The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1947 - 1959 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board > Projects and Builds

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-16-2022, 10:54 PM   #1
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
49 Suburban

This is the start of a not so budget build 49 suburban. I sold my 72 c10 to help finance this new project and couldn't be more happy.

Bought out of North Carolina. It was used as a school bus in Alabama at some point in it's life then went to North Carolina where I picked it up as a roller. Only seats it has is the front seats and a gross seat out of a van. I had to rent a uhaul trailer so I got creative and ended up chaining an ATV winch to the trailer and using a snatch block to get it loaded.






Got it home, removed seats, gauges, glovebox, old wiring to clean and brush so I can apply por15 and sound deadening. No major rust on the floors or dash other than surface rust which the wire brush took care of. You can see in one of the pictures I wire brushed around the floor compartment and it looks much better than the floor where I didn't. The wood floor in the back is in good shape. I'm just not sure on what direction I want to go with it yet to protect it and make it look a little better so I'm open for ideas. Need to find a few glass pieces at some point since they were used for target practice.









Also found a cool license plate topper with it I plan on putting on when done.


Drivetrain and suspension wise it has an open rear end which I have no idea what it's from and can't find any stamped numbers. See picture down below. I was going to keep it stock suspension and ls swap but realized quickly it wouldn't work/safe so I ordered the speedway bolt in mustang ii kit. Picked up a 5.3/4l60e from an avalanche that will be put in. Hoping to have more pictures along the way as I install everything. I'm just going to redo the stock harness and an ignition control panel I'll hide somewhere. I do need to source a gas tank that will work with it also and a floor shifter that won't break the bank.




UPS guy dropped off the speedway kit today and I had to make room for all the boxes it came in. Also was able to pull front clip before the rain started.






The only real problem spot body wise is the seam where it meets the roof. The lead filler is cracking and causing holes. Not sure how to repair that just yet. Other than that just small spots in front fenders and running boards.





It looks really good in the rain when it makes it shine. Wished it looked like this all the time but body and paint are almost last on the list.

__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2022, 11:10 PM   #2
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
Re: 49 Suburban

Just waiting on non rainy weather so I can start on the crossmember swap. But the plan for the near future is to have a drivable restoration. Need to find out what rear end I have or just swap for a s10 or camaro. I plan on installing brake booster on the firewall for ease of access but leave the battery under the floor. I'm undecisive if I want to go floor or column shift for the transmission. It will be the stock column with column saver to save money. Reusing an ignition control panel for the engine and all related wiring.


As far as interior and body goes it will be slow going. I hope to seal the floor and firewall and sound deaden it at the least. New glass to replace the broken ones along with door and window seals if funds allow. I'm researching for suitable seat replacements until mine can be fixed and redone.

More updates to come as I make progress!
__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2022, 11:26 PM   #3
mongocanfly
Post Whore

 
mongocanfly's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,663
Re: 49 Suburban

Wow...that things in great shape..!..I'm sure you've already read thru Marc's burb build..worth a read if you havnt
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg

RIP Dad
RIP Jesse

1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598
Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334
Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563
2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver
mongocanfly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2022, 11:34 PM   #4
joedoh
Senior Member
 
joedoh's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
Re: 49 Suburban

nice start! it really does look good in the rain
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation


if there is a problem, I can have it.

new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393
joedoh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2022, 12:07 AM   #5
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
Re: 49 Suburban

Quote:
Originally Posted by mongocanfly View Post
Wow...that things in great shape..!..I'm sure you've already read thru Marc's burb build..worth a read if you havnt
I have not. I'll have to look for it.
__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2022, 07:54 AM   #6
mongocanfly
Post Whore

 
mongocanfly's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,663
Re: 49 Suburban

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg

RIP Dad
RIP Jesse

1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598
Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334
Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563
2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver
mongocanfly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2022, 10:20 AM   #7
oldman3
Senior Member
 
oldman3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: West Plains, Missouri
Posts: 7,559
Re: 49 Suburban

Great piece to start with, looking forward to updates...Jim
oldman3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2022, 09:44 AM   #8
youngrodder
Registered User
 
youngrodder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,773
Re: 49 Suburban

Looks like a great start. Looks like it had a heated front seat (too cool). I just finished a 53 Suburban with an LS drivetrain (2001 Camaro w/4L60E) and MII type front suspension. If I can help in anyway, let me know. Most likely, I have come against the same challenges as you will. Learn from my mistakes...Ha Ha

Marc
__________________
…………...........__________
.................. ((__|__||___\____
..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O))

1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857

Last edited by youngrodder; 04-18-2022 at 09:51 AM.
youngrodder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2022, 11:03 AM   #9
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
Re: 49 Suburban

Quote:
Originally Posted by youngrodder View Post
Looks like a great start. Looks like it had a heated front seat (too cool). I just finished a 53 Suburban with an LS drivetrain (2001 Camaro w/4L60E) and MII type front suspension. If I can help in anyway, let me know. Most likely, I have come against the same challenges as you will. Learn from my mistakes...Ha Ha

Marc
I've been slowly making my way through yours. Looks awesome I'll have to pm you I've over got any specific questions
__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-18-2022, 11:16 AM   #10
youngrodder
Registered User
 
youngrodder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,773
Re: 49 Suburban

Quote:
Originally Posted by d4hartley View Post
I've been slowly making my way through yours. Looks awesome I'll have to pm you I've over got any specific questions
Sounds good. There are a lot of more pics on IG under Greenfield_speedshop. You can always message me there too as I would be quicker to respond.

Marc
__________________
…………...........__________
.................. ((__|__||___\____
..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O))

1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
youngrodder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2022, 12:33 AM   #11
joedoh
Senior Member
 
joedoh's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,774
Re: 49 Suburban

great work! looks like with some fab work you can adapt the crossmember. but speedway sells a universal trans crossmember too. they sell several actually so figure out where your exhaust will be routed to get the right "drop"
__________________
the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation


if there is a problem, I can have it.

new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393
joedoh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2022, 11:48 AM   #12
mongocanfly
Post Whore

 
mongocanfly's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,663
Re: 49 Suburban

I was gonna echo what Russ said, that crossmember might work, but make sure everything will clear it before you commit, I made my own so that I knew for certain it would clear everything
__________________
Mongo...aka Greg

RIP Dad
RIP Jesse

1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598
Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334
Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563
2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver
mongocanfly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-22-2022, 09:19 PM   #13
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
Re: 49 Suburban

Haven't updated in a while. Been slow and I need new parts in order to progress in the build. I installed what I could until then.




This is before I cut out the crossmember and part of radiator support on the stock frame.





This is after with the speedway bolt in crossmember installed and a fresh coat of paint. Took a couple hours to fit the crossmember even after measuring 10 times some of the bolt holes didn't line up. But it's in and looks pretty good.




Engine back together with new coat of paint to make it look nice. I had to put on an f-body oil pan in order to make it sit level with the crossmember instead of below it.





Set the engine in the suburban and it fits like a glove. Lots of space but we'll see if that changes once I get exhaust and steering in.




Test fit the front suspension and it looks nice. Kind of wish I went with coilovers instead of cutting my coils to get them to fit but I need to take them off in order to paint them before final install.



Started cleaning up the floor and painting it as well. This is the only picture I took so far but there's no major rust issues.


__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2022, 11:01 AM   #14
6DoF
Registered User
 
6DoF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,088
Re: 49 Suburban

i've got a soft spot for 'burbs, keep it up.
6DoF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2023, 11:08 PM   #15
d4hartley
Registered User
 
d4hartley's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 76
Re: 49 Suburban


Here's another long-awaited update. Not much progress but some is better than none. I removed the windshield, cleaned up and painted the dash but I need to sand and redo the dash.



I also cleaned up the frame, got rid of all the resident spiders, and painted in so it looks better.



Suspension wise, the front is together, steering rack is in, and with the drop spindles she is going to sit very low. I removed the rear axle, it's a 55-59 rear end with 3.90 gears. Replacing brakes and bearings and it's going to go back in with a second hand TCI rear leaf kit.





With where I think ride height will be, this is what the wheel I have look like sitting in the fender. Hoping it won't be too low. Might have to end up going to a regular spindle.



Engine is pretty much put back together. I have a terminator harness for it that will get installed soon once I decide where I want the battery to be. I am pulling out the 4l60e in favor of a T56 6 speed I picked up. Might try and do a hydraulic clutch setup for ease of install.

I also fit the mustang gas tank under the back and need to research routing of the fill tube. I don't really want it going into the trunk if I can avoid it. The tank itself fits really well.




Here is a bonus picture of the overall progress. Still have a laundry list of things to do and I'll update later.


__________________
1972 GMC Sierra Grande
1972 GMC Jimmy
1949 Chevy Suburban
d4hartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2023, 11:41 AM   #16
youngrodder
Registered User
 
youngrodder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scotts, Michigan
Posts: 3,773
Re: 49 Suburban

Looks like you've made lots of great progress...Well done.

Thank you
Marc
__________________
…………...........__________
.................. ((__|__||___\____
..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(O))____ (_(O))

1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
youngrodder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2023, 10:59 PM   #17
daveshilling
Registered User
 
daveshilling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: roseville
Posts: 823
Re: 49 Suburban

Sweet! Nice job. Also you could try that wipe-on clear coat for a bit once you get ready to drive around and prior to the paint job. Give you that rained on look!
daveshilling is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2023, 12:52 AM   #18
dsraven
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,210
Re: 49 Suburban

looks like you have more time than me for truck stuff. looks good anyway. the one thing you might want to ptepare for is the possible rot in the area of that lead joint thats dripping rusty looking stuff. you already know about it and prolly have that dread in the back of your mnd, but don't sweat it, its always fixable.
keep posting those pics, we love to see the new builds and burbs are pretty few and far between.
dsraven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2023, 01:36 AM   #19
dsraven
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 8,210
Re: 49 Suburban

are you talking about the round tail lights or the sideways teardrop tail lights? 61 was round, correct? if so then a round style exhaust would fit well to keep the theme going. I do like the way your thought process is going with the central exhaust outlets though. do you have room behind to run the pipes? is there a rear fuel tank to contend with?
dsraven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2023, 07:31 AM   #20
6DoF
Registered User
 
6DoF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: somewhere, PA
Posts: 1,088
Re: 49 Suburban

so much room for activities under the hood!
6DoF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com