Curious about "mini-tubing"

Just doing a little dreaming about how I want my 65' Chevy Fleetside to look in a year or two. I'm just curious right now. Just wondering what it all consists of and whether or not it's something that the "average" mechanic can do. I'm pretty much aware of the obvious things needed such as a shortened rear axle, wider fender wells, and wider rims/tires. How does this affect the suspension, and can it be done with air bags/cans? I can't lay a bead of weld to save my life, but I am in luck due to connections so if there's lots of welding....no problem. It's the fabrication part that scares the hell out of me. My knowledge consists of pretty much of what I've learned from shows on TV and remove/replace parts. So far, the project is going well. I've completely redone the interior, had a shift kit installed in the tranny, done some minor engine work (headers, carb, gear drive, electric fan, etc....)
By no means am I ready to tackle tubbing my truck just yet, I was just wondering if I could pick your brains a little bit for some info. Thanks.

kahouna23,

You can go in two directions here.........

The first is.....this is a project better left to a professional.......or at least someone that can wield a TIG/MIG gun.....math is a + also.......

Basically your re-structuring your rear suspension at best. Get some lit & do some reading. Their are lots of decent "kits" availible for this type of condstruction work. Just be confident about your ability to complete the job.

The other thought is to try & do this yourself & learn as you go with some printed guidance.

My .02 worth.

regs

This is alot of work and may (or may not) be required for the "look" you want. Doing a full on Pro Street makeover would involve all of the changes you listed above but, if you just want to put some larger tires under the truck with a little lowering, that can be done without too much of a tear-up. You need to decide what you want and go from there. A little measuring and figuring will go a long way to determining what would need to be done to fit your tires and wheels of choice.
Check out this site for some info and a little guidance...
http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_how_to.html

This is a calculator you can save to help determine how much room you have for tires and wheels. It works fairly well and it will get you familiar with your front and rear suspensions.
http://webrodder.com/calculators/Hub-Wheel-Tire.xls
Let us know exactly what you want and we can help a little more...
Mark

thank you for all your opinions. By reading into this a little more, I'm thinking that what Astroracer said about just working with lowering and wider tires is the way to go. I'm just not equipped in the garage enough to tackle a project like that. Maybe the next one I'll go ProStreet, but for now I'll just admire some wider shoes in the rear. Thanks for all your help and setting me straight.

What the diference between mini tubing and tubing?what makes it mini?

BTD,

"Mini-tubing" came into play when "power-tour" vehicles hit the streets.........These mini-tubed vehicles were notoriously early muscle cars with tric of the week suspension mods.........kinda like putting a vette tire combo (and complete suspension) under a 68 camaro........not full on pro-street (drag race look alike) but a vehicle that has been lowered for handling purposes & looks.

Usually 3-6" are added to the "stock" factory wheel inner house to achieve a "mini-tub".
The the full on "tubbed" look requires removal of factory inner wheel house & replacing with a much larger almn. or steel pittsburg seamed tub.

Just my input........

regs

Hey, just trying to find some information on tubbing (mini) since I need to do it to our truck to get wheels/tires under there (only option to get taller and wider tires without tubbing involves going to an 18" wheel).

Anyways, what is a pittsburgh seam?

Red

A Pitssburg seam is a locking seam used to join pieces of sheet metal without welding or riveting. Look at page 2 of this document:

http://www.swracecars.com/pdf/wheel_tub.pdf

too cool man, thanks for the link.

Red