Fatmanfab ????

[iamlance]

Hey all , newb here. I just bought a 65 fastback and want to update the brakes and suspension. I read through all of the old posts here and saw the Fatmanfab link. I like the fatman kit better than the rest because it uses all late model parts that are easily obtainable. I have not found a review of this setup anywhere. Has anyone here installed it or know someone who did?? I spoke to a sales person at Fatman today and he could not tell me where to find a reference. Thanks for any help!!

 

[1320stang]

I think the reason being is, you have to spend 2 grand, then find all the late model parts. Too damn much money I think. I like the RRS system better, but it's pricey too.

 

[iamlance]

The RSS parts are viscous expensive!! I'm thinking at 2K for the Fatman parts and another $600.00 for a rack and used spindles, brakes etc, this might be the least expensive way to get power rack and pinion steering and upgraded brakes / suspension. Still mighty expensive tho. I sure would like 2 read a review of someone that installed and road tested this set up.

 

[1320stang]

Only setup I know of is on the Ebay Mustang that Rad Rides did. If you'll give me the cash, I'll buy it, drive it, then write and article for you.

I think it looks a little spindley myself. You also have to come up with the struts and if you don't have front disc already, a different M/C. I think the Escort Tempo R&P is power only. So you'll also have to come up with a pump and bracketry and hoses. I think you'll be into it for well over $3k by the time your done. JMO

 

[tlrdynes]

I'll give you the low-down. The fatman kit does cost a bit of money, however, if you add up parts from all the other alternatives, they all cost a lot of money. Examples, Global west kit costs ~$1000 just for the upper and lower control arms, no disc brakes, rack and pinion, and without the strut rods. TCP coilovers cost $2000+ and don't include steering or brakes and you can't do anything to the shock towers if you so choose. RRS also has a strut style suspension like the Fatman, but it doesn't include rack and pinion or a tilt column. Also, with RRS, you need to use their stuff, ie. rotors and calipers and struts, and they don't make it obvious as to whether or not you can buy replacement parts at the store on the corner. Mustang II from Heidts is well known. Their kit costs over 2000 and gives you rack and pinion and disc brakes, it even lets you completely get rid of the shock towers. However, a lot of fab and welding is required to install this system and it moves the engine up and forward causing hood and radiator clearance issues, not to mention an undesireable shift in engine mass forward. It's not easy if you choose to return your stang to stock after this is installed. There are more out there that also cost the same or more for less features.
Second point, not all is good with the fatman kit. The steering kit that is included in the setup is to fit a tempo escort rack. The input to the rack is very close to the middle, so the steering column shaft practically runs through the engine, forget about anything other than stock cast iron manifolds.
Third, if you're shaped anything like me (6'1") not having a tilt wheel sucks, which the fatman kit also provides you with. Not to mention you can buy spare parts at Ford, Checkers, or even the salvage yard if you want to save money.
I have seen The Mustang Shop install this kit on several different year Mustangs. It is a very good shop and I know of 4 of their mustangs that have been featured in mags like Mustang and Fords and Mustangs Monthly. The biggest and only criticism from them is that of the use of a tempo rack. They have actually improved upon the design and have made a rack that utilizes a Taurus rack and pinion. This setup even cleared the 03 Cobra motor and provided excellent handling, and braking.
I hope this helps and I have done extensive research so if there are more questions I can try to help.

 

[HHStang]

I like and have the Rod & Custom kit.

 

[reenmachine]

I spoke to a sales person at Fatman today and he could not tell me where to find a reference.

Perhaps you should think about that a bit...

K.A.R. has done the front strut conversion a couple of times now (614.294.4433). It is a lot more expensive than Fatman leads you to believe once you actually gather all of the parts you need; in fact it doesn't cost much less (or even more, depending on your parts sources) than RRS, which is very high-end hardware.

It did turn out to work well though and the cars ride and handle great.

 

[reenmachine]

Heidts...moves the engine up and forward causing hood and radiator clearance issues, not to mention an undesireable shift in engine mass forward.

I don't know why so many people say this. I have installed many Heidt's MII systems and have not had this experience at all. I took a ton of measurements to check this exact thing and the engine is right where it used to be. How could the engine have moved forward and the tranny still bolt up to the same spot???

 

[jterry831]

I like the looks of the fatman kit because if you want to get crazy, you swap out the coilovers for late model Airide shockwaves. I am looking at air ride suspension for handling and looks, but I don't know if Air Ride Technologies kit they have or the fatman kit switched to air ride would be better and more cost effective. I like the use of late model brakes on the fatman kit as well.

I'm not in a place to get either one yet, but just what I have running through my head.

 

[willyv]

I'm new here, so if there is a thread covering this, somebody please point me. How does the Fatman handle vs the RRS? I have put a R&C MII on a 66 Ranchero and it's great! I particularly like the tighter turning radius but it is not a handler. Car feels very whippy but I will probably be able to stiffen it over time. I also have a 68 vert with a negative wedge kit, shelby drop, progressive coils and TCP R&P. Great improvement but still needs something but I have no clue what. I'm building a 65 T code fastback and want it to handle the canyons but not to race. I was leaning toward a Global West or TCP but suspect the struts may be better. Help!?

 

[entdoc]

My 67 FB restomod has the Fatman setup with the Tempo rack and it clears the 5.0 with shorties without problem. bone yard are full of strut and brake pieces for these things and I found them to be dirt cheap. I am not saying it is better or worse than other setups but it can be done for way less than many others. The Flaming river column is nice also. chuck