Rusty k-frame questions for 74 charger

[Hijinx]

My k-frame mount holes towards the rear of the car is rusty, thinking that if i weld it up it might weaken it overall. Has anyone done this? did it come out ok?

Wondering if i'm better off trying to find a new one, from what i understand any 73-79 dodge charger, dodge magnum, plymouth satellite, roadrunner or gtx should be the same?

Car used to have a 400, now it wil be a 440 with shumacher engine mounts.

 

[Bb70charger500]

I've fixed them before but always on small block cars I'd be afraid of the big block ripping it apart !!!

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I suggest getting a different k-member. If the engine is out, they're not all that tough to install.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

give a chance to find another one, althought that one is fixable.

yes, all 73/79 B bodies are the same, just need to get the one for Big Block to save from mount adaptors

 

[Hijinx]

Hard to find at a reasonable price, would prefer local pickup in NJ, NY or PA... will have to hunt one down i guess...

 

[Paul_G]

I agree with Nacho, that is fixable. If you have fabrication and welding skills it can be done. If you will be snding it out for repair the cost might be prohibitive, find a better one in that case.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

if fixing, just need to be sure the oval opening being perfectly centered to be sure the correct alignment with front rails.

you can find also another one damaged but healthy on those ends no matter if BB or SB, to cut and weld the piece.

or a perfect small block one ( which are way more ) and swap the engine mounts from one to the other

 

[dodge1972]

Sand blasting for starters. This will determine if your frame has further damage. For the cost of blasting and potential for heat deterioration due to repairs, I recommend locating a big block k-frame. Potentially your lower control arms and other components have a similar problem. Best find a complete unit and build it out from a donor car.

 

[Hijinx]

i got all new PST stuff... just need the k-frame at this point. I have the skill to do it, not the tools, something like that i would want to chamfer & tig weld, probably leave the welds on the outside without grinding it... all i have is a mig.

 

[Montclaire]

There was a big block K in a 73 or 74 Charger at Engler's in Wapwallopen, PA. Don't know if he's crushed it though or what shape it's it. Motor was gone. It was on the ridge with a 71/72 satellite and a couple 64 Dodges.

BB Ks are getting harder to find and the sellers seem to think they are worth their weight in gold. SB Ks are everywhere. Craigslist is your friend.

 

[slepr1]

i got all new PST stuff... just need the k-frame at this point.

Get new if everything else is. Why take the chance and regret.

 

[Montclaire]

Don't forget to save the old one if it has the sway bar mounts.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I can’t recall any 73 and lates B body without sway bar, not at least V8s

 

[Hijinx]

There was a big block K in a 73 or 74 Charger at Engler's in Wapwallopen, PA.

Thanks for the tip, gave him a call, he said they are all rusted.

 

['68 Charger]

How are your K frame to frame bolts? Did they rot out as well? If you're need those I have a good OEM set from a SW car. K-frame sold fast, 400 BB.

 

[Montclaire]

Thanks for the tip, gave him a call, he said they are all rusted.

Look, no offense, but do you really think the guy knows which k-frames are good out of 700+ cars? Whoever pulled the motor jacked the body up on spare wheels so the nose has been off the ground for years, at least 15 that I can remember. It still might be rusted but it would be easy to get a look at and remove since the motor is already gone.

 

[Montclaire]

I can’t recall any 73 and lates B body without sway bar, not at least V8s

Lots of 73+ B-bodies without sway bars. I have one sitting in my garage right now - factory 318 car.

 

[Hijinx]

How are your K frame to frame bolts? Did they rot out as well? If you're need those I have a good OEM set from a SW car. K-frame sold fast, 400 BB.

Send me a pic, mine aren't too bad but worth a look.

Look, no offense, but do you really think the guy knows which k-frames are good out of 700+ cars? Whoever pulled the motor jacked the body up on spare wheels so the nose has been off the ground for years, at least 15 that I can remember. It still might be rusted but it would be easy to get a look at and remove since the motor is already gone.

I will try calling tomorrow morning and asking again, can't hurt. From what i saw on gmaps the place looked small, i assumed maybe he had a few cars, but 700+ cars might be worth the trip this weekend. thanks friend.

 

[Montclaire]

I've been dealing with him since 1996. I'm also one of the guys who spray painted SAVE on some of the cars that are in the pics online because he isn't a mopar guy and was crushing the valuable cars and leaving late model Bs and Cs. If I told you what was there 20 years ago, you'd cry.

The man is alright but he's all farmer. You have to understand that he doesn't necessarily run the place like a business. If you come across as a pain in the neck he's liable to tell you it's not worth the trip. He also seems to give better prices if you're in work clothes.

When he was starting to crush I went down to see what was left. Got a big haul of parts for about half what I expected. Still needed to pull a couple things so I went back a few days later. He socked me for about three times what it should have been, enough that I told him as much. He said yeah, but I should have charged you more two days ago.

 

[Montclaire]

From what i saw on gmaps the place looked small

I pulled it up and it looks like he cleared out quite a bit (might be closer to 3-400 now) but keep in mind that what's there is nearly all pre-80s, with the the bulk being from the 40s through the 60s and early 70s.

I don't know when the aerial was taken but the ridge line where the Charger should be looks untouched. Walk past the row of school buses and bear right along the road and look up on your left. Third one from the left in this photo, you'll probably spot the 71/72 plymouth first. I don't remember any bad front end damage on it (was good enough that my friend took the inner fender) but might be worth a call. If you tell him the blue charger with the white top on the hill he'll know where it is.