Tubular Lower Control Arm Manufacturer - long

[RodneyH]

You're correct Eric. Fatman has made a tubular copy of the original SVO lower control arms and the new arms came in at 2 pounds lighter. Will post pictures as soon as the UPS guy arrives!!!

[kennycoulter]

how much did they cost?

[RodneyH]

Nothing yet!! I need to contact fatman after I get the arms.

I was discussing a volume discount and he thought we would need to reach 50 pairs before he could get a break on bulk ordering of parts. If he does around 50 pairs, he can get a pallet of ball joints and bushings, other wise he pays more since the parts are packaged for individual sale.

As soon as I post pictures and get feedback, we can see how close we are to 50. If we hit 40 or so, I might considering buying the last 10 pairs (and become a LCA dealer!) just to get the discount. Why would we all want to buy 50 pairs individually and pay the full price?

I wonder if any of the SVO parts vendors would be interested in ordering a few pairs for their stock?

If D&D ever does get to production, (and Griggs has some options too) it may be difficult to reach 50 pairs, at which time we'll have to pay for low volume/custom arms.


Next step is to see the arms, so one thing at a time.

[RodneyH]

They're here.....

I hope the pictures show the detail of the quality workmanship. In my opinion, they look great.

Attached is a picture of the Fatman arm from the top.

[RodneyH]

They're here.....

...and from the bottom

[RodneyH]

They're here.....

one more pic showing OEM vs. Fatman

[Eyelawdoc]

Those look great! How long until we get a first drive report?

[kennycoulter]

awesome. did they give you a price? if you get 50 a little from now(im completely broke right now) ill go for that. that is a replaceable ball joint right?

[RodneyH]

Eyelawdoc,

It's going to have to warm up a little around here before I start tearing into it!!! Single digit temps are just a bit too cold. Besides I need to order a new set of Konis now too.

As soon as it warms up, I'll get going. I might actually have a chance of completeing my project deadline of 'Spring'!

[RodneyH]

Kenny,

Yes they are replaceable ball joints, but I don't plan on thinking about replacing them for a looong time once I get the arm installed!

[GAboySVO]

Rodney,

They look great. Good job getting the LCAs produced. My only concern would be the angle clip where the endlinks mount. It seems to me that a small gusset added to the angle piece would solve it.

What is the weight difference between the old and new?

[Eyelawdoc]

Rod ,

You are absolutely right. It is much too cold in your part of the country to even consider installing the arms until Spring.

Instead, you need to send them to me at once here in sunny SoCal, so I can install them on MY SVO and give everybody a drive report ASAP!

Just kidding!

[indiana dave]

Great looking piece!
I agree with Gaboy... that endlink mount looks kinda weak. Otherwise, They are awsome. And they are 2 lbs. lighter than stock? COOL!
It seems like you could also lose some of the steel under the spring perch to save more weight. I wonder if Fatman would include custom orders in the quantity discount? Maybe make some from aluminum, and with offsets that move the wheels forward and/or out like many aftermarket arms do.
When I get back to work, I will be in the market for some LCAs, and these seem like the most vaible option.

[RodneyH]

SVO Fatman LCA answers

Here's a list of answers to questions that have been asked lately.

Yes - the ball joint is replaceable. It's a 84-94 Mark VII ball joint.

Yes - a gusset for the endlink is possible, however Fatman feels the radiused angle that was used should be strong enough. If you want a gusset, you can have a gusset.

No - Aluminum arms. It's a cost issue. If you're independently wealthy I'm sure Fatman will work with you but get ready to write out some blank checks.

Yes - Offsets are possible, but obviously it will fall under the 'custom' category and cost/fitment will be your liability.

Yes- According to Fatman the arms come in at 2 pounds lighter.

Price - direct from Fatman without a volume discount will be $750 plus 7% shipping. Available for immediate order.

??? - Volume discount, I've contacted some parts vendors and kept track of people who said they would be interested and I don't see us near the 50 pairs.

[lonchair]

Those things look great!

My question to add to the mix would be if the arms could be ordered with a ball joint to fit an SN95 spindle?


I wonder what has taken the D&D process so long. You got a pretty turn around from Fatman concidering the length of time of the D&D process Caroth is heading up.