GM A-body pro-touring body questions

[Geeto67]

Hey Guys,

Does anybody know if there is a stock style minitub available fot 1967 GM A-bodies (Chevelle, GTO, 442, GS) similar to the one DSE offers for 1st gen F-bodies. I really want to keep a stock look and I am not personally skilled enough to add 3" to the width of my stock wheel tubs (which need to be replaced anyway). I am not really in a rush for the parts so if somebody knows if there is one in development I can wait.

Also can somebody recomend a good roll bar kit for the same car? I know the preference is to have a dedicated shop do this kind of work and cutom fit the bars, but the cost is prohibitivley expensive.

Also, Aside from Andrew (1970 GTO) and George (1967 Buick) who are the other A-body guys on the board. Thanks. (BTW does anybody know if Andrew and George are still on the board? haven't seen them in a while).

[derekf]

I am one of the A-body people (69 Elky driver, 65 Malibu SS convert project).

You'd have to notch your frame (or create a new rear portion of the frame) to clear minitubs.. which is a bit more involved than widening regular inner wheelhouses anyway. I'm not aware of anything in development for us.

Andrew is still on the board. Not so sure about George.

[andrewb70]

I am still here...

Just very busy with moving and starting a new job!

Andrew

[Gonzostyle]

You can go through some back issues of PHR and see how it was done to Malitude. There is a pretty decent write up of what was necessary to mini tub the 64 chevelle.

-Jeremie

[dennis68]

A body here!! a 315/35 will fit without touching the frame rails. A 335/35 will require frame rail mods. On a 67 a 295/30R18 will fit without sheetmetal surgery, how wide did you want to go?

[Zefhix]

I'm doing a 70 Chevelle...all the guys kindof nailed it on the head. I have the same question, though....how big of a tire are you going to run?

[MarkM66]

I've got a '66 Chevelle I'm going to mini-tub, and use a 345/30 18.

Going to notch the frame, and widen the inner fenders.

Yes, check out the PHR issue with the Malititude mini-tube. It's doesn't show everything, but it'll give you a good idea.

[Geeto67]

Hey Guys,

I saw the malitude article, not really what I am going for since I don't want to hack the frame. Really I want to run a 315 but I don't want to pay the added expense of buying reproduction fenders and then paying somebody to widen them. I currently run a 275 bias ply rear tire on a 14" stock rim. I really was looking for a shortcut since I have to replace the innerfenders anyway. I was shooting for the look of year one's '67 chevelle but I don't have a big budget and I work out of a 1 car garage.

so, how are these cars on 295 tires?

What backspacing do I need to get a 295 gumball under my car's rear?

how about the roll bar question?

Glad to see you are still around andrew.

by the way if the administrator is listening, can we do somethign about the login timeout as it is like the thrid time I have retyped this reply.

[derekf]

Not sure what you mean by Login Timeout - I don't think we have one.

There is, however, a known issue with cookies and the board. If the issue you're seeing is a message that says you're not logged in, you may be hitting it. Make sure you're using http://66.70.234.198/forum/index.php? to get to the forum and not https://www.pro-touring.com/forum or similar.. I guess if it persists, until the IP issue is fixed you should probably copy all the text to the clipboard before hitting "post reply", that way it's available if you run into that issue again.

As for the roll bars, I don't think I've heard any one manufacturer to be preferred over the others - everyone prefers custom or modified setups.

Backspacing - No two cars are identical, so you'll definitely need to measure yours... especially since you're wanting to go so large, getting the measurements right is critical. I believe I measured mine at 5.5" of backspace on a 9" wheel, but I don't have my notes nearby to check and verify.

[Geeto67]

that link you gave me fixed the problem, which was after I would log in and type the message I would hit the submit button and it would ask me to login again and erase my message. I didn't know about going in another way.

There was a tire size chart posted on the old forum, but I couldn't find it recently. I think George's '67 buick was on there and since I am considering this for both my buick and GTO it might be a good place to start. Forgot to add that I want to run a 17" rim.

[derekf]

Is THIS (http://p067.ezboard.com/fprotouringgmachinesfrm9.showMessage?topicID=421.t opic) the post you're looking for?

[Geeto67]

that's it

[dennis68]

check out this post, there are lots more like it but this actually lists specs for a 67.team Chevelle (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/8/2207.html?)

[MarkM66]

I think this guy's got it about maxed out.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/562568

[airrj1]

Kerry,

I am putting 295/45-18's under my '72. I saw a '69 at a local show with 305/35-18's this summer. My rear frame and the inner fender are parallel with each other on my '72. So mini tubs would do nothing without moving the frame also. I don't know if your '67 is narrower at all in the wheelhouse area.

As far as cages, I have used a CSC (http://www.cscracing.com/) cage before in a Street Stock car. The quality of the bends and notching was very good. It is a basic cage and it is ment for a circle track car, but it was a good product for the money. No if it will fit a street car well is another question. I would call them, they might be able to give you an idea on the fitment issues.

Good Luck.

[USAZR1]

I'm still around. How soon they forget. :rolleyes:

[TurboBuicks4Life]

Hey Airrj1 i'm puing 99 vette wheels on my 69 (the wide 5 spoke ones) and was wondering the thickness of your adapters? thinking about gettin some from Vette Brakes,

[69boo307]

Another A-body here. check out my site
http://home.nc.rr.com/brengl

[Lomonte]

Another A-body... and a Monte!

[protouring70]

Hey, ProTouring 70 here. I have a '70 chevelle and if there are any questions, these guys can help or point you in the right direction!
Good Luck!
Brent

[Geeto67]

I have noticed a lot of 68-72 A-bodies here. Is there something wrong with the 64-67 A-bodies that makes them an unpopular canidate for pro-touring? or is it just a looks thing?

[Blue67gto]

Geeto67 I have a 67 gto also. I would have to agree that you don't see to many of the early years.

[Radlark]

I personally like all A-bodies but I think it is a matter of personal preference, I choose my Buick due to the fact that the malibu/chevelle were so inflated on pricing that it wasn't worth buying what other people considered "great project car" I have done some mods to my Buick, Mini-tubs in the rear and it will have all the creature comforts.

http://hometown.aol.com/gthmcty1/RADLARK.html

[USAZR1]

I have noticed a lot of 68-72 A-bodies here. Is there something wrong with the 64-67 A-bodies that makes them an unpopular candidate for pro-touring? or is it just a looks thing?

Personally,I just think it's a coincidence that more 64-67's aren't represented on this forum. However,it's my opinion that the majority of Chevelle/El Camino owners are still living in the 60's & 70's. It might be a long time,if ever,before GM A-bodies become as numerous as their F-bodies in the ProTouring movement.

[zbugger]

Hey, I have a '65 Buick Special. Does that make me an A-Body guy too?

[gchandler]

I have a 64 and a 66, both handle exceptionally well and get driven hard year round, only have one engine between the two cars, but they both get there chance with it. :)

[69boo307]

64-67 A-bodies are also harder to find... especially a 64 or 65! 64 and 65 are probably my favorite chevelle years. Of course I'm also partial to '69s ;)

[derekf]

I think we'll see more representation on the site by the early 'velles as Malitude gets more exposure.

[Gonzostyle]

Well I have an A-body (65 chevelle SS) that is awaiting some Pro-touring treatment. Some day when I get to it..... Oh and my sister has an A-body (68 chevelle)..... they are around, however most of them seem to be drag cars around here...

-Jeremie

Heres my sisters car, Minus some chrome pieces

[derekf]

Jeremie,

Let's see the '65!

[Gonzostyle]

Derek,
I don't think I have any decent pics of my 65. It is really a project, basically just a rust free, amazingly straight, rolling shell. The guy I bought it from started a frame off resto of it; got the frame and rear end done then lost interest. The car was originally a 327/4spd car. It has the original 12bolt posi in it, but the interior is long gone and so is the motor and trans. So I guess that means I can modify it the way I want...

Actually, it is one of 3 - 65 chevelles that are laying around, the other two are drag car projects. I would imagine if someone wanted to put the time into one of the drag cars they could do all the paper work to register it and make it a road worthy car again (also an SS w/12bolt). The other is way too far into being a drag car to get on the road (fiberglass front, including the doors, 12pt cage, tubbed etc). Anyone looking for a chevelle?

-Jeremie <-- too many car projects

[Zefhix]

I don't know, it's strange but I've always been a camaro guy ( I have to admit, though, I've always have a soft spot for all chevelles up to 72) The picture is of my last car and currently I have the 70. I got a good deal on it but I thought it would be fun to f*&k up an automotive american icon so instead of making the 70 an SS clone, I decided to go the P-T route for my own piece of mind. Shaved, lowered and no chrome....I love it!
:headbang:

[quantum]

I'm betting I'm the only one here w/ a Sedan...

[CHILI]

I'm betting I'm the only one here w/ a Sedan...

But not the only one here with an Olds! :cheers:

[Geeto67]

quantum, you don't happen to live in NY do you? Your car looks just like the one parked a couple blocks down the street from where I live.

[ssgmt216710]

A-body guy here too, 67 Chevelle Malibu.

Body and paint are done, still trying to figure out / pay for the EFI, disc brakes, wheels, interior...............

MP

[quantum]

quantum, you don't happen to live in NY do you? Your car looks just like the one parked a couple blocks down the street from where I live.


I could have sworn I replied to this last night??? Oh, well.

I actually live in Tucson AZ.

[zbugger]

I'm betting I'm the only one here w/ a Sedan...

Umm..... nope. After my Camaro is on the road again, I plan on starting on my Buick. I drove it in high school. It's been sitting since I started driving the Camaro. No, it didn't get me any ladies.

[Pro-touring towncar]

I'm betting I'm the only one here w/ a Sedan...


I'm betting not :cheers: :cheers:

89 Lincoln towncar 4 door sedan :)

tim

[quantum]

I'm betting not :cheers: :cheers:

89 Lincoln towncar 4 door sedan :)

tim


Although a Sedan, not a GM A-body.

[PT Goat]

I'm betting I'm the only one here w/ a Sedan...

Nope...'64 Pontiac Tempest sedan (post) for me.

[mrgto]

I am doing a 66 GTO and I need help.

[derekf]

mrgto, what do you need help with?

[Geeto67]

What kind of help do you need?

[yellowcar72]

Another A-body here. 1970 Chevelle station wagon i like to call "Pro Utility".

[TurboLark]

Another A-body here. 1970 Chevelle station wagon i like to call "Pro Utility".
How about " Pro Cargo"?

[SDMAN]

A-body here as well (1970 GTO). We did a manual 2.5" minitub (per side) so I could get the 345's in. The frame did require mods, but nothing to severe. If you go wider than a 2.5" increase on each side you will have trouble getting large enough mufflers and a big diameter driveshaft to fit. I can send you some pics if you want.

[wickedmotorhead]

I'll take some pics of your mini tub job!!!

[email protected]

Thanks.

[65elkyprotour]

I not only have an early A body but it's an ElCamino! 1965.

1999 LS-1/T-56
Baer brakes
Global West suspension
Rock Valley tank
Inland Empire aluminum driveshaft
Be Cool radiator
Moser 9 inch rear

[1970cuda]

malibu ss 327 300hp but going more pro cruising style

[mrgto]

mrgto, what do you need help with?


Front Control Arm Selection

Rack and Pinion steering

Rear Spring/Shock selection

Brake Selection

Wheel dimensional specs