1972 slow build

[Waders]

Hello all, long time listener, first time caller. I've been lurking on this site for a long time and finally decided to start a build thread to showcase what I've learned from you all and what I've picked up along the way. There is so much valuable information on this site and hopefully I can add a little more.
My love for this body style probably started when I was very young. My dad had a 72 K10 that he bought brand new and drove until I totalled it for him(elderly lady turned in front of me..pretty much a 45 mph head on collision). When we were young my dad, brother, and I built a 70 blazer that was rolled and fixed. When they fixed it they cut and left the back of it and put a 67 cab and front on it. Looked like a super short box. My brother drove that for a couple years but wanted something more modern. I bought the truck from him and I still have it 25 years later.
I liked those trucks but for some reason always wanted a suburban. I was at a point in my life where I was able to start a project so I started searching. I found a few locally but none were exactly what I was looking for. Here in Montana there are very few 2wd burbs and that was my #1 criteria. I expanded my search and found one in eastern Washington. It was non-running but not molested and 100 percent complete.
Plans for the suburban:
replace/upgrade suspension with lowered components,
LS power,
Nice interior,
Eventually body and paint.
I had intentions of just doing the bear minimum to get it on the road but after 10 years I'm still not there. Project creep at its finest.
Pictures to follow

[Waders]

This is where it all started about 10 years ago with a weekend trip to Pasco, WA. It had most of the options that I wanted so I decided this was the one.

[Waders]

I just finished building my shop so I finally had time to start tearing into it. I was disappointed in how much rust I found. It's amazing how well that stuff can hide

[LockDoc]

-
Welcome.

Looking forward to the updates. I thought Eastern Washington was a little more dry. Maybe just in certain areas.

LockDoc

[pontiacvince]

Welcome! My '71 is from right across the bridge from Pasco!

[Waders]

Thanks guys. There will be quite a few posts to come. I have always wanted to do a build thread but never got to it. Family and work priorities sometimes make it hard to get garage time. I am out of commission for a couple weeks recovering from a surgery so I figured this would be a perfect time to get up to speed.

[pwdcougar]

Welcome! Finding time is always tough!

[Waders]

Here' a picture of what I have to work with. From disassembly I could tell that the suburban had been in a minor accident. That is when it was repainted to more of a dark green. The repairs were done poorly but the front end parts are in excellent condition.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827570

I clened up the front frame for paint

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827570

[Waders]

After I painted and reassembled the front end I decided to try my luck at some body work. I ordered patch panels and tore into the drivers side rocker panel. I cannot find any pictures, I think they were lost in a cell phone casualty. I was about to move on to more rocker panel work but I was already almost burnt out on it. So I did something I said I wasn't going to do on this build.. I took the body off the frame. Why?? because its only a couple bolts(that need to be replaced anyway), a few electrical connections, and a couple fuel lines. I was pretty much there. looking back now I'm glad I did it

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649486425

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Waders

After I painted and reassembled the front end I decided to try my luck at some body work. I ordered patch panels and tore into the drivers side rocker panel. I cannot find any pictures, I think they were lost in a cell phone casualty. I was about to move on to more rocker panel work but I was already almost burnt out on it. So I did something I said I wasn't going to do on this build.. I took the body off the frame. Why?? because its only a couple bolts(that need to be replaced anyway), a few electrical connections, and a couple fuel lines. I was pretty much there. looking back now I'm glad I did it

It's always a little daunting when you first start tearing stuff apart. As long as you take pictures along the way it really isn't so bad.

LockDoc

[Waders]

Early on in the project I had the opportunity to put down an industrial floor coating. I had only been in my shop for a couple years but it was already quite the task just to move everything out. The floor coating went great and now I have a floor that is tough as nails and cleans up amazing. The only downsides, which are huge, is that it always needs cleaned and it doesn't hold up to welding sparks. I've found how to deal with both of those.. There is always a mop bucket in the shop, and I always have welding blankets around. Well worth the hassles.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649730295
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649730295

[Waders]

Now it was time to start tearing into the frame. I stripped it down as much as I could with a wire wheel. I Installed 2 piece c-notches and welded them in place along with the bolts.Then I figured out it was way easier to work on it when it was on its side. Since My rear axle was drained long ago there was nothing to make a mess and it sat there so nicely. I flipped it a few times and got the frame way cleaner than I probably should have. I tented it off and vented it through a window and sand blasted most of it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827111

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827111

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827111

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649827281

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Waders

Now it was time to start tearing into the frame. I stripped it down as much as I could with a wire wheel. I Installed 2 piece c-notches and welded them in place along with the bolts.Then I figured out it was way easier to work on it when it was on its side. Since My rear axle was drained long ago there was nothing to make a mess and it sat there so nicely. I flipped it a few times and got the frame way cleaner than I probably should have. I tented it off and vented it through a window and sand blasted most of it.

Looking good. That's a pretty neat way to keep the dust to a minimum too. You are making good progress.

LockDoc

[Waders]

Looking good. That's a pretty neat way to keep the dust to a minimum too. You are making good progress.

LockDoc

Thanks, all this progress here was about 5 years ago. Since then I have done lots of metal work and assembly. I even got the engine fired up. I'll try to keep catching up over the next few days/ weeks. I wasn't as diligent with photos as I should have been but I think I have enough.. if I can Crack the code on how to properly attach them!

[Waders]

I painted on some Imron paint and and started reassembly.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649822200

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649822200

[Waders]

Quite a few years ago I ran into a guy that was working on an old suburban like mine. I was excited to share notes with him but found out he was selling his to make room for new hobbies. At the time his asking price was way too steep for me so I posted it on the forum here to try to help him out. Years later I saw that the suburban hadn't sold and the price came down considerably. The only parts it had that I needed was a brand new 383 stroker and a few small pieces but I couldn't pass up the deal.. Next thing I knew I was the owner of 2 burbs. He had done quite a bit of work but this project was still a long ways out. Along With the engine I took the rear (posi) axle, font sway bar, radiator support, brand new gas tank, and a few trim pieces. Lots of good parts; doors, fenders, hood, lots of powdercoated frame parts but duplicates of what I already had. And the best part was that it had a *decent* rear hatch. I'll get to that later..
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649823322

[Waders]

With an engine and some bent exhaust pieces(and a few more pieces) it was starting to look like something. While I was down to the frame I went through everything and replaced pretty much eveything. I replaced the fuel system from the new tank all the way up to filters and new fuel pump.
I installed all new suspension. Pieced it together from many sources but the important details:
Front: 2 1/2" drop spindles, 3" drop springs, shock relocator, sway bar, new everything else.
Rear: 5" drop springs, 2" lowering blocks, adjustable panhard bar, shock relocator, Posi rear from the 69 c20 with new 5 lug axles
In the middle there is a cpp (I think) transmission crossmember.

I built the exhaust with what was on the donor burb and a few more parts. I re-positioned it higher to try to gain some ground clearance. The long tube headers make it loooooow but it transitions up nicely with the cutouts. lots of time into the exhaust but I was glad to not be doing it laying on my back.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649824672

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649824672

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649824672

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1649825804

[youngrodder]

Looks like a sweet project. Well done

Marc

[Waders]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

Looks like a sweet project. Well done

Marc

Thanks Marc. Its been a fun project

[Waders]

While the body and frame were separated I figured it would be a good time to clean up the underbody and paint it. I grabbed a grinder and a creeper and went to town on it. 3 hours later I was tired and sweaty and covered in 50 year old undercoating hoping that i was close to done. After the dust settled i looked up and realized i had only made it from the back to just past the rear wheel tubs. These trucks are long! I would have loved to have a rotisserie but all in all it wasn't too bad. I sprayed an epoxy primer and then sprayed Raptor liner.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650080728

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650080728

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650080728

[Waders]

with the body back on the frame, I started back on the rust removal and patch panels.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186149&stc=1&d=1650082620

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186150&stc=1&d=1650082620

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186151&stc=1&d=1650082735

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=2186152&stc=1&d=1650082735

[Waders]

more pictures..

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650082957
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650082957
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650082957
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650082957
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1650082957

[Waders]

Wheels and tires.. I went with the same style wheel as on my high school car. That picture was taken in '96 or 97 right after its maiden voyage. Id like to think I had the best high school car ever. I still have the car and it will be on the chopping block if I ever get the suburban done.

front: 255/45R20
rear: 295/40R20
I had to use wheel spacers in the rear because of the '69 c10 rear end but otherwise they fit great. Stance is great.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1651454446

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1651454446

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1651454446

[kev2809]

suburban looks great, you tore right through that lol