Frame Setup & Installation Instructions - Art Morrisonartmorrison.com/...Installation-Instructions.pdf · ART MORRISON ENTERPRISES, INC 5301 8TH STREET EAST FIFE, WASHINGTON, 98424

ART MORRISON ENTERPRISES, INC 5301 8TH STREET EAST FIFE, WASHINGTON, 98424 (800) 929-7188 www.artmorrison.com (253) 922-7188 FAX (253) 922-8847

Frame Setup & Installation Instructions

1949-54 Chevrolet

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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3

Body Mounting ............................................................................................................... 3

Engine Fitment ................................................................................................................ 4

Transmission Fitment ..................................................................................................... 4

Steering Column & Linkage ............................................................................................. 4

Brake Lines ...................................................................................................................... 5

Wheels & Tires ................................................................................................................ 5

Axle Housings .................................................................................................................. 5

Frame Fit and OEM Tolerances....................................................................................... 5

Frame & Component Installation & Setup ..................................................................... 6

Alignment Specifications ................................................................................................ 7

Post-Drive Checklist ........................................................................................................ 8

1949-54 Chevrolet Wheel Size and Offset Specs ............................................................ 9

205mm Front/205mm Rear Tire Example .................................................................... 10




245mm Front/295mm Rear Multilink IRS Tire Example ............................................... 14

1949-52 & 53-54 Chassis Comparison .......................................................................... 15

Important: Lifting a Vehicle with Two-Post Lifts ......................................................... 16

Steering Rack Technical Information ............................................................................ 17

DSE/Mustang Rack Steering Stop Information ............................................................. 19

Rear Coilover Installation .............................................................................................. 20

Rear Sway Bar Installation ............................................................................................ 21

Front Sway Bar Installation ........................................................................................... 22

Front Lower Control Arm Installation ........................................................................... 23

Front Upper Control Arm Installation ........................................................................... 24

Ball Joint Cap Installation .............................................................................................. 25

Optional Equipment: Stainless Brake Line Kit .............................................................. 26

Optional Equipment: Brake Proportioning Valve Mount Kit ....................................... 34

Optional Equipment: LS Polyurethane Motor Mount Kit ............................................ 35

Optional Equipment: LS Rubber Motor Mount Kit ...................................................... 37

Optional Equipment: Axle Housing Vent Kit ................................................................ 39

Fastener Information & Torque Specifications ............................................................ 40

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Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of your Art Morrison Enterprises GT Sport chassis. This frame is the result of

many years of chassis and suspension design experience. In an effort to make your project progress smoothly,

we have compiled this booklet containing instructions, notes and tips on removal of your current frame as well

as assembly and installation of your new GT Sport chassis.

Art Morrison Enterprises’ Engineering department has

developed an entirely exclusive design that provides

superior geometry with the Wilwood Pro Spindle.

Countless hours were spent utilizing computer modeling

and analysis to ensure the suspension provided on this

frame provides excellent performance yet fits the

packaging necessary 1949-54 Chevrolets.

The GT Sport frames follow the Art Morrison design

philosophy that combines simplicity and elegance. We

believe stiffening material and bracing should only be added as necessary because too much only leads to

additional weight. High stiffness can be obtained by geometric design and strategic placement rather than

adding material. The 1949-54 GT Sport chassis uses 2x4 material made specifically for Art Morrison Enterprises.

Body Mounting

The Art Morrison GT Sport chassis is a bolt-on frame, meaning it bolts to the body as the original frame did.

Please refer to a factory assembly manual for removal and assembly instructions.

Typical body mount kits are made of rubber and are widely available and any kit produced for a stock chassis will

work on a GT Sport frame. Body mounts can vary by material, from soft materials such as rubber to harder

materials such as aluminum.

All material options have their merits. Rubber body mounts can isolate vibrations and offer a quiet cabin, similar

to modern cars. These mounts however, act as a secondary spring between the suspension and body and add

body flex. People looking for a quiet, vibration free cabin should look into using rubber mounts. Those who are

looking for performance or running tight fender gaps should use harder materials.

Polyurethane and aluminum mounts can be grouped into the same category as their compressed stiffness is

fairly similar. Polyurethane mounts will isolate high frequency vibrations (which cause high pitched rattles)

slightly better than aluminum. However, aluminum mounts have the advantage of being highly accurate and are

ideal for high performance vehicles or those with tight fender gaps. Because of the zero compressibility of

aluminum mounts, consider running medium strength thread locker on the body bolts.

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The 1949-54 Chevrolet GT Sport chassis is available in both 1949-52 and 1953-54 configurations. While the

frames are similar in design, they are not interchangeable.

Engine Fitment Your new GT Sport frame will accept small block and LS-series Chevrolet engines. For proper fitment LS engines

require the use of adapter plates available only from Art Morrison Enterprises; the utilization of adapter plates

from other manufacturers may generate clearance issues. Due to the narrow front rail width of the 1949-54

chassis design, careful attention must be paid to the width of engine accessory drive. Also, pay particular

attention to the area left of the engine oil pan as this is where the steering rack will reside.

The engine oil pan design is critical for proper performance as well as trouble-free installation. Due to the

steering rack location, oil pans typically will need to have a minimum front depth. For small blocks, traditional

front pan depths (similar to stock) will be adequate. For LS engines, choose a pan that is similar to a 98-02 F-

Body or LS2 oil pan. For reference, front pan depths should be around 1-7/8”.

Transmission Fitment The GT Sport frame is designed to support modern manual and automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions

will require the use of a hydraulic throwout bearing which is made easy by an available hydraulic clutch pedal kit

from Art Morrison Enterprises.

Due to the size of modern transmissions, there is a possibility of requiring the transmission tunnel to be

modified.

Steering Column & Linkage

The stock steering column is directly connected to the steering box therefor it is good practice to use an

aftermarket column. An aftermarket steering column should be utilized for several reasons. First, the column

can be ordered in any length for maximum flexibility. Second, the welcome addition of a tilt feature and all new

components as well as zero steering shaft radial play makes these columns a convenient choice. Third, they

feature a 1” double-D end for easy linkage hook-up. A steering linkage kit that provides you with all the

necessary parts to connect an aftermarket column to the steering rack is available from Art Morrison

Enterprises.

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Brake Lines Art Morrison Enterprises offers a brake line kit to make this task easy and includes all necessary fittings and

clamps to provide fluid to the brake calipers. Due to the variety of braking systems, a short line will need to be

fabricated from the master cylinder or combination valve to the front and rear line kit which assumes firewall-

mounted brake pedals are employed. All line kits are made from 304 stainless steel and feature -03AN fittings

with all stainless hardware.

Wheels & Tires While the GT Sport’s hub track is similar to stock, there are other considerations to examine before using wheels

for a stock chassis. First, the brakes used on a GT Sport chassis requires close attention regarding overall

diameter and caliper offset. Second, the chassis will lower the car much more than stock and typically will

require slightly more positive offset. While Art Morrison Enterprises has gone to great lengths to ensure proper

wheel and tire fitment, variations can occur from vehicle assembly or modifications/repairs over the years that

affect fitment. Backspacing and proper fitment should be double checked before ordering wheels!

For a stock-type wheel and tire combo, 205mm tires can be used in front and rear without any fender

modifications. For a more performance-oriented approach, consider using 225mm front tires (8” wide rims) and

255mm rear tires (9” wide rims), but keep in mind this may require some trimming of the rear tubs and/or

fenders for proper clearance. For maximum grip, 245mm front tires (9” wide rims) and 295mm rear tires (11”

wide rims) should be used and will require rear minitubs to be installed flush to the rear rails.

Axle Housings

When ordering a GT Sport frame, several axle housing options are available. To make selection simple the

housing width can be specified to replicate stock (about 60-1/2” wheel mount width), 3” narrow, or a custom

width.

All axle housings are a modern rendition of a Ford 9” design. These housings include a brand new stamped

center section (Fab 9 is optional), 3” diameter 3/16” wall axle tubes, and forged tube ends. All housings are built

on a precise fixture that ensures proper wheel alignment.

Frame Fit and OEM Tolerances Art Morrison Enterprises has done extensive testing to ensure the frame matches OEM specifications while

maintaining much tighter tolerances than Ford’s specifications as produced over 60 years ago.

Over the years, these vehicles have been subjected to high miles, accidents, racing and lastly, time. Many of

these vehicles have been in accidents but the damage from which is no longer readily evident, however these

incidents may have severely distorted the location of body mounts. Even low mileage, pristine “survivor cars”

can suffer from body sag due to uneven spring settling. Due to these factors, the body mounts located on the

frame may be slightly different than those on the body shell. This is considered normal, and is often not an issue

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thanks to a large amount of adjustability. When fitting the frame to the body, shimming the body mounts is

recommended if a precise fit is desired.

The 1949-54 GT Sport chassis can be configured with either wide (stock) or narrow rear rail width. Frames with

stock-width rear rails will not require sheetmetal modification (except for possible access holes to be cut at the

upper rear shock mount) but will only accommodate a 255mm rear tire. Narrow width rails can accept up to

295mm rear tires but will require trunk sheetmetal modification.

The stock chassis hung below the body pinchweld approximately 1” in the rear, but less in the front. The GT

Sport chassis is designed to sit slightly above the pinchweld for a cleaner appearance. Due to floor sag, which is

common for vehicles of this age, the floor may rest on the center frame brace. If this is the case, place a thin

strip of rubber between the floor and chassis where contact resides to eliminate squeaks.

1953-54 models may require a ¼” spacer at the core support for proper fit. Some 1952 bodies may have the

rear wheel offset forward by ½” which replicates stock, other years will have the wheel centered in the wheel

arch.

Frame & Component Installation & Setup Frame removal and installation follow identical procedures between the stock frame and GT Sport frame. Refer

to the factory shop manuals for procedures and torque settings.

Prior to assembling the frame to body, all brake lines, fuel lines, parking brake cables, etc. should be attached.

To prevent interference later, it is imperative to be mindful of where the engine and headers will sit.

Prior to finishing, the frame should be disassembled. As the frame is assembled at Art Morrison Enterprises the

front and rear suspension is pre-set to initial alignment specifications as a quality check. To maintain these

settings, prior to getting the car aligned, be sure to take measurements of upper control arm shims and tie rod

lengths.

Ideally, all welding and drilling should be completed prior to powdercoating or painting. Please note that all

welds must not be ground smooth as this will weaken the frame’s structural integrity. If you wish to have the

welds smoothed use body filler instead.

After the finishing operation has been completed the frame can now be assembled. Set the frame on a level

surface in a well-lit area. Next, use a rat-tail file to clean all holes which bolts pass through and make sure all

threaded bosses are clear of powder or paint. To finish the preparation process, collect all fasteners and have

the torque specifications sheet handy.

To begin assembling, install the upper control arm/knuckle/lower control arm assembly by first fastening the

lower control arm bolts to the frame. Next, bolt the upper control arm to the frame ensuring that the alignment

bushings lay between the two. Hand-tighten all fasteners for now and repeat the process on the opposite side.

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Now, install the steering rack with the fasteners, hand-tighten and attach the tie rod end to the knuckle. To

install the sway bar, first attach the end linkage to the bar using the drawing as a guide. Then attach the linkage

to the control arm and rotate the bar toward the bottom of the frame for attachment. To mount the coilovers,

attach the lower mount to the control arm with the provided fasteners and then attach the upper mount to the

chassis. As a starting point, set the coil spring adjuster to 1” above the lowest adjustment point.

When plumbing the steering rack, note the fitting closest to the radiator is the pressure line and the other is the

return. To start the bleeding process, first fill the reservoir full of power steering fluid. With the reservoir cap

removed and the wheels off the ground, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock twenty times while monitoring the

fluid level. When complete, the engine can be started and checked for leaks. Before driving for the first time,

rotate the steering wheel another four times. See the Steering Rack Technical Guide later in this manual for

other important information.

Rear coilovers should be placed in the lowest hole on the housing mount bracket for proper ride height.

To complete the assembly process attach any brake lines, brackets, transmission crossmember and other

necessary components. Check every fastener for proper torque and mark with a paint pen as a visual

indicator.

If you purchased the optional Wilwood brake kit it is imperative the break-in procedure be followed very

carefully. Failure to follow these directions will lead to glazed pads and poor braking performance. If these

directions are missing from your brake kit, visit www.wilwood.com to download their instructions.

Alignment Specifications

Street Settings:

Toe: 1/32” to 1/16” total (in)

Camber: ½ to ¾ degree negative

Caster: 6 degrees positive

Autocross Settings:

Toe: 0 to 1/16” total (out)

Camber: 1-3/4 degree (Consult tire manufacturer)

Caster: 6 degrees positive

Road Course Settings:

Toe: 0 to 1/32” total (in)

Camber: 1-1/2 degree negative (Consult tire manufacturer)

Caster: 6 to 7 degrees positive

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Post-Drive Checklist

After the first 100 miles, please check these items:

1. All fasteners (including wheel lugs) 2. Brake fluid (Fluid level and check fittings for leaks) 3. Power steering fluid (Fluid level and check fittings for leaks) 4. Coolant (Fluid level and check fittings for leaks)) 5. Transmission fluid (if applicable) 6. Fuel lines (Check fittings for leaks) 7. Brake Lines (Check fittings for leaks) 8. Battery cables 9. Exhaust system

The coil springs should also be checked and readjusted if necessary. New springs will typically settle once after

several miles and usually do not need a second adjustment.

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1949-54 Chevrolet Wheel Size and Offset Specs

Rear Wheel Dimensions With a bare housing widths shown below, the rim width and backspace dimensions that will fit correctly are as follows: Housing Width 55-1/2" 52-1/2" 52-1/2" w/ 43" Frame Rim Width: 7" 9" 11" Section width: 8-1/2" 10-3/8" 12-1/8" Backspace: 4-1/2" 4-1/2" 6-3/8"

Front Wheel Dimensions Caution! Front rim backspace will depend on brake choice. Please finalize your brake choice before purchasing wheels!

Wilwood 11" and 12.19” Brake Kits: 9" wide rim with 6-1/4" backspace 8" wide rim with 5-1/4" backspace 7" wide rim with 4" backspace Wilwood 13" and 14" Brake Kits: 9" wide rim with 6-3/4" backspace 8" wide rim with 5-3/4" backspace 7" wide rim with 4-1/2" backspace


205mm Front/205mm Rear Tire Example

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245mm Front/295mm Rear Multilink IRS Tire Example

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1949-52 & 53-54 Chassis Comparison


Important: Lifting a Vehicle with Two-Post Lifts The debate of choosing a four or two post lift is something that many can have strong opinions about.

While driving the vehicle onto a four post lift is convenient, it comes at a cost of requiring another

lifting assembly to raise the vehicle off of the ramps in order to remove the wheels and perform any

brake or suspension work.

Two post lifts solve this problem by lifting the vehicle by the frame or reinforced unibody structures.

However, the problem will arise with a two-post in which the vehicle is lifted unnaturally, meaning

loads are placed in areas that will cause some beaming flex. This type of flex is a function of frame

stiffness and body stiffness, with the frame stiffness is typically 30-40% of the total beaming stiffness.

Vehicles with heavy drivetrains will increase flex, as the majority of this weight (engines and axle

housings) are far away from the lifting points.

It should be noted that this flex is completely normal. Dealerships and OEMs use two posts lift which

should be a testament to their safety. However, this issue can become a problem with vehicles with

precision door gaps that are tighter than typical OEM specifications or body panels that have been

modified or removed for larger engines, aesthetics, etc. Panels and doors should always be fitted with

the vehicle on the ground or the frame properly supported in some way. Convertibles will always see

much more flex than coupes and sedans, to the point that doors may not open or shut. In most cases,

the older the vehicle, the higher probability for flex as body stiffness increased with newer vehicle

designs with more stringent safety standards.

While beaming flex may be alarming to some people, this does not mean the vehicle won’t drive

correctly. As mentioned before, it’s simply loading the vehicle in an unnatural way. Vehicles are

meant to be driven with the normal road force applied to the vehicle’s suspension, not applied to the

area below the rocker panels. Loading the vehicle properly allows the forces to be efficiently

transmitted through bracing and body panels with the upper areas in compression, whereas loading at

the rocker loads these areas in tension with the drivetrain and suspension acting as ballast which

encourages flex.

In summary, beaming flex is a normal occurrence when using two post lifts. Vehicles of all types, new

or old, full frame or unibody, coupes/sedans and convertibles, will flex. The magnitude of this flex

depends on vehicle age, condition, construction, design, drivetrain weight, and lastly the lifting point

spread – all of which is to be expected.

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Steering Rack Technical Information

Hoses

For those using -06AN hoses, AME can supply the proper fittings. Be aware that some aftermarket

fittings do not use the correct threads and can damage the casting. Before installing, coat the O-ring

with power steering fluid and torque the fitting to 20 lb-ft.

The return hose can be any type of low-pressure hydraulic hose. The pressure hose can exhibit

pressures above 1500PSI and requires a high pressure hose. We do not recommend the use of any

stainless steel braided/Teflon lined hose for its inability to dampen hydraulic “chatter”, thus creating a

growl sound when turning the steering wheel. To keep this noise to a minimum, use a hose with a

rubber length of 15” or more.

The pressure fitting on the rack casting is the fitting closest to the front of the vehicle (lower fitting),

and the return fitting is the closest to the firewall (upper fitting).

Rack Centering

It is easier to center the steering rack before mounting the unit to the chassis. To center the rack, turn

the pinion to full lock and measure between any point on the rack body to the end of the tie rod in the

extended direction. Divide this distance by two, and rotate the pinion in the opposite direction until

this distance is reached. The rack is now centered. Using a paint pen, mark the pinion’s location on

the seal or housing so the rack can be re-centered if moved later.

Mounting

All Mustang-type steering racks mount using 5/8”-NF x 3.5” bolts when using an Art Morrison chassis.

Be sure to liberally coat the threads with anti-seize before installing. Torque bolts to 50 lb-ft. When

using rebuilt steering racks, end boots may be loosened and rotated to move the 3/16” equalizer tube

to a different location if more clearance is needed.

Tuning

Both steering racks respond well to fluid flow rates between 2 to 3 gallons per minute. Less flow tends

to increase steering effort, but too little may lead to pump “catch” where power steering assist

momentarily stops until the pump can “catch up” to the required fluid flow. Too much flow may lead

to a steering feel that is too light and possibly twitchy. Some power steering pumps have adjustable

flow rates, while most OEM type pumps do not. If you feel the fluid flow rate may be too high, contact

Art Morrison Enterprises for a valve that will allow approximately 2 gallons per minute of fluid flow.

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Keep in mind that pumps originally used for steering boxes typically have higher pressure and flow

rates than what is required for steering racks.

If your pump provides too much pressure, fluid may escape past seals in the steering rack and cause a

failure, particularly with rebuilt steering racks. Art Morrison Enterprises has a pressure reducing kit to

correct these situations.

For cars using wide tires, Art Morrison Enterprises can supply steering stops that snap on to the rack

shaft with the boots removed. This provides a simple way to limit steering travel for cars with

interference issues.

Bleeding Procedure (Important! Do not skip this procedure!)

1. Place the front end of the vehicle on jack stands and remove drive belt. 2. Fill reservoir with high quality power steering fluid and rotate the pump pulley by hand for

about thirty seconds. 3. Have a second person rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock, about thirty times, while

continuing to rotate the power steering pump pulley by hand. Watch the fluid reservoir to make sure it does not run dry.

4. Install the drive belt and start the engine. Continue to rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock about fifteen times while the engine idles. Watch the fluid reservoir to make sure it does not run out of fluid, or appear foamy. If foam does appear, shut off the engine and restart the bleeding process.

5. When fluid appears free of foam, top off the reservoir and check for leaks.

This lengthy bleeding process will ensure the majority of the air is removed before initial startup to

prevent pump damage and provide trouble-free steering.

Steering Rack Specifications

Rebuilt 1979-93 DSE Standard Width DSE Narrow Width

Inner Ball Width 24.5” 24.5” 21.5”

Rack Travel (approx.) 5.5” 5.5” 4.5”

Turns lock-to-lock 3 3 2.5

Tie Rod Thread Size 9/16”-18

Input Shaft Spline ¾”-36

Fluid Flow Rate 2.0-3.0GPM 2.0GPM 2.0GPM

Peak Pressure 1200PSI 1800PSI 1800PSI

Pressure Fitting 9/16”-18

Return Fitting 5/8”-18

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DSE/Mustang Rack Steering Stop Information

Steering Limiter

Size (in)

Maximum

Steering Angle*

0 31.5

1/16 30.8

1/8 30.1

3/16 29.4

¼ 28.7

5/16 28

3/8 27.4

7/16 26.7

This guide is specific for a C6 suspension using the new steering arm, which is most likely to have wide

tires and wheels installed. However, for Pro Spindle based suspensions, the results are similar. To

install the limiter, roll the rubber boot away from the rack body and snap the plastic clip into place.

*Note: This angle represents the outside wheel when in a turn. The forward edge of the inside wheel

moves away from the frame and suspension, which negates any contact problem. When Ackerman is

considered, the actual maximum steering angle is 33 degrees.

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Rear Coilover Installation

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Rear Sway Bar Installation

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Front Sway Bar Installation

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Front Lower Control Arm Installation

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Front Upper Control Arm Installation

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Ball Joint Cap Installation

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Optional Equipment: Stainless Brake Line Kit

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Optional Equipment: Brake Proportioning Valve Mount Kit

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Optional Equipment: LS Polyurethane Motor Mount Kit

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Optional Equipment: Coyote Rubber Motor Mount Kit

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Optional Equipment: LS Rubber Motor Mount Kit

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Optional equipment: 289/302/351W Rubber Motor Mount Kit

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Optional Equipment: Axle Housing Vent Kit

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Fastener Information & Torque Specifications

AME is now offering an upgraded line of fasteners to

come standard with every AME chassis to provide

you with OEM quality grade fasteners for your street

machine or race car. AME’s chassis fasteners utilize a

Magni Coating for increased corrosion resistance,

flanged nuts and bolts for a greater load distribution,

and distorted thread locking nuts for a larger

resistance to loosening forces.

Advantages:

Resists corrosion up to 13x’s longer than typical Zinc

plated fasteners

Magni coating meets several OEM manufacturer

specifications including GM, Ford, and Chrysler

Flanged fasteners provide a larger load distribution on

the mating surface typically eliminating washers

Distorted thread lock nuts provide the increased

resistance to loosing forces from vibration and movement

Identification:

Magni coated fasteners consist of a Zinc base coat with an Aluminum top coat which results

in a gray-silver finish

Distorted Thread locking nuts with flanges have a distinctive tapered top edge and the

locking nuts without flanged contain a hexagon impression on the side.

Instructions:

All AME chassis are assembled with the Magni coated flanged bolts, but use Zinc plated jam

nuts for ease of assembly and mock-up during the building process

The matching lock nuts are provided loose in a bag with the chassis components

Upon final assembly only replace the jam nuts with the Magni Distorted Thread Lock Nuts

Installation of these nuts requires a significant increase in effort compared to other lock nuts.

They will generate some amount of heat during installation due to the interference fit.

Avoid reinstallation as much as possible. Like nylon-lock nuts, the locking capability wears

slightly every use, therefore if the tightening effort dramatically decreases, replace the nut

Reference AME torque specifications for final torque values

Contact AME for any replacement pieces of hardware or to retro-fit your previously

purchased chassis with the upgraded fasteners

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Documents

Frame Setup & Installation Instructions - Art Morrisonartmorrison.com/...Installation-Instructions.pdf · ART MORRISON ENTERPRISES, INC 5301 8TH STREET EAST FIFE, WASHINGTON, 98424