Mini Tubs 1970 Camaro DSE How hard?

[70CamaroBill]

I have owned my 70 1/2 RS/Z28 for 25+ years. I have built it three times and this time I would like to go pro touring. I just received the mini tubs from DSE. They say it will take 50+ hours to install. Is this something a fairly competent car guy can handle? If you have any tips or helpful photos please let me know. I do have the DVD from DSE and have watched it several times.

[scherp69]

I did the mini tubs in my 68 Acadian (Nova) and it wasn't too bad. As long as you take your time and some mechanical skills, you can do it. The biggest thing I found is to cut small amounts off at a time and keep test fitting. Cut a bit, fit, cut some more, fit, and on and on and on. Once you do one side, the other goes way easier.

[70CamaroBill]

thanks I am looking forward to it.

Anyone have any ideas on how high the car should be off the ground to do this in a regulars guys garage (no lift). I am thinking jack stand in the back and wood block in front.

Wow what a great group of car guys

[6spdcamaro]

Are you using DSE's leaf spring kit too? If you use the quadra-link than ignore the video instructions about the crossmember. The measurements are different for the 4-link and it can be misleading.
Depending on how deep you are into the build, install the cross member while it is at low height, and than do the tubs on a rotisserie. It would have made it much easier, looking back.

[70CamaroBill]

I wish I had room for the rotisserie. I am going to use the DSE 4-link.

Do I have to use a grinder why not a Plasma cutter?

[kp.touring]

Bill,

Dude you are in for it!!!

Just kidding I guess I missed your call today. Give me a call.

Kevin

[JKnight]

It is widely thought that a plasma cutter makes the DSE mini tub job much easier than with a grinder. You might still want to use the grinder for some of the final tuning work, but having the plasma to do the bulk of the cutting should be very helpful.

[BritishGreen68]

I am about half way through the mini tub on my 68 camaro. I started on it, and went a bought a plasma cutter. You can do it without it, but way easier with it. You can do it yourself if you have some sheetmetal fab skill, and determination. I run into the problem where I just stand there and stare at it and its hard to get motivated, but i find that if i work a couple hours a day on it it goes pretty fast. It is a lot of work but its worth it. Once i got the old tubs out and the floor trimmed, I test fit my wheels and seeing them fit for the first time really made me want to get it done..

[lil427z]

Originally Posted by BritishGreen68

I am about half way through the mini tub on my 68 camaro. I started on it, and went a bought a plasma cutter. You can do it without it, but way easier with it. You can do it yourself if you have some sheetmetal fab skill, and determination. I run into the problem where I just stand there and stare at it and its hard to get motivated, but i find that if i work a couple hours a day on it it goes pretty fast. It is a lot of work but its worth it. Once i got the old tubs out and the floor trimmed, I test fit my wheels and seeing them fit for the first time really made me want to get it done..

you can make it your self.
rick k

[BBC69Camaro]

Originally Posted by JKnight

It is widely thought that a plasma cutter makes the DSE mini tub job much easier than with a grinder. You might still want to use the grinder for some of the final tuning work, but having the plasma to do the bulk of the cutting should be very helpful.

x10 on the plasma cutter. If you know what you are doing its a 50 hour job with all the fancy tools. With a grinder double the time at least and count on spending at least $50 on grinding discs (its that much grinding). This is assuming you are a good welder in cramped and odd angles / spaces.

I mini-tubbed my own 69 Camaro. I didn't have the luxury of a plasma cutter during my mini-tub. Not sure what all the differences would be between a 70 and 69 but you can read about my experience here (along with links to other's experiences and some helpful pages as well).

The Novice's guide to mini-tubbing a 68-69 Camaro
https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...vice%27s+guide