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#1 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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 |
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#2 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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 Last edited by nsiti; 10-21-2022 at 04:07 PM. |
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#3 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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. Last edited by nsiti; 10-21-2022 at 04:37 PM. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: newbury new hampsire
Posts: 2,068
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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
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#5 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
"Before" photos
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#6 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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.
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#7 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
More photos of the first phase of body work back in late September.
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#8 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Some progress being made in early October...
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#9 |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,103
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Looking good!
__________________
"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Louisville ky
Posts: 1,226
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Nice truck
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York
Posts: 3,455
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Looking great, keep going strong!!!!
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#12 |
F’B’D guy
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Texas/Maine
Posts: 2,220
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Nice work! more skill than I could ever muster…
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#13 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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 Last edited by nsiti; 06-13-2023 at 04:18 PM. Reason: signature |
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#14 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Chrome trim removal progress.
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#15 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Final stages of windshield removal.
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#16 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,487
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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
__________________
Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tujunga, CA
Posts: 15
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
I have a 1971 K10 (1/2 ton) 4x4 suburban. I've had it since ordered from the factory. Your work is very impressive!
Where are you located? I'm in Southern California. I have many questions but if possible I'd like to see your vehicle and talk in person about it and the work you've done to it. Allen |
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#18 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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 |
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#19 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,487
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Quote:
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
__________________
Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#20 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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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.
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#21 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
A few more photos of the rust repair around the windshield frame.
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#22 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Bodywork and rust repair continues...
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#23 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Front cowl area, floorpan, rear barn doors, and window frames all needed some TLC
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#24 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Metalwork continues, chasing down some of the less obvious rusted areas.
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#25 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 76
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"
Some more photos for your viewing pleasure!
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