A Suburban named Isabella

[gcburdic]

Hello my Suburban friends!

Long time admirer, 1st time poster with a burb I've had since 11/2011. You see, that was a special day in my life. So, here's the back story:

After finishing project Mistress (see my signature for my 68 C10 build thread), I learned that the local university I graduated from was adding a football program. What else does one need at a college football game other than friends, food, libation, and fun and a REALLY cool tailgate wagon! Yep, you guessed it....a suburban!!!

The search started here, on the very board I cut my teeth on how to do everything 67-72 Chevy trucks. I perused many for sale ads looking for the right wagon...I sent pictures to my wife of 2-tone blue ones, Ochre/White ones, but continued to get the....meh...it looks like a school bus, or why do you need a blue one

Then it happened, member Eyebuzz, listed the perfect burb....a green and white 3/4 ton beauty....all things fell into place with this one...it was my school colors, got the wife's approval, and Eyebuzz was a super guy to deal with so I could arrange shipping from NY to NC. (From these pictures...can't you tell why I was super excited about this ole girl?)

OH...did I mention, my wife was pregnant with our 1st child and due at the end of November 2011...

Then it happened....my beautiful baby girl was born bright and early in late November. What super joy it is to see the miracle of natural child bearing occur (and damn glad it wasn't me pushing)
Ironically, that same day, the truck driver hauling my new burb called me a couple hours after my daughter arrive!!! What a freakin day!!!

I'm starting this thread to commemorate this burb from its last days in NY to today.....The name you ask, that's a story that will evolved over the next several years till that day (recently) she was dub 'Isabella'....

What are my plans for Isabella?...That's evolving too....but now I have this thread so I can share with you as it happens....and not much has happened!

These 1st set of pictures are credited to Eyebuzz (from the for sale ad)

[gcburdic]

...and here's the day she arrived!!! (additional interior pictures are credited to Eyebuzz from for sale ad)

About Isabella:
I am the 4th owner
Mostly Original
Manufactured in California
1972 Chevrolet C20 Custom Deluxe Suburban
Olive/White
350/TH350 (engine isn't original; current motor is from a 1976 Chevy truck)
Dual AC (Unfortunately, it doesn't work)
Tilt column
40-50 gallon fuel tank (I believe dealer installed)
Custom Deluxe interior package (Although, the front seat looks to be a vinyl recover of original seat without the cloth inset)
AM Radio
Mostly rust free too-there is rust hole in rear passenger quarter panel and of course on the bottom edge of the lift gate.
16x8.75 wheels/tires

The story, as I understand it, is that the original owner bought and drove her for 30 years at just over 60k miles (that's only 2k miles a year). As was in that day, lots of west coast ownership and was used for camping. Since, it was bought by (IIRC) a board member here that loaded up a 70s blazer project and towed it across the US to Vermont. From there, he sold it to member Eyebuzz in NY who wanted a family cruiser for spring/summer/and fall fun. Then, it ended up in my driveway! Between the last 3 owners, we have put another 30k on this truck in the last 18 years (a little over 1600 miles/ year)

[LockDoc]

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Looks really good! It will be nice to see you doing the few things it needs and getting it like you want it. Keep us posted on the progress.

LockDoc

[Average Joe]

Great looking 'Burb!

[gcburdic]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Looks really good! It will be nice to see you doing the few things it needs and getting it like you want it. Keep us posted on the progress.

LockDoc

Originally Posted by Average Joe

Great looking 'Burb!

Thanks Gents!

[gcburdic]

I don't have a many pictures of Isabella from 2011 to present, but I did goto Pigeon Forge one year (sorry can't remember when) with member jeffg1010 and tugged my 'Mistress' truck to his place then we hooked the trailer to his suburban and rolled on. Here's a picture of Isabella getting ready to tug Mistress to Mooresville

[gcburdic]

I have done a couple small (one time consuming) updates to Isabella recently.
The exisiting steering wheel had deteriorated over the last 9 years. So, as I was cleaning out the truck parts area, found a much nicer one that I replaced it with.

[gcburdic]

Also, I dreaded having to change the original dash pad out. It has gotten dried out and cracked up pretty bad. Due to this pandemic, I seem to be able to do lots more to the ole girl than I though I could. So, 6 hours later, I have FINALLY put the new reprop pad on that I must have bought 8-9 years ago

The passenger side was somewhat easy to get 3 of the 7 retaining nuts, BUT the driver side was where I spent lots of time to get to the remaining 4 retaining nuts. AND the one placed right above the center AC dash vent was just a wonderful idea by the GM engineers back in the day

Had to lower steering column, remove dash bezel (including disconnecting headlight switch, wiper switch, etc), remove middle speaker, remove center dash air vent, remove AC vent hoses, remove am radio, UGH

But I had read many dash pad removal posts on this board and knew patience was going to be needed!!

[gcburdic]

...And WALA...all back together.

My next project is to get the AC updated. I have a front Vintage Air Surefit kit (that I bought 9 years ago) that I want to install, but need to figure out how I want to do the rear air setup. I'm rereading a bunch of rear aftermarket AC updates threads guys have posted on this board, but not a true step by step update on what they did. I'm hopeful I can produce something that other burb guys seeking aftermarket rear AC setup can utilize. (DISCLAIMER: with my track record on updates, don't hold your breathe it'll be anytime soon!!!)

[LockDoc]

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Some nice upgrades there. I have only installed one dash pad on a truck with air and I don't care if I never do another one.... Sometimes I have to tell myself "I know it ain't going to be easy but just do it"...

LockDoc

[pwdcougar]

Great story and Suburban!

Paul

[paul mora]

I remember when you bought the Sub. If I were faster it would be mine. I am glad it went to a good home

[gcburdic]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Some nice upgrades there. I have only installed one dash pad on a truck with air and I don't care if I never do another one.... Sometimes I have to tell myself "I know it ain't going to be easy but just do it"...

LockDoc

Thanks LockDoc! Amen...I don't want to do that dash pad install again, but if I do, I'm more "experienced"!

Originally Posted by pwdcougar

Great story and Suburban!

Paul

Thank you, Paul.

Originally Posted by paul mora

I remember when you bought the Sub. If I were faster it would be mine. I am glad it went to a good home

Glad my wife approved quickly and thanks!!!

[FLYNAVY30]

Very cool! It would appear we have sibling '72 C20s.



I look forward to seeing your progress on integrating the rear A/C as mine also came factory with the rear unit. I've since gone to a vintage air set up in the front, but have not yet tackled the project of integrating it with the rear.

[gcburdic]

Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30

Very cool! It would appear we have sibling '72 C20s.



I look forward to seeing your progress on integrating the rear A/C as mine also came factory with the rear unit. I've since gone to a vintage air set up in the front, but have not yet tackled the project of integrating it with the rear.

Thank you! I like that pinstripe along the side. What wheels do you have on there?

[FLYNAVY30]

American Racing Bajas....I had to go to a 17" wheels when I added the rear discs and went to a Wilwood D52 caliper all the way around....the factory steelies just barely didn't clear the calipers. These were the only thing I could find in an 8 lug that didn't look like something parked outside a Florida-Georgia Line concert.

[gcburdic]

Very nice! "...FL/GA line concert"