Widening wheel tubs for bigger tires?

[Bowtiefreak]

I know this has been asked before but seeing how the search is down i am looking for some help. Can someone shed some light on this subject. I have seen posts before with pics. Does anyone have a link to any posts on this subject?
Thanks a bunch Ron.

[Bowtiefreak]

Anyone?

[Joe67]

Sounds like you want to 'mini-tub' the truck
I don't have any links or pics.

[67chevemall]

I used galvinized sheet metal down the sides and rounded pieces over the wheels.
tack welds and rivets.

[redhead69]

I want to do mine too. Was thinking of cutting them down the middle.. adding about 3" of material.. cutting bed floor to fit.. drill new holes and re-install. Be aware of where bolts are running along the frame... I think if you cut too much out- those bolts will be a PITA to get back in (your new tub will be directly over the frame.) Oooh.. just noticed you got a wood floor.. might be more difficult.

['70_402]

Just go the junkyard and buy some wheel tubs from another truck and use then as donor metal.

[Bowtiefreak]

Yep, looking to do a mini tub. I was also thinking of getting another set of tubs and cutting 3-4 inches out of the center section. This would look more like the factory appearance. I have seen one thread before with this done but can't find it with the search down. I think boardmember Purs was also going to do this.

[70 longbed]

I am looking for the old post as well. There was a good one out here not long ago; explained how much to cut out of the bed, how much to add to the wheel well, etc.etc. A really good post, that when found could be added to the stickies for mini tubbing.

[Bowtiefreak]

Yep, I hope someone has it.

[FirstGen]

these...

[Bowtiefreak]

FirstGen-
Yes, it was from that post I believe. This was one of the trucks I remember. Thanks Do you have that post saved by chance?

[HuggerCST]

I don't have the link, but here's another pic for you. I think if I were doing it, I would find some donor tubs, cut yours on one side, cut the donors on the other side, resulting in only one seem, or weld to fill.

[Bowtiefreak]

Originally Posted by HuggerCST

I don't have the link, but here's another pic for you. I think if I were doing it, I would find some donor tubs, cut yours on one side, cut the donors on the other side, resulting in only one seem, or weld to fill.

I have a two pics of that truck too but no link. You are right on the money with the one seem idea.
Thanks

[A few 72's]

Ill throw one in...

[tomatocity]

As the other members said, use tubs from a junkyard or where ever. I will just use number so don't think the are correct measurements. If the original tub is 18" and you want to make 24" tubs. Take two left tubs and cut one 12" from the driverside and cut the other driverside tub 12" from the right. Weld them together and you have a 24" driverside tub. Do the same for the passengerside tub. If you are really good you will overlap the center piece for strength. I won't attempt to explain that.

Originally Posted by Bowtiefreak

I know this has been asked before but seeing how the search is down i am looking for some help. Can someone shed some light on this subject. I have seen posts before with pics. Does anyone have a link to any posts on this subject?
Thanks a bunch Ron.

[BowTieMan]

How big of a tire could I fit if I mini tubed my 70? Anybody got some picture of the tires on a mini tubed truck?

[Ridgeback]

I have a nice set of wheel housings that have already been increased in width. I plan to sell them in the next couple of weeks. If you are interested I can send you some pics along with measurements after the 4th of July.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by HuggerCST

I don't have the link, but here's another pic for you. I think if I were doing it, I would find some donor tubs, cut yours on one side, cut the donors on the other side, resulting in only one seem, or weld to fill.

Yes, splicing 2 tubs together will have only 1 seam to be filled, but it also limits the depth of the tub.

Stock fleet tubs are 11.5" @ their widest point (from the bed wall to the mounting flange) & only 8.5" @ the point where the tub starts to form the 'crown' or the rolled edge. If you splice 2 together, you have to cut them where they're still 'flat' or approx 8" from the flange that bolts to the bedside. This means about 18~19" max width when splicing 2 together.

As you can see in the first few pics, those tubs are 21" wide which is why there are 2 seams. The stock tubs were split & a flanged 9~10" piece of metal was added. They can also be bolted in just like factory because the bed floor was also kicked up for pumpkin clearance.

Originally Posted by BowTieMan

How big of a tire could I fit if I mini tubed my 70?

The truck in the first pics had 31x18.5 Mickey-T's on 15x14 wheels under those 21" tubs.

[tomatocity]

You are so correct. Who made the flanged strips? They ought to think about selling the strips or tubs made to order.

How much did you narrow the rearend to fit the wheels and tires?

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Yes, splicing 2 tubs together will have only 1 seam to be filled, but it also limits the depth of the tub.

Stock fleet tubs are 11.5" @ their widest point (from the bed wall to the mounting flange) & only 8.5" @ the point where the tub starts to form the 'crown' or the rolled edge. If you splice 2 together, you have to cut them where they're still 'flat' or approx 8" from the flange that bolts to the bedside. This means about 18~19" max width when splicing 2 together.

As you can see in the first few pics, those tubs are 21" wide which is why there are 2 seams. The stock tubs were split & a flanged 9~10" piece of metal was added. They can also be bolted in just like factory because the bed floor was also kicked up for pumpkin clearance.


The truck in the first pics had 31x18.5 Mickey-T's on 15x14 wheels under those 21" tubs.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by tomatocity

You are so correct. Who made the flanged strips? They ought to think about selling the strips or tubs made to order.

How much did you narrow the rearend to fit the wheels and tires?

I cut them to the right width & my buddy had a machine that 'rolled' the bodylines & proper flanges for welding. The overlapping also increases the strength of the seam.

The rear end wasn't narrowed. It was a stock length 67-68 12 bolt coil rear. I used custom widened steelies. I didn't narrow it because I knew in time the larger diameter wheel/tires I desired would be available. This was done many years ago as I've be messing w/this thing for almost 20yrs .

No frame mods other than removal of the factory bumpstop. This was done w/just widened tubs & widened wheels w/the proper backspacing. No pics as the wheels/tires are long gone & replaced w/some 20's (which have also been replaced ).

[SweetandLong68]

Originally Posted by Ridgeback

I have a nice set of wheel housings that have already been increased in width. I plan to sell them in the next couple of weeks. If you are interested I can send you some pics along with measurements after the 4th of July.

I would be interested....Send me pics if you can and a price.

thanks
CHRIS

[71Dragtruck]

Originally Posted by BowTieMan

How big of a tire could I fit if I mini tubed my 70? Anybody got some picture of the tires on a mini tubed truck?

I have 15x12" rim's 6.5" backspace, with 28/14.5/15 tires and lot's of room left. My tubs are a bit narrower than the ones shown, they are made out of 2 sets of fenderwells. They are about 1" away from the frame, to go wider I would have had to add a strip so the would line up with the next rib in my steel box. It was either go wider than the frame or a bit narrower. Even with them a bit narrower I can narrow my rearend 4" a side, go with 15x12 4.5" back space, for a more dished look, and a much larger tire and they will still tuck under ( future plans ).

[Hart_Rod]

OOOPPSSS! Sorry wrong year!