1954 Suburban "Buster"

[youngrodder]

Looks like you've got a solid one to start with...
Good luck

Marc

[Matt_50]

I had to cut out my original engine crossmember when I added my tubular style one. The forward most crossmember shouldn't need any trimming, mine was kinda a close fit but no problems so far.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

I had to cut out my original engine crossmember when I added my tubular style one. The forward most crossmember shouldn't need any trimming, mine was kinda a close fit but no problems so far.

Thanks, Matt. Yours was the only one I could find and couldn’t tell if you trimmed the front one or not. I did remove the rear one. Got any side shots? Looking to see roughly where you mounted the cross member. Did you relocate the brake line tabs as well?

[Matt_50]

Setting the engine and trans in together I did my best to get the pinion angle pretty close. After that I got it just close enough to firewall that I could squeeze my hand between wall and dizzy. Where the firewall and floor meet... it's like mayelbe a 1/4 inch away from touching the trans.

I think I used some 3/4 inch thick wood scraps to help. I stuck them inside frame on each side and sat the crossmember on them and did a quick tack.

[Matt_50]

I lost the original brake line bracket pieces. Made some new ones though and they are in same spot. Two rivets hold them on on each side. I could only get the rearward bolts in though because the forward two are covered by the crossmember end pieces. I can try for better pics tomorrow.

I also later added the tubular style trans member too.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by Matt_50

I lost the original brake line bracket pieces. Made some new ones though and they are in same spot. Two rivets hold them on on each side. I could only get the rearward bolts in though because the forward two are covered by the crossmember end pieces. I can try for better pics tomorrow.

I also later added the tubular style trans member too.

Thanks. That’s what I was looking for. I’m going to bolt it in just in case I need to remove. I have the rear tubular member as well. Without the body here I’m kind of guessing on location. I am picking up a parts 53 panel to use for mock up and other parts for my younger son’s 49 3800 panel. Pics to follow! That 1/4” should be sufficient. I just want to get the motor in as close as it should be while I wait for the real thing. I want to get brakes, brake lines, axle, and driveshaft in. Maybe even the start of fuel lines. Not going to blow my wad on a tank if there are already 2 with Buster. I will try to slide it all forward this afternoon once the parts panel is home.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

Looks like you've got a solid one to start with...
Good luck

Marc

Thanks, Marc. Your’s is amazing. I’m not a body man so I am getting one from Phoenix.

Looks like you are about due west of me. Maybe a bit north.