Mini Tubs 1970 Camaro DSE How hard?

[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

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by lil427z

you can make it your self.
rick k

yes, i agree, much easier add strip on a 2nd gen tub. Adding the links makes it an easier job.


I like to use the cut off wheels still, Its nicer cut, no need to clean the metal and no slag to clean after. Plasma is good for the bulk cutting. Honestly I don't use it much anymore.

Vince

[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

[79transam455]

50 hours would be for an average guy with decent experience. Most of that time is spent measuring, marking, cutting, welding, and alligning. Do it right the first time and it should take no more than a weekend.

[70CamaroBill]

passenger side is in drivers side is 1/2 way done. All in all it has not been hard. And yes you are right lots of grinding wheels!!! I have found that the Sait 1/16 wheels(23041) are much better then the china ones. I will post some pics soon.

[lil427z]

rick k