New guy from East TN

[BakeUSMC]

Hey everybody, My name is Eric. I have been a member here for a while and just have always lurked and read all the great posts and build threads.

I am 39 years old and live in Greeneville, TN. I am a retired Marine GySgt and am currently working in Afghanistan. I have had several older toys (1952 GMC 5 window, 1950 Chevy 3100, 1948 Dodge car, etc)

I currently own a 1951 Chevy truck and just picked up a 1969 Suburban.

You might have seen the suburban on Ebay recently. It did not meet the reserve and it was close, so my GF went to check it out for me. I have always loved the 3 doors and have wanted one for a while. The price was decent for a running truck and its got alot of potential, so I had her pick it up.

So its a 1969 Suburban, 350/350 with late model seats in it. Currently it has drum brakes and rally wheels. The body is going to need some work, PO replaced drivers side rear quarter panel. There is a few spots more of rust from what I can see in the pictures and it will need some front drip rail repair. It did come with a set of spindles, springs and rotors, and calipers, but I will have to see the condition before I think about using them.

Current plans for the truck when I come home in April:

2" lower front coils
2.5" lowered spindles
4 wheel disk brake kit
6" drop for the rear
18" Boss 338's or Centerline Smoothies
later model leather Tahoe/ Suburban interior
A/C
new carpet, door panels and headliner

Further on down the line I will replace the 350/350 with a 383/700R4


Semper Fi,

Eric

[BakeUSMC]

Helps if I add some pics

[Liz]

Welcome to the site Eric,
First and foremost thanks for your service. Very cool that your GF was willing to go look at an old truck for you. We read so many my wife hates my hobby posts, that it is kinda cool to read that. When will you be coming back to the states to be able to work on it?

[BakeUSMC]

Thanks Liz. Yes, she is a Keeper! I should be out of here in April and may stay home for the summer and come back out here in the fall/ winter. There is not a whole lot of good paying jobs in TN!

[powerdriver 1958]

Looks like you have a solid foundation to start on and a good plan for it . Welcome .

[Liz]

Originally Posted by BakeUSMC

Thanks Liz. Yes, she is a Keeper! I should be out of here in April and may stay home for the summer and come back out here in the fall/ winter. There is not a whole lot of good paying jobs in TN!

A friend of mines husband is former military and did the same thing. I say if your able, go for it.

[Tntruckguy]

Hey there fellow East TN truck guy! I had a feeling there was someone else on this side of the state! I am down in the Tourist part of East Tn (PF-Gatlinburg area) and I started my new project, 1950 3100. I have been looking for folks around here to share thoughts and ideas and tech tips with. If you have any input, please feel free to fire away. I bought my 50' already clipped with a 71 Nova under it. You can check out some of my pics at "brand new member" post. Rod runs coming soon to PF.....cant wait!

[LUV2XCLR8]

From West TN

[wallacewoody]

Hey Eric welcome to the page and thanks for the service you give to our country. I am from Greeneville too. I was born there moved to Fl at 3 and back to Greeneville at 16. I recently moved back to Fl. It's great to see a hometown fella on the site. We are the same age and may know some of the same people there. Again thanks for my freedom you fight for. Nice Burb I look forward to seeing you rebuild as it unfolds.

[1ATony]

I love those old Burbans. Thank you for your service.

[CC69Rat]

Welcome from Cleveland TN. Thank you for your service to our country, I'd be honored to meet you and/or help you any way I can.

Be safe man ..

[Five O]

Hi from Crossville, seems to be lots of TN guys on here

[RenoKeene]

Welcome also from Central Florida. Nice 3 door! Make sure you keep your head down and your eyes open so you make it home safely to work on it. I have some buds doing the same thing as you and they do not trust the bastard afgan security farce.