Okay, I'm sure this question has already been asked, and yes I did try to search, with not much luck. So since everyone and his brother wants the '32 k-member, are there any 2nd choices? I am doing a typical AV8 build with '51 8BA motor w/ 3-speed trans, '48 rear axle
Late F-1 / early F-100 if useing an early 3 speed. As stated it has provisions for early pedal set up and makes a good basis for a homebrewed "K-member" by adding some reinforcment.
I don't think it's an early 3-speed, it mates to a steel bellhousing separate from the motor. Or would that be considered early? Also what years F1/F100 are you speaking of? Remember, I'm as green as the grass on your lawn
we used the original and fabricated it into a 'K' member. Probably the most cost effective if you've some steel and a bit of time.
Vern tardel makes and sells 32 style k members that are made to fit a rails with no modification. I'm not sure on price though.
Sounds like a later tranny as my '40 "side shift" has a built in bellhousing. This is my first build (T on A rails,early caddy,etc) so I'm probably still green around the edges when it comes to this stuff. '52-'53 is when I THINK they changed from F-1 to F-100. Anything from late '40s to mid '50s should work.
Being that he is from England, I would have to gues that it is the trick copper plated steel stuff that they all run over there. It would be nice to have that available here in the states.
Here is my build thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=540287 I used a 48-52 F1 Ford truck crossmember.
if it is solid mtd like it is, there would be nothing wrong with it in my opinion As for crossmembers there is a semi cheap 32 K in maple valley, either on here or Craigslist, but you might be able to get by with any ford crossmember, with some work, i have a 37 X-member in my 32 frame, and anouther unmodified one you can stop by and measure, but i want to keep it for future projects. What trans are you going?
If I had a choice I'd use some sort of x-member, like a 34 or similar. Very strong and stiffens the frame well. The 32 style k-member really limits you to an early ford 3 speed gearbox. These days it's nice to run some sort of overdrive box. Using a 32 k-member pretty well rules that out. Mart.
Hmmm, well my trans is a 3-speed 1949-61 style, where the bellhousing is separate from the 8BA motor. I did not know that the 32 would limit the trans options
I suppose it will be to my advantage, to wait until I have installed the motor & trans to see what'll work best. You're right, so many options!
The Jalopy Journal
