53 Surburban "Family Truckster" - Page 54 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**youngrodder** · 01-10-2021, 10:43 PM

On Saturday I drove to Indiana to pick up my third row seat. I'm stoked with how it all turned out. It is sooooo comfy too. I'm also having stock arm rests covered in the same chocolate leather. My upholstery guy will make me a shift boot and some cool visors. I will share more on that later. My 48 didn't have visors because I was going for a cleaner look, but there were times when I wised I had them.

I should return in about a week to pick up my middle and front rows and the other misc. pieces.

Marc

**youngrodder** · 01-10-2021, 10:53 PM

On Sunday I played around with the CCTek tool I barrowed from my friends. With this tool you can set up a rim width, check tire fitment and set up your back spacing. Since I had the tires I think I will run, I was able to dial it all in. These tools are expensive. Luckily I barrowed it from my friends that own the hotrod shop.

The rear tires are 265 x 40 x 22. (30.35" dia) and the fronts are 255 x 35 x 22 (29.03 dia), which are pretty large diameter tires (especially if you are trying to layout). For the rear I will go with a 22 x 10" rim. The front is still TBD but I'm thinking about a 22 x 9".

Ideally I would like to order the wheels soon because it is probably a 6-8 week lead-time.

Also my fabricating friend stopped by with my lower dash panel that he is working on for me. He's getting close.

All in all a pretty productive weekend.

Marc

layinrocker65 · 01-10-2021, 11:35 PM

That’s an awesome tool. No pics of the lower dash panel?

**mongocanfly** · 01-10-2021, 11:40 PM

The seat looks great Marc...!!!

**oldman3** · 01-11-2021, 01:00 AM

Marc, seat looks sweet, nice set-up on checking size of wheel width, etc...Jim

**youngrodder** · 01-11-2021, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layinrocker65

That’s an awesome tool. No pics of the lower dash panel?

No not yet. He had to make some revisions before we can bolt it up. I'll share some pics once its done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

The seat looks great Marc...!!!

Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldman3

Marc, seat looks sweet, nice set-up on checking size of wheel width, etc...Jim

Thanks Jim, every 1/2" counts when you are trying to stuff a large dia wheel under a bagged truck..

Marc

_Ogre · 01-11-2021, 05:01 PM

yeah that tilt out brake light is something else
your' sis probably the only suburban i've seen with barn doors

lower50's · 01-12-2021, 07:44 PM

Seat looks really nice Marc!! That rim tool is crazy, it has a ton of adjustment. I have seen one before but didn't pay attention.

**youngrodder** · 01-12-2021, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lower50's

Seat looks really nice Marc!! That rim tool is crazy, it has a ton of adjustment. I have seen one before but didn't pay attention.

Thanks...yes the tool is quite expensive to purchase but it is well made.

Marc

**Dieselwrencher** · 01-15-2021, 12:20 PM

That seat is so nice! I like the retro look in the center material. Man, I'd love to have that wheel set up tool too! I wished I had one when I was configuring my 40. This thing is going to be killer!

**youngrodder** · 01-15-2021, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

That seat is so nice! I like the retro look in the center material. Man, I'd love to have that wheel set up tool too! I wished I had one when I was configuring my 40. This thing is going to be killer!

Thanks Ryan, The seat is soooo comfy. I searched for the material for a while. I self sourced it. This same material will be used for my door panels and my visors as as well as some of my interior panels. I've got some other unique details with this build that I'm keeping close to the vest for now.

Thanks for following along.

Marc

**LEEVON** · 01-15-2021, 03:51 PM

Marc omg that seat! Wow!

**youngrodder** · 01-15-2021, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Marc omg that seat! Wow!

Thanks man....

Marc

**youngrodder** · 01-17-2021, 10:03 PM

Today I worked on some odds and ends. My license plate mount was crooked (my fault) as seen in the pic and it bugged me. I cut it apart to reweld in an effort to straighten it out. (no pics of the correction).

I also tapped in to my running light feed to power the license plate lights.
Since my license plate mount is basically a hitch receiver inset I needed to be able to unhook the wires that power the license plate lights. For this I purchased a 2 wire water tight connector off of EBay. This way when I remove my plate to inset the hitch I can unplug the power supply.

For a clean solution I choose to use the license plate LED bolts. I used the same thing on my 48 and they also worked great. I will mount them at the bottom of the plate shooting up.

Marc

**youngrodder** · 01-17-2021, 10:18 PM

Dome Light LED upgrade.

I figured there might be some interest in this upgrade, so I broke it out on its own page.

I removed the OEM light socket from the housing.
I purchased a 24 light LED panel (Found on Ebay for $7.00). This will put out a lot of light. You can also get smaller panels like 18 light ect.

I added longer power and ground leads to the LED panel. I also added a 2nd dome light in the roof of my suburban for adequate lighting.

You can use whatever you like to secure the LED panel to the housing. I used 3m strip caulk that I balled up as I had some laying around. The panel is feather light so you could really use 3M double sided tape or hot glue.

With the frosted glass light lens, you don't see the LED panel or black strip caulk.

I also used some more strip caulk to create a gasket around the wired exiting the housing.

Any ??'s please ask but its fairly straight forward.

Marc

**mongocanfly** · 01-17-2021, 10:24 PM

I like the Interior light mods...that should work great

lower50's · 01-18-2021, 11:30 AM

License plate and interior lights are great idea I'm going to have to steal this from you.

Tempest67 · 01-18-2021, 11:36 AM

Great idea...

**youngrodder** · 01-18-2021, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I like the Interior light mods...that should work great

Thanks Mongo..

Quote:

Originally Posted by lower50's

License plate and interior lights are great idea I'm going to have to steal this from you.

That's why I'm not sharing ALL of my ideas with you thief's...ha ha. Steal away. They both are great cheap solutions. They both worked fine for 7+ years in my 48.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tempest67

Great idea...

Thank you

Marc

doowopper · 02-06-2021, 01:17 PM

lots of great ideas...roger

**Dan in Pasadena** · 02-07-2021, 01:52 AM

I know SQUAT about LED's. I assume since you didn't mention it, they use full 12v power?

**youngrodder** · 02-08-2021, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doowopper

lots of great ideas...roger

Thank you Roger..much appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I know SQUAT about LED's. I assume since you didn't mention it, they use full 12v power?

Dan, yes they use the full 12v. No need for resistors or anything. I also a strip of LED lights under the dash shinning at your feet when the dome light comes on. These LED strip lights have an adhesive backing so they can be stuck anywhere, they are cheap and you can cut them to what ever length you like which changes how much light they put out.

Marc

**Dan in Pasadena** · 02-08-2021, 11:52 PM

Thanks Marc - for your explanations to some with "lame-old-dude-itis"!

If you've posted it maybe I've missed it but whose door switches are you using? I've heard all sorts recommended makes.

**youngrodder** · 02-09-2021, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Thanks Marc - for your explanations to some with "lame-old-dude-itis"!

If you've posted it maybe I've missed it but whose door switches are you using? I've heard all sorts recommended makes.

We ALL learn something from this site (young or old). I have not purchased my switched yet. I will probably go with ones similar to those that I used on my 48 which were just universal contacts.

Similar to these. Nothing fancy. You can also get some with plastic/rubber end caps.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-80170

Thanks

Marc

Tempest67 · 02-16-2021, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youngrodder

We ALL learn something from this site (young or old). I have not purchased my switched yet. I will probably go with ones similar to those that I used on my 48 which were just universal contacts.

Similar to these. Nothing fancy. You can also get some with plastic/rubber end caps.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-80170

Thanks

Marc

D'Oh ! not sure why, but don't let this happen to your door switch

01-10-2021, 10:43 PM	#1
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" On Saturday I drove to Indiana to pick up my third row seat. I'm stoked with how it all turned out. It is sooooo comfy too. I'm also having stock arm rests covered in the same chocolate leather. My upholstery guy will make me a shift boot and some cool visors. I will share more on that later. My 48 didn't have visors because I was going for a cleaner look, but there were times when I wised I had them. I should return in about a week to pick up my middle and front rows and the other misc. pieces. Marc Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(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

01-10-2021, 10:53 PM	#2
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" On Sunday I played around with the CCTek tool I barrowed from my friends. With this tool you can set up a rim width, check tire fitment and set up your back spacing. Since I had the tires I think I will run, I was able to dial it all in. These tools are expensive. Luckily I barrowed it from my friends that own the hotrod shop. The rear tires are 265 x 40 x 22. (30.35" dia) and the fronts are 255 x 35 x 22 (29.03 dia), which are pretty large diameter tires (especially if you are trying to layout). For the rear I will go with a 22 x 10" rim. The front is still TBD but I'm thinking about a 22 x 9". Ideally I would like to order the wheels soon because it is probably a 6-8 week lead-time. Also my fabricating friend stopped by with my lower dash panel that he is working on for me. He's getting close. All in all a pretty productive weekend. Marc Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(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

01-10-2021, 11:35 PM	#3
layinrocker65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 521	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" That’s an awesome tool. No pics of the lower dash panel? __________________ ‘53 GMC COE stock ‘53 Chevy 3100 LSA/TR6060 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=805949‘ '70 Chevy C10 LWB 350/sm465 ‘74 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4L80e, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital, US Mags

01-10-2021, 11:40 PM	#4
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,662	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" The seat looks great Marc...!!! __________________ 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

01-11-2021, 01:00 AM	#5
oldman3 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Plains, Missouri Posts: 7,559	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Marc, seat looks sweet, nice set-up on checking size of wheel width, etc...Jim __________________ my build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=459839 Jimbo's long bed step build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=464626<br />

01-11-2021, 05:01 PM	#7
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" yeah that tilt out brake light is something else your' sis probably the only suburban i've seen with barn doors __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

01-12-2021, 07:44 PM	#8
lower50's Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,254	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Seat looks really nice Marc!! That rim tool is crazy, it has a ton of adjustment. I have seen one before but didn't pay attention. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually

01-15-2021, 12:20 PM	#10
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" That seat is so nice! I like the retro look in the center material. Man, I'd love to have that wheel set up tool too! I wished I had one when I was configuring my 40. This thing is going to be killer! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

01-15-2021, 03:51 PM	#12
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Marc omg that seat! Wow! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2021, 10:03 PM	#14
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Today I worked on some odds and ends. My license plate mount was crooked (my fault) as seen in the pic and it bugged me. I cut it apart to reweld in an effort to straighten it out. (no pics of the correction). I also tapped in to my running light feed to power the license plate lights. Since my license plate mount is basically a hitch receiver inset I needed to be able to unhook the wires that power the license plate lights. For this I purchased a 2 wire water tight connector off of EBay. This way when I remove my plate to inset the hitch I can unplug the power supply. For a clean solution I choose to use the license plate LED bolts. I used the same thing on my 48 and they also worked great. I will mount them at the bottom of the plate shooting up. Marc Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(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

01-17-2021, 10:18 PM	#15
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Dome Light LED upgrade. I figured there might be some interest in this upgrade, so I broke it out on its own page. I removed the OEM light socket from the housing. I purchased a 24 light LED panel (Found on Ebay for $7.00). This will put out a lot of light. You can also get smaller panels like 18 light ect. I added longer power and ground leads to the LED panel. I also added a 2nd dome light in the roof of my suburban for adequate lighting. You can use whatever you like to secure the LED panel to the housing. I used 3m strip caulk that I balled up as I had some laying around. The panel is feather light so you could really use 3M double sided tape or hot glue. With the frosted glass light lens, you don't see the LED panel or black strip caulk. I also used some more strip caulk to create a gasket around the wired exiting the housing. Any ??'s please ask but its fairly straight forward. Marc Attached Images __________________ …………...........__________ .................. ((__\|__\|\|___\____ ..;.;;.:;:;.,;..;((_(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

01-17-2021, 10:24 PM	#16
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,662	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I like the Interior light mods...that should work great __________________ 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

01-18-2021, 11:30 AM	#17
lower50's Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,254	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" License plate and interior lights are great idea I'm going to have to steal this from you. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=648459 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=769441 1951 MG TD 1967 Jeep CJ5 1.9L TDI 33X13.5X15 Mud Grapplers. 1952 GMC 9700 p/u 7.3L diesel on air, dually

01-18-2021, 11:36 AM	#18
Tempest67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Ontario Posts: 836	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Great idea... __________________ https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=797726&page=3 http://https://67-72chevytrucks.com/...=797726&page=3 51 Chev 5 window on S10 with SBC 1958 Pontiac Wagon build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849781

02-06-2021, 01:17 PM	#20
doowopper Registered User Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: socal Posts: 62	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" lots of great ideas...roger



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02-07-2021, 01:52 AM	#21
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,339	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I know SQUAT about LED's. I assume since you didn't mention it, they use full 12v power? __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda!

02-08-2021, 11:52 PM	#23
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,339	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Thanks Marc - for your explanations to some with "lame-old-dude-itis"! If you've posted it maybe I've missed it but whose door switches are you using? I've heard all sorts recommended makes. __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! Last edited by Dan in Pasadena; 02-09-2021 at 12:02 AM.

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