Got a new Burb, need some info...

[decodan]

Hey,

Just bought a 1970 Suburban, 4 wheel drive, 350ci, 4 speed. I am going to pick it up on Wednesday. Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect as far as axle ratios and what type rear and front ends.

Bought this one on eBay and will have to drive it back home about 1000 miles. What kind of mileage to expect and any other info will be appreciated.

I already have a 1963 C-20 and only get 10 to 12 mpg, but it has the old Eaton with 4.56 gears. I have a new rear for it but have not gotten around to putting it in yet.

Thanks in advance for any info on the new Burb.
Dan

[olblue60@aol.com]

Without a little more info. I can only guess. I have 3 half ton 4x4 suburbans. If this is the chassis weight that you purchased. They came in only two axel ratios. 307 and 373s

[vectorit]

My 68 K20 burb is stock with 4.56 ratio's, Eaton rear and D-44 up front.
4 spd and a 327, and it gets around 10 mpg 13 on the hwy.

[decodan]

Hello,

It is a 1/2 ton 4x4. The weight class is 3600 to 5400. If it only came with either 3.73 or 3.08 then I am real happy with either. i was just hoping it was not 4.11 or 4.56.

As soon as I get back with it I'll post more info.
Thanks, Dan

[decodan]

Hello,

Here is a picture of what i am going to pick up.
Dan

[badpeanut]

Originally Posted by decodan

Hello,

Here is a picture of what i am going to pick up.
Dan

I'm not too far from where you'll be picking it up (Jamestown, North Dakota). PM me if you want my contact information as an emergency stop (need tools, extra hand, directions, etc.).

[Skirkpat]

Let me know if you need a hand with anything in or around K.C. MO. I think i am about halfway.

[va_tlc]

wow looks nice, where is it located?drive safe until you get the feel for it,

[decodan]

Hey,

It is in North Dakota, it will be a long trip back. I have had a 1990 suburban before but not 4x4. I have owned other 4x4s so i know what to expect.

This was originally a Civil Defense ambulance, that is why there are no seats except the front one.

I'll post more pics and info when I get back with it.
Dan

[olblue60@aol.com]

I watched both of the times that truck was auctioned on the Ebay. I still havent been able to get the drool stains out of my T shirts. 12,000 miles.!!! What a fantastic deal. I'll never forget this truck.

[olblue60@aol.com]

People like Badpeanut and Skirkpat are just a couple of examples of what make this such a great board!

[decodan]

Just want to say THANKS for the offers of help if needed. I have sent PM with my contact info.

You are sure right about this being THE board for people with our interests.
Thanks, Dan

[va_tlc]

wow i agree, thats was some nice gestures about helping out, good to know there is still a few good people out there,

[Average Joe]

So howza 'bout an update. Did you get home alright? Is she eveything you expected and more???

[Joesjunk]

Cant wait to see some more pics of that!!

[decodan]

Hey,

We made it fine. The Suburban must have 3.08 gears because it went down the road at 70 to 75 no problems. We got about 13 mpg on the way home. It was HOT, no A/C and that was the week it was 100+ everywhere we went. We stopped during the day a lot and drove at night.

Have been working on it since I got back. New radio and speakers, pulled heater system out and ordered Vintage Air, insulation being put in, windows get tint on Tuesday, new power booster put in. I'll post some pics when I get finished with a little more of it.

It does get the looks !!!

Thanks again, Dan

[decodan]

OK,
I have been working on it for weeks now. I have completely insulated it. Put new bucket seats and console in. Installed speakers and CD. Had the windows tinted. Put in Vintage Air unit. Had new exhaust installed. Now I am driving it for a while before taking on more updates.

Here are some pictures of what I have done,

More pics coming
Thanks, Dan

[decodan]

More pics...

[gcburdic]

Sweet! What Vintage air system did you use? Is there a specific one for burbs?

[olblue60@aol.com]

Nice work! I'm interested in the A/c as well. Have you run it yet how quiet is the system? Please keep posting pictures of your build as you go!!

John

[decodan]

Hey,

This is the standard Vintage Air Sure Fit System for 67-72 Chevrolet Trucks. You just have to say whether it is a factory air or non air original truck. The difference is the control for the A/C.

With the system on low or medium it is quite, on high you can hear a lot of air movement noise and the fan noise is a little louder.

I do not have any seating except front seats. With the insulation I have added it cools well for front passengers but I don't know what it would feel like to passengers in the back.

I talked to Vintage and you can add another evaporator by teeing into the lines for a rear unit if you need to. You can use one of their slim-line units or something other.

More coming as I work on it.

Thanks for the comments,
Dan

[70rs/ss]

Sweet Burb love it!! I was wondering about the rear part, I want to convert a late model burb rear AC to see if I can, it mounts over the passenger's rear wheelwell. Looking sweet!

[decodan]

Hey 70rs/ss,

I was always thinking that a slim unit could be put in vertically behind the wheel wells. I think someone could even take over the spare tire area and put the spare under the rear of the Burb. There is plenty of room under there unless you want extra gas tanks.

I just bought a disc brake front end from a '72 so that looks like my next big project. Unless I decide to do the front and rear swap on the old '63 C-20. I have had those parts for a year now but just have not made the time.

I am wondering if anyone has done away with the Q-jet in favor of a 450 cfm Holley. I am thinking it might help a little with mileage. This is just a stock driver that tows every now and then. What do you think?????

Thanks, Dan

[JoeKan]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the vintage air system. Does it mean you can add an air conditioner to the burb even though it didn't originally come with one?
Thanks for the input,
Joe

[decodan]

Hey JoeKan,
Sure does.

There are several different after market A/C systems out there. I have used Vintage Air on many projects. This is the first time I have used one of there "Sure Fit Systems", which means everything is already figured out for you. You do have to cut holes in the dash to get the "factory" look.

I have done several other A/C jobs using their behind dash units and cut and fit my own A/C outlets. I did a 1954 Chevy Sedan Delivery, 1954 Ford Customline, 1956 Ford Station Wagon and a 1963 Chevy C-20. All but the C-20 were custom fitted behind the dash units where you had to do all the figuring yourself. The '63 was just a hang on unit.

I will say the "Sure Fit" is much easier to do. It comes with all the hoses pre-made. The others I had to cut and crimp all the hoses. The sure fit used many of the existing mounting holes from the heater system.

If you have good mechanical skills you can do it. Good luck !!!
Dan