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We use Fatman Fabrications Frames which are constructed of 3"x4"x.188" and 3" x 3" x .188 wall mandrel bent rectangle tubing rear kick up rails. They are made to follow the original shape and form, and to fit with original body mounts. We have built the chassis with adjustments for minor variations in body mounts. There are 5 different bumper mount bolt patterns used on these cars so we do not drill them. You can tuck your bumper up to a tighter custom fit and drill the one set of holes that suit your car. The only modification to the body will be a small revision of the left rear trunk floor for proper clearance of the upper Coilover/Shockwave mount, and a custom fuel tank to provide proper clearance for full suspension travel. The stock tank is shaped in a way that interferes with the rear suspension, and a car of this caliber likely won't be using a stock tank anyway. We do include radiator mount brackets and rear bumper mount holes. Expect a 3"-5" drop from stock with our standard chassis and standard spindles.
For paramount strength and rigidity so necessary for Pro Touring performance, the frame is constructed using 3 x 4 x .188 main rails with a massive X member and driveshaft tunnel. We designed our central tunnel to a fully completed circle for stress acceptance without the flex inherent in the open top tunnels seen in competitor's designs. Simply put, a circle is stronger than a "U". Clearance for 3" exhaust is provided while maintaining full strength and good ground clearance. Front suspension
Fatman frames come standard with Stage III Custom IFS which features polished solid Stainless Steel control arms and fasteners, urethane bushings, and Coilover springs.. The ride height is approximately 4" lower than stock height. Track width comes at 59", which is 1" narrower than stock for extra tire clearance. Shockwave by Airride are optional, and will fit the same crossmember and shock towers. A simple swap of the lower control arms and the air system are all that is required. Power steering and a front sway bar are standard. Alignment is accomplished with a shim system allowing easy adjustment without disassembly, while maintaining proper axial alignment of the pivot bushings.
Stage III coilovers are our most popular option for the frontend because slight height adjustment, excellent shock, and good looks that match the polished stainless tubular control arms that is standard on all frames. QA1 coilovers with 12 way external shock adjustment are now standard on all Fatman frames Air ride comes in Shockwave (Stage V). Shockwaves are similar to how a coilover looks and mounts with the shock inside the air spring. A compressor system is needed with both options. Another consideration with air ride is the brakes. Because the air springs are bigger in diameter, a caliper with the banjo bolt on the bottom instead of the side is needed. The Wilwood caliper option, complete Wilwood system or Baer brakes are recommended. Brakes
Something to keep in mind as we discuss brakes is that some people use bigger brakes to "fill" their new big billet wheels or as a "dress up", without thinking about the safety aspect. That is why all Fatman frames come standard with ECI kits that use early GM "big" piston calipers and provide 65% more braking capacity than those that use the small piston GM calipers. These 11" disc brakes use OEM parts that are easily serviceable units using parts that are available at your local auto parts store, should you need to make emergency repairs. 5 lug 4 ½ "(Ford pattern) is standard. 5 lug 4 ¾ "(Chevy Pattern, w/ 12mm x 1.5mm metric studs) is also available but use the above mentioned small piston GM calipers. Talk to the Fatman rep. about the options that are available for bigger brakes if using Chevy pattern.
We have several options from Wilwood. As mentioned earlier when talking about air ride we have to use the small piston GM caliper with the lower banjo bolt location to clear the air spring. Wilwood has an aluminum GM big piston replacement caliper with the banjo bolt in the proper location and still uses OEM brake pads. Complete Wilwood big brake kits are available that uses aluminum hubs, 4 piston aluminum black calipers with 11 inch, 12 inch, or 13 inch rotors. Drilled rotors and polished calipers are options on these kits. Rear Suspension
A 9" 28 spline rear axle assembly provides the foundation of the rear suspension. A fresh 3.70 Posi gearset is installed along with 4 ½" bolt Ford pattern ECI rear disc brakes featuring a functional emergency brake system. Our own fully adjustable Pro link rear 4 bar, Z bar, rear sway bar and adjustable Coilovers control the motion of this rugged and responsive design. Rear wheels with the proper spacing, up to 10" wide, will clear the stock wheel tubs. The frame is narrow enough for more tire if the tubs are enlarged, but measure before you buy.
We often recommend the air ride on the rear due to the flexibility afforded with the variable pressure. Coilovers do not accommodate changes in load well as they have a given spring rate that may be comfortable in a empty car, not heavy enough in car loaded with extra stuff. The air ride can be set for a comfortable ride and proper ride height at the push of a button, regardless of the load. Don't forget a compressor fill kit is required with an air ride suspension so there is an extra cost. PURCHASING A CHASSIS
The base price for our chassis is $11,000 which will give you an extremely sporty, comfortable ride for a daily driver. There are many different options and upgrades to consider. Call one of our representatives to set up the right chassis for youur application. 917-570-8335
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