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#1 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Polar Bear Suburban
Well, I ran across this rig on Craigslist Thursday night and I knew had to have it. I could barely sleep Thursday night in anticipation to call the guy first thing Friday morning. It is a 1989 V2500 Suburban, 5.7L, SM456 with rear barn doors and only 132,000 original miles. When I saw it had a manual transmission in the CL add my eyeballs about popped out of my head and the rear barn doors were a bonus (I don’t care for the tailgate with the roll up window on Subs). You won’t believe what I paid either. $1500! Actually, $1496.35 as I found a few bucks in pocket change when I took the interior apart for deep cleaning.
As usual with a rig of this age and price it isn’t without issue. It needs a clutch, the windshield is badly cracked, the steering column is wobbly as hell (typical loose tilt mechanism situation that these Saginaw columns are famous for), stereo is missing and it has a severe lean to the left due to a sagging LH front spring plus it was filthy dirty! None of this is a big problem as I have a good used Centerforce dual friction clutch that I took out by my K10 last year when I did the NV4500 swap. The lean isn’t an issue either as I have a pair of left over 4” front leaf springs from the K10 as well. Probably do a ORD shackle flip on the rear. I bet I already spent 20 hours since Friday night cleaning this thing. It is turning out nice though! The biggest disappointment is the fact it has 3:42 gears no biggie as I will be swapping in a 14 bolt FF soon but wasn’t planning on regearing the front. Looks like I need to find a pair of axles now. It has a couple small surface rust spots but they will come right off with a DA sander then touch it up with touch up paint. Nothing major. When I do the clutch I’m planning to kill two birds with one stone. Just yank the engine to replace the clutch and give the engine a makeover (paint, tune up, new sensors, gaskets, water pump, etc). It probably will get an 8.1L and NV4500 someday as I still have a few laying around but for now I am going to run with this TBI 5.7L and deal with the priorities first (fix issues, lift it, address the rust spots). Let the fun begin! My wife named it the Polar Bear. ![]() The underhood light even works! ![]() ![]() ![]() Ah, YES!! Manual trans ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#2 |
What?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,617
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Congratulations, and welcome to the Burb club
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Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU |
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#3 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,625
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#4 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Here is the original CL add.
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#5 |
What?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,617
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
You got a killer deal for sure, and with your elbow grease and spare (free) parts to get it solid again it will be even more the investment score!
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Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2009
Location: Weymouth Ma
Posts: 489
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Wow, you got a killer deal. I would love that truck. How many of those did they make in 89, like 2, loaded w/4 spd, 3/4 ton....jack pot. I though my 4 spd 91 K5 was rare...
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03 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Quadrasteer, wife`s DD 84 Chevy K30 CC SRW 55 Chevy 210 2dr post |
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#7 |
K5Camper
![]() Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pueblo, CO
Posts: 1,513
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Having seen the Bear in person yesterday I can attest to the score that was made. It even sounds good with the flowmasters on it. He shot me the CL ad Thursday night and said I should go after it and ditch my K5. If I only had the spare cash!
It is quite a score that's for sure. This thing is going to be beastly by the time Larry's done with it.
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Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper |
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#8 |
Chevys Kick A$$
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Zootown, MT
Posts: 12,699
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Wow awesome score or better yet steal. I can't believe you got it that cheap that's crazy. Even though it needs a few little things nothing major. Looks great keep us posted and keep up the good work.
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*HOODS is what I answer too* -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold ![]() -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit ![]() ![]() -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER ![]() I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!
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#9 |
Registerd User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,118
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Looks great for a 22 year old. You did a great job cleaning that thing up.
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#10 |
Resident of Here
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA
Posts: 7,716
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Nice! Only one problem...I was here first(sig)....
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~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list ![]() Miss having a truck ![]() |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Navarre Fl
Posts: 93
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
that thing is beautifull!!
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82 k10 350sbc, sm465, np205, dana 60 front 14 bolt ff rear 4 inch susp lift 33's aka "MUD SLUT" 2007 cbr 1000rr ![]() |
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#12 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Nice!!
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1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
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#13 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Got the steering column all fixed up. Wow, it was really jacked up. All four of the tilt housing support bolts (the 4 Torx head bolts in the pictures below) were completely backed out causing the steering shaft ball bearings to fall out of the bearing cages in the upper tilt housing assembly. Then some idiot glued the multifunction switch lever in so I had to cut it off and replace the multifunction switch. Good thing I kept the steering column out of that G-Van I parted out a few years ago.
It’s all back together now! Next order of business is to get the windshield replaced and start taking apart the dash to clean everything and replace light bulbs in the cluster. Going to order up some more Superbrite LED’s like I installed in the K10 last year. Those work great! I forgot to mention that while cleaning it I found a receipt from Big O Tires where the guy just bought $720 worth the tires for it 5,800 miles ago. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: freeburg, illinois
Posts: 885
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
I would love to have a stick shift suburban but i hate daily driving them and my is a partial dd so i would never do it but that thing is awesome and those under hood lights are awesome i swapped one onto mine best thing i ever did ive used it so many times and i found a place that sells a similar one much closer than lmc's, looks to be the silverado and has power windows and locks? if so im even more jealous ill trade you for mine =-p
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1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB Last edited by Mr. 250r; 11-08-2011 at 10:04 PM. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Great find! That's a rare rig loaded up with the 4-speed. How's the A/C work?
Posted via Mobile Device
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#16 | |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Quote:
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#17 |
I had a V-8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 1,116
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Nice looking truck!! I haven't seen a M/T Suburban of this vintage for many years.
Check it out before you buy any parts as the blower impellers are a slip fit retained by this goofy spring/wrap apparatus that doesn't work so well after a few years. Drop the motor down slide the impellers off, clean the shaft, put a film/coating of RTV on the shaft, slide the impeller back on, center it in the housing and let it set. Reassemble it after it has cured and they will stay put for many years to come. The rear blower motor in my Suburban (same motor as yours) suffered this same fate in the donor vehicle and as such, it was not used. This kept the motor in "like new" condition and once the impellers were secured has been working fantastic ever since. Resist the urge to put steel impellers on the motor--they do not move anywhere near the amount of air the ones you have move.
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1972 K20 Suburban, 5.9L Cummins, Banks Power Pack, NV4500HD, NP205, H.A.D., D60/14FF ARB Link To Build: HERE. |
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#18 | |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Quote:
Great info Mosesburb. I haven’t even taken the rear A/C cover off yet to investigate the issue, which I need to because something is rattling around like crazy in there. Very annoying! Thanks again!
__________________
Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern Kalifornia
Posts: 3,066
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
$1500!!?!?! VERY nice score. I love my 'burb, just wish it was 4wd.
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------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT |
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#20 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Wow that's nice. 4spd and all! I was hoping to come across a good one like that when I found my Jimmy. Uh...is that a semi-floater? I guess it'll do for now.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#21 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Yep....Exactly, it will do for now.
![]() The Polar Bear will eventually get the same 14FF infusion as the last Suburban of this era that came through the Big Block Garage. Lift too. This Sub was a bit rough on the outside but had a fresh marine turbo 6.5L when it left. This one lives in Detroit, MI now where it got fresh paint and other upgrades. ![]() ![]() Junk 14 bolt 9.5” semi-floater ready to be returned to the salvage yard for core cost after it was pruned from the black Sub ![]()
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#22 |
Windy Corner of a Dirty Street
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado
Posts: 2,926
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Got a few things done to the Polar Bear Saturday. Pruned the rattly nerf bars off, removed the rusty center caps, cleaned the wheels, painted the hubs, removed the aftermarket cruise control that didn’t work, fixed several vacuum leaks on the engine, removed the EVAP canister and painted the grill and radiator support. Next order of business is to get the new windshield installed then get ready for the clutch replacement.
I drove it around town quite a bit this last week. WOW! The TBI 5.7L takes some getting used to after being accustom to driving a square body style truck a 425HP 8.1L on tap backed by a much smoother shifting NV4500. The 5.7L, especially with 3:42 gears, feels like 4 cylinder. I almost forgot what a gutless truck feels like. Another old wh*re with new lipstick. I always liked the grills of 89-91 square body rigs ![]() Looks much better without the nerf bars. Can’t wait to get the 4” lift on it! ![]() ![]()
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Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Saluda, SC
Posts: 1,276
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Quote:
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1988 GMC R3500- Cut Brothers 4WD Conversion Kit, 6.5 TD NV4500/NP208 D60 14BFF 2020 1500 Silverado 3.0 Babymax 2002 2500 Silverado- 6.6/ Allison 2010 CTS V- The "NastyBuzzard" 1979 Trans Am - Eventually getting 6.0/T56 swap with boost |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lexington, TN
Posts: 1,427
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
Man that ting cleaned up AWESOME! Congrats on the cl find.
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The fleet 94 Chevy 4x4 reg cab 2018 Traverse (wifes car) 1977 SWB stepside 1949 Chevy truck |
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#25 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Polar Bear Suburban
That 'Burb is like the big brother to the '90 Blazer 350/4spd I had for nearly 20 years. I still want another. I really liked having one of each. Too bad you're so far away. I have the 4" Tuff Country springs from my '91 'Burb laying in the shop. Still have the paper stickers on them. You may want to go another route for lift anyway.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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