53 Surburban "Family Truckster" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**youngrodder** · 11-23-2013, 10:12 PM

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.....

**youngrodder** · 11-23-2013, 10:21 PM

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

alaska gasser · 11-23-2013, 11:33 PM

Looks solid. Let the fun begin.

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alaska gasser

Looks solid. Let the fun begin.

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

Marc

**oldman3** · 11-24-2013, 01:30 AM

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

YahamaR1 · 11-24-2013, 06:24 AM

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

Bishops Trucks · 11-24-2013, 07:13 AM

I love those old Suburbans.

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YahamaR1

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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

I love those old Suburbans.

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)

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldman3

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

It will be a slow and steady ride...

Marc

**Denee007** · 11-24-2013, 11:34 AM

I've subscribed to your build!

Looks like a great unique build!
dne'

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

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denee007

I've subscribed to your build!

Looks like a great unique build!
dne'

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

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

_Ogre · 11-24-2013, 11:46 AM

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

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Ogre

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

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

av8tr33337 · 11-24-2013, 05:13 PM

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

STOCKISH · 11-24-2013, 12:12 PM

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

ChuckDriver · 11-24-2013, 02:52 PM

Should make for a very cool ride!

**Fleet '66** · 11-24-2013, 09:22 PM

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.

hopped up · 11-24-2013, 09:29 PM

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

hopped up · 11-24-2013, 09:30 PM

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

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopped up

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

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

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fleet '66

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by av8tr33337

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

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopped up

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

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

**youngrodder** · 11-24-2013, 11:47 PM

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

skymangs · 11-25-2013, 10:53 AM

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

**youngrodder** · 11-25-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skymangs

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

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

99 to Life · 11-25-2013, 12:10 PM

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

_Ogre · 11-25-2013, 03:16 PM

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

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

11-23-2013, 10:12 PM	#1
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	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..... Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857

11-23-2013, 10:21 PM	#2
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	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 Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857

11-23-2013, 11:33 PM	#3
alaska gasser Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ruidoso, NM Posts: 290	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Looks solid. Let the fun begin. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592642 '48 Chev extended cab with attitude http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=592769 My daughter's '46 International PU

11-24-2013, 01:30 AM	#5
oldman3 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Plains, Missouri Posts: 7,559	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 __________________ my build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=459839 Jimbo's long bed step build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=464626<br />

11-24-2013, 06:24 AM	#6
YahamaR1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 547	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Looking good,,, i will be watching your build... I like your 48" a lot... Nice truck.... __________________ My chevy 51...... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=541148 www.knutselracing.nl

11-24-2013, 07:13 AM	#7
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,731	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I love those old Suburbans. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

11-24-2013, 11:34 AM	#9
Denee007 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cypress, Tx. Posts: 1,504	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! __________________ '72 Ford Bronco project(July 17 2021-?) https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=828015 59 Apache (sold 6-25-2021) 67 Ford Mustang (re-restored after Harvey) 1968 Jeep Cj5 (2-8-2020 to present) 1992 Jeep Yj (8-17-20 to present) (Jurassic build) www.Classiccarsandtools.com Last edited by Denee007; 11-24-2013 at 11:35 AM. Reason: info added

11-24-2013, 11:46 AM	#11
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" body looks good, surprised the floor was that gone not a michigan title i assume __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

11-24-2013, 05:13 PM	#13
av8tr33337 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Derby Kansas Posts: 564	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Awesome score and I appreciate that you intend to get the kids involved. __________________ av8tr33337 AKA Bartman Email av8tr33337@yahoo.com Bartman's Ad-S10 Chassis Swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415418 My First Youtube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6hSt...eature=channel More Pics of the 51 Project http://s668.photobucket.com/albums/v...hassis%20Swap/ 1951 3100 Pickup

11-24-2013, 12:12 PM	#14
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Absolutely love the plans for the build. Look forward to seeing this one. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

11-24-2013, 02:52 PM	#15
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Should make for a very cool ride! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

11-24-2013, 09:22 PM	#16
Fleet '66 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 112	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. __________________ Fleet '66 ***************** '66 C-10 SWB 350 w/3 spd OD 4:11's - driver/project...future T-5 trans upgrade '64 C-10 LWB BBW near future project - "The Wife's Ride" '58 "Apache"Stepside BBW w/'75 K-10 4x4 conversion 331 w/350TH and NP 205 transfer 3:73's - occasional driver/ show

11-24-2013, 09:29 PM	#17
hopped up Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: los angeles,ca Posts: 3,617	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

11-24-2013, 09:30 PM	#18
hopped up Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: los angeles,ca Posts: 3,617	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I'd leave the paint as is , better than bare metal in my opinion

11-24-2013, 11:47 PM	#21
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	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 __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O)) 1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!! 1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484 1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find" https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857



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11-25-2013, 10:53 AM	#22
skymangs Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Warrensburg, MO Posts: 2,690	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Absolutely love your 48, Subscribed... Your fabrication abilities had me floored on that one! __________________ www.olesargecustoms.com email: chris@olesargecustoms.com '48 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=541904 '33 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6232888 '49 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6364475

11-25-2013, 12:10 PM	#24
99 to Life Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Titusville, PA Posts: 3,585	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I'm in. I hear you on the temps. We got slammed with a good snow storm this weekend. __________________ 51' 99toLife finished 2011,355 sbc,5speed, patina, redoing whole truck, inter, bags, etc http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=382481 49Hardtimes s/10 susp- bagged, vortec sbc, 5 speed, patina, sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=594874 VIDEOS https://youtu.be/E8zHhjgS_lA https://youtu.be/E8zHhjgS_lA Geronimo 54' LS engine, static drop IFS, Client build, just about done http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...62#post7399162 52' 3100 Slowly in progress, will be painted two toned, have 235 with a t-5, lowered OG frame Other projects, 49' farmuse 3100, killer Patina, will be slammed, LS engine, full done interior up next! www.coffeeandcustoms.com

11-25-2013, 03:16 PM	#25
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" no heat in the garage? you do realize that you live in michigan? get a heater the body is too nice for a michigan title, nice oregon metal __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

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