Advice Needed

[catch2otwo]

So looking for some advice on where to start. Heres where I am at.

1973 suburban. Plans: drop member/LS combo for a reliable family hauler. Daily driven potential for the wife and kids.

Problem: If I dont have the funds for the drop member setup or body work, what can I do in the mean time? Im growing restless staring at this thing. Id like to do something, anything. Everything I see in everyones build threads go something like this. Remove body, stripe frame, new parts/fab, bodywork, reassemble.

What can I do in my mean time if money is tight? Looking through everyones build threads, it makes builds seem like they go so fast but we all know in reality they do not. Just want to make some progress while I save some coin for the major purchases.

[TKCR]

Maybe work on the interior, but if your going to do a frame off restoration, then that idea might not be the best.
I know before I started on my truck. I just wrote down everything I wanted to do. Researched colors, parts, costs and where I was going to purchase everything.That alone takes time, but I'm somewhat of a research nut.

And also, post some pics of your ride and what your wanting to do. People around here are always willing to help.

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by TKCR

Maybe work on the interior, but if your going to do a frame off restoration, then that idea might not be the best.
I know before I started on my truck. I just wrote down everything I wanted to do. Researched colors, parts, costs and where I was going to purchase everything.That alone takes time, but I'm somewhat of a research nut.

And also, post some pics of your ride and what your wanting to do. People around here are always willing to help.

So far all i've been doing is reading, reading, and more reading.

I also cant really do any interior work until the body work is done since some of the rot is in the roof.

[rideair]

My question would be, "What kind of shape is the Suburban currently in at this time?" Does it run? Move forward? Stop?

What it sounds like you intend to do, is a very big project that will cost many $$$. Depending on the current shape, make it road worthy, drive and enjoy it (maybe not the wife and kids), while saving up the cash, buying the parts needed and then start when you have about 80% of everything you need to do the big project.

Seen so many cars/trucks/trailers that have been torn down never to be done due to lack of $$$ and time. And, in the case things ($$) don't ever pan out you still have a usable truck or something that can be sold vs. just a pile of old parts and a truck that's been torn apart.

Just my .02 cents.

Enjoy,

[catch2otwo]

Originally Posted by rideair

My question would be, "What kind of shape is the Suburban currently in at this time?" Does it run? Move forward? Stop?

What it sounds like you intend to do, is a very big project that will cost many $$$. Depending on the current shape, make it road worthy, drive and enjoy it (maybe not the wife and kids), while saving up the cash, buying the parts needed and then start when you have about 80% of everything you need to do the big project.

Seen so many cars/trucks/trailers that have been torn down never to be done due to lack of $$$ and time. And, in the case things ($$) don't ever pan out you still have a usable truck or something that can be sold vs. just a pile of old parts and a truck that's been torn apart.

Just my .02 cents.

Enjoy,

I have been re-evaluating my plans thus far, and kind of landed at the same thoughts you posted. Currently the burb runs and drives albeit I wouldn't drive it anywhere far. everything works, just not well. I think im going to do a static drop on it just to get it to sit a little cooler, and then do my LS swap. Then pretty much drive it as I save cash and look for parts.

You are right about seeing projects fall to the wayside due to lack of funding. My 68 c10 is blown apart and stalled... I didn't want to go down the same path with my burb which is why its still in one piece.