66 Suburban Built Thread
 

I figured that the begining of a build is the time to start a build thread. So here it goes!

The goal is to build this Suburban for about $2k out of pocket. I know that its going to be tough, and I know that I will have to cut some corners, but I have done builds like this before with good results.

Here is what I am starting with:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...n/IMG_1529.jpg

And here is a rough photoshop of my goal:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...urbancopy2.jpg

There really isnt any mechanical work that it needs, except for a tune up, so this build will be mostly cosmetic, and I will be doing 90% of the work myself. I hope to get it done in a few months, but with work and family, that probably wont happen. I will also be using it as a non work daily driver, so that will slow progress as well.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

I love those trucks!!!!! Save your self some trouble and just sell me the truck, lol. I will follow the tread in hope of reading, "will someone just come and pick this thing up, I'm tired of it". I know slim chance, but a guy can dream. I did a build just over a year ago on my 1966, C10 long bed. Pretty cool results, drive it everyday. So I really want a Burg now, a little extra room, even more rare. Good luck with your build!!

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Cool man, indoor/outdoor carpet on the roof? LOL just kidding, love where you're goin with it.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Well first things first. The red wheels were making my eyes bleed. So all that was red is now black.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...1-07160307.jpg

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

REAR SEAT:

Well since it didnt come with a rear seat, I went to the junkyard and got a seat from a full size Ford passanger van. I got it and the brackets for it for $70.

I had to take 7 inches out of the "legs" of it, but I was able to get it in and still have the quick release mechanism working. Took about 4 hours, some cutting, grinding and some gussetting. But it turned out good.

PICS:

Bracket
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...1-10141143.jpg

Seat
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...1-11104051.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...1-11095707.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...1-11095739.jpg

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

cool...good luck with the build!

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

...you're lucky...doesn't look like you've got much if any rust. I've got about $1500 worth of rust repair and panel replacement doing it all DIY.

What all do you need to do, because to me it doesn't look like a whole heck of a lot from the pics

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

There is a little bit of rust in the floor, under the drivers side rubber mat. And a few drill holes to weld up here and there, but its pretty solid.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Good luck on your build ! Looks much better without the red wheels ! My paint is in the works now and I love seeing mine come together as you will on yours.

Good luck on all of it !:metal:

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Hey save the chrome trim. We never see GMC Suburbans and the chrome is correct on yours. someone on this board would probably love to have it........ Too bad you are not here in Oklahoma, I have a 91 suburban that you could have the interior out of.....I am just getting ready to scrap it........Kieth

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Ya the more I hear about the chrome trim and the roof rack, the more I want to keep it. I will have to see how it looks painted, but I am pretty sure I am keeping it.

Thanks for the offer on the interior. Too bad I am not closer.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Well I had to have it towed home yesterday. It wasnt getting any gas. Turns out that the sending unit/pickup broke off and dropped into the tank. Got a new one in and now my gas gauge works!

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

A little Update:

I had some time today, so I went out and put my new wheels and tires on. I was going to wait till I painted it, but I didnt have the patience.

Here are some pics:

New/Old

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...2-19101416.jpg

Should be easier to steer!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...2-19104158.jpg

Result!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...2-19105128.jpg


Now I REALLY need to lower it. I will probably go ~3inches in the front and ~5 in the rear.

Also, a few weeks ago I did a new ignition system. Got rid of the points and installed a Petronix with a new coil, wires and cap/rotor. It runs MUCH better now!

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

What a difference!
Welcome back.
AJ
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Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Looks good ! It's always nice to make a little forward motion on a build.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

nice suburban keep up the good work!!!

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

God bless you for taken the red away....Drop that pig! Love your photo shop, great color combo.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Well I got the back lowered about 4" today. I took out 6 leaves and added air shocks. It rides nice and soft, but when I turn right, the left tire rubs on the inside. SO I may end up putting all the leaves back on and flipping the axle, or I may just add a 1/4 inch spacer to the one wheel. Or I may do a panhard bar.

I will decide once I get the front down a bit. But for now here is a crappy cell phone pic:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...an/lowrear.jpg

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Moved to 60-66 build

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

ECE (Early Classic) makes a really nice Panhard bar set up that is designed specifically for lowered trucks that would probably solve your problem. When you lower them down and retain the stock bar, it'll kick the rear end way over to one side because the geometry gets all funky. The ECE kit is really nice, and cheaper than you might think. They're in California (Fresno), and may be close by to you. Really nice people, too.

Here's good tech article on their site explaining it:
http://www.earlyclassic.com/Tech.asp...;s+Makeover+II

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

I have seen that kit before, but didnt think I would need it becuase I have leaf springs. Seems to me that other than possibly having more sway, lowering with leaf springs should drop straight down.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

How many leafs are left? I counted the leafs in my 65 burb I just picked up and it only has 6. Just wondering because im thinking about lowering mine also.
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Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

Its still got 4 leaves. Mine had 10 leaves when I started. The 4 largest are strapped together and those are the ones I left.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

that looks way beetter with the new wheels! great job and keep up the staedy progress.

Re: 66 Suburban Built Thread
 

That roof rack looks sooooo classy! I love it! Only thing I don't like with that one would be drilling holes in the roof. I've considered trying my hand a fabricating a custom rack in the style that clamps to the drip rails. I've never seen one up close though so I'm not sure how they actually work!

I'm really interested in this build as I am shooting for something similar with my 61, not look but cost! Good luck!

-Panelrodder