1934 Plymouth Fatman Clip Installation - Fat Reduction

8 The old and the new, front to front. As well as suspension towers to accept the Mustang II hardware, the new clip includes the radiator core support bracketry and bumper mounts in the front of the 'rails, allowing it to re-mount in the stock location.

9 In order to check for fit, the new clip was raised into place on the floor jack and clamped to the old 'rails. The core support jig was also bolted in position.

10 The clip was checked for level side to side...

11 ... as well as front to rear, using a digital level on the core support jig. This had previously been leveled when it was installed.

12 The stock 'rails were slightly wider than the 4x2-inch box section Fatman Fabrications uses for their clips, so they are supplied with this split, allowing the inside faces of the new and old parts to be aligned. The stock 'rail on this side is slightly twisted, though the other side was perfectly vertical. This was corrected during the installation.

13 Satisfied that everything would align as intended, the clip was removed and the ends of the original 'rails dressed to ensure they were perfectly vertical and ready for welding.

14 Included in the "kit" are these gusset plates that are welded to the inside of the original 'rails, helping align the new clip, and providing a "backing" for the weld. The instructions call for a 1/4-inch gap between the new and old 'rails to be filled with weld. Obviously, a MIG welder is intended to be used for this, however, CCHR uses TIG welding for all their chassis work, so they made sure the gap was significantly smaller.

15 Proctor drilled 1/2-inch holes in the inner and outer faces of the new and old 'rails, and clamped the gusset plates in place before plug welding them to the old 'rails through the holes.

16 Confident everything would align, the new clip was installed, and checked again for level. A 1/2x1/2-inch length of box section was temporarily welded across the front of the 'rails and a centerline established, in order for diagonal measurements to be taken to ensure everything was square before final welding commenced.

17 Again the frame was checked for level in both directions. It cannot be stressed enough that you can't do this too many times!

18 To prevent any movement (and before checking for level once again), two temporary "legs" were welded from the front of the new 'rails to the floor, as well as a diagonal brace from the right front 'rail to the center of the jig.

19 With everything braced and measured as much as possible without attaching the chassis to a frame table, Proctor commenced welding the clip to the stock framerails, welding a short section at a time and skipping from side to side to prevent heat buildup and distortion.