Hi all,

I'm in need of a new trunk pan including shock towers, but am also planning on performing the DSE minitub kit install at a later time which comes with their own shock tower replacement panel, correct?

If this is true, can I get away with purchasing one of the trunk pan repair panels versus having to purchase the entire trunk pan which comes with the shock towers for about 3 times the price?

Also, would you recommend making these repairs/installations at the same time? It seems like the minitub kit would be easier to install with the entire trunk pan removed, and then I can cut and fit the trunk pan to fit the new wheel wells before welding it into place.

Sounds like your on the right track to me. I am waiting to do the minitubs only because we tore out the entire back section of my car and I want to make sure its all straight prior to cutting on it again.

I'd say you'd be fine with replacements but that full floor is a splendid piece let me tell you. If you have to remove the tail pan I highly recommend the full floor, if not don't worry bout it because it is a WHOLE lot of work... yeesh

The DSE Mini Tub kit does come with a piece of "C" Channel to relocate the shock mounts, but it is not a piece of sheet metal. If the car is a 67-68 the piece is much easier to install, because it is installed straight, for the 69 with the staggered shocks the channel is installed at an angle. But, you still end up with sheet metal in front of the new channel.

I replaced the full trunk and mini tub kit at the same time and it's much easier to do together. I would recommend buying the full truck pan, but I guess it depends on how bad the trunk pan is. Good luck.

...If the car is a 67-68 the piece is much easier to install, because it is installed straight, for the 69 with the staggered shocks the channel is installed at an angle. But, you still end up with sheet metal in front of the new channel...

So the 68 does not use the staggered shocks? I could have sworn it did (you can tell I've never looked).

So the 68 does not use the staggered shocks? I could have sworn it did (you can tell I've never looked).

68 are staggered

I have an idea for mini tubing a first gen camaro I'm thinking of doing, if you need to replace the trunk and frame rails install the frame rails in about 3" on each side. You would still need to modify your wheel tubs but I think that would make for a different look.
On your shock mounts I've seen people use a steal bar welded to the frame rails and the shocks moved to the inside of the leaf springs. Summit sale the bar that you could use to move your springs inward and most traction bars have shock mounts both inward and outward.
Just some idea's for you or someone else to do.
Bob