DSE Mini Tub Kit

[540]

Any one installed one? Can an average Joe with decent skills install one?
A Buddy just got his kit and watched the video and he said I looks very hard and you have to fab up some parts,what is that all about I thought the kit had everything in there.
Do you guys suggest a profesional installer. Any one know some one in Miami Florida? How much should this cost?
I'm getting the video tomorrow hope It does not scare me as much as it did him.
Thanks in advance.

[Musclecar]

I just had one installed. Even if I had been tooled up for the job I don't think I would have taken on the task. There is a little more involved that what the video shows. There are several pieces that have to be cut and fabricated for the frame rails. The guy that did mine here in Oklahoma had never installed the DSE kit. He has mini tubbed and full tubbed many cars and this was quite a different animal for him to do. If I had to do it again... I'd still pay someone else to do it...It takes the guys from DSE 40-50 hours to install one...

[Vegas69]

If you do the shock cross member it may take 50 hours. It's just like in the regular auto business. They charge 50 but after a little practice it takes them30. Their is nothing wrong with that.

[907rs]

If you've got decent welding skills and patients, the job is not all that difficult. IIRC, The only things that aren't included is the steel for the frame rail close-out panels and a couple pieces of sheet metal for reconfiguration of seat back bracing. All of the templates are included on the cd.

[ProdigyCustoms]

If you do the shock cross member it may take 50 hours. It's just like in the regular auto business. They charge 50 but after a little practice it takes them30. Their is nothing wrong with that.

Really? You want a job? I wish that was the case. Michael is a mini tubbing machine and it is a long week at best. I have seen many average joes do it. It is no rocket science, but is a huge job for someone in their garage. I think for most it is a job better left for a professional, but I am always impressed with what some non professionals on this board pull off.

[XcYZ]

I didn't think it was that hard, it was just time consuming. Getting the fitment perfect can be tedious.

[Sandro's 1969 502 Camaro]

After reading this you guy's got me all worried. I just bought a second gen. mini tub kit for my 1970 camaro that I'm building. It looked fairly easy and straight forward on the DSE site from SW's car? Well I get my kit saturday so lets hope all goes well.....

[Vegas69]

Really? You want a job? I wish that was the case. Michael is a mini tubbing machine and it is a long week at best. I have seen many average joes do it. It is no rocket science, but is a huge job for someone in their garage. I think for most it is a job better left for a professional, but I am always impressed with what some non professionals on this board pull off.
I'd love to have a job Frank.Thats a hell of a commute. I didn't realize it took a week without the cross brace.

[68RS350]

Its very tedious especially if your picky. I think its easier to do it if you have a complete shell. But if you are replacing everything its a little tougher because you dont have a bunch of datums to go off of. The hardest part I think is cutting the frame to match and creating the piece to box the frame back up. I figure if a guy a replace a quarter panel or replace any sheetmetal on a car he should be able to do the mini tub. The biggest help I think is the pics on DSE's website and some other people on this board. Good Luck!

[540]

What 12 bolt rear size would be best. The stock 10 bolt we took out was 60" drum to drum. My friend would like to change it to a 12 bolt but need to know what size to go for.

Any one have a 12 bolt for sale?

[ItDoRun]

540,
I sent you a PM about a 12 bolt.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

If you find a rear end you can narrow or widen to fit you application.
When doing a mini tub I recommend picking a rim with a standard back space then fit the rear. Depending on the company it could run up to a $1000 for a custom back space thats even if it can be done.

[fladoans]

I just finished installing the complete DSE mini tub kit on my 69 Camaro. It was one of my first fabricating experiences. It was not tooooo difficult - just time consuming. I also just go in my new Moser 12 bolt rear end for the car. I have 18x12 Budnik rims for the rear with 5.5bs and I ordered the rearend 55 1/4 wheel to wheel and it fit perfect!

[ItDoRun]

How much did that new Moser run you?

[70ptta]

Any one know much it cost to get the kit installed.

[KPC67]

I didn't think it was that hard, it was just time consuming. Getting the fitment perfect can be tedious.

Scott hit the nail on the head with this answer!
Kevin

[ArisESQ]

sorry if this is a stupid question, but is it really necessary to narrow the rear end? why cant you just run a wider rim with correct backspace?

[907rs]

sorry if this is a stupid question, but is it really necessary to narrow the rear end? why cant you just run a wider rim with correct backspace?

It's not necessary, but IMO less backspacing is more desirable to look at. I'm running 18x12's with 6" oF BS.

[PTAddict]

sorry if this is a stupid question, but is it really necessary to narrow the rear end? why cant you just run a wider rim with correct backspace?

You can - it's just that lots of people like to run wheels with the smallest backspace possible so as to create a deep wheel lip for visual effect.

[ArisESQ]

ah ok, thats what i thought. just wasnt really sure since so many poeple get their rear ends narrowed.