I want to make my Chevelle

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t329/ss1970chevelle454/MARIAH.jpg

...look like this

http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t329/ss1970chevelle454/AUT_0712.jpg


How much money does it cost to tub it out like that? For everything, so I know whether or not I would be wasting my time for example it costs way too much money. Would I have to cut out my trunk and behind the rear seat? It's all rusted out anyway (not extremely bad though) so I figured tubbing it out would make it easier to fix anyhow. I really want tub it out though, it's so intimidating. Would I have to modify anything to the front end or could I keep the factory disc brakes? Would I need a roll cage or no? Mine is a real SS 396 and I'm not sure if I'd want to chop it up. I would keep the same red/black stripe paint scheme and stock interior. Motor is a 505ci with 580hp, still have the original M-21, 10-bolt non posi with aprrox 3.73 gears. What upgrades would I need? I'm not looking to try and change anything with the motor, no supercharger or anything crazy like that. Anyone have any advice or anything on this? Thanks for any reply,

Nathan

Basically your looking at a rear frame back half kit from various manufacturers. (S&W, Chassis Works, Chris Alston, Art Morrison to name a few) Either a ladder bar , or four link set up. You will need to remove all the trunk, inner wheel wells, and a portion of the trunk divider. It's possible to keep the back seat. I would step up to a 12 bolt rear or a Ford 9" set up. Some of the manufactures offer rear end housings with there kits. New wheel tubs, and tin work to close it all back up. New axles as well. You don't need a roll bar, but it's always nice to have for safety. Obviously new wheels and tires. As far as your front end and the rest of your drive train, your fine with what you have.

The big cost difference will be in if you farm it out, or do it yourself. I would suggest checking out all the different companies I suggested and start pricing it out. If you do it yourself your talking welding, and metal bending tools. But none of it is really that difficult.

I'm giving you some of the basics, I'm sure others will chime in.

My opinion but, cut up a non-SS car that's not worth anything instead of an original SS396!

Do not cut the SS!! get another Chevelle if your going to do it

Much better to sell yours, and buy a car that's already done. You can buy a decent tubbed roller for the same money it will cost you just to do the backhalf on yours.

Much better to sell yours, and buy a car that's already done. You can buy a decent tubbed roller for the same money it will cost you just to do the backhalf on yours.

:yes: I have over $20K in my pro street and not done yet. I wish I would have bought one that was ready to go.

I would not cut the SS up.

You can read the install instructions on the S&W Website. Just go to the Product Instructions section and click. A whole menu of instructions appears. With the Chevelle there is cutting involved but not everything goes. You will lose your current back seat. You'll need to decide if you want to go street or strip. Anything over 800hp I suggest going to a 4 link. Do not run a track locator on the street. Roughly $5K will get you the the rear section with a Ford 9 inch, center, axles and brakes. Not an ad, but they are having a 10% off sale until the end of the year on the stuff they make in house (frame, basic shock kit, suspension pieces, rear housing). Yes, I do work there and if any TC member has a question, please feel free to give me a call.
Personally, I would not cut an SS. I agree with finding a decent Malibu and go from there.
George

Much better to sell yours, and buy a car that's already done. You can buy a decent tubbed roller for the same money it will cost you just to do the backhalf on yours.

+1 :yes:

Just save yourself the time, hassle, and money. You can find nice rollers all over the place. Swap the 505 into a roller. You're going to want a TH400 or a glide, with a 12 bolt or 9" anyway. Then you could always restore the SS later. :D

I my self had quiet a few cars, but this is my first tubbed out car, NOT THE FASTEST ONE I HAD but runs llike a dream, anyways when i got this 66 i figured that the car does not need anything, well to repair the cut up job that was not done right to tub it, it cost me 4.000, now its done right, JUST LIKE EVERYONE said find 1 thats tubbed out right and go for it, check out racingjunk.com there are a few there. good luck.

Truthfully I wouldn't do your car. It will cost a lot of money. First, I would put a roll bar of some type, preferably an 8 point bar. You don't need the front halo around the windshield but the roll bar will tie the front and rear halves together. Second to correctly do a backhalf on a chevelle be prepared to cut the wheel wells. So that will include repainting the backhalf at least. By the time you are done I would expect $15000 to correctly do one if you have someone do it including paint.