[sagacious]

has anyone done a minitub on their 73-74 nova and customized the rear interior panels to match the wider wells? i have the old panels ( in bad shape) that i could use as a partial template but im trying to figure out the best way to modify them or make a mold (?) to make some new ones. I'd like some fresh ideas.

 

[74 hatchback]

How much wider? you can get away with 1" maybe 1.5" and still use the panels. Are you narrowing the rear? if not your only going to get a tire in as far as the springs will let you, the springs are tappered, i had 295/50's on my stock hatch for years, and they didnt stick out, but the lip was notched, you could also relocate your shocks inboard with a fabed cross member, i did that on a 78 i had or how bout after the mini tub just trim out the panels were it interfears and put some carpet to camo it all together? Hatchbacks can be a pain, good luck and post some pics when you get started.

 

[sagacious]

well the minitub has already been done and i used DSE's tub's. i dont remember the exact difference once they were lined up. the rear has been narrowed and shocks moved inboard. im running 315/35/17's on a 17x11 rim. your idea about cutting out the areas and just carpeting over everything would work. i prefer them vinyl painted to match the other panels except these pieces are in BAD shape. i've found that glass beading works great on old sun-beaten plastic interior parts. but the panels are too big to put in the box so i may be stuck modifying these and "attempt" to make a mold. i'll keep poking around and post what i come up with when i finally attempt it.

 

[74 hatchback]

Too bad i just used my nice extra 73' black panels on my 74' , i had them forsale and nobody wanted them because they had a rear defrost. Just a FYI i just got a pair of black vented kick panels from the junk yard for $8 and the pass. one was weather beaten and looked bad, all i did was cleaned it and put a dusted on coat of gloss black and it looks like new, just an idea instead of glass bead.

 

[sagacious]

r u kidding me! black with the rear defrost?! man.. im an all options kinda guy i probably woulda bought those even if they didnt fit