My First Suburban - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 12-09-2011, 08:25 PM

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Picked up a suburban project today. The truck was originally a fire department vehicle from Oaklahoma and was in pretty nice shape. It was a running/driving truck when the previous owner bought it and I have some pictures of it before it was torn apart. Same old story, he was in above his head and just lost interest when it got to this point. Too bad he sold the 350 and TH400 out of it but that really isn't a problem as I have a couple of choices for drive line components on hand. Since this is my first Suburban project I'm sure I will have some suburban specific questions for you guys. The wheels and tires look tiny on this Burb but believe it or not they are 16" six bolt wheels....

The reason I posted the poll earlier is because I have a nice 4x4 Suburban frame and I thought about putting it under this truck. It may be a moot point now though because I think I have the frame sold.. I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet so excuse the dirt...

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 12-09-2011, 08:27 PM

More Pics

CG · 12-09-2011, 08:31 PM

Sweet, another burb in very good hands. Will be fun following along on your build.
Posted via Mobile Device

gcburdic · 12-09-2011, 11:44 PM

Awesome Leon!!!...was it just a shell or were there more parts that came with the purchase??...Obviously that poll wasn't any help either since it's neck and neck on 2wd vs 4wd

so are you building to sell?

vectorit · 12-10-2011, 12:03 AM

Congratulations Leon! Looks like a nice base to work from, since the body and paint is done.

Who cares if its 2 or 4 wheel drive, it's a Suburban so it's cool no matter what.

Welcome to the burb owners family!

**LockDoc** · 12-10-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Sweet, another burb in very good hands. Will be fun following along on your build.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks Mark. I'm planning on a marathon assemble unless something major gets in the way. I may not do a build thread but I will post updates on the progress.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

Awesome Leon!!!...was it just a shell or were there more parts that came with the purchase??...Obviously that poll wasn't any help either since it's neck and neck on 2wd vs 4wd

so are you building to sell?

It is a complete truck except for engine & trans. There were a few small parts missing when the previous owner bought it but most of it is stuff I have on hand. At this point I will probably sell it but it depends on whether I sell one of the other trucks before I finish this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Congratulations Leon! Looks like a nice base to work from, since the body and paint is done.

Who cares if its 2 or 4 wheel drive, it's a Suburban so it's cool no matter what.

Welcome to the burb owners family!

Thanks Chris. It will be nice to be able to haul stuff without having to worry about covering it up...

LockDoc

Flint70step · 12-10-2011, 09:56 AM

Very cool Leon,welcome to the Burbs!The body and paint look great.A good foundation to start with for sure.I've seen a lot of people start out with a hole lot worse.I would have to say this is a keeper.Thanks again for helping figure out my hatch and door locks.If you have any Burb specific questions this is the place.Be good

dougo · 12-10-2011, 10:54 AM

very nice....looks like PO did a nice job on body/paint. thats going to make a nice burb, regardless if its 2 or 4 wheel drive. looking forward to more pics as you make progress.

DINS 1 · 12-10-2011, 09:15 PM

wow nice find. I wish my body was that good looking and i like the color.

1leglance · 12-11-2011, 12:39 AM

very nice find
I like the dark color combo
4wd or 2wd either way it will be a nice ride

**LockDoc** · 12-11-2011, 10:00 PM

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Thanks gents. I took it to the car wash and pressure washed it so it looks a little better. I also started itemizing the parts to make sure everything is there.

LockDoc

black_sheep454 · 12-17-2011, 12:08 AM

Looks like a clean start.
Posted via Mobile Device

**70cst** · 12-17-2011, 01:08 AM

Congrats ...

I like the color combo...

rsavage · 12-20-2011, 05:56 PM

Looks like a nice Burb. Congrats!

DBear · 12-21-2011, 06:13 AM

Leon,
Hope you made it back to Iowa safely....It was really great meeting you and your wife, good to meet neat people! And again, thanks for bringing the frame down to me. So, did you end up picking any cabs on the way back up North? Talk to you soon Bud!

**lolife99** · 12-21-2011, 07:32 AM

Leon,... is this one going to be for sale when you are done?
Or is this a "keeper"?

**LockDoc** · 12-21-2011, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the kind words fellas...

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBear

Leon,
Hope you made it back to Iowa safely....It was really great meeting you and your wife, good to meet neat people! And again, thanks for bringing the frame down to me. So, did you end up picking any cabs on the way back up North? Talk to you soon Bud!

Thanks Tommy. We made it back with no problems. It was nice meeting you too. I bought the cab from Ellis for 50 bucks but we couldn't deal on the frame, he wouldn't come down much on it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Leon,... is this one going to be for sale when you are done? Or is this a "keeper"?

Hi Keith,

Yes it will. I will put it and the Red/White '70 pickup up for sale and which ever one sells first I will keep the other one.

LockDoc

72BlckButy · 12-22-2011, 08:56 AM

Love the new project Leon!

Can't wait to see what you do with it.

**LockDoc** · 12-22-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Love the new project Leon!

Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Thanks Nate. I worked on it a little bit today.

LockDoc

72BlckButy · 12-23-2011, 08:00 AM

And just where are those pics?

**Hart_Rod** · 12-23-2011, 11:33 AM

Another member of the exclusive Burb Club!!!!

**LockDoc** · 12-24-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

And just where are those pics?

Just small stuff... Hood bumpers, Door handles, etc. I did get the wheels and tires changed and that made a world of difference. I need to get a few parts painted (dash pad, steering column, & some small stuff) but I don't have a place to do that right now. I may see if I can take it over to the salvage yard next week and paint it in their shop. I am going to push it out of the shop and remove the front clip this weekend while the kids are here to help. Then I can install the engine & transmission. (350 crate and 200 4R)

I will take a couple of pics of the new wheel/tire combo when I have it out of the shop.

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 02-19-2012, 11:50 PM

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A little update on the suburban. I put the 350 crate engine and a 2004r automatic overdrive trans in it. I fired it up and got the engine broke in this afternoon. I decided to put a nice '71 grille and bumper on it that I had left from my '71 Cheyenne build. The '69 grille surround is straight but it is scratched up pretty bad and I don't have time to polish it right now. I have a few more pieces to bolt on but it is coming along pretty good.

LockDoc

gcburdic · 02-20-2012, 11:01 AM

Looking good Leon!!!

BB72CHEVKT · 02-20-2012, 11:40 AM

Nice work Leon!

12-09-2011, 08:25 PM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,359	My First Suburban - Picked up a suburban project today. The truck was originally a fire department vehicle from Oaklahoma and was in pretty nice shape. It was a running/driving truck when the previous owner bought it and I have some pictures of it before it was torn apart. Same old story, he was in above his head and just lost interest when it got to this point. Too bad he sold the 350 and TH400 out of it but that really isn't a problem as I have a couple of choices for drive line components on hand. Since this is my first Suburban project I'm sure I will have some suburban specific questions for you guys. The wheels and tires look tiny on this Burb but believe it or not they are 16" six bolt wheels.... The reason I posted the poll earlier is because I have a nice 4x4 Suburban frame and I thought about putting it under this truck. It may be a moot point now though because I think I have the frame sold.. I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet so excuse the dirt... LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-09-2011, 08:27 PM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,359	Re: My First Suburban More Pics Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-09-2011, 08:31 PM	#3
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,791	Re: My First Suburban Sweet, another burb in very good hands. Will be fun following along on your build. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

12-09-2011, 11:44 PM	#4
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: My First Suburban Awesome Leon!!!...was it just a shell or were there more parts that came with the purchase??...Obviously that poll wasn't any help either since it's neck and neck on 2wd vs 4wd so are you building to sell? __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

12-10-2011, 12:03 AM	#5
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: My First Suburban Congratulations Leon! Looks like a nice base to work from, since the body and paint is done. Who cares if its 2 or 4 wheel drive, it's a Suburban so it's cool no matter what. Welcome to the burb owners family! __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

12-10-2011, 09:56 AM	#7
Flint70step Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lake Travis,Texas Posts: 586	Re: My First Suburban Very cool Leon,welcome to the Burbs!The body and paint look great.A good foundation to start with for sure.I've seen a lot of people start out with a hole lot worse.I would have to say this is a keeper.Thanks again for helping figure out my hatch and door locks.If you have any Burb specific questions this is the place.Be good __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super LWB 350/350 Factory A/C Tilt/Posi White/Med Red/White(on the way) 72 Custom Deluxe Burb(Arizona truck)Nice interior Great patina Project Patina Azul http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=467668

12-10-2011, 10:54 AM	#8
dougo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 543	Re: My First Suburban very nice....looks like PO did a nice job on body/paint. thats going to make a nice burb, regardless if its 2 or 4 wheel drive. looking forward to more pics as you make progress. __________________ Doug '72 GMC K2500 Suburban 4x4

12-10-2011, 09:15 PM	#9
DINS 1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Webster City, Iowa USA Posts: 572	Re: My First Suburban wow nice find. I wish my body was that good looking and i like the color. __________________ Wade "DURAMAX BURB" Burb on 2004 chevy 2500HD 4x4 Duramax chassis Long term project 2004 2500HD 4x4 crew cab GMC Duramax 4" lift 35's 79 RS Camaro

12-11-2011, 12:39 AM	#10
1leglance Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: phoenix Posts: 254	Re: My First Suburban very nice find I like the dark color combo 4wd or 2wd either way it will be a nice ride

12-11-2011, 10:00 PM	#11
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,359	Re: My First Suburban - Thanks gents. I took it to the car wash and pressure washed it so it looks a little better. I also started itemizing the parts to make sure everything is there. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-17-2011, 12:08 AM	#12
black_sheep454 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lebanon, Mo. Posts: 1,315	Re: My First Suburban Looks like a clean start. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1968 chevy lwb, getting ready to join forces with the 70 gmc 1970 gmc swb, getting ready to be a 68 chevy swb 1971 gmc lwb 2500 2wd Sierra Grande 1988 chevy 1-ton crew cab 2wd waiting for a 12v cummins

12-17-2011, 01:08 AM	#13
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,360	Re: My First Suburban Congrats ... I like the color combo... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

12-20-2011, 05:56 PM	#14
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: My First Suburban Looks like a nice Burb. Congrats! __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

12-21-2011, 06:13 AM	#15
DBear Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 861	Re: My First Suburban Leon, Hope you made it back to Iowa safely....It was really great meeting you and your wife, good to meet neat people! And again, thanks for bringing the frame down to me. So, did you end up picking any cabs on the way back up North? Talk to you soon Bud!

12-21-2011, 07:32 AM	#16
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,686	Re: My First Suburban Leon,... is this one going to be for sale when you are done? Or is this a "keeper"? __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823



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12-22-2011, 08:56 AM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: My First Suburban Love the new project Leon! Can't wait to see what you do with it. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-23-2011, 08:00 AM	#20
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: My First Suburban And just where are those pics? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-23-2011, 11:33 AM	#21
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,835	Re: My First Suburban Another member of the exclusive Burb Club!!!! __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

02-19-2012, 11:50 PM	#23
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,359	Re: My First Suburban - A little update on the suburban. I put the 350 crate engine and a 2004r automatic overdrive trans in it. I fired it up and got the engine broke in this afternoon. I decided to put a nice '71 grille and bumper on it that I had left from my '71 Cheyenne build. The '69 grille surround is straight but it is scratched up pretty bad and I don't have time to polish it right now. I have a few more pieces to bolt on but it is coming along pretty good. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-20-2012, 11:01 AM	#24
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: My First Suburban Looking good Leon!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

02-20-2012, 11:40 AM	#25
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,948	Re: My First Suburban Nice work Leon! __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400

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