New project 72 Burb Ambulance

[quartermiler]

Just picked this up last month, 72 Modular Ambulance Model Zepher 54. Factory Big Block (doesn't have the original engine) PO pulled it for a hot rod project. 38,000 miles on the rest of it, very little rust little bit behind the rear wheel openings. Don't have firm plans for it yet, get the cosmetics done and enjoy it for now. Here are some pics.

[CG]

Welcome to the site. Ive always wanted to see someone do one of those up right (no pressure lol).

[smfdco1]

Welcome from another "new member" and fellow ambulance owner. Your Suburban with its raised roof and intact interior is one of a very few of these pieces of EMS history left. Most have long ago rusted away or found their way to the crusher. Good luck with your project.

I started on mine about the same time you got yours. Photos of my progress can be found on the main suburban forum under "My latest toy".

Again Welcome and keep us posted with your progress...

[vectorit]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm hoping that you plan to restore her back as an ambulance, there are a couple here on the forum that the owners have done nice restorations on.

[project 67 sub]

Nice project/find and welcome to one of the greatest places on earth/the internet lol. Hmmm....... a bagged frame laying ambulance on some 20"steelies with some hub caps would be pretty bad a$$ and different
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[Street Smart]

KOOL find , welcome to the board!

[Number98]

Originally Posted by CG

Welcome to the site. Ive always wanted to see someone do one of those up right (no pressure lol).

X2.... This is going to be cool!

[quartermiler]

Thanks guys, been doing a little work on it here and there, had the fuel tank cleaned out and overhauled the quadrajet. It runs really good now! I have been driving it around town to run errands and such. It needs tires (the ones on it are marked L78-15 how old do you think they are?) and a new exhaust system. I have figured out all of the wiring for the emergency lights and what I need to get to make the sirens work. I didnt tell you guys in the first post but I was a Paramedic for 30 years. I retired in March of 2010 so ambulances have a special place in my heart. SMFDCO1 I really like how your ambulance turned out. Take care, Mike

[yote1234]

very kool.. im watching!

[quartermiler]

Well, I haven't done anything to the Ambulance since I got it. I was really thinking about selling it because it just didn't seem like I had the time to work on it. I think I have decided to keep it and restore it as close to the way it was when new. So this past week I have had new exhaust installed, bought some used tires ( the old ones were L78-15s so I am guessing at least 30 years old) replaced the pinion seal, transmission output shaft seal, the carrier bearing and one u-joint and packed the front wheel bearings. I still have a transmission leak that I will get to soon. So it should be safe to drive now. When it warms up some I will start on the body work. I did think about lowering it and a friend of mine said I should call it the Slambulance so that's its name for now!

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by quartermiler

Well, I haven't done anything to the Ambulance since I got it. I was really thinking about selling it because it just didn't seem like I had the time to work on it. I think I have decided to keep it and restore it as close to the way it was when new. So this past week I have had new exhaust installed, bought some used tires ( the old ones were L78-15s so I am guessing at least 30 years old) replaced the pinion seal, transmission output shaft seal, the carrier bearing and one u-joint and packed the front wheel bearings. I still have a transmission leak that I will get to soon. So it should be safe to drive now. When it warms up some I will start on the body work. I did think about lowering it and a friend of mine said I should call it the Slambulance so that's its name for now!

Glad to see you working on it again. keep us updated.

LockDoc

[quartermiler]

Lots has changed since my last post, just didn't have the time, desire or money to see this one through. It has been sold and left for Alabama today. I still hope one day to get another. I will keep lurking on this site, I really like to keep up with the builds/trends. Take care, Mike Buchanan

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by quartermiler

Lots has changed since my last post, just didn't have the time, desire or money to see this one through. It has been sold and left for Alabama today. I still hope one day to get another. I will keep lurking on this site, I really like to keep up with the builds/trends. Take care, Mike Buchanan

Mike,

Sorry to hear you had to sell the Slambulance but glad you are sticking around. Is the new owner on the board (or going to join?). Good luck to you on your alternate ventures.

LockDoc