Quarter panel, mini tub ?

[jazz]

I need to install quarters, outer tub and dse mini tubs on my 67 camaro. What is the best order for installation? Do all three at once, or install outer and quarter then mini tubs? Or mini tub then outers and quater? Thanks Nate

[anthonys 69]

I did the mini tubes first then the quarters and outers the same time. I made the mistake of welding in the outers before lining up the quarters. If there’s a next time I’ll do the inners then line the quarters and inners before any welding . Good luck

[anthonys 69]

another thing measure everything and right it down window opening roof line width of the vehicle. because the new quarters may be nice but there not perfect. good luck

[maro67]

Hi Nate. I am actually in the same boat as you. I just finished media blasting my car and am about to start the metal work. I am doing the same thing quarters, outer wheel housing and the DSE mini tubs. I am also doing a trunk floor partial panel. I am thinking about doing all at once. I honestly am wondering what the pros and cons would be about taking different approaches. I have seen several people do the mini tubs first then move onto the quarters and etc. I am curious to know if there is a reason why.

I was told one tip that makes sense to me. I am fortunate enough that the rockers on my car are in good shape and straight. Someone told me to set the doors first, get all the gaps the best I can then when I go to install the quarters I can use the doors as a guide. I have been doing my homework on the mini tub install and it seems there is a significant amount of fab work that has to go into notching the stock frame rails and making close out panels for some of the structure. My plan is to cut out the inner wheel housing first and proceed as if I was doing the mini tub install. I figure once I get into doing the mini tub install I can decide I want to just do that first of go for it and do the outters and quarters at the same time. Probably not the answer your were looking for but I thought Id share my two cents. Good luck with your project.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Also in the same situation on a '67 Camaro. I'm half done the mini-tubbing and that's where I started. My reasoning is that I want to make sure I keep everything as square and lined up as possible. As maro67 stated I will start with lining up doors gaps first then go to quarters. With installing the mini tubs first I haven't changed the structure of the car. When they are done I will start and complete one quarter at a time. If you have a rack and the talent to remove it all and do it at once then I would assume that would be the easiest way. Doing it on my garage by myself this is the best way I can see to make sure the end product is straight and aligned like the car I'm starting with. Less the rust and room for bigger tires of coarse.

Also, half way through I purchased an inexpensive plasma cutter and it made things much, much easier and cleaner. There was some debate on these things but I found that the plasma cutter was a great investment and took a lot of the stress out of the fabricating for me. Take your time and go slow and it's not hard to do. I've really be enjoying the process and building the car myself so I hope this helps. I will try and get my project status updated over the holidays as I've taken lots of photos during the mini-tub install and fabrication.

Sorry for the HUGE pictures, it's a PIA to do these from my iPad.