need help buying a truck!

[72swb_327stroker_?]

hey everyone,
i have been looking for a nice family wagon for a few months now.

i just found a white 1969 suburban with a 67 front clip, 5 lug power front disc brakes, ac, 350/350 combo, 6 lug rear, 1/2 ton that needs a little tlc.

1300 bucks seems like a steal, but i know nothing about what to look for when i go to check this rig out. please give me some suggestions as to what problem areas to look for and a few pointers as to drive line issues.

what other issues can you think of for potential problems for a future build?

i really do appreciate any help you guys have to offer!

thanks!

eric

[texanidiot25]

1300 sounds like a killer deal to me.

Rust: Rocker panels, floor pans (around the kick panels. If those are rusted out, good chance some-where under the cowl is rusted). Bottoms of the front fenders. 'Burb guys will know the specific places, but thats pretty general for these trucks... Check for Bondo in these areas too, helps to have a magnet to check.

Check the truck for any ghetto-wiring. Pretty simple to find it in these trucks, their so simple. Get under the dash and look for anything hairy (my truck make with a jungle of mixed matched wires, and twist nuts. Just more to screw with to get things right).

[72lb4x4]

$1300 things need work...

What do you want to spend?
When do you want to drive it and in what shape?
What work are you willing/capable of doing?
What time do you have?
Trucks like this have lap belts typically. Do you want your family to use them or upgrade? Its a few bucks per person...
New vehicles have planned crush or fold points designed into them to absorb energy and limit damage to the eggs (people) inside. Old trucks don't. Worth the risk?

Just a few questions to ask yourself. Not trying to dissuade you...

[72swb_327stroker_?]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

$1300 things need work...

What do you want to spend?
When do you want to drive it and in what shape?
What work are you willing/capable of doing?
What time do you have?
Trucks like this have lap belts typically. Do you want your family to use them or upgrade? Its a few bucks per person...
New vehicles have planned crush or fold points designed into them to absorb energy and limit damage to the eggs (people) inside. Old trucks don't. Worth the risk?

Just a few questions to ask yourself. Not trying to dissuade you...

first off, thanks you guys for the replies!

as for how much i want to spend? i will budget about 7-10 thousand for this project.
when do i want to drive it... hmmm i would like to have a running driving project soon, 2-3 months.

all the time in the world to wrench.

as for safety and upgrades.... i am going to get a complete yukon xl interior from a wrecked burb. i am pretty fab-savy so i will go full custom on the interior. just want to keep the classic looks outside and possibly leave the dash alone, but everything else will be custom.

i can and have rebuilt a few motors, and cars/trucks.. i can tackle most of the hard stuff, welding, body, drive train, suspension, electrical...


i was hoping to know if the burbs need, or require a different mindset for going about it. i did my truck, 72swb pretty much by myself. i was thinkin the burbs are just a little more truck right?

kinda hoping to also get a burb owners point of view on purchasing and planning a new build for one.

thanks again guys!

eric

[Mint68]

Any burbs i've seen have had rust issues in the spare tire "holder" in the rear. I dont know a whole lot, but I would think at $1300 you could at least get your money back in parts.

[72swb_327stroker_?]

thats what i was thinking, plus out here in cali the rust isn't so bad its in wine country and it was a driving project until the guy lost interest in it. i love burbs, and i want to save this one. 1/2 ton 2wd w/power disc front end.... i know i would have to swap the rear end for a five lug... and i have been wanting to go with a 9" rear end for my truck. i think if i get it i will just swap out my truck's posi rear with the 6 lug from the burb.

the spare tire holder, huh..... i would never have thought of that! thanks mint68!

[72swb_327stroker_?]

anything else to look for?