SMALL WHEEL TUBS WITH SIDE PANELS (PAIR) – 32" x 15" x 9.25" – Heavy-Duty 16-Gauge Steel

Precision-Crafted Steel Wheel Tubs Built for Custom Builds, Mini-Trucks, Hot Rods, and Classic Rides

When it comes to custom fabrication and suspension upgrades, every inch counts. Our Small Wheel Tubs with Side Panels are engineered for builders who demand durability, accuracy, and clean fitment. Constructed from heavy-duty 16-gauge steel, these tubs are built to handle aggressive wheel setups, custom suspension geometry, and high-torque powertrains—all while maintaining the structural integrity your project deserves.

Whether you’re mini-tubbing a classic muscle car, restoring a C10, bagging a modern pickup, or building a street-ready hot rod, these small steel wheel tubs deliver professional-grade results and clean, weld-ready foundations.

Product Overview

• Product Name: Small Wheel Tubs with Side Panels (Pair)

• Dimensions: 32" L x 15" H x 9.25" D

• Material: 16-Gauge Heavy-Duty Steel

• Sold As: Pair (Left and Right)

• Included: Side Panels for easier integration and fabrication

• Fitment: Universal – requires custom fitting, trimming, and welding

These wheel tubs are perfect for custom mini-tub jobs, bagged trucks, and classic restorations where extra tire clearance is essential. Designed to replace factory wheel housings, they provide a durable foundation for larger wheel and tire combinations or aggressive suspension setups like air ride or coil-overs.

Looking for a Notch Cover ??  Check out our Small Wheel Tubs and Hex Notch Cover OR Small Wheel Tub and Round Notch Cover Combo

Why Choose Heavy-Duty 16-Gauge Steel Wheel Tubs?

The foundation of any professional-grade custom build is the sheet metal. We don’t cut corners—and neither should you.

1. Unmatched Strength and Durability

Crafted from 16-gauge cold-rolled steel, our tubs provide the rigidity needed to support your rear suspension, protect your interior from debris, and handle the heat of welding and fabrication. Unlike thinner gauge alternatives, these tubs won’t flex or warp easily during installation or under load.

2. Weld-Ready Finish

Each panel arrives raw and unpainted, ready for your custom touch. You can grind, weld, trim, and blend these wheel tubs seamlessly into your project’s bed or body. The thick steel is ideal for MIG or TIG welding, ensuring a clean, solid bond.

3. Perfect for Tight-Clearance Builds

At 9.25 inches deep, these tubs strike the perfect balance between maximizing clearance and preserving interior or bed space. Builders love them for mini-trucks, street rods, rat rods, and resto-mod projects where subtle widening is all that’s needed.

Fitment and Installation Notes

We know every custom build is different—so we don’t promise a one-size-fits-all fitment. Instead, we design our wheel tubs as fabrication foundations that can be tailored to your exact build specs.

• Universal Design: Fits a wide range of vehicles and applications.

• Requires Welding and Fabrication: These are not bolt-on parts. Professional installation or advanced DIY fabrication skills are required.

• Measure Before Cutting: Always confirm tire height, wheel offset, and suspension travel before cutting factory tubs.

• Recommended Use: Mini-trucks, hot rods, classic restorations, custom drag builds, and bagged trucks.

Because there are so many variations in axle width, backspacing, and ride height, precise measuring ensures your new tubs align perfectly with your wheels and suspension setup.

Dimensions and Technical Specifications

Built for Builders – Not Guesswork

Every professional builder knows: proper planning equals perfect fitment. These small steel wheel tubs give you the flexibility to customize your setup to exact measurements—no cutting corners, no compromised clearances.

We recommend these steps before installation:

1. Mock Up Your Suspension: Set your vehicle at ride height to understand your true tire clearance.

2. Measure Twice: Use a flexible contour gauge or cardboard template to map out cuts.

3. Cut and Fit Carefully: Trim as needed for a flush seam between tub and floor panel.

4. Weld and Reinforce: Use stitch welds to minimize warping and ensure a solid bond.

5. Seal and Finish: Apply seam sealer, primer, and paint to prevent corrosion.

Applications and Build Types

These small wheel tubs are perfect for a wide range of automotive projects:

• Mini-Trucks: S10, Ranger, Hardbody, Tacoma

• Classic Pickups: C10, F100, D100

• Muscle Cars: Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, Charger

• Hot Rods and Street Rods: Custom frames, tubbed rears, or trunk enclosures

• Modern Bagged Builds: Silverado, Ram, or F-Series trucks with air suspension

Each application benefits from the same core advantage: more clearance for more creativity.

Installation Pro Tips

Professional fabricators recommend these wheel tubs for their ease of modification. Here’s how to get the most from your install:

1. Use Cleco Pins or Sheet Metal Screws for Mock-Up: This allows fine adjustments before final welding.

2. Cut Gradually: Removing too much material at once can create alignment issues.

3. Tack Weld Before Fully Welding: Prevents distortion and ensures a tight seam.

4. Apply a Body Filler Blend Line: For a smooth transition between the tub and existing panels.

5. Finish with Epoxy Primer: Protects against rust and prepares for final paint or bed liner.

Important Fitment Disclaimer

We cannot determine whether these wheel tubs will fit your specific vehicle application. There are simply too many variables—such as tire diameter, axle width, wheel offset, and suspension type—that affect fitment. Always measure your vehicle after it’s at ride height and your factory tubs have been removed.

Please Note:
All sheet metal parts are considered “foundations” only. They may require cutting, trimming, and fabrication for proper installation. Welding, grinding, and finishing are required to achieve a perfect fit.

Summary: Build Better, Build Smarter

The Small Wheel Tubs with Side Panels (Pair) deliver the ideal combination of strength, precision, and versatility for any serious builder. Whether you’re chasing a perfect stance, tucking wider tires, or building a show-quality bed floor, these tubs provide a solid foundation for your vision.

Engineered from 16-gauge steel, measured for practical fitment, and sold with side panels for easy fabrication—these tubs are built to last and built to perform.

Why Builders Choose Gauge-Store.com

At Gauge-Store, we’re more than just an online retailer—we’re a hub for custom builders, fabricators, and enthusiasts who demand precision and quality. We partner with top manufacturers and curate only the most reliable components for your project.

When you shop with us, you’re getting:

• U.S.-Based Customer Support that understands custom fabrication.

• Fast Shipping on all in-stock sheet metal and suspension parts.

• Secure Online Ordering through our trusted BigCommerce platform.

• Verified Compatibility Assistance—we help you choose the right parts for your setup.

Order Yours Today

Upgrade your project with the reliability and craftsmanship of Gauge-Store’s Small Wheel Tubs.
Order your pair now at Gauge-Store.com and start fabricating the clean, professional wheel housings your custom ride deserves.