1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

As a classic truck enthusiast, the sixth generation Suburban first caught my eye when watching an episode of Texas Metal on Discovery's Motor Trend channel. I really appreciated the truck's classic design and single passenger side door, which are special. Thus started my search for a Suburban restoration project. I've spent countless hours on this site and others researching and thought I would give back by posting my story and documenting the build.

Lots more thoughts and photos to folllow.

Regards,
Nick

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Full set of "before" photos on my cloud drive:

https://filen.io/f/fe403794-6dc0-461...qJhA5vvtAMOUjt

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

The hunt for a 4x4 Suburban, preferably with barn doors, started around March 2020. I love four wheel drive trucks and have previously restored a 1977 Ford Bronco which I have owned since 1992. It took me quite a while to find a decent truck that met my specifications. It seems that there are not a lot for sale these days, especially on the east coast. So when September of 2021 rolled around and one came up for sale just 25 miles from me, I promptly inspected and purchased it.

Then stated a six month process of planning for the restoration, which was an amazing (and often frustrating) learning process.

More to come when I have extra time to write.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

That’s a great project good buy that’s the one to own I’ll be watching

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

"Before" photos

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Body work commenced back in late September, here are some photos of the first phase.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

More photos of the first phase of body work back in late September.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Some progress being made in early October...

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

More progress photos from early October:

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Body work continuing to come along in early October, with some attention to the rusted sheet metal.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Some good headway was made into late October, after some custom metal fabrication.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

More progress from late October:

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

More work was done in November, with some attention to the rear AC, including replacing the hoses and custom clamps into the roof unit.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Rear wheel arches were replaced on both sides, of course some of the typical issues were encountered.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

The Suburban's undercarriage is now in the process of being sandblasted:

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

More shots from the sandbaster last week, which brings us up to date. I'll post more regular updates going forward.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

That’s coming along nicely!

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

-
You're doing great work on it. Keep it up. I know it's hard to keep up with the updates, I have the same problem sometimes..... :)

LockDoc

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Looking good!

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Nice truck

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Looking great, keep going strong!!!!

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Nice work! more skill than I could ever muster…

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Five months later... too long for my taste, but that's life.

I think my guys have been dreading removing the windshield in order to repair the rust round the upper and sides. Today it was tackled and removed without breakage. Next steps, rust repair, then the removal and re-fabrication of the rear wooden floor.

Cheers,
Nick

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Chrome trim removal progress.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Final stages of windshield removal.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

-
Glad you got it dissembled without breaking anything.

Maybe you already know this but there are 2 different windshield rubber seals for the stainless trim. Deep and shallow. Just make sure you get the correct one for the trim you have.

LockDoc

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Leon, thanks for the head's up on the seal. I purchased a 71-72 Deluxe Trim equipped version (P-WCR685A) from GMC Paul's. Does that sound correct?

Also, another question, the lower part of the windshield glass has delaminated over time. Is that something that a professional can address/fix? Or do we just live with the patina :)

Regards,
Nick

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Yes, that sounds correct.

To the best of my knowledge I don't think the delamination is repairable but you never know in this day and age. People do some amazing things....

LockDoc

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Metal work to fix rusted areas around the windshield frame (both internal and external) commenced.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

A few more photos of the rust repair around the windshield frame.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Bodywork and rust repair continues...

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Front cowl area, floorpan, rear barn doors, and window frames all needed some TLC

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Metalwork continues, chasing down some of the less obvious rusted areas.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Some more photos for your viewing pleasure!

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Great job on the rust repair. Looks like you’re moving right along!

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Metalwork and rust repair of the body is nearly finished (excluding some small imperfections) and we've prepped for filling. Featheredge and filler work to follow.

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

I have a question or two maybe some of you can share your opinion on. The next daunting task is to remove the rear wooden floor, which has rotted, especially around the edges. The metal below has also disintegrated and will need to be repaired.

I understand from researching the matter that the wooden floor can be removed in two pieces, one large and one small (the front passenger side corner). Any tricks to ease the removal?

Once out I'm thinking to replicate the floor using a marine grade plywood, and epoxy coat it.

My dilemma afterwards is, do I cover the floor with insulation and carpeting, or put some veneer on top and leave the wood exposed (for aesthetic purposes)?

Cheers,
Nick

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

I haven't had to replace any wood floors. I know there are posts on it but I think most of them are buried in build threads. Maybe someone that follows the Suburban build threads will remember.

LockDoc

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

Thanks Leon, I took your advice and found the following thread (posts):

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...698377&page=20

Page 20 (see post #489 - #496 for removal), through page 23 (for replacement).

Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
 

First off, your suburban is coming out great and you’re making amazing progress..

“My dilemma afterwards is, do I cover the floor with insulation and carpeting, or put some veneer on top and leave the wood exposed (for aesthetic purposes)?”

Personally I think the exposed wood would look sexy. However if you plan on using it to haul anything I’m not sure about leaving it uncovered. If it has a third row even people getting in and out would mark it up.