Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

ZO6 DUST · 12-17-2002, 05:21 PM

I just returned from my body shop, where I was informed they refused to tub my car unless certain questions were answered related to safety. I trust them very much, and the concerns were for my benefit.

I purchased the mini tub kit through Xtreme Motorsports, I was told it was the LPE mini tub kit. I was somewhat surprised when I received the kit, two small cheap looking flimsy fiberglass extensions with no rigidity accompanied by two new wheel-well splash guards-thats it.

When you pull carpet out of the trunk, you will find two braces that sit on top of each wheel-well, on each side. These braces promote structural integrity. Each brace base covers about a 5 inch width across the top of each wheel well. The inner portion of the OEM wheel well would have to be cut out and replaced with the flimsy fiberglass, which raises a couple of safety issues. Can the fiberglass extensions withstand body flex pressure, they don't look like they can support the braces adequately IMO.
GM has gone through great lengths I'm sure with rear end crash testing, and the OEM wheel well is a heavy composite and is well made. I'm worried, if I were ever rear ended, the next pressure point to give would be the rear or back glass.

It appears to be relatively simple process if the braces were not located where they are. I know they serve a purpose and I'm not sure what altering the car in this way leaves me venerable to.

I already have the tires and the wheels were shipped from California today. Does anyone have pictures of a installed mini tub kit with the carpet drawn back. I wonder if I'm missing any support items. I'll call Xtreme in the morning, but would appreciate any relevant feedback.

I never saw safety as a factor when I purchased, so now it's a whole new ball game. Thanks.

Baron · 12-17-2002, 05:30 PM

Looks like the braces you are talking about do not get moved. On this car, they just cut and moved the stock pieces inboard and glassed them all together.

http://www.corvetteforum.cc/techtips...D=36&TopicID=1

ZO6 DUST · 12-17-2002, 05:36 PM

Baron, thank you so much. It looks like they actually cut the base of the support brace. I hope you get some Z miles.

The_Dustman · 12-17-2002, 05:38 PM

Great post Baron, I too was interested in how they did this.

ZO6 DUST · 12-18-2002, 04:22 PM

Heres what I decided to do:

Due to the cheap construction of the fiberglass inserts that came with the mini tub kit, I decided to throw them into the trash. Instead, I'm going to keep and use the original composite pieces which are cut out. You can move these over and rivit/screw them down. All that is left is to apply fiberglass cloth and resin a couple of times to fill the gap. This will give me the most strength, and hopefully, no problems down the road.

The brace integrity is preserved only cutting off a small portion of the brace base edge, all the way up to the column of the brace. This allows the brace to function normally.

sabslt4 · 12-19-2002, 01:19 AM

i just got done with one not to long ago on a 98 coupe .. install l went great .. had a few concerns but resolved them with lpe no problem .. went really well .. any >? let me know i would be gad to answer any questions .. thanks Jim .. good luck and happy holidays ..