Jeff,
Understand completely what your saying about ride height. On the other note, there's no way you can weld in a Fatman and still maintain spot-on geometry without either tweeking the frame or crossmember. Since the '37 coupe express (and I'm assuming Dictator also) has so many contours to the frame, it just seemed easier for me to modify the frame (which is basically kinda defeating the purpose of installing an after market mustang II). I set the frame at exactly 3 degrees forward rake, then fabricated a 1/4 inch thick by 12" long, 3 1/2" high, retro fit frame insert. The insert was installed level (with the frame still @ 3 deg rake). I then cut a 12" section of the stock frame upper and lower rails. The insert was then welded 1 1/4" lower than stock, basically giving me an added 1 1/4" lift. If that's not enough, I'll see about modifying the front "plow" (grill) at a later date. I just posted a shot of the insert tonight. Also, the reason for making the frame insert 12", when a crossmember only takes up 4-5", was done to possibly relocate the centerline later (hope I don't have to go there!). I want to avoid biting my lip every time I go over a speed bump, If I can! Jimmy http://community.webshots.com/user/Jimmy655
Understand completely what your saying about ride height. On the other note, there's no way you can weld in a Fatman and still maintain spot-on geometry without either tweeking the frame or crossmember. Since the '37 coupe express (and I'm assuming Dictator also) has so many contours to the frame, it just seemed easier for me to modify the frame (which is basically kinda defeating the purpose of installing an after market mustang II). I set the frame at exactly 3 degrees forward rake, then fabricated a 1/4 inch thick by 12" long, 3 1/2" high, retro fit frame insert. The insert was installed level (with the frame still @ 3 deg rake). I then cut a 12" section of the stock frame upper and lower rails. The insert was then welded 1 1/4" lower than stock, basically giving me an added 1 1/4" lift. If that's not enough, I'll see about modifying the front "plow" (grill) at a later date. I just posted a shot of the insert tonight. Also, the reason for making the frame insert 12", when a crossmember only takes up 4-5", was done to possibly relocate the centerline later (hope I don't have to go there!). I want to avoid biting my lip every time I go over a speed bump, If I can! Jimmy http://community.webshots.com/user/Jimmy655
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