53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I started my next project yesterday.

Backstory...The build that I finshed is this 48 Chevy truck. The reason that I show a picture and mention it is because the plan for this 53 is everything that my 48 isn't. I saw this suburban less then 10 miles from my house over 10yrs ago. It wasn't until my 48 was nearing completion that I thought owning a Subrban would be cool. A few years ago the suburban disappered from the house I saw it at. I had a hunch it was held up in a barn. I knocked on the door this June and by July it was mine. With two young boys (also some of the reason for this project) and their busy sports schedules I didn't get a chance to really see what I bought until yesterday. So far I'm very pleased. My last project was 11 yrs and x amount of dollars. I want this project finished in a couple years with less money.

Plans
chassis - Porterbuild
Drivetrain - Undecided (possible 6 liter fuel injected motor)
Air management - Accuair
Paint - Not a show paint job. Maybe all metal. Some what undecided but to be decided later.
Interior - Nice. sporting all (3) rows of factory seats.
Wheels - 20" Delmo (ish) rims.

In the end I want an untra low comfortable cruiser that I can haul my faimly, bikes and all sorts of our other family crap around in. I also want to use this project as an opportunity to teach my 7 & 9 yr old boys how to turn a wrench. Something that they were not able to do on the 48.

On to the Pics.....

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

A few more..
Most of the trouble areas seem to be in pretty good shape, including the rear wheel wells. It does need some passenger side floor work. We got it torn down pretty quick lastnight. Not bad for (2) hrs worth of work. I am amazed at the condition of the running boards and grill. Both appear to be original.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Looks solid. Let the fun begin.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thanks Eugene. Now you know where your window trim pieces are going....

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Hey Marc, found the build, your plan is great, and it do look like a solid piece. I'm in for the ride, so as said above, let the fun begin....Jim

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Looking good,,, i will be watching your build...
I like your 48" a lot... Nice truck....:metal:

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I love those old Suburbans.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thank you, I have following your 51 build. I really like your color blue.

Must be a feeling shared by a lot of people as thers ol burbs are getting tougher and tougher to find (without breaking the bank)

It will be a slow and steady ride...

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I've subscribed to your build! ;) Looks like a great unique build!
dne'

ps: I like your shop! and you need a MaxJax lift!;)

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

body looks good, surprised the floor was that gone
not a michigan title i assume :D

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Absolutely love the plans for the build. Look forward to seeing this one.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Should make for a very cool ride!

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thanks denee. I have been working on my shop. I just added insulation and osb. Next year I will add a natural gas hanging heater. No real room for a lift, I only have 10' walls. I would have to make a pocket in my trusses to make it work.. Not worth it.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

After screwing with it more today I will put a full floor in it. No real other work should be needed to the fire wall or toe boards. Oregon title. It appears to be in amazing shape overall.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Awesome score and I appreciate that you intend to get the kids involved.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Congrats on the excellent find Marc. Some good old Oregon iron all the way back there, huh? I'll be watching this one. Looks like you have a great build plan in mind. I'm sure that with your talent it'll turn out great. Good Luck.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Love your green truck but I totally understand wanting something you can just throw all your stuff in and the family and go. Without worrying too much about getting a scratch . I'm looking forward to seeing this build. Love burbs

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I'd leave the paint as is , better than bare metal in my opinion

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thats one of the options. The only problem with that is this is primer that went unsealed thats why it started to rust. When it comes time I will hit it with CLR and decide what to do. My preference all along was a pitina'd look....

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Glad your so confident in my abilities...sometimes I have my doubts....Ha ha.

Yes, when my kids started asking to go work on the green truck I was already in final assembly mode and it was hard to let them learn then. I'm self taught so I hope to pass on any mechanical ability I can.

Yes, My boys are very good about do's and donts around the green truck but I would like them to be able to act like kids around in and on this suburban. Thats the plans anyway.


Thanks all......
Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Worked on the truckster today despite the 20 degree temps. I got the engine and trans closer to coming out. We will probably pull it this week.

I will take pics once I make some noticable progress.

Thanks
Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Absolutely love your 48, Subscribed... Your fabrication abilities had me floored on that one!

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I'm in. I hear you on the temps. We got slammed with a good snow storm this weekend.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thanks. The 48 was a long build (11 yrs) and it was my first attempt at building something vintage. I have been looking forward to starting "the next project" for quite some time. I'm much more comfortable with my abilities this time around.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

no heat in the garage?
you do realize that you live in michigan?
get a heater :D

the body is too nice for a michigan title, nice oregon metal

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I have a (small) heater just not the one I want. I can rough it for one more mild MI winter..ha ha. Plus a heater cuts into my project fund. If it makes you feel better it is still technically an Oregon title. I have not gotten around to putting it in my name yet. I will get on that.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

It's 43 degrees here in Houston, I freeze at that temp! 20 degrees? I don't think it's that cold in my freezer! snow? now what is that again? lol

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

We've already been to -4F, but it snowed so we're back into the low 20's.
I do have heat in my shop. Youngrodder, been there done that with no / minimal heat and that is no fun.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

A little progress today. First off I contacted Dave at Porterbuilt to see how many pennies I need to save up for one of their set ups. I will definatly go this route.

My buddies came over tonight and we removed the engine and trans....It did not come out without a fight...

We won
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps0ce6528f.jpg

The highlight was my 7 yrd old son wondering out to supervise. He was concerned that we would not get the motor out. He was on a creeper under the truck checking it out. He got called in to go to bed so I will be sure to share the good news with him in the morning.

Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

My 216 fought me all the way too! My youngest boy (6 yrs) was right there the whole time and couldn't wait to get scraping the old oil and dirt off of the frame.

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...l/IMG_5400.jpg

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...l/IMG_5401.jpg

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...l/IMG_5399.jpg

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

cool pics fellas, nice progress. I got a 9 month old baby girl and 3 stepkids, hoping one of them will be into old cars someday. I doing a 53' belair with LS for the fam, slowly but surely. Would luv to have a burb for the fam though!!!!! Someday.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Always been a fan of your '48. Definitely looking forward to seeing a burban join the gang.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

I'll be folowing this one. The wife wants a panel, burb, or school bus......she keeps changing her mind. It's great to have the family be able to joing in in the build and not worry so much about it when it is done. Big Bertha is our family truckster and I do not get uptight about things....she's already got kid marks on the inside and in the paint.....My boys , 9 and 10, are starting to get into the hobby too.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Nice Burb... I'm sure you'll knock it out of the park.
keep them PICS a-flowin...lol

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Thanks I apprecaite it...

Thank you. I might hit you up for more info from time to time if it is ok. I might go with a simulat engine in this.

Very funny. It seems like a simular story. I shared your pics and comments with Austin my 7yr old. He got a kick out of them.

Have a nice Thanksgiving everyone.
Marc

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Marc and Sid, kids helping with the build will stay with you forever, I love seeing this...Jim

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

It's great when the young'ins are out wrench'in with me. Maybe you all haven't noticed but Nate has a cast on his left arm. My oldest, Jake and him were out on their 4 wheelers and Nate ran into a tree. Looking where he had been instead of where he was going. The front tire hit the tree and jerked the handle bars and broke his arm. A couple inches up from his wrist and broke both bones. All he did was wimper till we got to the hospital. Tougher than woodpecker lips that boy! Happened two days before hockey season started. Boy was he pissed! He's back on the ice now.

Have a good thanksgiving all our American truckers.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

youngrodder very nice start, love the color on the truck,I would like to paint my 551st two tone,trying too get started on it again.Once again thanks for sharing. Larry Lindley.

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

Nice build...I'm in. Kinda wish I had one too now that I've got a family. Btw I love your truck build another one if my favorites.
-Aaron

Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster"
 

i have been waiting for this build.my story is very similar with how i found my burb.good luck and let me know if i can help.chizzler