Unusual K Frame - What Do You Think?

[68X426]

I saw this on a current Ebay auction. 63 Plymouth race car with a 440. This is the pic of the underside.

I don't know much about racing, but this doesn't look ....... well you'll see.

My questions:

Why?

Safe?

All opinions are welcome.

[Charger-Bodie]

Very bad plan in my opinion.

[Iceyone]

Makes it easier to change a bearing.

[maxwellwedge]

     With the flex in those lower control arms that thing must wander like mad.

[Rolling_Thunder]

usually done in drag racing applications when using a huge oil pan - BAD IDEA 

[bill440rt]

Why? Probably to clear that oil pan.

Safe? Nope.  
Nearly all of it's structural integrity has been removed. Scary stuff.

[68 Bullitt Charger]

  Looks like that owner is being lazy. Should be raising/removing the engine to get the Bearings. I guess its more important than safety...  Esp if the car is real fast. 

[BBKNARF]

usually done in drag racing applications when using a huge oil pan - BAD IDEA 

A cheap way of doing it.

[Kern Dog]

What an incompetent asshole.
How hard would it have been to add steel plates to the open 3 sides? Still not as sturdy as a stock piece, but better than THIS abortion.

[Hemidog]

I think I've seen that done before in a mopar mag, but it was heavily boxed/reinforced.

[Cooter]

If you can't see how well it's built/reinforced, I don't see how ANYBODY can comment of how "Weak" something is...

I've seen this done and done this myself without any problems. Granted, it was HEAVILY boxed, but looked "Hacked"..ALOT of people offer their opinions without asking a simple question like "More pics would be good here to see how well done/hacked this unit really is", instead of just looking at something and making a knee-jerk reaction to what one sees. The sanctioning body regarding the rules for NHRA wouldn't allow the car to race if it weren't deemed "Safe". The only way they could deem it safe would be to actually inspect it closer.

When you have to constantly replace bearings, Rear main seals, etc. you will figure out a simpler way to do things. Look at most of the tubular K-members offered today. I'm all but positive a few offered their "opinions" on how "Weak" it appeared when they first came out. Looks to be a STOCK oil pan with a deeper sump added. I guess that's the "Hack-job" way of running more oil capacity too..

I'm surprized NOBODY offered to even remark about the "Safety" items regarding those DRUM brakes on a race car. NOT realizing that drum brakes have less resistance, and weigh less than disc, therefore making them better for RACING.

This is why I don't post in the thread regarding the "Hack job" pictures. SOME of thise pictures just show a different, but same none the less and would have been fine, way of doing the same job.

It's the same thing as welding...Remember, Strong welds aren't always pretty, and pretty welds aren't always strong..

[kokxville]

 ,that's a very stupid thing to do to a K-frame.

[Hemidog]

Here it is:
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0706_front_suspension_engine_cradle/viewall.html

[Musicman]

Now that's a little better...

[terrible one]

It looks like the one on the car was somewhat boxed to me. It doesn't look as good as the last one posted but you can tell they didn't just cut it and leave it "open."

[68 Bullitt Charger]

I have to say you are correct "Cooter" and last couple Guys. Wow I have never seem that done and man it looks strong. Not sure if the Ebay Car has that type of modified K Member although those drum brakes on a street/strip car is N/G..  Well you are never too old to learn something.

[68X426]

Here's the ad. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-PLYMOUTH-SAVOY-2-DOOR-HARDTOP-DRAG-CAR-LETS-RACE-/120847107260?pt=Race_Cars_Not_Street_Legal_&hash=item1c230c84bc

I'm just trying to understand the "why", not holding anybody's welding up to ridicule.

Another pic:

[bill440rt]

Here's the ad. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-PLYMOUTH-SAVOY-2-DOOR-HARDTOP-DRAG-CAR-LETS-RACE-/120847107260?pt=Race_Cars_Not_Street_Legal_&hash=item1c230c84bc

I'm just trying to understand the "why", not holding anybody's welding up to ridicule.

Another pic:

Most likely to facilitate oil pan removal/installation, and/or clearance.
Not here to criticize anyone's work either, but there is a stark difference between the picture Hemidog posted of the modification and that one.
Interesting center link provision, never seen it done that way before either. 

[redmist]

Hell I may do this to mine, but take a section of 1.75" DOM Tube and flanges that connect both sides again with grade 8 hardware. It would be cool to be able to get the pan off without taking the motor out.

I guess at that point I may as well just build a tubular cross K member all together. haha

[Kern Dog]

The quality difference between this abortion and the Mopar Muscle barracuda K member is extreme. THIS guy did a shortcut job.