Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

It isn't *my* Uncle Paul, it is actually my father-in-laws Uncle Paul who I met at my wedding two years ago and then again at 4th of July last year. We talked a little bit about cars and he said he had an old Suburban that wasn't running. He only used it to tow his boat that he gave away a few year ago.

I was welcome to it for the price of $1. Only issue is it was in California and I live in Oregon.

Well, a few weeks ago I got down to the bay area and drug it home on a uHaul auto transport. FYI, if you have a suburban don't try to put it on a uHaul, they say it fits but it is like towing a roller skate.

I actually got great mileage considering the weight of the beast...

This is the round trip account for the trip.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a...607_063950_838


This is how it fits on the trailer....
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e...601_202946_835

And what I was towing with:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1...531_104907_478

Besides the trailer sway it was a great ride, pulled great.

Dumbo towing mirrors - Check
Running board - Check
Oversize mudflaps - Check

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h...531_145249_568


Ready to go home:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J...601_170911_914


And where she sits until I can get down and figure out how to get the old dinosaur breathing fire again.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3...602_154403_420


Uncle Paul was the original owner. Engine was replaced in 1988, painted in 1999 (red is not a good color to sit out in the California sun for 15 years....) as stated 3/4 ton, 4wd, 6.2L diesel, captians chairs, rear air, rear heat, power windows and locks, third row delete.

Everything is there, just needs some cleaning and a little TLC.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Musta been a fun trip up I-5! Did you have to take it through the Grapevine?

Should be fun to work on. As you said in my thread, I'd be happy to turn a wrench if you need some help. It's hard to find time with 4 kids, but I'd be happy to help when I can.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Only had to go to Pinole which is North Bay, near Oakland.
Besides this I've got a 1970 K5 and an 89 K5, so plenty to do.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

I love it. I wish I had it. I retired my '91 3/4t 6.2 Suburban a few years ago and miss it.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

That thing is a beast, love the 6.2.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Nice truck, can't wait to see it when your done, be sure to keep us updated on the progress.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Thanks guys, it is 40 miles away until I can get the shop built next to my place, hopefully in the next three months or so.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Made it out to the farm this weekend and spent a little time with Paul. Found out that it came with 4.10 gears and a locking rear differential. Also found the adjustable rear brake bias with the squat arm thingy attached to the rear axle. Pretty sweet stuff.

Paint isn't as bad as I thought, I just hosed it off and it looks 20 times better.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0...622_200316_346

Looks like he put the seats down in 1987 and then put the plywood and carpet over the cargo area and never moved it. Seats are mint and rear carpet is pretty damn good looking!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m...622_170219_662

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H...622_171354_699

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D...622_171404_260


Unfortunately due to a leaking hydroboost the front carpet is done.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5...622_200420_292


I ordered a bunch of parts for it yesterday: belts, air filter, oil filter, fuel tank straps, tank sending unit lock ring and seal, u-joints and steering damper. Picked up two new 78 series batteries from Costco, funny the tire guy there said, "Diesel Chevy?"! Haha!

We'll see if I can get out there again next weekend and get the new parts on and have it running when Uncle Paul comes up for the 4th! Would be great to have him see it running.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Gorgeous burb! I'd buy a nice set of 16x8 Rockcrushers and run 285/75R16 BFG A/T's. I think it would look great :) But that's my $.02 :)

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...w.jpg?rep=True

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

I've seen a set like that on my local craigslist, Weld makes a similar style, looks identical to me.

Seen these too, only $550 for the set, only 4/32's left on tires though...

http://images.craigslist.org/3E23L83...dc1de319c1.jpg

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Those are sharp. If the price is right I'd pick those up and replace the tires in a few months as needed. If you don't drive it much you may get a year or more out of them.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

https://www.treadwright.com/

http://www.tirerecappers.com/

Both high quality retreads(NOT RECAPS). Lot of guys on Pirate4x4 use them and have no more problems than brand new tires.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Here's picture of Welds that won't expire with the CL ad.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m...+Corvallis.jpg

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Yea, since I've got a 70 K5 and an 89 K5 in the garage along with my F150 daily driver they don't get a lot of miles between them.

Thinking about them but the other problem from having so many projects is the lack of funds.

My other projects:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3...255BUNSET%255D

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n...-11-01_163.jpg

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Knocked a little work out over the weekend.

Picked up a new hydroboost which was leaking into the drivers footwell, nasty to say the least. Vacuumed out the back, got the nasty falling headliner out, dropped the 40 gallon fuel tank, ordered a new one and polished the hood up a little bit. We're going to need something a little more aggressive but it is a good start.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P...628_195649_304


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m...630_142611_251

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

i'm not seeing any pics

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

You've got some cool K5's.:metal: Good start on the Burb.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Long week trying to get the Burb running for Uncle Paul, I'm very happy to report that we were successful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=9DPY8DLQoII

Now it has a new tank and new sending unit, replaced all the hoses and the lift pump. New fuel and air filter. Waiting for new belts and an oil change.

Had a massive struggle getting the hydroboost unit out, there are fawlking nuts above the steering column which means you have to take apart the dash to get to them. Then I find out the unit I picked up from a local yard has different fittings so I couldn't get it in to take Uncle Paul for a drive. Next year I guess...

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Hydro boost was delivered yesterday and I picked up a new set of wheels. Found a set of Toyo M-55 almost new on some nice rims for $440, couldn't pass them up. From what I've read they are a sturdy tire with very good construction and handle many terrains well.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c...709_185106_794

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4...709_185118_222

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...709_185126_793


He also brought me some oil he had left over and some CB radios. The big one has a plate that is a quick release matched to another wired in the cab.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...709_191648_804

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o...709_191133_165

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Those wheels look new - cool score.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

I'm pretty happy with the new look.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q...712_204504_823

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Looks nice! Just get those running boards off and you'
ll have a right pretty burb :)

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

I don't know... I kinda like the running boards... I know they are "old man"...

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Normally I do not like them but somehow they click on your truck. The wheels look great.

Re: Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub
 

Looking good!
comming along nicely.