52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BBEEP · 06-13-2009, 11:12 AM

After 4 years of other projects, I'm finally going to start on my 52 GMC Burb. I picked up my 2002 GMC Envoy yesterday. Haven't seen my idea done with an AD. Basically I'm going to cut off the Envoy shell, leaving the entire floor with seats, firewall, most of the dash, etc. Then remove the shell of the 52, 'channel' it over the Envoy chassis, leaving the drivetrain and all the accessories intact. The install will slip the 52 down so that the body is lowered, while the chassis has stock travel. Later I can bag the stock suspension and lay frame. The Envoy comes stock with a 300 hp inline motor that can be chipped, and all wheel, 4 wheel drive. The plan is to have it driving by next spring. Has anyone out there attempted going in this direction?

dennis57 · 06-13-2009, 11:56 AM

From what little I know about these trucks this will definitely be one of a kind. I can’t wait to see this project.

Lextech · 06-13-2009, 01:59 PM

Sounds like a cool project. Is the track width close enough to allow it to be lowered? Is the dash narrow enough to allow it to fit inside the body?

Jeff

1MADTEXAN · 06-13-2009, 02:58 PM

The only other project that ambitious I know of was when a professional rod shop skinned a '68 or '69 Charger body onto a late model Charger.

I'm willing to bet yours will be one of the 1st, if not the 1st, of its kind.

OrrieG · 06-13-2009, 08:17 PM

Will you have enough head room channeling the 52 over the stock ride height Envoy. It looks to me that the seats in the Envoy and such sit pretty high. I'd take lots of measurements before cutting up either one. Also need to check relationship of seats/doors/ firewall too. Could be a cool build.

entourageguy · 06-13-2009, 10:38 PM

Your a visionary and a mad man.... I envy your thought process and idea.
I think you could wear out a couple of tape mesures for sure..
Keep us posted.

on a side note how did the short bus work out???

BBEEP · 06-14-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lextech

Sounds like a cool project. Is the track width close enough to allow it to be lowered? Is the dash narrow enough to allow it to fit inside the body?

Jeff

So far I believe the track is very similar. I did the 50 GMC bus and lengthened the frame 6 inches, used a commercial rearend and it worked. I expect to channel it, run stock suspension travel until I'm ready to bag it. The dash is wider by several inches. So far, if I move the two outside a/c vents and the headlight switches, I should be able to make adjustments to the fit.

BBEEP · 06-14-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Will you have enough head room channeling the 52 over the stock ride height Envoy. It looks to me that the seats in the Envoy and such sit pretty high. I'd take lots of measurements before cutting up either one. Also need to check relationship of seats/doors/ firewall too. Could be a cool build.

I expect the firewall to sit further under the hood than the AD. The seats actually sit higher in the Envoy. I have Explorer seats in my 48 Panel that still leave lots of room.

BBEEP · 06-14-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entourageguy

Your a visionary and a mad man.... I envy your thought process and idea.
I think you could wear out a couple of tape mesures for sure..
Keep us posted.

on a side note how did the short bus work out???

The bus is coming along, thanks. mad man you say, ha ha ha ha ha!

andrewt2 · 06-14-2009, 09:01 AM

subscribing for the ride, this looks like a cool project.

Bigblue29 · 06-14-2009, 09:27 AM

Cant wait to see this! I like the idea of the modern frame and drive train with the old school style.

BBEEP · 06-14-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowlearn

love that bus. If that picked me up every day I never would have ditched. Well maybe, hardly ever...

Your username is Slowlearn and you want to ride the short bus?

(no offense intended)

nickp51chevy · 06-15-2009, 01:22 AM

I wanna know what happens. Subscribing!

ChuckDriver · 06-16-2009, 07:57 AM

Definetly one to watch!!

BBEEP · 06-21-2009, 12:29 PM

Took some measurements last night. I think its going to work even better than I thought. The measurement from the center of the front hub to the steering wheel position and the front seat is the same! Even the door jamb lines up. Can't wait to get started cuttin! Of course will post lots of pics. I've learned from experience that you guys (and me) like lots of pics!

renegade6 · 06-21-2009, 10:02 PM

Subscribing

Skirkpat · 06-21-2009, 10:12 PM

good luck!!! should be cool.

toomanytoyz · 06-21-2009, 10:42 PM

Signing on for the Ride, I like your Concept........

Thanks, Rick

57ExtCab · 06-28-2009, 03:41 AM

Defenently Sounds like a real Plan.
I LOVE these kinds of BUILDS on YOUR DIME.

GO CRAZY, MAN GO 4 IT.

red71c10 · 07-07-2009, 12:39 AM

OK J.M. I came over from the 67-72 board to check it out. Pretty cool concept! I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress on it!

nuke1 · 07-07-2009, 06:05 PM

great build this will be. just one thought tho. i have done a couple things like this before, just make sure that you strenghten the floor of the envoy up enough so it does not sag. in other words build a small frame structure for it that will be permanent. after it is done you will have something to be proud of.

57ExtCab · 07-07-2009, 10:49 PM

Does the "Envoy" Have a reg frame beneath. Not Unibody?
Will you be welding Burb side panels to "Envoys" rockers and such.

Or I can just wait till you post picsJust setting up late STOKED on this build and have to ask

Sometimes a guy needs to be told just shut the F up.

BBEEP · 07-08-2009, 11:56 AM

The Envoy is full BOXED frame. Heavier duty than the 52. I will consider using the stock inner quarters from the Envoy. Still working on the measurements. As far as the floor saggin, with the full frame and 'crash tested' floor, I think its stronger than the original wood floor of the burb--but thanks, I will keep that in mind. Gotta love this site and forum!

57ExtCab · 07-08-2009, 02:08 PM

What is the general width of this "Envoy" Dash Board? Rocker to rocker? What is your thought about "Envoy's Firewall to Burb's windsheild."

BBEEP · 07-08-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57ExtCab

What is the general width of this "Envoy" Dash Board? Rocker to rocker? What is your thought about "Envoy's Firewall to Burb's windsheild."

Its about 5 inches wider than the 52. I'll pull the a/c vents & put them somewhere else.
For the height I might have to section the firewall slightly. Nearest the Envoy windshield is the same height as the burb, however its about 6 inches further forward. Where the 52 windshield will sit the Envoy is about 5 inches higher, so the front edge can go under the hood. I'll post pics of how I figure that one out!
Lot of thoughts at this point. I sure appreciate all the input.

06-13-2009, 11:12 AM	#1
BBEEP Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: EUGENE, OREGON Posts: 504	52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build After 4 years of other projects, I'm finally going to start on my 52 GMC Burb. I picked up my 2002 GMC Envoy yesterday. Haven't seen my idea done with an AD. Basically I'm going to cut off the Envoy shell, leaving the entire floor with seats, firewall, most of the dash, etc. Then remove the shell of the 52, 'channel' it over the Envoy chassis, leaving the drivetrain and all the accessories intact. The install will slip the 52 down so that the body is lowered, while the chassis has stock travel. Later I can bag the stock suspension and lay frame. The Envoy comes stock with a 300 hp inline motor that can be chipped, and all wheel, 4 wheel drive. The plan is to have it driving by next spring. Has anyone out there attempted going in this direction?

06-13-2009, 11:56 AM	#2
dennis57 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rio Rancho New Mexico Posts: 155	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build From what little I know about these trucks this will definitely be one of a kind. I can’t wait to see this project.

06-13-2009, 01:59 PM	#3
Lextech Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oak Forest, Ill. Posts: 194	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Sounds like a cool project. Is the track width close enough to allow it to be lowered? Is the dash narrow enough to allow it to fit inside the body? Jeff

06-13-2009, 02:58 PM	#4
1MADTEXAN Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rotan, TX Posts: 30	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build The only other project that ambitious I know of was when a professional rod shop skinned a '68 or '69 Charger body onto a late model Charger. I'm willing to bet yours will be one of the 1st, if not the 1st, of its kind.

06-13-2009, 08:17 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Will you have enough head room channeling the 52 over the stock ride height Envoy. It looks to me that the seats in the Envoy and such sit pretty high. I'd take lots of measurements before cutting up either one. Also need to check relationship of seats/doors/ firewall too. Could be a cool build. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

06-13-2009, 10:38 PM	#6
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Your a visionary and a mad man.... I envy your thought process and idea. I think you could wear out a couple of tape mesures for sure.. Keep us posted. on a side note how did the short bus work out??? __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

06-14-2009, 09:01 AM	#10
andrewt2 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Carbondale, Kansas Posts: 547	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build subscribing for the ride, this looks like a cool project.

06-14-2009, 09:27 AM	#11
Bigblue29 Thanks 'til you're better paid Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 257	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Cant wait to see this! I like the idea of the modern frame and drive train with the old school style. __________________ -Luke 1950 Chevy AD 3100 pickup 2000 GMC Sierra 1970 Jeepster Commando

06-15-2009, 01:22 AM	#13
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build I wanna know what happens. Subscribing! __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

06-16-2009, 07:57 AM	#14
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Definetly one to watch!! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

06-21-2009, 12:29 PM	#15
BBEEP Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: EUGENE, OREGON Posts: 504	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Took some measurements last night. I think its going to work even better than I thought. The measurement from the center of the front hub to the steering wheel position and the front seat is the same! Even the door jamb lines up. Can't wait to get started cuttin! Of course will post lots of pics. I've learned from experience that you guys (and me) like lots of pics!

06-21-2009, 10:02 PM	#16
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Subscribing __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

06-21-2009, 10:12 PM	#17
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build good luck!!! should be cool.

06-21-2009, 10:42 PM	#18
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Signing on for the Ride, I like your Concept........ Thanks, Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

06-28-2009, 03:41 AM	#19
57ExtCab Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Hill Missouri Posts: 46	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Defenently Sounds like a real Plan. I LOVE these kinds of BUILDS on YOUR DIME. GO CRAZY, MAN GO 4 IT. __________________ Then again the Wife could be RIGHT "Just cause I Drink alot of Bud that does'nt make me WISER"



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07-07-2009, 12:39 AM	#20
red71c10 The Red Menace Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Roseburg, OR Posts: 577	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build OK J.M. I came over from the 67-72 board to check it out. Pretty cool concept! I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress on it! __________________ 1971 Custom 10 - 350/350TH - Pwr steering, gauges, Chrome front bumper, Chrome hubcaps, Door edge guards, HD rear springs (current) 1968 C-20 Custom Camper - 350/350TH (orig 327), Pwr steering & brakes, gauges w/tach (former) 1968 C-20 - 307/3sp column (Dad's when I was a kid) "Driving is like coloring. Things get messy if you can't stay inside the lines."

07-07-2009, 06:05 PM	#21
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build great build this will be. just one thought tho. i have done a couple things like this before, just make sure that you strenghten the floor of the envoy up enough so it does not sag. in other words build a small frame structure for it that will be permanent. after it is done you will have something to be proud of. __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

07-07-2009, 10:49 PM	#22
57ExtCab Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Hill Missouri Posts: 46	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build Does the "Envoy" Have a reg frame beneath. Not Unibody? Will you be welding Burb side panels to "Envoys" rockers and such. Or I can just wait till you post picsJust setting up late STOKED on this build and have to ask Sometimes a guy needs to be told just shut the F up. __________________ Then again the Wife could be RIGHT "Just cause I Drink alot of Bud that does'nt make me WISER"

07-08-2009, 11:56 AM	#23
BBEEP Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: EUGENE, OREGON Posts: 504	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build The Envoy is full BOXED frame. Heavier duty than the 52. I will consider using the stock inner quarters from the Envoy. Still working on the measurements. As far as the floor saggin, with the full frame and 'crash tested' floor, I think its stronger than the original wood floor of the burb--but thanks, I will keep that in mind. Gotta love this site and forum!

07-08-2009, 02:08 PM	#24
57ExtCab Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Hill Missouri Posts: 46	Re: 52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build What is the general width of this "Envoy" Dash Board? Rocker to rocker? What is your thought about "Envoy's Firewall to Burb's windsheild." __________________ Then again the Wife could be RIGHT "Just cause I Drink alot of Bud that does'nt make me WISER"

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