HDK Installation and Driving Experiences

First up, Robert Gilchrist just reported in on the very first early A style HDK to hit the road.

Robert sent the following to Denny and asked that it be included in the comments:

"Man I've owned this Valiant for longer than I can really put into perspective. I have driven it with stock, Polly urethane stock and Bobs Profab T-Bar Eliminator race stuff - while racing and on the street. My son has a 68 Dart with a Magnum Force front setup (not throwing stones but it took a lot of slotting holes - poking - prodding- prying - stretching - cussing and 2 days in the shop to get her all on !) .

I can't speak to the exact weight savings versus a dead stock early A front suspension and brakes but I can say that my meat hook scale says I saved 33 pounds over the suspension, steering and brakes that I had. The roomy feel created by getting rid of the steering box and linkage is amazing.

My engine was out for a refresh so it eased my test fit time. My son and I pulled the old stuff, did some cleaning , Installed the HDK system, fab'd up our intermediate shaft to the rack (while using a mock up LA in place) set her on the ground and adjusted it to determine ride height and correct shock we would want. Then we proceeded to pull it all back apart for my son to take parts to work to powder coat. ALL done in an over night 11 hour thrash period. Lotta beer and coffee. YEAH I KNOW. STRANGE COMBO ! Had to sober up before work. Hahaha

All that being said, everything bolted right in better than a Hot Rodder should ever expect. After getting the parts back from coating - we reassembled it all and back on the Vali it went. Then the test drive. It rides, drives, turns & stops like it has been in the gym and hitting steroids on a regular basis. Modern. Fresh. In an odd kinda way it feels like I am part of the car while driving it instead of climbing on a pissed of horse and trying to get it to do what you want it to.

At this moment I'm still a little in disbelief. Ease of install A+ !! Transformation to a more enjoyable modern reacting and feeling car A+++! The price ?? Worth every penny and more.

If you can't tell. I'm pretty damn satisfied Sir. Lets go burn some rubber!