Take a look at this K member

[7E-Bodies]

Has anyone ever seen the skid plate on the 440 cars welded on this crooked at the factory? I'm tempted to cut it loose , hammer out the dings and weld it on properly. Also, can someone decipher the stampings on it? (The previous owner had cleaned, media blasted, primed and painted it. Yes, I'll be doing it again before assembly)   

[Brads70]

Sure is a nice clean k frame!    It appears someone missed the " quality is job one" memo when it was put together.    I see no harm in cutting it off and welding it on straight.

[Jocigar]

I don't have mine home to look.   I do remember the 77 coin

Skid was straight from factory.

The first time I restored it I had found a post somewhere about adding some welding to the steering box area to help with flex and handling, I add some extra beads accordingly.. something you may want to consider.

[Ric]

Sure is a nice clean k frame!    It appears someone missed the " quality is job one" memo when it was put together.    I see no harm in cutting it off and welding it on straight.

Mine was crooked also, left it alone, because it reminded me of the workmanship from the 70's , plus it looked nice and original and not to perfect.....

[Chryco Psycho]

I welded mine & powder coated it 

[Brads70]

If your doing a numbers matching resto then ya leave it as is. If your not and looking to improve the k-frame  firm feel has some excellent pictures on reinforcing them. I did most of this to mine.
http://www.firmfeel.com/e_body_mopar_k_frame_reinforcement.html

[Cuda Cody]

It might look craptastic, but it's most likely 100% original.  I would leave it.  It's not structurally hurting anything and it's how it was made.     I like seeing things like that.  Tells me the car is original.

[7E-Bodies]

Yes, it's a numbers matching resto and in incredibly solid shape. You hit the nail on the head with what I was thinking...the workmanship of late 1969 and my possibly leaving it that way. Right now however, I'm leaning towards removing it and working the small dents out of it. Then, admittedly, it'd be hard for an OCD nutbag like myself to not have it laser straight + - 0.010", lol.

[7E-Bodies]

So Cody, the Dukes of Hazard diving ding in the skid plate wouldn't bug you? I totally agree with your thoughts on originality.

[anlauto]

You can fix the dents and any deep scratches with a little body filler 

[1 Wild R/T]

You can fix the dents and any deep scratches with a little body filler 

See allot...

You can also weld a tab/washer or three into the dents to pull/pry/lever most of the damage out... Thicker metal doesn't usually stretch like sheetmetal so it is actually easier to work dents out...

[7E-Bodies]

These suggestions are fantastic. Thank you all. 

[Daveh]

I rewelded mine as well as welded a couple gussets to the steering box area as well.  I think what ever you do will be fine. 

[RUNCHARGER]

Wrong welds look way worse than factory workmanship on a restored car.