53 Surburban "Family Truckster" - Page 60 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**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

**Dieselwrencher** · 02-12-2021, 01:09 PM

I really like the LED upgrade! I added 3rd brake lights to the cargo lamp on my 72 and now wish I would have done something like this for the cargo lamp. Did you add the frosted finish to the lens? I've been wondering id media blasting them is a sufficient way to accomplish that?

**youngrodder** · 02-12-2021, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

I really like the LED upgrade! I added 3rd brake lights to the cargo lamp on my 72 and now wish I would have done something like this for the cargo lamp. Did you add the frosted finish to the lens? I've been wondering id media blasting them is a sufficient way to accomplish that?

Ryan

Thanks mam.....
No the lens is frosted from the factory. It's an OEM glass lens. They sell rattle can paint to add a frosted look. I bet you could spray the inside of the lens. That way it would still look glossy from the outside. LED's don't put out any heat so I bet it would hold up fine and might be a better option than blasting the lens. Just keep applying light coats to get the desired amount of frosting.

Just a thought (outside the box)

Marc

**youngrodder** · 02-13-2021, 10:53 PM

On Friday night I started fitting and working on my lower dash panel my friend Zach made for me. The first picture I taped on the AC vents to get an idea of placement. I then cut in holes for the vents as well as the AC controller as well as the wiper and light switches. This is the last part that needed to be modified before I get it painted to match the rest of the dash.

As a refresher this panel is the reason I cut my dashboard straight across on the bottom. I did something very similar on my 48. I like to utilize this lower panel to keep the main dash free of switches and knobs....

Thanks
Marc

**8man** · 02-14-2021, 10:20 AM

Very nice look on the dash.

**oldman3** · 02-14-2021, 10:24 AM

Marc, looks good, like the placement...Jim

**youngrodder** · 02-14-2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8man

Very nice look on the dash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldman3

Marc, looks good, like the placement...Jim

Thanks guys....

Marc

layinrocker65 · 02-14-2021, 12:57 PM

Looks great

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

**youngrodder** · 02-16-2021, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layinrocker65

Looks great

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tempest67

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

OUCH!! I had similar ones on my 48 and had no issues. I'm guessing it needed to be adjusted more so it didn't stick out as far from the door opening. Looks like it caught the edge and folded it over.

Marc

Tempest67 · 02-16-2021, 04:56 PM

ya, I think you are right, it sticks out too far.

The funny thing is it still works fine.

olcarguy · 02-16-2021, 06:41 PM

If it works it aint broke

lower50's · 02-17-2021, 03:12 AM

Nice touch. It will hide the ac pipes as well.

01-15-2021, 03:51 PM	#1476
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	#1478
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	#1479
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	#1480
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	#1481
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	#1482
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	#1484
doowopper Registered User Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: socal Posts: 62	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" lots of great ideas...roger

02-07-2021, 01:52 AM	#1485
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	#1487
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.

02-12-2021, 01:09 PM	#1489
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" I really like the LED upgrade! I added 3rd brake lights to the cargo lamp on my 72 and now wish I would have done something like this for the cargo lamp. Did you add the frosted finish to the lens? I've been wondering id media blasting them is a sufficient way to accomplish that? __________________ 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.*

02-13-2021, 10:53 PM	#1491
youngrodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotts, Michigan Posts: 3,773	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" On Friday night I started fitting and working on my lower dash panel my friend Zach made for me. The first picture I taped on the AC vents to get an idea of placement. I then cut in holes for the vents as well as the AC controller as well as the wiper and light switches. This is the last part that needed to be modified before I get it painted to match the rest of the dash. As a refresher this panel is the reason I cut my dashboard straight across on the bottom. I did something very similar on my 48. I like to utilize this lower panel to keep the main dash free of switches and knobs.... Thanks 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

02-14-2021, 10:20 AM	#1492
8man Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bryan, Texas Posts: 2,350	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Very nice look on the dash. __________________ 8man-aka Robert 1948 on a S10 Frame, small block with a carb 1954 Cab, 53 Front and Bed, 50 Doors, S10 Frame, Power TBD Build thread: "]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=746899&highlight=wife%27s+48[/URL] [/URL]http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=840204

02-14-2021, 10:24 AM	#1493
oldman3 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Plains, Missouri Posts: 7,559	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Marc, looks good, like the placement...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 />

02-14-2021, 12:57 PM	#1495
layinrocker65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 521	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Looks great __________________ ‘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

02-16-2021, 04:56 PM	#1498
Tempest67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Ontario Posts: 836	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" ya, I think you are right, it sticks out too far. The funny thing is it still works fine. __________________ 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



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02-16-2021, 06:41 PM	#1499
olcarguy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Maynooth, Ontario, Canada Posts: 174	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" If it works it aint broke __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...82#post8619382

02-17-2021, 03:12 AM	#1500
lower50's Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,254	Re: 53 Surburban "Family Truckster" Nice touch. It will hide the ac pipes as well. __________________ 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

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