new QA1 K Frame
Looking at how that K-Frame mounts at the front is a deal killer for me. I thought that the tubes positively located the bolt by the factory bolt going into it. Now that I see it's a 2-3" tube with a single shear and the bolt FLOATS in there...no way. I'll stick with the factory "junk".
I think you've got the point. I already have an exact replica mached up. What I want to do is find out how to resolve that issue, and whether it can be an extremely simple solution. A solution that will allow a guy, who doesn't weld, the ability to take the k member to a shop, invest a small amount of money, and resolve this issue. Resulting in a nice piece. I don't think the QA1 piece is bad, I think it needs a bit of evolution. My piece is stretched to the front, under the radiator, so that the radiator support is reinforced. The problem is providing clamping force, and shear force, plus a positive attachment point.
A lot of people will criticize this. As they should, because that kind of critique, helps to make ideas even better. My thinking is, unless you're awesome at welding at cold temperatures, Making a complete bolt in unit will keep 40 year old weathered mild steel from being fatigued. I'm not worried about the steel loosing it's memory, as much as changing the molecular structure of the steel. Especially in the north east rust belt. Heat sends waves, waves change structure. " Sand blast a piece of scrape, and you'll see, it'll oxidize at an astounding rate. Because sand blasting creates harmonics, that actually change the structure of steel. It's overkill, but than I'm building a daily driver. Some of these other guys are building show cars, weekend warriors, and race cars. They're never going to see the potholes, or salt, or the weather. If your car breaks at the track, you don't have to race, you can stop, and fix it. While their investment is initially large, they are not going to accumulate the kind of bills wear will amass. If I'm in Oswego N.Y. in January, 600 miles north of home. That's going to be a big pay check for the roll back driver if I break.
Things like the AlterKtion, and Street Lynx were designed by inspiration, and need. I saw Bill Reilly last month. I was asking him how it is that he keeps coming up with ideas, because he's constantly testing future products. He said, " Enough can't be said about the expression - Necessity is the mother of invention." Take what he said, and look at the roads around our house, ( I've posted this before, this is just a clip of a town where they'll allow the roads to be closed for the day. I can see the inspiration.
[ame]http://youtu.be/gAiuqnfxLRc[/ame]
Same with HemmyDenny. He was kind enough to PM me about my idea. As I had a chance to speak with him, it was very apparent that his work was inspired by a vacuum effect in the hobby, where a piece like his didn't exist. He was the guy who could change that, so he creates, and build the very thing people need. That's hot rodding...