My modified 69 is built, engine-wise, about as far as I want to go. The damn thing is scary fast, at least as far as streetables go.

I am interested in inquiring into shortening the rear axle and tubbing, then fitting my big back tires fully under the wheel well.

Where would I go for such work, and what kind of price can I expect to be looking at? I am interested in getting a nicer look for the rear of the car, and by lowering the whole thing, getting some better handling.

Thanks to all.

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69/454/TH400/Modified/Street-Strip
jjnca@yahoo.com

In the next week or so I am going to have a rear end set up for my Camaro. It has a factory 12 bolt posi, but I am not going to use it I will either use one of my chevelle 12 bolts housings or get one from an Impala (if I can find on before next weekend). I will be using a c-clip eliminator, and cutting off the ends of the axle. By doing this it becomes irrelevant which rear end you start with, I assume you currently have a 12 bolt, thus you can sell the factory 12 bolt housing to defray some of the costs of your new shortened rear end. The cost, who knows you need to speak to a rear end shop, is Alston still in business, ask the people at Tognotti's who they use.

When it comes to tubbing, unless you are going to install new rear frame rail, you will be severly limited to how far you can go. If you crawl under your car look up and notice how the frame rails are not parallel. Behind the rear wheels they move out, this will limit how narrow you can go. Good luck.

Steve R.

attention usmarine 81, jokin, i'm sure you hear that enough. i tubbed my 69 camaro myself with the help of my friend doing the welding, so if i can be some help, let me know.
later,
bruce69camaro

USMarine81,
I know I am new to this board but have been a racer for 17 years.It sounds like you are looking for someone to do the work or at least talk to.I see you are in Sacramento.You might try Chris Alston's Chassisworks in Sacramento,ph 916-388-0288 the build and sell all the parts you need to do it..Also there is a great chassis shop in Campbell,CA called Magnumforce Race Car Fabrication,ph 408-559-6633(www.magnumforceracing.com)they also do excellent work.I have bought parts from Alston and had work done by Magnumforce and both are top notch..If you are more of a do it yourself type I think S&W Racecars,ph 610-948-7303 sells the best rear clips and cages.Hope this helps some.

I am looking at beefing up my stock 12 bolt. In addition to an aftermarket posi unit and HD shafts, I was thinking of installing a C-clip eliminator kit as well. I heard that this modification is really only good for straight line performance (i.e., drag racing) and that it shouldn't be done to a car that will see extreme side loads (i.e., road racing).

Any comments from you guys that are knowledgeable in this area?

I am sending my rear end out next week. They said the route I should take is to go with aftermarket axles, c-clip eliminator, and a Ford style housing ends. I don't remember exactly why it is best to use Ford ends, but it made sense at the time. Right now I am just looking for an Impala 12 bolt housing so I don't have to sacrifice one of my Camaro 12 bolts. They said that if you are going to cut the end of the axle tubes off it does not matter what rearend you start with. As for going around corners I don't think it will hurt, after all the stock axles are held in with these wimpy little c-clips, if you go with a bearing and retainer you will actually be gaining some strenght or at least reliability.

Steve R.

I think the Ford ends have bigger bearings which makes them desirable. One more thought - there are bazillions of 9" rearends out there and they're cheap to build compared to a 12 bolt. Maybe you should consider hacking up a Ford rear and save the 12 bolt?

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed
'99 HD Road King Classic

I would agree except I have a 4 series carrier with new Richmond gears lying around plus the place I am having the rear set up at has a bunch of other parts he will give me a price break on. Besides its not like I am going to sacrafice a Camaro 12 bolt, Impala stuff is somewhat common around here. A few months ago there were 3 at the pick-a-part junkyards in the area. Unfortunately not at the moment. Besides building a Ford with 31 spline is not significantly cheaper that doing a 12 bolt, if starting from scratch.

Steve R.