I've always loved these cars. Found one locally not all rusted to bits. Only issue is they really buggered the front end up putting a Chevy 350 in it. Im not completely concerned with period correct so I put this down here. Would like to put a Chrysler v8 in it. It seems to me the easiest route would be a new K-member. 62-66? I saw a tubular one for $550. I dont know how good the pic is but steering box is a mess and they welded a steering arm to a steering arm. Anyone do something that might make it all easier? Later unit that would have had a v8 and disc's?
OEM is best [and Cheapest] Try and find a complete front end from a 62 -66 Barracuda / Dart / Valiant and bolt it in. Mopar is reasonably easy to mix'n'match if you have some basic knowledge Or ..................... An early K-member with later [eg '74] Duster disc brake front suspension A 67 or newer K-member will not work with any A-body before '67. The frame rails were spread in '67 to better accommodate V8s. It is my understanding, that a '63-'66 K-member can be used in the '61-62. At this point, all of the suspension parts from the 67 onwards will bolt right up. But, you will need to use a center-link and the pitman and idler arms from the '63-'66. A '65 V8 and ALL '66 center-links give an 1" additional clearance below the oilpan. This is also what we did with Aussie Valiants [using AP5-AP6 K members .center-link RHD steering box] And then VG Valiant Suspension [and VH Valiant hubs to get 4.5"PCD rh thread ]
@Sharpone is asking about headers on his (ospho headers), so you can follow along there. I'd also recommend ForAbodysonly for more hardcore info. I'd seriously look for a complete K frame, suspension and steering and not bother with a V8 as a first step. If you have the skills, money and must have a V8, I'd look at redoing the whole mess with fabbed frame and cage, no inner fenders and custom steering/suspension. I've seen a number of them swapped and most are not great cars after with minor mods. They run hot, handle poorly and have servicing issues.
It looks to me like they hacked up the K member to install a GM power steering box in what was probably a manual steering car, then hacked it up some more to install the Gm motor. My concern is what they hacked up to weld the angle onto, that is currently holding the steering box. The question running through my mind is that even if you can find a good K member, will you still be able to bolt it onto the car? The front bolt on the left front corner is about the same location as the hack job on the steering box. I'd really like to see close up pictures of the entire area of that driver side frame rail. The car looks so clean, and I love those strange looking early 60s Darts and Valiants. I'd put forth the effort to fix the mess, but the question is, do you have the skill set to do it, or will you have to hire it done? Are you capable of welding on a sheet metal "frame", and do you have the equipment to do it? If you have to hire it done, you better be in love with the car, this one will probably be very expensive by the time you get done. At any rate, a replacement K member will be needed. If you want a V8, you will need that K member to be for a V8 (and other V8 specific parts). I'm not impressed with most aftermarket K members I've seen. If that left frame rail is rally screwed up (and maybe even if it is not), you may be better off using later model (73 & up) A body V8 K member. Then we build it with rectangle tube frame rails and modify the inner fenders. I ran a 400ci big block Mopar in a 73 Duster using the stock duster suspension and K member in one of our dirt track cars, but even those "used to be plentiful parts" are not as easy to find these days. A complete running 73 +, V8, Mopar A body, donor is going to be a great place to start (a donor with a good V8 drive train & front suspension is what you need, the number of doors, and the condition of the back 1/2 of the car is not important). It might not be a show car under the hood, but it can be a fun driver when finished. If you are up to the task, and can take very good pictures, we can probably walk you through the process.
Fun ain’t it. If you’re not a sick puppy dog the V8 ain’t for you. My question is why did they leave the vibration dampening coupler on , it’s up from the u joint. Definitely cobbled. A friend has a 64 barracuda with a factory 273, realty cool car. I’ve been struggling with exhaust manifold fitment issues as @RodStRace stated above. Rod you’re scaring me! LOL. @ @gene-koning and Rod have been guiding me. We’ve got some sharp cookies here. As stated above For a bodies only is good site also. The disc conversion is an easier deal. Cool car!!! Dan
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