Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Few more from yesterday. Checked it out today and the sides are baby butt smooth. When he got it smooth and shiny, he saw a "problem" on a rear corner panel that wasn't perfect so he did a little more final body work. Hope to out color on it either tomorrow afternoon or Thursday if the weather holds, which it is supposed to.... :metal:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Nice. What you going for on colors?

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

We are doing the original white over forrest green except I am not painting the roof dark green due to Arizona summers...:devil:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

I got the side window rubber gaskets for my 65 Sub through Classic Industries if I remember correctly. LMC also has them as well as Steele Rubber. They have a chart that tells you exactly what sets you need for each side. As far as driving a "tank" Im the same....wouldnt have it any other way. Good Luck with your Sub

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

My father, the original owner got to see the Burb for the first time in 20 years.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Those pictures are/ will be priceless. Your dad looks happy. I have a picture from 1976 of my mom and dad standing next to now my 65 Suburban in Scottsdale. I treasure that pic very much.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

My goal is to get it back together and be able to take him to car shows in it and let him tell the story of moving his family from New York city in the "ambulance" he bought. Burbs were used mainly for deliveries and ambulances so when he bought it his family and friends couldn't believe he bought an ambulance. lol

I remember driving from Tucson to New York City and back in it when I was around 5 or 6 years old. No seat belts. My dad made a plywood bed over the back area behind the 2nd seat for us boys to "hang out in/on"

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Our Suburban made several trops to Iowa from Az back in the 70's and 80's. Hide a bed mattress fit perfectly. Im working on a ywood platform that fits behind my rear seat(big one). To put my spare and tools under. Im following your thread as I love seeing your burb going back to original. Keep up the great work.
Paul

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Whooo Hooo..... the undercoating sealer is applied ....closer and closer to putting color on this big girl.... :metal:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

great progress! looking good!!

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

So she is SSooooo ready for color. Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated as we are in the hot :devil: rainy season here, so it is now back on hold until things cool off and calm down. :waah:

Someday....someday..:smoke:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

nice progress....hard work will finaly pay of

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

*Subscribed* Nice work man!

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

I know I posted this on a different thread, but I am wondering what other stock Burb owners have found to fit on the stock suspension and body set up.

I am wondering what size radial tire is best, and fits the best, for my 60 Burb. It used to have the typical taller bias ply type tires. I have the original 16-inch rims and want the tallest and widest "normal" looking tires I can put on it keeping the original rims and hubcaps. I don't want it to hit the inside of the fender well when turning and the rear inner fender well isn't the widest either. I am keeping the stock suspension.

Just wondering what other owners of stock Burbs have found to be the best stock 16-inch tires that look healthy and work on the burb, front and rear.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Okay, so I screwed up. Everything in the last post is correct except that I have the original 15-inch rims, not 16-inch. Being TDY for 4 months made my memory incorrect.

The original tires that came on the Burb were 7.10 X 15 6ply.

So I did some research. I want to get the biggest stock looking tire possible. I know there is a big difference in ride between a bias ply and a radial on these tanks.

So……..

Tire width is the width of the tire measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. The first three-digit number in the tire size refers to the tire width in millimeters . For example a 215/65 R15 tire, the width is 215 millimeters. Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. Obviously the R is for radial.
A metric tire's section width is measured in millimeters. This measurement is taken from sidewall to sidewall.

Aspect Ratio - "65" This number refers to the height of the sidewall. It is a percentage of the section width. For example, 65 percent of the section width of 205mm (8.07inches wide) equals 133.25mm, this converts to a sidewall height of 5.25 inches. So I made the following charts:

205mm = 8.07 wide 65 = 133.25mm = 5.25 height
210mm = 8.27 wide 65 = 136.5mm = 5.37 height
215mm = 8.46 wide 65 = 139.75mm = 5.50 height
220mm= 8.66 wide 65 = 143mm = 5.63 height
225mm= 8.86 wide 65 = 146.25mm = 5.76 height
230mm= 9.05 wide 65 = 149.50mm =5.88 height
235mm= 9.25 wide 65 =153.75mm = 6.05 height

205mm = 8.07 wide 70= 143.5mm = 5.25 height
210mm = 8.27 wide 70 = 147mm = 5.79 height
215mm = 8.46 wide 70 = 150.5mm = 5.93 height
220mm= 8.66 wide 70 = 154mm = 6.06 height
225mm= 8.86 wide 70 = 157.5mm = 6.2 height
230mm= 9.05 wide 70 = 161mm =6.34 height
235mm= 9.25 wide 70 =164.5mm = 6.48 height
205mm = 8.07 wide 70= 143.5mm = 5.25 height
210mm = 8.27 wide 70 = 147mm = 5.79 height

215mm = 8.46 wide 75 = 161.25mm = 6.35 height
220mm= 8.66 wide 75 = 165mm = 6.5 height
225mm= 8.86 wide 75 = 168.75mm = 6.64 height
230mm= 9.05 wide 75= 172.5mm =6.79 height
235mm= 9.25 wide 75 =176.25mm = 6.94 height


However, it seems the the 75 is a taller tire and fills up the wheelwell better.

The fitment issue is in the "235" size that may need or require a minimum 6-inch rim and I believe the stock 15-inch is 5.5-inches wide. There has been some who have successfully used 235’s on 5.5-inch rims.

One tire that was suggested is the Primewell PS850 but it is only a 4-ply tire.

Also, the Yokohama RY215 7.00R15 D is suggested but is a commercial all position tire that is designed for light to medium duty commercial applications. This is an 8-ply tire that will have a rough ride and run about $170.00 each. The Yokohama is 29.4" tall and the P235's are 28.9" tall.

A P205/75R15 is 27.2" tall

What I hope to do is decide on a size, buy a used set for rollers while putting the tank back together and then buying new tires when it is road ready.

A picture of the RY215 7.00R15 D is below:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Thanks to MusicMan70 for the comparison and picture below. Gave me the info I was looking for:
( Sodly also said he has used these on two of his and likes them)


(MusicMan70)
Here is my 61 with the Yokohama's on 15 x 5 wheels. I felt they rode fine on stock suspension and shocks with only lowering blocks (2") and torsion bars slightly turned down. Prior to this I had 235 x 70 x 16's and those rode nicely too, but I used spacers for late model truck wheels.

I tried 215 x 75 x 15's but they were too short. I wanted the skinny tire factory look. Here are some tire compare pics

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Looks good man. You're making great progress. No matter how small moving forward is moving forward! Keep it up!

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Any updates?

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Unfortunately no. No activity. That's the way it has been. Between finances, weather and time. None of them match up. Still hoping something will happen. Built a paint tent and before it could be used, an unexpected storm came through and destroyed it.

Still trying. Will never give up. Just wish I could get her done while my Dad is still healthy enough to enjoy her.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

All you can do is keep rollin. Let us know how it goes.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Well, although I have said it before, this time it looks like things will start to roll again on the Burb. My father decided that he wanted to see the Burb back on the road again and wants to help financially.

I have to start over again trying to locate the best deal on the best parts to get things done.

Right now I have been trying to find somebody just to shoot (finish) the paint.

I will be asking for info on best places and deals on parts etc since all my original research and lists are from 4 years ago. Have to update my catalogs since they are all 4 + years old.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

So anybody have a hidden site that has good, but reasonable radiators for my 60 V-6 Burb ? The local shop want $500 just clean, rod an solder/braze a leak on the top of the original. Replacements are 389 - 420+ and that price makes me think that I should go with the $500 to keep it original..thoughts ?? :waah:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Since this project is now back on the road and hopefully all the way to the finish line, I need two important items ASAP.

Which full electrical harness for the 60 Burb is recommended ? I want to buy a complete replacement.

Also, at this point, which supplier has the best fitting side glass window rubber ? I have a local company that will cut the glass unless somebody knows a supplier that might be cheaper.

The Burb is finally going to paint and I need to pull all the glass. I have a company ready to install new glass but they even said I should look for a good supplier of the rubber.

Any leads on original style upholstery would be appreciated. I know there was a place up in Oregon or Washington State that had it, but I haven't located the place yet.

Excited to get this starting to roll again. Installed the new radiator, cleaned and tightened up the the water circuit with all new hoses, gaskets etc. Finishing up the carb rebuild and the gas system with my temp tank will be completed too.

As always, any & all suggestions and comments welcome. Not worried about haters here since this isn't a Ford forum :lol:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

20 or so years ago i had local glass guy replace the rubber on my side windows, he used some generic rubber weatherstripping off the roll. if i recall correct there were a few choices of which generic weatherstrip profile to use. i went for the thinnest, because it was the cheapest. they have held up well except for coming unglued at the corners. I had some extra cash a few years ago and bought a expensive correct set from steele rubber. i havent put them on yet, but they definitely will look a lot better then the skinny home made stuff i have now.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Steele Rubber is the only way to go. They have all the rubber parts for the windshield, side, and rear. You will need other parts for the sliders though.
https://www.steelerubber.com/search?...-sport-utility

Sanders Reproduction Glass makes all the glass and their patterns are right-on.
https://www.sandersreproglass.com/orderonline.php

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

This is the place you're thinking about regarding original-style upholstery. I've never used them & have read mixed reviews, not about quality but customer service.
https://smsautofabrics.com/

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

This place has the correct original pattern material but is very expensive. Each part for my 65 Sub is about $59/yard. If you have a local upholstery shop they should be able to make something close to original or a custom seat cover.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

So we got somewhere today. Got the water system all tight and ready with new radiator, thermostat and hoses.. The same with the temp gas system using a boat gas tank. The battery in and cables replaced. New fan belt.


pulled the plugs and let a little Marvel Mystery Oil soak in each cylinder. replaced plugs and rocked it back and forth.

Turned the key......She fired right up :metal:

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Awesome to hear another GMC V-6 running again!
KIC, what is the part number you used for the upper radiator hose?

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Spent a lot of time searching for the correct ones on both the upper and lower hoses since I did not want a "ribbed" generic type hose. I found one that would work at Merles Auto/NAPA Auto (same company now) The bottom was next to impossible to find, but after having a helpful counter guy show me many hoses I picked from their catalog, I found a bigger longer one that had the two different sizes that I needed due to the new radiator. I had to cut the bottom to fit as it was way too long, but it had the perfect curves built into the length I needed and the rest of the curves and stuff was cut off.

The top shows: Day 70344

The Bottom was Day 72033

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Thank you for this information along with the other part number KIC!

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

I should say that the aftermarket radiator had a different size nipple, or "bung" as I have been told recently on the bottom, The hos I got for the bottom needed the small inside diameter on the radiator side

Here is the link to the thread where I talked about it.:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=748899

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

I posted this in the main section, but thought I would post it her too:

My 60 305 appeared to have a fuel pump issue. Bought a new manual pump and it wouldn't work either. Kept chasing and checking for line leaks etc.

Even checked with a vacuum tester which appeared to show it sucking but still not pushing through.

Finally decided to bench test the new one with a bottle of gas and it worked fine. Then I bench tested the old one and it worked fine.

Started to think that the issue was inside where the pump lever rides on the lobe (?), but then remembered that the vacuum test appeared to show it creating a vacuum.


SO...... Any ideas ?

I really want to stay with the original manual style, but even thinking of running a hidden electric through the manual one..

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

It is weird, we even bypassed the whole line with short line to a bottle with gas in it.

I did run into a friend that has a restoration repair shop and he told me that he has had up to 5 failures in a row on new manual pumps. And he buys top end pumps. He said that he finds very small shavings and particles in the pumps that can affect the valves inside. So he buys a pump and immediately takes it apart and cleans it.

That will probably be my next move followed by an electric pump that flows through the mechanical so it at at least looks original.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

KIC, I have had several fails with NOS mechanical pumps as well as "new" pumps bought from NAPA etc. I think they sit on the shelves so long the diaphragm's (?) wear out or so I've been told.

So I finally did go with a Carter electric (P4070 4-8psi), but did not run it through the old mechanical because I was told it would fill the oil pan with gas (it Did). My mechanical is still there but my fuel line just goes around it. I guess you could hollow it out and run the line through there for looks (I think that's what you meant)

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Hi All

I have an important question. I am in the process of returning my 60 Burb back to a 3-on the tree. Many years ago my older brother blew up the original drag racing his girlfriend in reverse...( don't ask :devil:) .. We had replaced the blown 3-speed with a 4-speed work truck tranny with a low granny gear.

I long while back I had obtained a good 3 speed from a member who was putting in a 350 with auto. Below are the two different bell housings that have different bolt holes although they both work/fit.

Is the first one with the little cover on the rear top the correct one for the 60 Burb 3-speed ?

It has been a hassle finding the correct clutch and parts, but looking forward to making it back to original .

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

The top one is what came with the 3-speed, but I do not recall what engine the person had that he pulled out of his Burb.

The bottom one could very well be the original from my Burb and we might have just installed the 4-speed with that bell housing.. I just can not recall since it was around 1979ish when wee did the tranny swap.

I definitely want to be as original as possible..

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Yes I'd agree with the others that the bottom one is correct.

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

Thanks guys I appreciate the input

Re: 1960 GMC Suburban
 

So it has been moving along..slowly but moving. We fired it up after many years and it literally purred like a kitten but it leaked like broken dike from a freeze plug. Figuring that when one leaks after 58 years, the others would soon follow.

Decided to pull the engine to replace all the freeze plugs with easy access. That led to reinstalling the original type 3-speed on the tree transmission. Which led to a new clutch and bearings..which led to a new starter, which led to a new oil pump... I mean..it was already out and taken apart..

Engine compartment cleaned and to be painted.