1950 Plymouth Three Window Coupe - Ram Rodder: Part I - Tech

Before the frame was modified, angle iron braces were welded to the rack and bolted to the frame horns through the bumper mount holes. The centerline of the spindles and the radiator support holes were located and marked on the rack for future reference. The engine hoist would be used to pick the frame section out of the way once the 'rails were cut.

According to the instructions from Fatman Fabrications the framerails were to be cut 17 inches from the center of the front body mount hole. To get the suspension out of the way, we cut the `rails longer with a reciprocating saw

With the `rails cut the bolts were removed from the braces then the front suspension was lifted up and out of the way.

The stock steering gear attached to the inside of the left framerail with bolts from the outside. An internal support kept it from collapsing when the bolts were tightened. As the new frame stub fits inside the original support had to be removed--a torch was used to cut the weld that secured it.

With the suspension removed the 'rails were cut to the proper length then holes were drilled in the sides for rosette welds.

The Fatman stubs were slipped into the 'rails and bolted to the braces that had been welded to the rack. Once both stubs were in place they were measured lengthwise and diagonally to make sure they were located accurately.

As the stubs aren't quite as wide or deep as the stock 'rails, Fatman supplied "wedges" to blend the bottoms of them together.

With the wedges welded in place slits were cut in the framerails, then C-clamps were used to close the gap between the `rails and the stubs.

The stubs were tack welded, the measurements checked again, and welding was then completed. We've yet to add the crossmember that mounts the radiator support. Eventually there will be tubes extending from the front of the frame to a firewall hoop tied to the roll bar.

For a rear axle assembly we chose a Currie 9-inch. We had the brackets for the Morrison suspension components welded on when the housing was built.

To locate the rearend we chose tried and true ladder bars from Art Morrison. Threaded adjusters on the bottom legs of the bars allow the pinion angle to be adjusted.

The ladder bars' lengths were equalized by adjusting the ends until bolts would slide through the holes of each pair of attachment points.

For lateral location we'll use a Morrison Panhard bar assembly.

The stock parallel semi-elliptic springs will be replaced with Morrison coilovers. Adjustable lower mounts allow the ride height to be changed quickly and easily.

To simplify positioning for the new axle housing we set the housing on a set of pads on the original springs. A pair of tall stands were used to push the springs up simulating ride height, then the housing was centered between the 'rails.