1969 Burb rejuvenation

[McLovin]

Afternoon friends! Its unseasonably warm here in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. It was in the low 70's today! Thankful for the beautiful weather!

I purchased my Suburban locally but it was originally from California. It had been last registered there in 2003. Seeing as how it hadn't been driven for 12 years I figured I better check some of the main components. It didn't take me long to find an issue. On my way home from work the right rear drum locked up on me. Had to leave the truck parked at Home Depot until it cooled off before I could drive her home. I also found that the heater controls didn't work and the rear brake lights did not come on.

First thing I fixed was the rear brake lights. A new bulb on the right rear corner and a new brake light switch on the pedal solved that issue. Also replaced the license plate light. Housing, lens and bulb.

I then spent some money at LMC truck and bought all new heater controls. New face plate, new switch and new cables. Heater is working like it should now.

Brakes have been another story. It is a four wheel power drum brake truck. I replaced all shoes and wheel cylinders at all four corners and had the drums turned. Replaced the front rubber hoses to the wheel cylinders as they were shot. I replaced the master cylinder as well.

The problem came when I went to bleed them. Had a heck of a time getting all the air out and still the pedal was mushy. I ended up taking it to a local brake shop and they are finishing it up today. I'll know more on what I did wrong tomorrow after its done. My guess is that with my inexperience I forgot a step or didn't tighten something like I should have. Oh well, learn through experience right?

My goals for this project:

1. Daily driver first. Just sold my Dodge Magnum RT wagon to get out of a payment. With the third door I will be able to put my 2 year old and 13 month old sons in the burb with me.

2. Towing machine. My dad has a small Kubota tractor I want to pull. Eventually a small travel trailer and sand toys to play with the family.

3. 4-5 inch static drop with front disc brakes.

4. Interior clean up. Reupholster factory bench seats, new dash pad, newer/smaller steering wheel.

5. Rust repair and paint.

Love this truck so far and can't wait to dig into some more things and get her daily drivable.