To mini tub or not to mini tub?????
 

Ok maybe you guys can help me here. I am having an internal battle about doing DSE mini tubs on my 1973 Trans am. The car is an all original brewster green 455 auto pre emissions car, I have already had the motor built which was a virgin motor but now its all roller, 9.2/1 comp but stock heads and intake off earlier motors and ported, pushing 525hp, 600lbs. dropped the th400 and got a 4l80e from jakes. the car is currently on a cart bare bone shell to rework the body. I have upgrades along the way as well but the tubs is a pretty drastic change from stock sheet metal. should I do it and how wide of a tire will fit under a stock 2nd gen rear wheel house?:willy:

I'm not real familiar with 2nd gens, so I am probably the best source to be replying to your question. With that said, it is my understanding you can fit somewhere around 315 size tires on the rear. What size are you wanting to install? That question is the determining factor in deciding to mini tub or not.

I am all for cutting one up, but if that is an SD car, no way would I cut it. Even still a brewster green 73 is pretty rare. You can get a 10" tire back there if you move the springs inboard some.

If i could get close to a 315 that would be nice, but i don't want the tire sticking all out of the wheel well, going for the tucked and wide look, also I think i'll need it for traction.

Thanks for the reply mike, Thats kinda what i was thinkin, its not a SD just a plain Trans am brewster. I still have all the original parts I took of, I'm thinkin maybe I shouldn't tub it. As it sits right now, Its just some bolt on's that are different, like tranny, radiator, fans, ac brakes and wiring.

That's like asking your buddy to pick out your old lady. Only you can make the decision. Now, if you are looking for approval to cut up a rare original, you came to the right place.:unibrow: What's the car worth in restored, original shape?

On this site your going to get an answer of CUT IT!

Its YOUR car. You can do with it what you want.

My 68 camaro was an original 68 396 SS car Tuxedo black with houndstooth. I had a matching number rear, engine, etc. But I would rather have a pro touring car so I cut it up.

Cut it !:lateral:

Cut it!............Cut it hard!!!

I have a 69 and plan to add a dse mini tub kit to it. Do I need to have the rear seat redone once I add it? Just need to be set straight.

Cole

You will have to have it modified, cover can be reused

I did my 68 myself and you will need to do some minor mods to back seat frames. Not a big deal if you have a mig welder ...or have access to one. Once you upholster the seats you'll never see it.

Right on... Thank you!

A 285 X 18 will fit out back on stock (minor rub here or there) and you can tuck it reasonably,,,, that said I've tubed a 70 Formula, two 73 TA's and getting ready to tub two 70 TA shells I have as well....

The car handles awesome when you tub it and lower the center of gravity.... If you go with an after market sub-frame with a rack,,,, it'll absolutely blow your mind... You end up with a big go cart effectively and you can carve corners beyond your wildest dreams... The wheel openings on Birds make them so favorable for PT builds as it so unrestricted in it's shape,,, curl a lip or two so to speak and you'd be surprised what you can get away with...

In the end you have to make the decision as stated by many,,,, but you'll sure get a ton of "cut it" replies around here LOL.....

thx guys, looks like she's gettin cut. I'll post pics at a later date.

Yep, some instructions can be found in this thread:
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28606

Good to hear, I was going to say if your even thinking about it just do it. With the DSE tubs once everything is painted you can't even really tell that there in there. You could even put all your stock suspension pieces back on with the tubs and wouldn't even know. Just do it, especially at the metal work stage as a shell.

:thumbsup:

Yep, cut it.

Also- be sure to go to your local store and pick up the 2012 Hot Wheels '73 T/A in Brewster Green.

http://hotwheels.wikia.com/wiki/%2773_Pontiac_Firebird

-Brendon

holy crap:woot: , i gotta get that!