Does anyone have a weight comparison of an original BB A-body K-frame complete with original style engine mounts vs a DC K-frame with spool mounts?
BB K-member Weight OEM vs DC
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junkyardhero
Well-Known Member
do you need the weight difference to calculate shipping or are you trying to figure out or cut weight off the car?
at any rate, the difference is negligible. like i'd be surprised if it was more than 2~3lb honestly
at any rate, the difference is negligible. like i'd be surprised if it was more than 2~3lb honestly
Cut weight off the nose while remaining relatively stockish looking.
junkyardhero
Well-Known Member
yeah, i think your efforts would be best directed elsewhere.
i know the whole "ounces add up to pounds" but i don't think the juice is worth the squeeze in this situation.
It all adds up in the end.
I have access to both. Just don't have the mounts for the OEM BB k-frame & the DC k-frame is currently in another roller. I'm fairly confident the DC setup will be lighter.
Any weight off the nose of a BB stock appearing A-body is worth the effort.
Uncle Bob
Shiny paint causes stress.
I thought the DC K-frame was basically built from an OEM k-frame, or did I misunderstand the Jim Lusk video? If so they're going to weigh the same.
Let your conscience be your guide.
Just don't do it to an A12. This was after the un-****-ifying work had started. These guys had cut three holes in the rockers, cut all that structure out of the cowl, converted it to fixed rear windows (by bolting them in place). On and on.
Let your conscience be your guide.
Oh thanks, looks like I missed a couple pounds under the dash.
junkyardhero
Well-Known Member
this was my understanding as well. in fact i thought that the DC K was a stock unit that was modified and then further reinforced with additional metal. of the few i've seen, it didn't appear to have any significant weight savings or addition either way, at least to my calibrated hairy eyeball. oh, and the welds somehow looked even worse than a factory k.
anyway, resident expert @Jim Lusk would have the full scoop on them. with a tag, hopefully he chimes in.
Jim Lusk
Well-Known Member
The DC K-member is a modified small block K-member with a little more metal added that really wasn't necessary. BUT, the late K-member does have two large holes in the bottom that probably lighten it a bit. I have my '68 small block k-member out of the car and a stock '73-up k-member out of the car. If I think about it in the morning I could weight them.
As for lightening the front end, there is little that can be done short of cutting out lots of sheet metal, which still won't add up to much. I've got an inner fender up on the shelf, but I don't think it weighs that much. Fiberglass fenders, hood, bumper, and doors will do more. Many years ago my family stopped by Larry Gilley's place. He was trying to lighten his '68 340 S notch by drilling lots of 2" or so holes all over the front end. I don't think it was more than a pound.
As for lightening the front end, there is little that can be done short of cutting out lots of sheet metal, which still won't add up to much. I've got an inner fender up on the shelf, but I don't think it weighs that much. Fiberglass fenders, hood, bumper, and doors will do more. Many years ago my family stopped by Larry Gilley's place. He was trying to lighten his '68 340 S notch by drilling lots of 2" or so holes all over the front end. I don't think it was more than a pound.
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To me there's alot of thick steel hanging on an OEM K-frame compared to the DC setup. But spool mounts are heavy too..
OEM:
DC k-frame:
As @Oldmanmopar said, it all adds up.
As a '69 Cuda clone I've already got a Dart Lite aluminum hood for it, going to have a light rotating assembly, 904 swap, etc..
If I had the funds I'd have someone fabric a stock looking K-frame out of aluminum lol.
OEM:
DC k-frame:
As @Oldmanmopar said, it all adds up.
As a '69 Cuda clone I've already got a Dart Lite aluminum hood for it, going to have a light rotating assembly, 904 swap, etc..
If I had the funds I'd have someone fabric a stock looking K-frame out of aluminum lol.
junkyardhero
Well-Known Member
unless it's a dedicated drag car i'd be reluctant to start removing metal off the K or trying to fab a K out of something lightweight. that's a critical component that the front suspension hangs off of, the steering mounts to and ties the frame side to side. without that rigidity, only the radiator cradle is stopping the flex up front.
Dedicated stock appearing drag car.
The rear 1/4 windows in my 66 Belvedere are fixed but not bolted......and the K frame is trimmed and solid welded. IIRC, it's 32 lbs instead of 40.
See my reply just above....
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