Fatman Fab or Jamco

Okay, here we go.  I've got my eye on a bone stock '49 shoebox, but I want to moderately customize it.  I want to lower it to start, and was wondering if anyone has done the same with the above manufacturers.  Keep in mind that this will be a daily driver, and I'm not a car mechanic (sheet metal worker by trade).  I'm also looking to warm up the flathead, but that's another topic for another time.  Thanks for any help you guys can give me.  

don't wast money on the fatman frame and the mustang ft end. I have read many forums that after they do they are not satisfied.
to lower you can use ft lowering blocks or lowering spindles.
I have used both with good results.
but you should be sure you ft end is in good first.
I just install a70 ford 1/2ton power steering in a 51 merc WORKS GREAT.
before you spend any money have your motor for cracks most are cracked, costly to fix  

My opinion is to go the mustang II route. I have not heard any negative about fatman I'm running heidts on my car and I drive mountain roads love the ride and the handling keep asking around mustang II is much better for several reasons one in my opinion is steering response and ease of brake conversions  

My experience is with the Jamco Ultra Cruise, which has worked well in a '51 Vicky with a small block Ford. It comes with springs, shocks, sway bar and all hardware to install.  I have been on the road wit it for over 15 years and have had no complaint.  I also use a power brake system that I bought from Jamco.

I have not been able to find a suitable rack steering set up with the original front end.  I am told that the previous issue of St Rodder had an article covering that.  If anyone has info for me I would appreciate it very much  

Did one fatman install (customer aquired) on a 51 Merc and was shocked when the air was let out of the bags you could not steer it anymore as the tie rods made contact with the frame, bags ran less than 1/4" from the sharp ground welds on the cross member and the supplied sway bar could not be installed as the bags covered the holes.
Unfortunately the response/ support from the manufacturer salesman was less than satisfying for my customer.

Your doing the right thing by doing a fair amount of research. I would also ask for customer referrals in my area and go there and talk to them and inspect the installed and functioning unit in a car to see for your self how the unit that you are thinking about buying looks and work. This way you can also get the customers opinion of drivability and manufacturer support/ warranty/ engineering skills.

You and your familys life is worth a little research.

Mike

www.Customikes.com  
It's only metal, It does not know if it is on a 50 Merc, or on a Lambo. Make it do what you want.

Thanks for the help guys.  I am leaning away from the Fatman at this stage, but I will do a lot more research.  Thanks again.  

I have a 50 ford sedan & used a complete Jamco Ultra-
cruise suspension kit which was a complete bolt-on that I did in a couple of weeks by myself at home. 5 years later, I am pleased with it, only problem is with power brake under-floor unit which hangs down so low that it will hit going in & out of driveways, I had to modify it & raise it up higher. I added a power rack & pinion, using a kit from Fatman. It uses a 89-90 chevy cavilier rack & pinion unit; it woks great. I understand he offers a kit to use a volvo steering box also. I have a small block 302 ford, C-4 & 9 inch ford rear end.
I hope this helps all of you.