The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevy/GMC Suburbans & Panels Message Board > 1967 - 1972 Chevy/GMC Suburbans and PanelsProjects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-21-2022, 03:21 PM   #1
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2022, 03:22 PM   #2
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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.
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2022, 03:23 PM   #3
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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.
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2022, 03:56 PM   #4
best view
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: newbury new hampsire
Posts: 2,150
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
best view is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2022, 04:05 PM   #5
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

"Before" photos
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2023, 02:32 PM   #6
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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.
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2023, 02:34 PM   #7
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More photos of the first phase of body work back in late September.
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2023, 02:38 PM   #8
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Some progress being made in early October...
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2023, 12:16 PM   #9
Ol Blue K20
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
 
Ol Blue K20's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,245
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
R.I.P. FleetsidePaul
Ol Blue K20 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2023, 01:43 PM   #10
Louisvillekytruck
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Louisville ky
Posts: 1,108
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Nice truck
Louisvillekytruck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2023, 04:52 PM   #11
68panelman
Registered User
 
68panelman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York
Posts: 3,456
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Looking great, keep going strong!!!!
68panelman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-03-2023, 09:49 AM   #12
57NAPCO
F’B’D guy
 
57NAPCO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Texas/Maine
Posts: 2,234
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Nice work! more skill than I could ever muster…
57NAPCO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 04:08 PM   #13
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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
Attached Images
     

Last edited by nsiti; 06-13-2023 at 04:18 PM. Reason: signature
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 04:11 PM   #14
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Chrome trim removal progress.
Attached Images
     
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 04:13 PM   #15
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Final stages of windshield removal.
Attached Images
     
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 04:40 PM   #16
LockDoc
The Older Generation


 
LockDoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,769
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

-
LockDoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2023, 08:57 PM   #17
allen71
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tujunga, CA
Posts: 15
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
allen71 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 05:04 PM   #18
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2023, 11:09 PM   #19
LockDoc
The Older Generation


 
LockDoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,769
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Quote:
Originally Posted by nsiti View Post
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

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

-
LockDoc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2023, 01:31 PM   #20
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
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.
Attached Images
   
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2023, 01:32 PM   #21
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

A few more photos of the rust repair around the windshield frame.
Attached Images
   
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2023, 11:36 AM   #22
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Bodywork and rust repair continues...
Attached Images
     
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2023, 11:38 AM   #23
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Front cowl area, floorpan, rear barn doors, and window frames all needed some TLC
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2023, 12:38 PM   #24
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Metalwork continues, chasing down some of the less obvious rusted areas.
Attached Images
    
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2023, 12:40 PM   #25
nsiti
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: NY,NY
Posts: 78
Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Some more photos for your viewing pleasure!
Attached Images
   
nsiti is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com