1969 GMC Burb Build

[hevy_chevy67]

Sitting here bored right now, so though what the heck, I'll start a thread about my 'Burb that I bought last fall and show my progress on it.

I wasn't really on the lookout for one, but being a sucker for anything 67-72 related and given how few Burb's are up here, I saw this one and decided to pull the trigger on it. If you've heard/seen the tv show "Rust Valley Restorers" (I think its on Motor Trend now), I got it from Mike Hall.

These first pics are from the day I brought it home. Looks rough in some places, but its incredibly clean underneath. It's hasn't seen the roads in at least 20 years and was originally imported from California back around 2004. Rockers, cab supports, floors are all super solid. It's got repainted a long time ago at some point, and in spots the original white paint is coming through. There are some some spots with filler that I'm nervous what is underneath (specifically barn doors and driver side rear quarter panel), but the underside of this truck being so clean has me optimistic.

[hevy_chevy67]

First order of business is getting this thing road worthy. It had no drivetrain so it made it an easy decision to go LS on this one. I've never done an LS swap before so all new to me.

Basic plan is to go through all the mechanical, 5 lug conversion, 3.5/5 lowering kit, 5.3/4l60e, and some 20" rims. Get it back on the road and driving how I want, and then maybe in future hit the body & paint. Maybe, that part I'm still undecided on what to do.

[hevy_chevy67]

After some wire wheel work it looks a lot better with some fresh paint.
Went with the CPP kit for brakes and front end lowering. Drop spindles and 1" spring.

Also got my donor 5.3 on the stand. Low milage that came from a 2002 truck. In process of cleaning up. Not going crazy with it and keeping it bone stock for time bein. Going to replace some some seals, knock sensors, and rear main while I have it out.

[hevy_chevy67]

Front wheels back on so ready for the 5.3 and 4l60e. I used motor mounts and crossmember from Animals Speed Shop here in Canada. Great kit and with the holes I put in the trailing arm crossmember should make make the exhaust routing nice and clean.

[hevy_chevy67]

First LS swap I'm doing, so I went and bought a harness as I want to make this as easy as possible. I went with Speartech, super happy with quality. Only thing I don't like is I'm limited to where I can put my ECM. I had to attach it to the driver side inner fender.

I used a new radiator from RnD Fabrication. Inlet is on the passenger side and a port built in for the steam vent.

Headers I went with long tube from Speed Engineering.

Cold air intake I bought from eBay. It was super cheap $$ wise but looks ok. I'm not keeping that filter and will be putting a K&N one on before I roll this thing out of the shop.

I also moved the battery to the driver side.

[hevy_chevy67]

Some other odds and ends I've put on along the way.

Aluminum fuel tank made by a local fabricator. Top notch quality and is as good or better then anything out there on the market. He sells them drop in ready, just hook up the lines and go.

Going with a one piece driveshaft. I think it measured around 66" or 67" inches. No clearance issues in the trailing arm crossmember.

I went with Dakota digital gauges. Long wait to get them but wow they sure are nice.

[BAD1916]

Nice looking start to a project! That’s going to be a nice driver.

[uppster]

I have used Speartech on my Chevelle, you made a good choice. If you have any problems they will help. How many gallons is your fuel tank?

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by BAD1916

Nice looking start to a project! That’s going to be a nice driver.

Thanks!

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by uppster

I used Speartech on my Chevelle, you made a good choice. If you have any problems they will help. How many gallons is your fuel tank?

Yeah I'm super happy with it.
I believe it is 20 gallons.

[hevy_chevy67]

I mounted my rear tires. 20" Rev Classic wheels. 275/40 out back in 245/45 up front. Pretty much identical to Torq Thrust II's. At the time of taking this pic, my front ones were still backordered. I ordered these back in November I think and I will finally get them this week.

I also swapped out the grille for a chrome one. I would have gone painted bumpers and grille on this, but given there is already a ton of white I want some contrast and it will flow good with the wheels and tires.

[hevy_chevy67]

All new brake lines added and bled so I rolled it outside for first time for a wash and some pics. It can move under its own power but I need to get the throttle cable hooked up yet. Felt great to get to that point, but still a lot of little things to button up yet.

[uppster]

20 gallons is good. I have a 16 and it seems like I fill up every other day. Mine is my daily driver.

[hevy_chevy67]

Quick update on this rig - the end is in sight. Got the front end aligned yesterday, exhaust is being done on the 25th as I'm away next week. Got about a dozen smaller things to do and then she is off to get inspected so I can get my papers for it and this whale will be back on the road within the month! First time in at least 25 years, maybe even longer.

Not the prettiest old girl, but it should be fun and I kind of like how it looks to be honest.

[BAD1916]

That’s exciting. I love my burb even if it’s beat up a bit. I’m not afraid to park it anywhere which makes it more enjoyable. Any more dents just add character right?

[hevy_chevy67]

Exhaust is done and I just dropped it off at the shop for my OOP inspection. Up here in Canada it is a pretty thorough inspection that is needed so I can put plates on it.

Exhaust is 2.5" with speed engineering long tube headers with Borla Pro XS mufflers. Nice smooth idle but its got some snap when you step on it. All tucked away nicely.

The list is getting shorter. Carpet, mounting the second row seat, and some minor odds and ends is all that is left now.

[LockDoc]

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Looks good! That should make a nice ride....

LockDoc

[kev2809]

just noticed you went with a one piece driveshaft? any issues? I'm getting ready to have one made and wanted to go 1 piece but mine has air ride. don't know if a driveshaft with that big diameter will fit with suspension that low!

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by kev2809

just noticed you went with a one piece driveshaft? any issues? I'm getting ready to have one made and wanted to go 1 piece but mine has air ride. don't know if a driveshaft with that big diameter will fit with suspension that low!

It fit in really nice. Lots of clearance top and bottom on the factory crossmember. I used Animals Speed shop stands and adjustable sliders and I moved the motor back as far as I could. I think the d/s ended up being around 66" or 67" and is 3.5" diameter. Burb has a 3.5/5 drop in it right now.

I was a little hesitant on going to a one piece, but the guy who built it said I was good to go so I trusted him. Reputable local shop.

[kev2809]

that looks good us Burban guys have a lot more work to do to make clearance if it hits up there. did he order the yokes too.. or you brought him the old driveshaft to go off of?

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by kev2809

that looks good us Burban guys have a lot more work to do to make clearance if it hits up there. did he order the yokes too.. or you brought him the old driveshaft to go off of?

All new yoke and everything. Old driveshaft was missing when I got the Burb.

[KFF 1]

Burb looks great ! Outstanding job, nice to see another Suburban has been reborn and back on the road

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by KFF 1

Burb looks great ! Outstanding job, nice to see another Suburban has been reborn and back on the road

Thanks.

I certainly have a few things to finish up over the winter once its parked in the next couple weeks. Carpet/sound deadener, fuel gauge isn't working, and some other interior odds and ends. Gotta admit though, feels great seeing it driving when a little over a year ago it was rotting away in a field. Doing the LS in this has got me going down the path of swapping my K10 over the winter now too.