Just wondering if anyone has good or bad things to say about Fatmans drop spindles and steering arms for 49-51 Shoebox. I'm thinkin about getting a set with thier disc brake set up and just wanted some opinion from some of you guys who may have had experience with them. I've see people mention they've used the set ups, but never really gave any sort of opinion on the fitment or operation. I don't mind a little modification, but if i'm paying for something that supposedly has been proven, that they say bolts up just fine, I want to know it opperates fine too.
I'd ask around over at the Shoeboxford.com message board to be sure, but I've never heard anything bad about the Fatman spindles.
I used the dropped spindles on my 49 coupe about 8 years ago.. and from what I remember the install wasnt that bad.. Search for Rocky's post on flipping your spindles.. from what I hear.. its pretty easy.. and free. Good luck. Gable
I've heard the same thing about flipping the spindles upside down... Years ago a buddy of mine with a shoebox had bought the drop spindles and later said "had I known I would've just flipped them". I recall him saying that they could be flipped.
Used the dropped uprights with the lower steering arms and the disk brake kit. Also used the mustang 2 master cylinder conveter. Install was well detailed by the company. I called the tech department with a question about a spacer that came with the kit. Easy to talk to, nice guy on the phone. Good quality parts. I think if you flip the uprights you loose the correct geometry
All I have to offer is make sure your getting the WHOLE kit. I just bought 3" drop spindles from FatMan and disc brakes from MasterPower and neither supplied the bracket that the caliper mounts to. Still have to buy more stuff! (It was for a '54 Lincoln, not sure if they are the same)
I am going to check on that free spindle flip on mine first before I spend lots of cash on Fatman products. Has anyone else flipped spindles?
Didn't want to go thru the hastle of heating and bending the spindle supports and steering arms. (has to be done to correct steering geometry after flipping sides) Installed Fatman's setup over 10 years ago along with his trick tyrod bumpsteer kit (eliminates factory bumpsteer). Happy with the setup and no problems.
The Jalopy Journal
