1972 slow build

[Waders]

Hello all, long time listener, first time caller. I've been lurking on this site for a long time and finally decided to start a build thread to showcase what I've learned from you all and what I've picked up along the way. There is so much valuable information on this site and hopefully I can add a little more.
My love for this body style probably started when I was very young. My dad had a 72 K10 that he bought brand new and drove until I totalled it for him(elderly lady turned in front of me..pretty much a 45 mph head on collision). When we were young my dad, brother, and I built a 70 blazer that was rolled and fixed. When they fixed it they cut and left the back of it and put a 67 cab and front on it. Looked like a super short box. My brother drove that for a couple years but wanted something more modern. I bought the truck from him and I still have it 25 years later.
I liked those trucks but for some reason always wanted a suburban. I was at a point in my life where I was able to start a project so I started searching. I found a few locally but none were exactly what I was looking for. Here in Montana there are very few 2wd burbs and that was my #1 criteria. I expanded my search and found one in eastern Washington. It was non-running but not molested and 100 percent complete.
Plans for the suburban:
replace/upgrade suspension with lowered components,
LS power,
Nice interior,
Eventually body and paint.
I had intentions of just doing the bear minimum to get it on the road but after 10 years I'm still not there. Project creep at its finest.
Pictures to follow

[Waders]

This is where it all started about 10 years ago with a weekend trip to Pasco, WA. It had most of the options that I wanted so I decided this was the one.

[Waders]

I just finished building my shop so I finally had time to start tearing into it. I was disappointed in how much rust I found. It's amazing how well that stuff can hide

[LockDoc]

-
Welcome.

Looking forward to the updates. I thought Eastern Washington was a little more dry. Maybe just in certain areas.

LockDoc

[pontiacvince]

Welcome! My '71 is from right across the bridge from Pasco!

[Waders]

Thanks guys. There will be quite a few posts to come. I have always wanted to do a build thread but never got to it. Family and work priorities sometimes make it hard to get garage time. I am out of commission for a couple weeks recovering from a surgery so I figured this would be a perfect time to get up to speed.

[pwdcougar]

Welcome! Finding time is always tough!

[Waders]

Here' a picture of what I have to work with. From disassembly I could tell that the suburban had been in a minor accident. That is when it was repainted to more of a dark green. The repairs were done poorly but the front end parts are in excellent condition.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827570

I clened up the front frame for paint

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827570

[Waders]

After I painted and reassembled the front end I decided to try my luck at some body work. I ordered patch panels and tore into the drivers side rocker panel. I cannot find any pictures, I think they were lost in a cell phone casualty. I was about to move on to more rocker panel work but I was already almost burnt out on it. So I did something I said I wasn't going to do on this build.. I took the body off the frame. Why?? because its only a couple bolts(that need to be replaced anyway), a few electrical connections, and a couple fuel lines. I was pretty much there. looking back now I'm glad I did it

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649486425

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Waders

After I painted and reassembled the front end I decided to try my luck at some body work. I ordered patch panels and tore into the drivers side rocker panel. I cannot find any pictures, I think they were lost in a cell phone casualty. I was about to move on to more rocker panel work but I was already almost burnt out on it. So I did something I said I wasn't going to do on this build.. I took the body off the frame. Why?? because its only a couple bolts(that need to be replaced anyway), a few electrical connections, and a couple fuel lines. I was pretty much there. looking back now I'm glad I did it

It's always a little daunting when you first start tearing stuff apart. As long as you take pictures along the way it really isn't so bad.

LockDoc

[Waders]

Early on in the project I had the opportunity to put down an industrial floor coating. I had only been in my shop for a couple years but it was already quite the task just to move everything out. The floor coating went great and now I have a floor that is tough as nails and cleans up amazing. The only downsides, which are huge, is that it always needs cleaned and it doesn't hold up to welding sparks. I've found how to deal with both of those.. There is always a mop bucket in the shop, and I always have welding blankets around. Well worth the hassles.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649730295
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649730295

[kev2809]

suburban looks great, you tore right through that lol