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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

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    10/02/2017 9:09 PM  #1

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 1,493

    Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Final problem cropped up today that put any possibility of driving the Mustang to Florida Bash. Sad but I am glad it happened here and not on the road. 

    ​Took it back to automotive shop to have them look at the camber or toe in. Something was way off. Came back several hours and they were changing out the camber bolts for better ones. Called several hours later. Mechanic was lost. Apparently they would adjust toe, take a test drive and it would be good for a few miles then start screaming hot rubber sounds again. Readjust, test drive, screaming again.. Rinse and repeat. 

    ​I called Fatman Fab and gave them the symptoms to their tech desk. GUy on the phone was apparently tier one support. he mumbled some BS stuff. I told him I would call from the shop and would need an expert on the phone with the mechanics. Phone call from shop made. Got the better expert talking to the lead mechanic. 

    ​Badda Bing Badda Boom. Info from Fatman. "Oopsies since the time you bought your front end kit we had to make an engineering design change that caused all problems you are currently experiencing. "

    ​To Fatman's credit they are replacing all parts and updating all parts that are causing the issues free of charge 4 years after I purchased the kit. So they are standing behind their product even this late in owning it. I did remind them that I was the Mustang that they use on their website and Mustang Monthly for advertising. The owner stated that they will pay for shipping both ways and make sure I am taken care of. They apologized for us missing taking our car on an important trip. 

    ​Problem is caused by the front caliper bracket that the outer tie rods connect to. The geometry is such that when in reverse and you crank the wheel all the way to the right, the tie rod and rack assembly gets into a bind and ends up tearing itself apart by bending. They have since rectified this issue, but somehow didn't push this change out to all previous buyers. 

    ​I have to send them the rack and pinion for them to rebuild and upgrade the parts. 

    So I tried to rent a Mustang from Hertz, but there are no Mustangs available at this time. I could have gotten a Camero though. Didn't think that would go over well. So I rented a Toyota. Free rental for a week because of points I have with them. 

     

    10/02/2017 9:26 PM  #2

    HudginJ3
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    From: Cedar Hill, TX
    Registered: 4/29/2015
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    What a bummer, but as you said glad it didn't happen on the road. We'll see you in couple of days.

    70, ragtop 351W/416 stroker Edel Performer heads w pro flow 4, Comp roller 35-421-8. T5
     

    10/02/2017 10:08 PM  #3

    Hornman
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    From: Mansfield, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Born under a bad sign.

    See you Wednesday.

     

    10/03/2017 5:00 AM  #4

    Don
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    From: Coppell, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    I had to join the club of not taking the mustang. My emberglo girl is in the pits with bad electrical issues, we are now driving the Honda crv. 

     

    10/03/2017 5:13 AM  #5

    Bolted to Floor
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    From: Houston, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    At least you guys are safe. You're not on side of the road broke down and it didn't come apart at speed. See y'all in a few days.

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

    10/03/2017 9:31 AM  #6

    Michael H.
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    From: Laurel, MS
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    I'm bummed to hear that, but glad you're still coming.

     

    10/03/2017 11:31 AM  #7

    Steve69
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    From: Madison Wisconsin
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    I remember some issues with Fatman and problems with alignment changing.  Not sure if yours is related but it sounds similar.  I brought a KIA in 2014 just as long as you park is 1/2 mile away your ok...LOL

    Steve69

     

    10/03/2017 1:50 PM  #8

    Glens 1965 50
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    From: Tomball,Tx
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    The last Fl bash I had to show up in a Honda Accord.   But I must say I still have that old car for a beater at 351,000 miles.

     

    10/03/2017 2:31 PM  #9

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,313

    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Better to leave it home than break down on the road. But think of the missed photo op. Like Glen's 65 5.0 dead in front of Mt Rushmore. We could have gotten your car with busted tie rod in fron of the battleship in Mobile.

    Hard to believe they did not know their product was faulty from the very first installation. Seems it would have been checked in every possible suspension/steering position. Glad to hear they are providing improved parts.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    10/03/2017 5:54 PM  #10

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Sorry for your troubles Ed, but it's better off...and so are Anna and you...leaving it home.  Bring the Kia and we'll see you in Jackson, MS tomorrow eve.

    ​BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    10/03/2017 9:43 PM  #11

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    I pulled the Rack and Pinion box out this morning and boxed it up for them to rebuild. Should be back here by the time the Bash is over, but I probably won't have time to work on ti when I get back. Directly back out for a month's work in Georgia. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    10/03/2017 9:44 PM  #12

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    These should be straight and not at weird angles.

       •Thread Starter
     

    10/03/2017 9:46 PM  #13

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

       •Thread Starter
     

    10/03/2017 10:41 PM  #14

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Sorry to hear the blue "Beast" aint gunna make it. Was sorta lookin forward to pullin your door panels off and havin a go at the door rods.
    Maybe its the blue. Bet BB is glad his is turquoise.

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    10/05/2017 11:24 AM  #15

    ChrisH IA
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    From: Des Moines, Iowa
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 43

    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    Ya' know, I discovered a 'pattern'. EVERYTHING I've added to my '68 Mustang has eventually become a problem. From the electronic ignition (Thermo king) that failed on highway 666 in New Mexico (during my honeymoon) to the 'reverberator' back in the 70's that caught fire, it seems to me that Ford actually had the options under control.  Yeah, if an automobile has a 'soul', the Mustang is it. You doubt? I KNOW if I go out to the shed and start winding on the starter, she WILL start and be ready to 'Play'.

     

    10/05/2017 12:06 PM  #16

    whlnut
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    From: Brunswick, GA
    Registered: 4/02/2013
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    What is the change to correct geometry? I have the same problem, but thought it was from the inner part of the right tire rubbing on the lower lip of the sub frame.

     

    10/05/2017 4:28 PM  #17

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    wlnut if you have one of these kits that is several years old, call fatman fab 704-4-545-0369 press option 4 and ask to speak to Keith. Tell him your issues your having. They should send you the corrected parts. 
    ​The issue is where the connection at the wheel from the tie rod. If you look from underneath the car it points forward, so when you go in reverse and crank the wheel, it binds it up and it feels like the wheel is crawling up on the frame. This binding will eventually put a permanent bend in the tie rod piece on the rack and pinion. 
    ​The fix I think is to make a different bracket that puts the connection point further to the rear and inward. Keith told me this also fixes the horrible turning radius that I have. 
    They are rebuilding the rack and pinion unit for free and shipping me the new parts. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    10/11/2017 6:32 PM  #18

    Mochaman
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    From: Royse City, Texas
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    Re: Anna and I are still coming but the Mustang decided it didn't want to.

    I am in Georgia for a month for work. Got to call Fatman Fab Keith while driving from Columbia SC to Augusta. He already received the Rack I sent him and rebuilt it. Said that he rebuilt the Rack and changed the stops on the Rack to give another inch to the travel on each side. Plus with the steering arm location change he assured me the car's turn radius is greatly improved. I told him to take his time, that I won't be home until early November to install everything. 
    ​Everytime I have had to deal with Fatman Fab they are very responsive and make sure I get what I am asking for. 
    ​

       •Thread Starter
     

     

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