'51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Following a long and full resto of my 52 (urr humm, Ford) Pickup I longed for something more practical for the terrible UK weather that could carry people and work as a van.

Storking Ebay for several months led me to a BUTCHERED '51 in Utah , previously owned by some California hippies with a campervan style roof cut into its roof skin. Most people would and should run a mile but because they did, they probably didn't notice that actually apart from the obvious this was a solid old girl. The previous owners seemed to brush paint it whenever the paint baked through leaving it with so many layers of paint it actually saved it.

Having to sell both my TRUCK, now finished and my 63 OLDS lowrider in order to fund this project I wanted the burb to provide all the fun of both. Original, stock looks but with adjustable ride height.

In order to get most of the big stuff fixed to it before I imported it back to the UK, I enlisted the help of Starlite Rod and Kustom over in Torrance, CA.

The jobs list was Mustang II front end, four bar rear, Air-ride all round and a 350sbc with 700R overdrive.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

After an extensive build thus far the Burb is finally back from mediablasting.

Check the slideshow on my signature for more images of the work so far

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

SSingo-

Looking good.

I will be following along intently. I will be starting on a 53 Suburban project myself. I just completed a long (11 yr) build on a 48 truck.

Good luck
Marc

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Hey Marc, maybe you can get some parts off his donor car... inside window tirm etc...

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

will be checking this one out, looks like you're off to a great start.. check my signature for the '51 i did a couple years ago. keep up the good work.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Looked at all the pictures in your album! I dig the hippie camper roof.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Wayne-

I don't beleive there was a donor car just a donor roof....

Marc

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Hi guys, cheers for you feedback. Indeed there was no donor car just a roof somewhere in the wilds of Michigan !!??

Parkwood - Don't worry I know your build well as the pics inspired to me all those months ago when I was planning this build.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Not worried i know you're do great.. will check back and see how you're doing..

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Here's some shots of the first stages of bringing this ole girl back to life. First things first - To tackle THAT roof!!!!
http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...N/1f088b63.png
The travel wagon as bought from Utah (with hole in roof!!!)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...psdb993beb.jpg
Donor GMC roof from Michigan

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7705aeb3.jpg
The old skin removed at the spot welds and junked

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8eb218f7.jpg
Is this the first convertible suburban? ;-)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4d260958.jpg

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...psb4b2762b.jpg
The entire roof skin and three of the strengthening struts were needed to transfer onto my Burb

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...psfe50af7c.jpg

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...s5997ea18.jpeg

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1b3a7dd0.jpg

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0087f07d.jpg

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/...43137249_o.jpg

NEW ROOF FINALLY ON!!!!!

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Nice work! This thing is going to be bad ass. Subscribed!

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Cheers @CastleMaster. Certainly hope so I've had to sell up all my toys in order to be able to do it.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

nice work on the roof
amazing how both roofs have the same patina :D
is this your shop or is someone building this for you?
nice pile of cars out back...


more amazing is that you got your donor roof from michigan
we export a lot of cars here, the only rust hole free cars have never been on our roads

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

That back yard shop is in Torrance CA. where the Burb is. No Auto Zone's in London

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

350 SBC fitted, ready for rebuild of the front end.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

@ ogre. I wish this was my shop. No because I am in Britain I am getting as much of the problems solved before it heads out of the US to our rainy climate. And because there are definately no Autozones here I know I need to get all these parts sourced while its in the US.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Nice progress.

Who's cross member/front suspension did you go with (TCI?). How about the rear?

It's looking good.

Marc

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

It's looking really good.

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Cheers Newfisher. ~Youngrodder the front end is indeed TCi and although the rear had to be adapted I believe most of the kit came from CPP. Adapted because I wanted to keep the stock filler neck without mounting the fuel tank at the rear as I plan to use titanium blocks at the rear so don't want all this hard work going up in flames ;-)

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

What happened to this thread???? Im starting the same type build on a 54 and wanted some more inspiration,,, well really just want a finish pic to sell the boss(ol lady) on the air bags

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

SSSingo-

Are you running the full three rows of seats? If so I would be intrested in seeing the size of the notch for the rear frame. I want to go as low as possible and still retain my 3rd (back) seat. Afterall that's why I bought this suburban. I realize it might be tough.

Marc

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Mr Buck - still ongoing I'm afraid so no finished pic to show yet. I am still undecided about the 3rd row seat. I want to run an 'Elhippie' one and that is why the rear notch is slopped on the front edge but finishes at the rear with a 90 degree fold so the rear seat bolts in right behind it. The only thing that stops me is I know my passengers will stamp all over my nice pressed notch cover in order to slide along the seat. I way reinforce this so they can't bend it but I do like the option of also being able to use it as a big booty hauler.

Good luck with your builds anyway guys and i will post updates when cash and time allows

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

Can you post a picture of what your rear notch and cover looks like?

Thanks
Marc

Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build
 

This shot of ElHippies scratch built seats he makes show well exactly how much space you have to play with. I'll dig out the other shot you wanted tho