1976 Sierra Grande Suburban?

[AsianBlazer]

Hi guys,

I am going to look at this vehicle tomorrow, I spend 99% of my time on Blazers because I have two, but I would like your opinions, feed back, ideas on what to look for/at on this suburban. First, did they make a Sierra Grande Suburban?

Its in Vancouver,Wa. across the river from me in Portland, Oregon

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/4920547917.html

Thank you,
Mike

[68Timber]

I'm not up to speed on the GMC packages, I preferred the Chevies for far too long. The only thing that jumps out at me is the front seats. I guess they could be original but I don't think even the idea of a middle jump seat had occurred yet in 1976. The fold-down hinges on it look later model anyway. The rear seat looks correct. I don't know what came with the Sierra Grande packages but do remember seeing them. It looks pretty nice, but I'd be a little concerned about the tabs on the roof though. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but it does look to be in otherwise good original shape.

[68Timber]

A few old rusty synapses fired, I think the Sierra Grande was the equivalent to the Silverado package. Like I said, I used to not pay attention to the GMC's.

[SilverMiner]

That is a nice looking round-eye burb. I particularly like the woodgrain interiors from 75 to 77, and that one seems to have everything in reasonably decent shape.

The GMC Suburban was definitely available in Sierra Grande trim in 76, which was equivalent to Chevrolet's Scottsdale. The RPO code should be Z62 on the SPID sheet. It would be very interesting to see the SPID from that truck, because based on the photos it doesn't seem to be missing much from the YE9 Sierra Classic / Silverado package - I see A/C vents, the upscale full woodgrain door panels, and a tilt wheel. I can't tell from the single dash photo if it has trouble lights or gauges, but I'd bet it has gauges. Heck, it even has rear A/C and the third row seat. This was not a cheap, low end rig. The only thing missing from YE9 that I can think of is two-tone paint, but who knows if the current solid blue is original, but it certainly looks like it could be the original Hawaiian Blue.

The front seats definitely are not original, but they look good to me. My guess is that they are out of a late 90's GM pickup, but that is just a guess because the also almost look like they could be catalog seats. Almost certainly more comfortable that the bench that was originally there. The only thing to check for is to see if the middle row will still fold down, if that matters to you. I think it is one of the many benefits to a Suburban.

[AsianBlazer]

Bruiser & SilverMiner,

Thank you very much for the feedback and ideas on what to look for on this.He said the engine was rebuilt 30,000 miles ago,so lets hope he has receipts for it and the tune up it was said to have recently. I noticed the front seats too,but that's fine.It appears to have an 81-87 front bumper and the grille is a little beat up, makes me wonder if it was hit in front.

I will certainly check the SPID for option codes, Hawaiin Blue? I like that! Lets hope it isn't rusted,especially those rack mounts on the roof!

Once again, I appreciate your time/feedback, I'll be sure to post some quality pics if I buy it.

Mike

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by SilverMiner

That is a nice looking round-eye burb. I particularly like the woodgrain interiors from 75 to 77, and that one seems to have everything in reasonably decent shape.

The GMC Suburban was definitely available in Sierra Grande trim in 76, which was equivalent to Chevrolet's Scottsdale. The RPO code should be Z62 on the SPID sheet. It would be very interesting to see the SPID from that truck, because based on the photos it doesn't seem to be missing much from the YE9 Sierra Classic / Silverado package - I see A/C vents, the upscale full woodgrain door panels, and a tilt wheel. I can't tell from the single dash photo if it has trouble lights or gauges, but I'd bet it has gauges. Heck, it even has rear A/C and the third row seat. This was not a cheap, low end rig. The only thing missing from YE9 that I can think of is two-tone paint, but who knows if the current solid blue is original, but it certainly looks like it could be the original Hawaiian Blue.

The front seats definitely are not original, but they look good to me. My guess is that they are out of a late 90's GM pickup, but that is just a guess because the also almost look like they could be catalog seats. Almost certainly more comfortable that the bench that was originally there. The only thing to check for is to see if the middle row will still fold down, if that matters to you. I think it is one of the many benefits to a Suburban.

Excellent summary; the only adjustment I would make is that two tone paint was not tied to YE9 (ie, solid color was base even for Silverado).

Originally Posted by BRUISER

The only thing that jumps out at me is the front seats. I guess they could be original but I don't think even the idea of a middle jump seat had occurred yet in 1976. The fold-down hinges on it look later model anyway. The rear seat looks correct.

Agree. Front seat is not original; buckets would have had the blow molded center console mounted to the floor.

K

[AsianBlazer]

Well I pulled the trigger and bought this GMC, a little rough around the edges but has potential. Needs paint, hood is bent, both passenger side doors are rough, grille is a goner, same with the carpet. All three sets of seats have different design pattern! The dash is nice and not cracked, the door panels are ones I haven't seen before.

Drives nicely, the 454 was supposedly rebuilt 30K miles ago,has good oil pressure as you see in the gauge pictures, but no paperwork to back up the claim. Front end was rebuilt, drives and steers very smooth. AC works in front and the rear unit!

I have a question, will later models Suburban doors from 87, 88, 89 bolt up to older models like this without issue? The body lines in the doors match up to fenders and rear quarters?

[AsianBlazer]

Few more pictures,engine is too filthy to show but its complete.

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Nice burb and yes the newer doors will bolt on but the door panels are longer on them the doors will have extra holes your panels won't cover and crew cab doors will also fit

[SilverMiner]

Congratulations on a fine purchase. I think you picked up a solid rig well worthy of whatever plans you might have for it, and at an excellent price to boot. Which leads to the obvious question - what DO you have planned? Keep it stock, hot rod it until it is unrecognizable, or what?

The handful of issues you brought up are all relatively easily addressed. I think your area might still have good junkyard picking, and original hoods show up in my area on craigslist all the time. The engine, drivetrain & suspension all seem solid which should be a huge relief. I'm jealous of what good shape the interior pieces such as the dash and door panels are in. THOSE are difficult to find - the grille and such will all turn up in good time.

Have fun, and of course keep us all posted with lots of pictures.

[AsianBlazer]

To answer your question SilverMiner, I am going to stick with stock on this one.My Blazer is the Hot Rod. I already found a hood and found some door skins and shells on Classic Industries site. I ordered a new molded carpet set, window cranks and more odds and ends from LMC. The middle bench seat still folds, but the long side needs reupholstered and the backside painted, anybody make a paint to match that interior seat back?

Going to get the doors straightened out, hood mounted, new grille, exterior stainless, get it painted, and probably sell it to fund other projects! I'll post pics as I make progress!

[68Timber]

Sounds like a plan - looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[AsianBlazer]

Some more pictures after I cleaned the junk out of it.

[AsianBlazer]

more...

[AsianBlazer]

couple more!

[eighteenninetytwo]

great starting point. i owuld be tempted to drive as it until work was actually needed.

[y5mgisi]

Super cool!

[AsianBlazer]

I'm either blind or stupid or just both. For some reason I had "Sierra Grande"stuck in my head, and then, their it was staring straight back at me! So, my truck is a Sierra Classic, not that its important, but just to set the official record straight!

In the meantime, I'm waiting on a truck load of parts from LMC, then its time to set this project in motion!

[SilverMiner]

Originally Posted by AsianBlazer

I'm either blind or stupid or just both. For some reason I had "Sierra Grande"stuck in my head, and then, their it was staring straight back at me! So, my truck is a Sierra Classic, not that its important, but just to set the official record straight!

Ah, that makes so much more sense to me now! I was hoping you would post a picture of the SPID just because it appeared to have so many unusual options for a Sierra Grande.

The Grande vs Classic confusion is nothing new. I think the marketing guys at GMC really screwed the pooch on that one, and it has never made sense to me. The word "classic" seems much more conservative than "grande", so therefore the classic would logically be less flashy. I even just asked my two teenaged boys which they thought sounded more expensive, and both picked Grande.

Oh well - makes about as much sense as LT vs LTZ probably.

[AsianBlazer]

Been busy with the Suburban! Just finishing up paint & body. Re-sprayed the original "Hawaiin Blue 23" but added the white two tone! All jams sprayed, new hood, new passenger door, new stainless molding going on plus lenses, grille etc. I'll post more pics after reassembly over the weekend. Then interior carpet. Anyone buy one of LMC's new headliners yet? feedback? Maybe add some Rally rims too, looks like Summit has some for a decent price, suggestions? Hope you like it!

Thanks, Mike

[OutlawDrifter]

great job, blue and white two-tone will always be my favorite!

looks like it is coming along nicely.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by AsianBlazer

Been busy with the Suburban! Just finishing up paint & body. Re-sprayed the original "Hawaiin Blue 23" but added the white two tone! All jams sprayed, new hood, new passenger door, new stainless molding going on plus lenses, grille etc. I'll post more pics after reassembly over the weekend. Then interior carpet. Anyone buy one of LMC's new headliners yet? feedback? Maybe add some Rally rims too, looks like Summit has some for a decent price, suggestions? Hope you like it!

Thanks, Mike

Very nice!

My 1976 GMC p/u is the Sierra Grande. I think that just means it has a nicer seat that the standard Custom Deluxe or whatever it was then. Mine has no A/C and crank windows, but it does (did!) have those stupid black trim strips down the sides that fall off and leave it looking bad.

[AsianBlazer]

Just a few pictures while reassembling, need to order new stainless molding for the tailgate, it was just bad. Color sand & buffing and some over spray to deal with. Overall its nice, not pristine,but a nice driver.

Just a heads up to everyone,I'm going to be putting her up for sale, my uncles 1964 Corvette Stingray has become available and I want to buy, so I need the money from this. If you know anyone looking for a good Suburban I will shoot them straight on this and list what I have done to it with receipts.

Thanks

[AsianBlazer]

One more picture, the new grille from LMC doesn't match the hole pattern and the passenger door mirror needs to be mounted too.

[swissarmychainsaw]

Nice Burb! Did you sell it?