Minitubs and Axle Narrowing???

[novajess1972]

This kind of covers a couple different areas (drivetrain, bodywork, wheels & tires) so I'm posting here.

I'm considering fitting 12 inches (12 inch wide wheels, perverts ) out back and was wondering what the general cost to fit minitubs and to narrow my axle to make this happen?

There is a shop near my home that just quoted me $5500!!!!!

WTF

I somehow feel that is WAY off base.



1972 Chevelle

[Quickboat]

Doing it myself. Parts are a grand or so without wheels/tires.

[andrewb70]

This kind of covers a couple different areas (drivetrain, bodywork, wheels & tires) so I'm posting here.

I'm considering fitting 12 inches (12 inch wide wheels, perverts ) out back and was wondering what the general cost to fit minitubs and to narrow my axle to make this happen?

There is a shop near my home that just quoted me $5500!!!!!

WTF

I somehow feel that is WAY off base.

1972 Chevelle

Is this for a Chevelle or a Nova?

Andrew

[LS1NOVA]

Im not sure where you are located buy I would charge around $3000 for that. Complete minitub job, offset spring hangers, shorten housing and new axles. Wheels, shocks, other stuff extra. Assuming this is a Nova.

[Todd in Vancouver]

I'm in the same boat here and the costs do add up quick. I just ordered rear TCI suspension set up, mini-tub kit and I'm in for almost $3K so far. I still need to narrow my diff a few inches, replace axles, disc brakes and then buy wheels and tires. 18X12 rear rims are going to run damn near $3K for two rims so I'm going to be into my rear suspension and big tires for close to $10K.

PT cars ain't cheap

[SRD art]

Your sig says 72 Chevelle. Can't you just about fit a 12" wheel under it now providing you have the right offset? Back in the day I used to see Chevelles with 325-50-15s (N50) on 10's tucked up under 68-72 Chevelles.

I own a g-body that has a similar frame structure, and I notched the frame rails 1" and built my own minitubs to swallow a 315 tire on an 11" wheel. For kicks I stuffed a 345 tire under it but it stuck out past the body about 3/4". Check page 26 on my build thread - link below, for photos. My car is smaller than yours, I'm wondering if you did the same, notch the frame, minitub, use the factory width rear with the right offset wheel you could make it work on the cheap side.

On the other hand if you're planning on modifying rear suspension at all, why not use a 1st gen Camaro or 68-79 Nova rear axle which is already narrower than a Chevelle rear and simply weld the appropriate brackets to it. For another slightly narrower option pick up a Mustang 8.8 rear, already has discs and is as strong/+ as a 12 bolt. Just have to have the axles redrilled with the Chevy bolt pattern.

Just throwing ideas out there...