1970 Camaro - Mini Tub Desicion Clarification

[68LS1]

I've just purchased a 1970 Camaro project, here locally in Oz.

I'm pretty sure I want to mini tub it. It needs quarters and outer wheelhouse replaced due to someone making way for some bigger tires. Could be mistaken for a Vette from underneath, there is that much fibreglass involved.
This would seem to be a logical time to install the mini tubs.

I haven't made up my mind on suspension, this may depend on engineering for registration, but thinking a coil over set up most likely.
So initially I was thinking of going to go with full kit with leaf spring relocation. But this may been frowned on by registration here, as from what I can make out there are frame rail mods required and a narrowed tank.

So if I just install mini tubs at this stage I leave my suspension options open?
No frame rail mods?
Can still run full width fuel tank?
Can use stock leaf spring suspension initially?
Minimal gain in tire width (until aftermarket suspension done)?
Will still need to mod back seat & rear interior panels?
Rear seat belt mounting point relocation?

Are there any issues/benefits I am not considering by going with just tubs at the start?

thanks

[NorCal72]

So if I just install mini tubs at this stage I leave my suspension options open?
No frame rail mods?
I did not touch the frame rails on my 72'
Can still run full width fuel tank?
If you run a 335 rear tire and do the spring relocation kit, no.
Can use stock leaf spring suspension initially?
If you do the mini tub is pointless because you wont be able to take advantage of the extra room the mini tub will provide. The tire/wheel will be hitting the leaf(unless you do the DSE spring relocation kit). Unless you want to do the tub now and plan on suspension and a different wheel/tire combo later.

Minimal gain in tire width (until aftermarket suspension done)?
275 is what I recall being the most popular width tire on a stock GenII, I think some are getting a 295 under with some mods. With a mini tub you can do a 335 easy and I had enough room for a 345.
Will still need to mod back seat & rear interior panels?
Yes
Rear seat belt mounting point relocation?
Yes
Are there any issues/benefits I am not considering by going with just tubs at the start?
I would suggest considering your long term goal and waiting until you can do it all at once. The mini tub is all of a 3 day weekend to get done. If you are going to have everything torn down to do that you might as well do the entire thing at once (tub and suspension). IMHO

Good luck, I just got my rear suspension and tubs done, I couldn't be happier with the end result.

[68LS1]

Originally Posted by NorCal72

So if I just install mini tubs at this stage I leave my suspension options open?
No frame rail mods?
I did not touch the frame rails on my 72'
Can still run full width fuel tank?
If you run a 335 rear tire and do the spring relocation kit, no.
Can use stock leaf spring suspension initially?
If you do the mini tub is pointless because you wont be able to take advantage of the extra room the mini tub will provide. The tire/wheel will be hitting the leaf(unless you do the DSE spring relocation kit). Unless you want to do the tub now and plan on suspension and a different wheel/tire combo later.

Minimal gain in tire width (until aftermarket suspension done)?
275 is what I recall being the most popular width tire on a stock GenII, I think some are getting a 295 under with some mods. With a mini tub you can do a 335 easy and I had enough room for a 345.
Will still need to mod back seat & rear interior panels?
Yes
Rear seat belt mounting point relocation?
Yes
Are there any issues/benefits I am not considering by going with just tubs at the start?
I would suggest considering your long term goal and waiting until you can do it all at once. The mini tub is all of a 3 day weekend to get done. If you are going to have everything torn down to do that you might as well do the entire thing at once (tub and suspension). IMHO

Good luck, I just got my rear suspension and tubs done, I couldn't be happier with the end result.

Thanks for response, yes planning on doing suspension & wide tires later, it is so much easier to register a basically stock car here (You guys don't know how good you got it in this regard). Then once registered add non original style suspension and have engineer sign off.

So I can run full width tank with Quadra Link or G-Link style suspension, just not with leaf springs? I might still use a narrowed tank, might give me some room for exhaust

[NorCal72]

Im 99% sure you will need a narrowed tank on every application other than the leaf springs in stock location. Im sure someone else will chime in, I almost positive on this.

[WSSix]

I believe that's the case as well because the leafs can't move in with out narrowing the tank.

Given the legal hurdles you guys have to jump through, I'm not sure I would bother going with minitubs. You can make the car handle really well with 275 rear tires. That and I have an aversion to dealing with government. So your experience may differ.

[carbuff]

When you crawl under there and look, you'll see there's not much space between the leafs and the tank. If you move the leafs, narrow the tank.

Congrats on the purchase! We need some pictures...