Projects Dropped Upright Question - Shoebox Ford

I just got my set of dropped uprights and steering arms from Fatman Fab for my '49 this past week. I installed the drivers side but the steering spindle arm mounting holes do not line up correctly. It looks like they are a 16th too close together. The only way I can get both bolts in is to drill one hole out a bit on the spindle plate, but I don't like that idea, so I'm open to suggestions.

 

call Fatman see what he says, he'll do the right thing.

 

I think you'd be fine just to file or drill it to fit. The other bolts will hold the alignment.
Tom

 

Thanks, guys. I did send Fatman an email yesterday....well to sales anyway. No other email address on the site. I'm leaning your way, Tom, it's just annoying to wait for parts, get them and then have to deal with modding stock parts to make it work.

 

Will it fit if you loosen up the other 3 bolts?

 

It's really just two bolts that hold the steering arm. I tried for an hour, but the bolt ID and the hole OD are pretty tight, so there's not much wiggle room. I could go with a smaller bolt on one of the holes. I'd rather do that then open up one hole. I usually use hardened bolts everywhere so I should be good.

 

I would suggest opening up the hole (with a file) just enough so the original size bolt slides through. That way you can use the bigger bolt which means better strength. I would not use a smaller OD bolt.

 

This Spring, in response to a thread started by Daddio, I posted pictures and a step by step account of installing the Fat Man suspension setup. Check Daddio's thread "Pic request: Shoebox with dropped uprights.....". Start with the 19 post to his thread. It should ease your pain and help you to avoid a couple of miscues.

 

Here's my thread that Fat47 so kindly contributed to. Thanks again man! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=644675

 

Read more than just post 19. Fat47 (and others) gave a lot more good info!

 

Thanks Fat47, and daddio. I happy for the guidance (lord knows I need it)

 

You and Sponge Bob are welcome. I'll be doing my Fat Man and Aerostar drop soon. Have to get the damned engine and trans back in first!

 

daddio, our stories are pretty similar. I inherited this car from my father-in-law, who was my best pal. He passed away a few months ago. The car was given to me by my mother and I, in turn, gave it to him seven years ago to give him something to do as his wife had passed. He tore the car completely down, powder coated the frame and rear end. Re-did the flathead beautifully. I'm know he was working on the car when he felt badly the day he had his heart attack.

I didn't really like the car all that much, but it will never leave my family. I know which direction he was headed in and I'll follow that.

I did look at your thread and Fat47's walkthrough. It's very helpful, but a complete shame about the extra work involved just because of a quality control issue at Fatman Fab's shop. Well...if life was easy I'd be a politician.

Thanks again, guys.

 

Wow, I love hearing the stories behind our cars, and yours certainly hits close to home.

I was never a Shoebox nut. Not that I didn't like them, I was just more of a hot rod (late 20's through early 40's) kind of guy. I LOVED customs, just didn't see myself in one for many years. Now I'm officially a Shoebox nut!

I wouldn't be so quick to blame Fat Man and their quality control. Parts made in mass quantities 63 years ago were not made to the tolerances they are now, and with '49 being the first year of the IFS I'll bet several changes were made in those first 12 months. Different factories, different processes, etc. I've not heard anyone else have this problem, so it just might be your OEM stuff.

Good luck with the build, we expect LOTS of pictures!

 

I had very good luck with the uprights and steering arms I bought from fatman around 2008 or so. Bolted right in. maybe this is a later batch? bummer though!

 

You both are right...I shouldn't and don't blame Fatman. Your point about QC in the forties is a good one. I got the parts, so now I need to make them work. We're not playing tetris...these are old cars. 'nuff said

 

I had to drill mine out a bit. It will hold fine.

 

I take it back...After spending a morning modding Fatman's parts to fit this Saturday, I'd have to not recommend buying them. If you do, make sure you have some new grinding disks, because besides drilling out the mounting holes just to get the steering arms mounted, you'll have to grind off nearly a 1/4 inch of meat off of the gusset to get good clearance for the wheel to turn.

Now, that's just the get it to retro-fit your stock parts. If you have a disc brake conversion kit you'll have to get to grinding again. That part is not Fatman's problem, but it was a necessity nonetheless.