did to it. Very well laid out and thought out properly. But the axle just kinda scares me. Thanks guys, Mike

 

I have never learned how to post pic's on this site, but if you will refer to the Y blocks forever site, you can see my Falcon. It has an Econoline axle that was cut down 4 1/2". I built a jig and had a professional welder make the weld.

 

People still question me on occasion about the technique I used when I built those two Darts, one for Steve, and the sister car, mine, a '64 :


Setting up a fixture, with two sets of mounting holes, one for the stock perch location, and the second set for where you will re-mount after you remove the section from the beam in my opinion is KEY. Do not rely on the beam itself, as in the forging process, it may not be true. Ask me how I know? I have three axles that have slight bends in the center, making it almost impossible to re-align after a narrowing. They'll just remain stock width. Remember, old forged steel is incredible to work with. Its good quality. Good luck!! And have fun .