How to Install 5-Inch Wider Wheel Tubs in a 1960–1966 Chevy C10

How to Install 5-Inch Wider Wheel Tubs in a 1960–1966 Chevy C10 (and Suburban, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30)

If you’re building a 1960–1966 Chevy C10 or GMC truck and want to run wider rear tires without major bed modifications, Auto Metal Direct’s 5-inch wider wheel tubs are the perfect solution. These classic Chevy truck replacement parts are designed as OE-style reproductions, but with added clearance to help you tuck big rubber under your fleetside pickup or Suburban.

I’ve been restoring classic GM trucks for over 25 years, and one of the most common upgrades my customers ask about is wider rear tubs. In the past, widening wheel tubs meant cutting, welding, and fabricating—time-consuming work that didn’t always look factory. AMD solved this problem with a bolt-in, press-formed wider wheel tub for 1960–1966 Chevy C10 trucks that installs with simple hand tools.

Why Choose AMD’s Wider Wheel Tubs?

Compared side by side, AMD’s 5-inch wider tub looks nearly identical to the stock wheelhouse, just with the extra width where it counts. These steel press-formed replacements are e-coated for corrosion protection (note: they must be top-coated with paint for UV resistance). Best of all, they extend out to the frame rails, giving you maximum tire clearance while still looking like a factory part.

This upgrade applies to:

• 1960–1966 Chevy C10, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30

• 1960–1966 GMC C15, C25, C35, K15, K25, K35

• 1960–1966 Suburban and Carry All Panel trucks

Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Installing these wider tubs is straightforward, but having the right approach saves headaches. Here’s my breakdown from the shop floor:

1. Remove the Old Wheel Tubs

• Unbolt the stock wheelhouses from the bed sides and floor.

• Expect most bolts to be rusty and seized—an impact gun, penetrating oil, and safety glasses are a must.

• Don’t be surprised if you need to cut or snap bolts.

2. Test Fit the New Tubs

• Place the new AMD wheel tub into position and secure with a couple of bolts.

• Use a straightedge to mark where the tub meets the wood floor and note any hole locations.

3. Modify the Bed Floor

• For stock wood floors, you’ll need to trim one additional board per side since the wider tub intersects further into the bed.

• Use a jigsaw or Sawzall to cut wood, and a cutoff wheel for the steel rail if necessary.

• Always seal freshly cut wood edges to prevent moisture damage.

4. Drill Mounting Holes

• Use a 7/16" drill bit for the 3/8" bolts.

• Treat drilled holes with oil or wood sealer to protect from rot.

5. Bolt It All Together

• Reinstall the tub using the available hardware.

• Make sure washers bite slightly into the wood to prevent loosening.

The entire job usually takes about an hour per side once you’ve dealt with the rusty bolts.

Results You’ll Love

Once installed, these wider wheel tubs for 1960–1966 Chevy C10 pickups look factory correct. Unless you’re deeply familiar with these trucks, you’d never guess the bed wasn’t stock. Yet you now have five extra inches of clearance—enough to fit a serious rear tire setup for your restoration, street truck, or pro-touring build.

And if you’re working on a Suburban or panel truck? The fitment works just as well; only the floor segments may need slight trimming. AMD also makes wider tubs for 1967–1972 and 1973–1991 Chevy/GMC trucks and SUVs, in a 5-inch wider configuration.

Technical Specs

• Application: 1960–1966 Chevy GMC C10, C20, C30; GMC K10, K20, K30; Suburban and panel trucks

• Construction: OE-style steel, press-formed on AMD exclusive tooling

• Finish: Black e-coat (must be painted for UV protection)

• Width: 5 inches wider than stock

• Mounting: Bolt-in with available hardware - sold separately. 

FAQ: Wider Wheel Tubs for Classic Chevy Trucks

Q: Do I need to weld these wheel tubs in?
No. They are designed as bolt-in replacements using existing mounting points.

Q: Will they work with factory wood bed floors?
Yes. You’ll need to trim one wood board per side to fit the extra width.

Q: Do they fit Suburbans and GMC models?
Yes. These tubs fit both Chevy and GMC 1960–1966 fleetside trucks and Suburbans/panels.

Q: Do I need to paint them?
Yes. The black e-coat protects against rust and corrosion, but it’s not UV-resistant. Prep and Paint them for durability and appearance.

Q: How much extra tire clearance do I gain?
You’ll gain 5 inches compared to stock tubs, enough to fit a much wider tire setup.

Final Thoughts

Installing AMD’s wider wheel tubs for 1960–1966 Chevy C10 trucks is one of the smartest upgrades you can do if you’re after performance, stance, or just more clearance in the rear bed. The job is straightforward, the parts fit like OE, and the finished result looks factory-correct while giving you big-tire potential.

Whether you’re restoring a classic fleetside pickup, dropping in a custom chassis, or simply wanting the look of tucked fat tires, AMD’s tubs deliver.

👉 [Shop AMD 1960–1966 Chevy/GMC Wider Wheel Tubs Here]

And if you’re tackling a full restoration, check out our complete line of automotive restoration parts, including classic truck body panels, bed floors, trim, and weatherstripping for Chevy and GMC trucks.