Fatman Chassis Build - Fast Frame

The crossmember and upper control arm bracket are now finish-welded in place, so we are ready to mount the Fatman suspension components.

The lower control arm is bolted in place and raised to a perfectly level position to simulate final ride-height geometry. Note that the chassis is again upside down for this installation.

The front sway bar is now clamped in place and the drop link from the lower control arm to the sway bar is bolted in place.

Measurements ensure that both sway bar brackets are the exact distance from the end of the framerail. This prevents any unwanted binding of the bar.

The holes are drilled to locate the sway bar brackets and urethane bushings.

The framerail is tapped to accept the bolts; this process is tricky as the threads go through the wedge area so there are two walls inside the rail to tap.

Moving toward the center of the frame, the bracket for the master cylinder is welded in place, the clutch pedal will pivot on the outside of the frame.

The power master cylinder bolts to the pedal bracket and the brake line plumbing can begin.

Josh Layton painstakingly fit the brake lines tightly to the chassis and crossmember and it shows.

A Wilwood residual valve is used in the front and rear brake lines. Since the master cylinder is mounted low these valves prevent fluid bleed-back to the master cylinder.

This simple tool is made from a piece of flat stock steel and serves as a temporary clamp while locating the brake lines.

A small steel tab is welded to the chassis to locate steel line where it connects to the braided stainless steel flex hoses.

The completed suspension is now installed; Jason will install the coilover shocks and Wilwood brakes after painting the chassis and suspension components.

The new chassis is well designed, strong, and good looking. Fatman Fabrications can supply a pickup truck chassis in several different configurations from a bare frame to a complete roller.

The engine of choice has not been decided, so a set of motor mounts will be shipped with the frame. The mounts will be located after choosing a small-block, big-block or LS-series motor.