how much weight does minitubing an Fbody save?
Mine is minitubed. I didn't weigh before and after but I don't think there is really any savings. Maybe a very very small amount but the pieces that were cut out didn't weight much.
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You cut metal out but your replacing it with new tubs that are usually heavier gauge steel. I would say you wouldnt lose any weight and if anything you might gain a slight amount. The weight difference ither way wouldnt be anything worth mention.
The factory wheel wells are not double walled and weigh nothing. The sound deadener/under coating and seam sealer combined with the weight of the factory tubs is probably still lighter than bare aftermarket tubs.
The factory wheel wells are not double walled and weigh nothing. The sound deadener/under coating and seam sealer combined with the weight of the factory tubs is probably still lighter than bare aftermarket tubs.
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From: Ventura County, California
I plan to mini tub mine soon, I will put all the crap in a trash can and weigh it and then weigh the tubs and metal I use to box in the frame, cant really weigh the welding or silicone, but at least we will have a pretty close estimate, at least within 5 pounds or less.
And I am not including tire or bracket weights because this post is about weighing the factory tubs and cut out metal vs. the new tubs and boxing in the frames and reinstalling the mini tubs.
Also I know a way to relocate the front control arms about about 1 1/2 almost 2" of clearance so you can get the full 15-16" of the mini tub.
And I am not including tire or bracket weights because this post is about weighing the factory tubs and cut out metal vs. the new tubs and boxing in the frames and reinstalling the mini tubs.
Also I know a way to relocate the front control arms about about 1 1/2 almost 2" of clearance so you can get the full 15-16" of the mini tub.
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Is there a write up anywhere with pics on minitubing a 98-02 camaro? Please help... I'd like to do it this winter.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/tools-fabrication/530117-wolfe-mini-tub-kit.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/drag-racing-tech/582854-mini-tub-fab-9-everything-going-now-some-issues-pics-soon.html
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Ventura County, California
I am mini tubbing my car right now I started today, I am saving all the metal and am going to weight it.
The factory tubs are pretty thick compared to the after market tubs I got. They look almost like 1/8th" steel.
What a f'ing hassle, I forgot what hot metal shaving feel like =/.
I just got info from wolferacecraft.com install photos and just measuring and cutting to the same points as theirs.
I have exactly 16" from where I cut to, to the fender lip. Should finish all my cutting tomorrow.
Also the rear upper fold down seat and seat belts won't fit, the mounts get cut off.
I am going to have my seat cut down and remount the seat belts so I can still have a back seat but it looks like it will have to be about 3" narrower on each side.
The factory tubs are pretty thick compared to the after market tubs I got. They look almost like 1/8th" steel.
What a f'ing hassle, I forgot what hot metal shaving feel like =/.
I just got info from wolferacecraft.com install photos and just measuring and cutting to the same points as theirs.
I have exactly 16" from where I cut to, to the fender lip. Should finish all my cutting tomorrow.
Also the rear upper fold down seat and seat belts won't fit, the mounts get cut off.
I am going to have my seat cut down and remount the seat belts so I can still have a back seat but it looks like it will have to be about 3" narrower on each side.
Maybee 1/8" with the sound deadening but the steel itself is the same gauge as the quarter skin. Even the unitized frame rails arent anywhere near an 1/8".
Last edited by Jeremiah; Oct 14, 2007 at 01:46 AM.
