The wrenches are starting to turn on our friend Joe's '51 Fleetline project and we're pretty excited. After the previous owners had the near-stock Chevy hauled to Los Angeles from the eastern U.S. a bunch of years ago, there hadn't been much progress on the car. Joe owns it now and is eager to build it up into a mild custom and get it back on the road where it belongs. The plans are to keep it low-key. That means keeping the inline-six engine and the stock three-on-the-tree transmission and a generally stock look, but making a few upgrades to let the Fleetline compete with 2008 traffic on Southern California freeways and streets.
The first finished upgrade was a Fatman Fabrications Stage II hub-to-hub front suspension setup. We were at CMC Designs to follow along as Craig Chaffers and Jake Encinas pulled out the stock suspension and assembled the new Mustang II kit. They had already removed the inner fenderwells when we got there, so the car was on jackstands and the stock suspension was ready to come out. The installation on the new pieces was straightforward and quick, but, as with many hot rod projects, there was a lot of preparation work required before that could happen. Take a look at what's involved in the job.
When we got to the shop, the...
When we got to the shop, the components from the Fatman Stage II hub-to-hub frontend kit were laid out on the bench, ready to go.
A length of angle bar was...
A length of angle bar was temporarily welded across the 'rails to brace the frame, keep everything level, and prevent things from shifting after the frontend was pulled out.
The centerline is equally...
The centerline is equally critical when positioning the shock hats on top of the 'rails. The hats must be mounted on the axle centerline as well as at the proper distance left to right.
Placed in position on the...
Placed in position on the 'rails, the centerline of the hats was determined and marked (arrow). As you can see, the inside edge of the hat is cut at an angle that positions the hat at a rear downward rake on the frame.
A gusseted spacer, included...
A gusseted spacer, included in the kit, was welded to the rear side of the new crossmember at each end and will be used to mount the rearward tube of each lower control arm.
A notch needed to be cut into...
A notch needed to be cut into the inside edge of each hat in order for them to fit flush over the framerails. Because 'rail widths vary, the notches are not cut by Fatman.
The original crossmember on...
The original crossmember on '49-54 Chevys attaches to mounting brackets (Fatman calls them "V" brackets) located on the outside of the 'rails (one on each side).
You can see the notch in the...
You can see the notch in the hat better (arrow) from underneath. Also note the crossmember MIG-welded to the 'rails with the gusseted spacer pointing to the rear.
Jake cut triangular 3/16-inch...
Jake cut triangular 3/16-inch metal gussets and welded them to the hat and 'rails to provide additional support.
The upper control arms were...
The upper control arms were fastened to the shock towers. The arms were bolted from underneath, with the nuts on top. This setup, along with the slotted mounting holes, allows for easy caster and camber adjustment after everything is assembled.
The kit also includes rack-and-pinion...
The kit also includes rack-and-pinion steering, and tie-rod ends. Power steering is available, but a manual system is being installed on the Chevy.
Although the hats are angled...
Although the hats are angled from front to back, the side-to-side angle must be kept horizontal. The tubing was removed once the hats were TIG-welded to the 'rails.
Standard-height spindles came...
Standard-height spindles came with the package Craig ordered for the Fleetline, but he may swap them for Fatman 2-inch dropped spindles before the project is finished.
After much anticipation, it...
After much anticipation, it was time to assemble and install the lower tubular A-arms. The shock mounting plate and urethane spring support was added to the lower arms.
With the tires remounted,...
With the tires remounted, it gives you an idea of what the final result looks like.