Here are the pictures of getting after-market gauges to fit in the stock carrier that I promised:

Since my car didn't have a Tach, I wanted to move the fuel gauge to the center (bought a resto bezel from Classic Industries), so I cut out the center to match the bezel:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...rCutOut_sm.jpg

Rear shot of same:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...OutRear_sm.jpg

Shot of the Bezel along with the bracket I made to hold the gauge and cover up things:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...ndPanel_sm.jpg

Shot with the bracket in:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...Bracket_sm.jpg

Since the stock carrier can't accept standard aftermarket gauges, I removed the old ones and then proceeded to measure and cutout holes that matched 3-3/8" gauges I wanted to install:

Tach cut out
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...hCutOut_sm.jpg

Continued on next post...

Speedo cut out
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...oCutout_sm.jpg

I cut out to about 3" and then used a dremel tool to slowly match fit the gauge exactly to the hole (I wanted it to be really snug). I also made a metal bracket to hold both sides together since I was taking out so much of the middle section.

Rear shot:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...Cluster_sm.jpg

Mockup with gauges:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...GaugePanel.jpg

Completed Front (polished the stock lenses):
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...omplete_sm.jpg

It is hard to tell with the pictures but the Fuel gauge is held at the same angle as the Speedo and Tach.

Rear:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...eteBack_sm.jpg

The Carrier is pretty beat up, and I'll address that when I redo the interior as another project (right now want to get the car running).

Other gauges I am going to run:
A Pillar:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/images/APillar_sm.jpg

Console Pod:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...solePod_sm.jpg

Under Dash:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...derDash_sm.jpg

Anyone know of some good cleaner to use on the console?

Keep um coming loooooooovvvveeee those 69's !!!!! Was this car on ebay??

Great job :thumbsup:

Not that I was aware of, found this car off Craigslist.

Some progress on the mini-tubbing:

Cleaning off the undercoating (used an angle grinder with cup wire brush, nothing else worked very well) to find and drill the spot welds:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub017_sm.jpg

http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub015_sm.jpg

Started cutting the inner tub out with a cutoff wheel:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub024_sm.jpg

Passenger Inner tub is out!
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub029_sm.jpg

http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub028_sm.jpg

Now cut out the upper shock mount, starting to get some real extra space
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub031_sm.jpg

Bent tabs down that I will eventually spot weld the new inner tubs to:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub037_sm.jpg

Side shot of the frame rails getting some attention:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/im...iTub036_sm.jpg


Mini-tubbing is a lot harder than I thought it would be! I have been in the fetal position in the trunk more times than I can count (can't wait to weld like that). I have never really done any metal work like this before, a lot of the cuts are pretty rough and require a lot of cleanup. I'm glad I am doing this as a hobby, otherwise I'd be too slow to get paid for it, lol!

The DSE video has been a good resource as has DSE support. Their products are definitely worth the price due to the good support.

I had test fit the new tubs in (camera ran out of batteries so no pics yet). There is a bit of a gap, but nothing a few c-clamps weren't able to make go away. Started on the Driver's side now.

Been taking a lot of pics, thinking of putting together a novice's guide to mini-tubbing

Just stumbled across this. MAN! You just jumped right in didnt you?!


Work looks good so far! Youve got to be stoked!


Chris:cool:

Coming along great :thumbsup: :thumbsup: