Anyone using an aftermarket 12 bolt casting such as the Kenny Thompson Racing Enterprises' (KTRE), see August Super Chevy. It is a little more pricy than other 12 bolts for this application (78 Elky), but the others are a GM 12 bolt conversion where the KTRE is a new beefed up casting. I figure by the time it is all said and done I will have about 1200 in parts alone to modify a 12 bolt that will not break. I've got to do something before I can even try to make this LS7 powered Elky hook. Thoughts, comments? TIA
Mike Crosby

Hmm, do you have a phone number for these guys? I'd like to look into one for my 64 El Camino. I've been leaning towards a FAB9 from CA Chassisworks, but if the price is competetive, and it's beefier, a 12 bolt would look more at home. I'm looking realistically at around $2000, for a complete bolt-in FAB9, including a Detroit Locker, HRW nodular case, Daytona pinion support, gears, bearings, axles, etc., hopefully including shipping, so a complete 12 bolt of similar strength wouldn't be out of the question for me. Darren

Darren, the address and phone# is: Kenny Thomas Racing Enterprises, 10578 Mahoning Ave, Rt 18, North Jackson OH 44451. Phone#: 330-538-0400. "...take all of the 12-bolt shortcomings, fix them, then mix in the right mounting systems...". They advertise this casting for 78-87 GM A and G bodies and for 82 to present Camaros. What they've done Sounds impressive and they may be able to configure this center section with the correct length tubes and mountings for 64-72s also. Costs quoted me for my application were: Bare housing w/tubes, $1095, w/ Mosler axles and backing plates $1550, w/ spool $1850, w/ posi 30 spline $2195 and w/ posi 33 spline $2295. In comparison a Currie 9 inch F*** set up for a 78 GM A body $2480, quoted yesterday. I am still looking. Anyone else out there that is in the business of modifying 12 bolts for a 1978? I had been told by friends that a 12 bolt set up for my application would be around $1800, but it appears that after making some calls this price is a little low. MikEC

[This message has been edited by Mike Crosby (edited 10-31-98).]

Mike, thanks for the info. Yeah, Currie makes nice rears, but they are pricey, too. I've known that for years. I'm also contemplating just making my own 9" housing. I figure, if I make a good jig, bolt up all of the arms, etc, with the old rear, I should be able to get the new one to fit. The only downside is, most of the ones that are the right width (Mustang or Cougar) are low-po 28 spline units, with small axle tubes.

Anyway, I'm gonna give these guys a call. Thanks again. Darren

I did a similar conversion in my 79 Malibu. I used a 65 chevelle rear and moved my Lower control arm brackets and coil spring mounts from the stock 7.5" 10 bolt. I also used billet housing ends from Mark Williams. They are like a ford end (has bearing retainer) but fits GM backing plates. With this there is no need for C-clip eliminators. Excellent setup. I then use a Gazan/Morrison susp. kit that allows for the upper bar angle difference.(heim ends allow swivel) All internals are Mark Williams. 35 spline spool, axles, bearings retainer plates, (2) billet caps, 11/16 drive studs and an aluminum girdle cover with stress bars. I have approx $2500 in the whole rear including suspension.

I paid a chassis shop to move the control arm/spring pads which cost $500.(included in above cost)If your good at welding, it's simple to create a jig and do the work yourself.

As far as I'm concerned, this is as strong as a 12 bolt could possibly be. This is the ultimate street/strip rearend setup.

If you care to see the rearend assembly stop by my web page at: http://www.qis.net/~tgeisler

Hope this helps
Todd Geisler