All of these kits are available in staged Hub-to-Hub Kits SEE HERE
We list here the basic kits, less all bolt on suspension parts. These are great for the guy who would rather gather his own parts, or just needs to spread the purchase out over time. We’ll discuss the hub to hub kits on page 5. Each Mustang II kit is fitted precisely to the specific car we list. There is no need for a “Universal” (you-make-it-fit) kit with Fatman! If you have a custom application, or one that is not listed, please call for a simple worksheet and personal attention to your wishes. We can build track widths from 45" to 65" hub to hub (where the wheel sits on the hub.) This is done by either sectioning the rack or extending it by the use of machined rack extensions that increase the length of the rack mainshaft, INSIDE the tie rod ends. The use of special length outer tie rods ends is a sure recipe for bumpsteer trouble. Some manufacturers used them way back in the early 70’s, as do those current companies whose engineering skills appear limited to producing copies of someone else’s work. Bad experiences caused the better designers to abandon that approach long ago. By altering the rack shaft to match any track width changes, we keep the active part of the suspension, outside of the inner pivots of the control arms working just as designed. We are simply altering the distance between the independent sides of the suspension.
The ideal frame for a 56½" stock width MII is 27-31", measured outside the rails at the axle centerline. If you need something custom width, those dimensions will change accordingly. For example, an 11" narrowed 45½" kit can use the frame widths from 16-20". Since we need room for the engine, we build that kit typically as 2" × 3" × 20" Pro. That tells us you are using 2" × 3" tubing (suggest .188 wall) set 20" outside.
The other critical dimension has to do with ride height. Assuming stock non-dropped spindles and the lower control arms level for best travel and geometry, the center of the wheel will be the same height off the ground as the bottom of the frame rail. That means that a 26" front tire will set the frame at 13" off the ground. Common 2" dropped spindles will of course drop that to 11". All this info tells you how to build the front of your frame. A more detailed explanation of this “Reverse Engineering” needed to properly design your chassis is in the Special Application Worksheet mentioned above.
We mentioned above that each kit is fitted for a prototype kit done in our own install shop. We continue to do customer installations in an effort to run into and solve the same issues you may encounter. The reality is that these old cars were not built very precisely. In fact, we have seen ’40 Ford frames with front crossmembers still riveted in place vary plus or minus ¾" from the factory blueprint dimensions! And that’s before craftsmen of varying skill levels got after them. Our kit design recognizes this reality by using a crossmember and shock tower design that accommodates these unavoidable differences. By first positioning the shock towers and then adding the gussets (see page 11 and 12 for a very typical installation,) we can provide correct geometry without regard to frame variances. Most others position the shock towers by the gussets which are an integral part of the tower, which does save a step. But, saving that step requires your frame to match the one used to prototype their kit who knows how many years ago. Our design will fit YOUR frame properly!
Our catalog has a great number of representative cars and trucks featured throughout the pages in order to give you a general idea of the stance that will result from using our kits. We have an immense library of our and our customer’s cars for even more specific info. Give us a call and we’ll provide that personal attention!
call us at 704.545.0369 or email [email protected]
Fat Man Fabrication's mission is to develop parts that allow you to bring the handling and ride quality of your vintage hot rod or muscle car up to the safety and comfort standards of today.. Our standards, performance scientific analysis and road testing all lead to quality driving solutions. Known for the Fat Man's New chassis, Independent suspension kits, Muscle car Tubular control arms and dropped spindles. We cover a vast variety of vehicles from the late 1920's to the 1980's. Check out the "G-Tech" line of products for the '55-87 Chevy, Camaro, Nova, Chevelle, Malibu, Monte Carlo, and the Ford Mustangs, Falcons, Fairlanes and Torinos. The G-Tech line is all about giving these fine vehicles the chassis performance in keeping with the vastly upgraded power plants and tires of today.
Call 704-545-0369