Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I know you've got time and money invested in your struts and cables, but you should take the whole rear makeover one step further and weld the tailgate to your liftgate and make it one big liftgate like the modern tahoes/burbs. Ditch the lower hinges, use bigger struts (probably at a different geometry), and you can use the original latches and button.

Every time I go to Costco in mine I and have to reach over the tailgate to load/unload I think about doing that (not a fan of barndoors).

Maybe I'll have to be the guinea pig on that one since you pioneered this one :lol:

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

WOW! That's how they SHOULD have looked from the factory. Great job!

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I thought about that, but at this point I don't want to back up. Have you thought about making it open from the side and bottom like the caprice wagons? (pics below) That would be pretty sweet!

Give me a call when you're headed down. There's a weekly cruise in on Sat night at one of the Burger King's, but that's about it.

Thanks, that's what I was going for.

*******

I got the drivers side filler piece made for the tailgate. Should have it welded in tomorrow.....

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

That back end looks awsome. It's going to look great after paint

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I've decided to change my color scheme...................













JK, :D. Just playing around with a can of spray paint.:crazy:

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Heh, looks like you're gonna need more body massaging and filler than I thought there, bud :D

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Yeah, I got my shrinking disc today, maybe that will help. If not, my buddy, Mr. Bondo, can help, :D. How did the trip to Savannah go? I picked up a project truck to finish my CrewCab this weekend in Augusta. It came with a set of F-body manifolds. Is that what you ended up using? Do you have any pics. OBTW, your truck sounds great! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the fuel system, as I haven't started on that other than my ECE tank.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

finalized the menu for food, picked the florist and the arrangements and decided on table/placement stuff (she handled all this), looked at places for rehearsal dinner - overall, got a lot accomplished.

Yup. Manifolds from a '98 f-body. And - btw - stoked that I fired up the truck, thanks! I really don't have too much time invested in the swap, so naturally I'm stoked :D

Tons. See sig for gallery or my buildup thread - in the gallery and buildup thread, you should find the manifold stuff somewhere between pages 5-8, I think. If you need more, let me know.

For the gallery, here are the 2001 manifolds, which I couldn't make fit w/o notching:

http://satellitehead.com/gallery/thu...album=9&page=7

here are the '98 manifolds -

http://satellitehead.com/gallery/thu...album=9&page=8

note that only one has a heat shield, and they fit way better - rear O2 sensor on the stock cat (passenger side) does bump the bellhousing, but it doesn't hurt anything.


Will do. I really, really do NOT like the Vetter FPR/Filter setup, quite honestly. I think it is flimsy at best, and I think I will upgrade to an inline filter and aftermarket FPR in the near future because of it.

There is one small picture of the fuel system from my blackberrry ... I posted it over in my LS1tech thread on page 9 (again - see sig).

If you personally need any help, wiring diagrams, specific pictures....let me know. Hell, if I can, I'll drive down and help out, but you might need to trade for room and board for the night, and it'll need to be on a weekend :D Now that I've been there and done that, hindisght being 20/20, I feel pretty confident I could knock one out the next time around pretty easy.

Are you going to install a fuel pressure gauge on your fuel rail like I did?

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

HOLY COW!!! I don't know how I missed your photo album (just looked at all 158 pictures!). That's some good stuff, there. I check your LS1 link quite often, but didn't realize you were keeping pictures elsewhere. I plan on running a in-tank pump and an inline fuel filter. Don't the truck LS1's have an internal regulator? Not sure about the fuel pressure gauge. I wanted to put one in the cab, but a 65 PSI wet line guage didn't seem to safe, :crazy: . Did you run the cats for a reason? I'm going to eliminate them if possible. So with the 98 F-Body manifolds (and ECE motor mounts) you don't have to cut the frame? When are you going to do the A/C? Your welcome any time (you have to drive the truck though, :)). Hopefully you can handle 3 kids and a dog, :lol: .

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

PS -
I believe the truck engines actually have a fuel pressure regulator built into the rail - I had a discussion about this with someone here at the forum recently, but I forgot what years this is true with (2003+?) in the trucks. On the truck intakes (might be specific years) if there are both the feed and return lines on the fuel rail, then there is no need for a fuel pressure regulator because its already built in to the fuel rail itself.

I've been pretty religiously taking pics of the swap, and trying to keep them in my signature everywhere so I don't get 50 requests a week for pics of crap :haha:

I ran the cats for two reasons: a) open headers are too noisy and b) i didn't want to delete my rear O2 sensors (i want all 4 to benefit in the MPG dept.). They'll stay until I figure out something creative for exhaust.

With the ECE mounts and 98 f-body headers, I didn't need to cut the frame - the fitment is like ... so perfect, that it was like it was absolutely meant to be. They are not the prettiest things in the world, but man, ... it's like marrying a chick with a hot body and an ugly face, y'know? :lol:

A/C is the last thing on my mind right now. I keep the truck in covered parking all the time, so it shouldn't be too necessary. Weather up here is nothing like what I had down in Gainesville (damned swamp!) or any other place in FL I'd lived over half my life, so ...

Kids love me. I love dogs. :)

As for the fuel pressure gauge - before you fire up, you need to obviously setup the fuel pump relay and kick the key forward, make sure you have 50psi to the rail (hence the gauge on the rail), and while it's pressurized, check all of your fittings for leaks. This is a good reason to think long and hard about where your fittings will be. I found one at the S&P fitting for the line coming out of the FPR/Filter, tightened it down, but still get a little leak, so I guess I need to remove and teflon tape :(

Anyway, on the topic of safe in-the-cab solutions, read this - someone at LS1tech shared it with me:

http://www.thirdgen.org/fuelgauge

Read on for more info.

Part numbers I used and sources are here:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showth...9&page=1&pp=20

Hope that helps, bud :)

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Wow, damn, that looks amazing. Came out better than I thought it would look (not in fit and finish, but the actual look). Arse loads better than OE :)

Whats with the chevy station wagon pics? You gonna do the tail gate to open side ways and down?

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Thanks for the compliment! I can't wait until it is painted. It would be cool to make it work like the wagon, but I don't want to add another 2 months to the project.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

You only want to paint it once ... and think about how COOL it would be!! :c2:

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I got the body to door edge built up for the drivers side of the tailgate. Also cut in body to tailgate gap. It's fairly close and will only need a little more fine tuning.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

(I may need to bite my tongue on this) I looks fairly simple after looking at it. So on the passenger side of the door, the bottom latch acts as a hinge for when it folds down too? I guess you could steal the latches from one. But I guess getting all the linkage, and hinging motion to be smooth and strong would take ages of tinkering.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Got a couple of hours this evening. I finished up the drivers side tailgate lip. Then I built the jam for the passengers side. Should be able to finish up the passenger side tailgate lip tomorrow. Then it will be ready to pull the body off of the chassis. I still have a little more metal work to finish, but it will be easier to do with it on a rotissierre. Finally some light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Passenger Side...... and a look at what it should look like in the same color of paint.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Tailgate is pretty much done except for adding bear claw latches. PCMCobrba came over and I got to test fit a set of 20" Coys. :metal: Looks like I'm going to need 4" backspacing to get the tires I want on there (these were 5") I also picked up a nice set of ralleys from him just in case I get bored with the "shiny" wheels. :D

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

those wheels look killer in there

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Nice work Rob!

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

wow.... lotsa patience, and lotsa work space = results like these.

good job. i'll get those trim measurements for you today...

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Damn it! That looks too good not to do... Now you've added to my list :rolleyes: Any chance we can see it with the back bumper on and full rear view with both gates closed?

And what are your plans for the tail light and taigate trim?

I'm going with Coy C5's too. Maybe 22x9 for the rear though ;) We'll have to talk offset and tire sizes. Are those the polished?

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I am liking the Coy's more and more...definitely gotta go with the 22's Mike. Those look like the polished ones.

-Britain

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Thanks!


It was a lot of work, but I think the result is going to be well worth it. 95% of the people that look at it won't know the difference, but that's kinda the point.

The wheels are polished. I used a wheel/tire measuring tool that I got from Mike at MuscleRodz. I came out with a 4" backspacing on a 20 X 10 wheel. PCMCobras were 5 or 5 1/2" backspacing. He had them mounted on a 86 SWB.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=240811

I think the difference being 1970 and back rearend are inch or so (I think) shorter on each side. Here's a link to his wheels. If I would have been thinking, I probably should have bought them for the CrewCab, :crazy:, :(.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Rob,
Looks outstanding... I see there's 3 burb guy's eyeing up the same wheel. I'm with Mike on the 22 X 9 for the rear. If I could stop working sooooo much, maybe I could work on my burb & get something finished.

Anyone given anythought on how to do hidden hinges on the upper liftgate? ;)

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

I'll take some pictures tonight. I am planning on using factory the truck tail lights and trim. I've got the tail gate trim and will see how it looks.

R

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

nice job on your burb..i iss my 86 burb, may she rest in peice,,lol..i always wanted an older 2wd burb..i love the way you redid the tailgate and lights..looks great

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Best I could do for right now. Sorry for the green paint, that's all I had to get it all one color, :D.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

that has to be the best ass ive ever seen on a burb, keep up the good work

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Gorgeous! I think the tailgate trim will work well with the "truck" paint scheme in your rendering. Only one possible issue I see: The tail light trim might be lower than the top of the bumper, or close to it. That's why I asked for the with-bumper-on pics.

I wonder if one could install the whole setup a tad higher. I know it's too late for you, and yours look awesome anyway, but I'm just thinking out loud...

That's what you get for being a pioneer!!! Someone may come along and improve on your idea, but you will always be the first and we thank you for that:metal:

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

FF - It will be close for the one piece of lower trim, but if you look at the truck setup it's not perfectly lined up with the bottom of the tail light trim. I think I can place the lower trim right above the hinges and make it work. The problem you will run into with raising everything up, will be matching the body lines up (side) and the upper side trim (if you use the truck trim and paint). I lined up both lower body lines (truck/burb) which made the upper side truck trim hit the tail lights in the right place. I think that if you plan on using the lower tailgate trim, that since you are doing a one piece lift gate, you could lengthen the lip of the lift gate to get it lower to help with alignment. This is probably more confusing than help. I guess I should have asked you what your overall idea is,... Suburban paint scheme with truck tail lights or truck paint scheme and truck tail lights. I attached some picture of the Burb with some of the trim on and of some trucks for reference. As for being a Pioneer, thanks!, too bad my metal working skills don't match my ability to dream some of this stuff up. Good thing they make grinders and bondo, :D.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

As a point of note also - I would probably paint in the rear silver section as well...I think it would look better than cutting the trim to fill out over the door seam.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

All I can say is....wow. That is looking really good. And like you said, the general public won't know the difference.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Yep, Your right. That's not gonna be an issue. Very Nice Successa!

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

OK, I finally got the CrewCab "stabilized", :), so now time to get back on the Burb! My wife suprised me the other night. She was like, "aren't you going to finish the Suburban so you can drive it to New Mexico?" :jdp: I said, do you realize how much time and $$$$ it will take to finish it before I leave?! She said finish it! Now I got to figure out how to make that happen.

NOTE: I started typing this 3 hours ago when I got a call from my 17 year old daughter saying she had been in a wreck. She said the car looked totaled!!!! We just purchased it new 2 days ago and it had less than 300 miles on it, :whine: . Luckily it wasn't her fault and she wasn't speeding. An older lady pulled out in front of her while she was going 45 mph and my daughter T-boned her. Seatbelts where on, airbags deployed, and the crumple zones did their job. No one seriously hurt, just some seatbelt bruises and a red face from the air bags. Thank God and the NTSB! Here's some photos or the car.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

wow,
Rob, that sux. Glad they turned out ok.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Good news on your daughter! I've got twins about to start drivers ed this Summer, that should be fun. As for the burb, you and Mike amaze me, the ingenious ideas you guys have come up with are really impressive. Keep up the good work and the good posts. Greg.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Glad everyone is ok. Thank God for modern safety equipment! Guess we need to figure out how to put airbags in these things, huh? ;)

Good news on the Burb schedule! What's your timeline?

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Thanks John.

Thanks Greg, two at once, I don't envy you. Courtney, my daughter is very level head and very dependable. I'm confident in her (she learned how to drive witha stick shift and drove it for almost a year), it's just all the other drivers out there that really worry me. It just goes to show you, know matter how safe you are, if some one else does something stupid, accidents can still happen. I think she learned a good lesson about paying more attention to other drivers on the road. Thanks for the props on the Burb! It's always cool when your concepts end up coming out as cool as you planned.

Thanks Mike, other than the cars getting crunched, it couldn't have turned out any better. Now the only issue will be the insurance companies, they will probably say the car can be fixed, but I don't want it back. I know there are some good repair companies out there, but the stygma place on a car by carfax nowadays, I probably couldn't give the car away. I guess we'll see.

As for the Burb, if we can have it painted by the end of July, I think I can get it put back together. I only have a few more big parts to buy, a/c, EFI harness, and a bunch of smaller misc stuff.... I'll keep you posted.

Re: 1969 Burb build-up (Bags, 5.3/4L60E, repaint, interior....)
 

Man that sux. Glad everything is okay and I hope the insurance works out the way you want it to.