Brainstorming, thought I'd share

[Ackattack]

So my 68 is getting close to being finished, so visions of the next project are floating around in my head. For this project to be practical (and therefore get approval of the wife) it has to be able to haul around the family since the 68 is basically the fun ride that I can show, cruise in, etc.

So what to do??? Well what I've come up with is either a 67-72 suburban or an earlier nova wagon. But when I set down and compare the two the suburban is winning in all sorts of categories over the nova (4 wheel drive, ability to tow a trailer, replace a vehicle we have (part of the practicality rather than adding to the fleet)).

So based on that I'm looking at a 3/4 ton 4x4 suburban....but wait, if I really wanted to tow a trailer I'd need a big block, right? But they didn't make big block 4x4s did they? Not that I know of. So I could swap a big block in, no....that's too easy! So I'm leaning towards using the frame/chasis/drivetrain of a 3/4ton dodge cummins pickup with the suburban body sitting on top of it. I know this presents some challenges, but hey, if it was easy, any one could do it.

So to give me some motivation (and a photo for the sales pitch to the Mrs.) I came up with a couple of renderings.

Now here is my "motivation" photo I did for my 68



and here's how it turned out





So here are 2 options for the suburban (I used a board member's great looking 72 'burb as my starting point)



and here is one with bed liner at the bottom for mud/rock protection.



Ideas roll through my head, do I want a GMC or chevy? What year front end? Well I already have a 68 chevy. Really like the front end. I had a 72 GMC and I like that front end too, so I think I'll lean towards finding/making a 68 GMC suburban (put the front clip on or actually find a 68 GMC doesn't matter to me)

So in 5-10 years hopefully I'll be able to show my comparison picture of the actual to the rendering

[petey-pablo]

You have one nice 68 & the suburban looks like the best choice over the Nova, You cant go wrong

[GASoline71]

I can tell you that all the spray on bed liner stuff can get pretty heavy if done in a lot of areas. But it will be great for rock and mud protection on the rockers.

Gary