Project 58 Indian

[entourageguy]

Here is something to read

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...&highlight=mii

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by entourageguy

Here is something to read

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...&highlight=mii

Entourageguy and I are both members on the HAMB site where this posting is from. I've gone back and forth with a few different fabricators on this site about the preferred M2 kit. Below are some of the comments made about the Fatman kit:

"in my opinion FATMANN SUCKS! week design, control arms are pourly made, Stick with ART Morrison All Chrome molly TIG WEDLED , and so on. & the estetics of the front end you cant beat it. FAT MAN use's a "T" bolt design on the upper control arm /top hat, GARENTEED your upper control arm will slide,, there for you'll need to realighn the car/ truck there is no stopping this from happening unless you machine stops and weld them on and use a set srcew to hold them in place"

I asked him about Heidt's setup and he replied with:

"As long as its not a "T" bolt design / upper "A" Arm ,, bet Yes Art Morrison all the way."

I'd love to hear more comments about the kits that are available for our trucks. I was going to purchase the Heidt's kit next week, but now Prostreeter has me back on the fence!

[prostreeter58]

I think it all boils down to ...........what you are most comfortable with. You will get 10 different opinions from 10 different people you ask. I am sure that there is something that someone can say bad or good about each product. I personally am happy with the fatman product and I don't see any of the issues that were quoted from another hobbiest. If you get a chance, check out the pics in my posting on the 59 chevy build that I did. Hopefully it will show proof to contradict his statements made perviously. Anyway good luck with your decision and if I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to ask.

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by prostreeter58

I think it all boils down to ...........what you are most comfortable with. You will get 10 different opinions from 10 different people you ask. I am sure that there is something that someone can say bad or good about each product. I personally am happy with the fatman product and I don't see any of the issues that were quoted from another hobbiest. If you get a chance, check out the pics in my posting on the 59 chevy build that I did. Hopefully it will show proof to contradict his statements made perviously. Anyway good luck with your decision and if I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to ask.

I'd love to hear the problems you ran into with the Heidt's kit, because Art Morrison is the only thing that is bullet-proof.

[prostreeter58]

The problem I encountered with the heidts kit was many moons ago.......the geometry of the whole unit just wasn't right. Never could get a good alignment or ride out of the front end. But like I said, it was a long time ago and I would imagine that the problem has been corrected over time. It is just one of those things, once you have a problem with something like that, it tends to make you shy away from that particular brand. Like you are doing now, gather as much information as you can, and then make the best decision you can with what you have..............

[Jonboy]

FWIW, the 71-77 Impala/caprice frame section is exactly the same width as the frames on the 55-59. You can usually pick those up for next to nothing, and get an engine/trans as well from the same car. You will have to graft the front of teh frame back on and make some closure plates, but it isn't too bad.

[sighlurr]

Removed the cab and bed from the frame this last weekend and finally ordered the Heidt's kit.

Also had the RV pad poured today.

[sighlurr]

A few updates.

I finished my epoxy floor and also bought a '50 5 window. I know, but I couldn't pass on this one.

The '58 will be up for sale once the Heidt's crossmember is finished and she's put back together.

[Bigblue29]

Are you going to finish the chop on the 50? Looks like you've got a lot of projects goin on!

[pgf545]

I did a Heidts on my dads 52, but we haven't driven it yet. Actually I don't even have it together...lol. It was really easy to install and the quality looked good. It does have the T bolts for the upper crossmember so I am not sure how that is going to work out. I am a machinist by trade and if we start having troubles I am sure I can fix it.

Bernie

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by Bigblue29

Are you going to finish the chop on the 50? Looks like you've got a lot of projects goin on!

No, I'm not into the chops. I've got a new, cleaner cab and a set of '51 doors. I wanted the wind wing.

[hotrodsbyray]

jonboy - i never saw the caprice used. any photos of a build using that or any other info on it?

[Az. Hank]

Those U Haul trailers were just made to haul old trucks........

[50adrod]

Originally Posted by Az. Hank

Attachment 454232
Those U Haul trailers were just made to haul old trucks........

nice find, that thing looks complete

[fleetsidefive8]

good project choice. and yes rocket sides rule!

[sighlurr]

Frame back from powdercoater.

This will likely be put together and posting in the Classifieds Section in 3 weeks or so.

[Tx Firefighter]

Quite a lively discussion on MII here huh ? I realize you chose Heidts already.

But, to add something to this for anyone else looking out there for a MII setup. I have ran Fatman's for literally over 100k miles on my own personal projects. Never a complaint. If I ever do another MII front end, it will be Fatman's again.

As far as the T-bolt deal....The Pintos and Mustang IIs of the world have driven BILLIONS of miles using them. They flat work.

Quoted from above...."in my opinion FATMANN SUCKS! week design, control arms are pourly made, Stick with ART Morrison All Chrome molly TIG WEDLED , and so on. & the estetics of the front end you cant beat it. FAT MAN use's a "T" bolt design on the upper control arm /top hat, GARENTEED your upper control arm will slide,, there for you'll need to realighn the car/ truck there is no stopping this from happening unless you machine stops and weld them on and use a set srcew to hold them in place"

I have a hard time taking that poster too seriously. His spelling and grammar are awful. That makes me think he is uneducated and probably doesn't have too firm a grasp on engineering. I trust those Ford engineers who designed the T bolt arrangement. I know none of mine have ever slipped alignment.

[sighlurr]

I agree with you on grammar, kind of makes you think.

I know I beat this one to death, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't cutting any corners and did it the right way for this build. I'm very anti front clip chop, but I think any aftermarket IFS (Dakota, C4, etc) is money well spent.

[sighlurr]

Picked up a project hauler today that I found on Craigslist. Rust-free '70 with a '67/'68 front clip.

'58 should be put back together by the end of next weekend.

[sighlurr]

Coming back together, I ran out of time this afternoon but wanted to post some pictures.

I'm also officially putting this up for sale in the Classifieds section.

[sighlurr]

Boom goes the dynamite.

[bensimmons_05]

Can I have it please?

[OYMC]

Wow...This is the first time I have seen this truck from it's begining stages... You have really come a long way, and have done an amazing job D...Keep up the excellent work! Can't wait to see how your 50 PU Turns out!

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by hotrodsbyray

jonboy - i never saw the caprice used. any photos of a build using that or any other info on it?

Sorry Ray, I don't get over here much. That was about 15 years ago, so no pics. It was done pretty much like you would do a camaro/firebird clip, except we had a Caprice sitting there. A little measuring, and the rails of the 55 were the same width as the caprice frame. We had the cab on the frame, and centered the wheels in the wheel wells. Unfortunately, the truck was sold before it was finished, so I don't have any details of how stuff like the steering column, ride height, etc. worked out.

dsigh, good luck with your sale. That will make someone a great project.

[sighlurr]

Thanks guys.