Want to mini-tub 68 Firebird, any write ups? Already have shocks relocated.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Today i was test fitting my wheels which did fit before i installed the new rear. The rear is from a 1974 nova, 8.5", drum brakes, and my tires almost rub the inner fender. I currently have 26x10x15 MT ET drags . When i had the old 8.2" rear they did not seem to ride nearly as close.

Anyway today i was tapping around my wheel welld an noticed the front middle of each wheel well is rusting through so i figure this is a good excuse to run a mini tub kit. Should i make my own from a trailer fender or buy them? Is there a write up anywhere for them? I already have the Competition engineering inboard shock mount, summit adjustbale shocks, adjustable leaf shackles, multi-leaf springs (4 up front, 3 rear) lakewood traction bars and from all i can tell i just need to cut away my wheel well and weld in a wider one. I will not be running back seats or really any interior and i have no problem hacking away at my rusting trunk pan or car. Actually my front end doesnt have even a nick of rust on it, its just the rear where the rear window seal went bad and sat.

Here is a pic of the current rear end setup. I plan on running 30x10.5x15 MT ET Street radials ono 15x8.5 (i think they are) Centerline Telstars.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Ok well today i've decided i'm just going to cut out the entire wheel well and just make a new one. Probably not the best idea, i know ,but hey i already took an OHC 6 cylinder firebird and put an LS1/T56 in it, might as well further desecrate its origionality.

[MrQuick]

I thought I posted a reply last night....just cut out your old tub, cut it in half and add a section to the center. Or just run a drag car style tub. Buying either a DSE or a steel drag tub would save a lot of time but cost money.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Mines sort of rusted out from a bad rear window seal so i was just thinking of using some sort of flashing (like for a roof) to make a wheel well out of. Anyything major i need to know about? I just cut along the frame rail right?

[Shawn MacAnanny]

I cut it all out today lol. Doesnt look like it will be too hard to make a new wheel well. Just spray some new undercoating on and good as new. I went through about 4 sawzall blades too.

[Shawn MacAnanny]

Started making the wheel wells today. $30 sheet of steel, just cut with some tin snips, and used some 1/8" riviets. 22 gauge steel, i'll be making a nice sheet to go over the inside and out to cover up the slits. This is after about a half hour of work.