1972 3dr Suburban Build Thread

[19723DR]

I bought this 1972 suburban about 14 months ago. The plan was to keep it in the family tradition style with stock molding and trim but custom suspension and after market wheels and tires. Here's a picture just after I bought it:



Here's a picture I drew how I imagined it to look when it's finished:


The plan is to put on air suspension, 22" wheels and kick the yellow paint up a notch. I'll be posting up pictures of the progress I have made over the last year as I get time.

[19723DR]

I started out doing body work mostly grinding welds and block sanding. The body was mostly straight. The doors had rust-through on the bottoms. I just welded in some patch pieces. I also removed the dent in the front fender.

[67_C-30]

Great project. I really hope to have Burb for myself one of these days!

[19723DR]

I decided to splurge for my birthday last year. I bought a set of 22x9 Boss 304s and some Kumho 265/35/22 tires. My daughter was excited but not half as excited as I was. I couldn't wait to see them on there.





Anyone feel like a chuck wagon breakfast after looking at these?

They look killer on my 93 Silverado too.

[19723DR]

Check out the cancer on the rear hatch. I think the only thing holding it together was the window. I was lucky to find a used hatch at a scrap yard and also got a tailgate but I don't know if I will ever use it. The original was in good shape.

[19723DR]

Man those pictures were given me a nose bleed. Here are some pictures of after I bagged the front and back. That was so easy. It took longer to get the ten pounds of dirt off the A-arms. I wish that I would have taken a picture of that. I also cleaned up the sway bar and got some polyurethane bushings. I cut 1'' off the ends so they wouldn't rub the bags. I also added a new adjustable track bar from Classic Performance Products.

[gringoloco]

Looks much better sittin' low. What bag brackets did you use? I've never seen those before.

[19723DR]

It's never low enough. I ordered the brakets from AIM Industries. The rear brakets I oniy used the top plate. Plans are to go much lower with 2.5 drop spindles and C-notch.

[Frizzle Fry]

Looking good. If you run cups on the front and get rid of those plates in the back you'll get another couple inches too. After the last discussion about cups in the suspension forum I'd say the consensus is that 1.25" is a good height for the cups. Maybe TMI for you after just getting those on But you'll be looking to go lower for sure

[ColoradoK5]

That is sweet looks alot differnt from a year ago!

[19723DR]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

Looking good. If you run cups on the front and get rid of those plates in the back you'll get another couple inches too. After the last discussion about cups in the suspension forum I'd say the consensus is that 1.25" is a good height for the cups. Maybe TMI for you after just getting those on But you'll be looking to go lower for sure

The kit that I got wasn't the best I have seen but it functions as good an any. I'm posting pictures as I get them organized so I much further along then the pictures I have posted show so far. Two weeks later I got 2.5" McGaughys drop spindles. My tires are now 1/4" from the inner fender so it's as low as I can go without removing or modifying my inner fender. Thanks for the advice though. I've checked out your threads and you have done some sick work. Here are a couple of pictures with them installed:




At a later date I will be putting the c-notch kit in (haven't done that yet). That should bring the back down 2.5 - 3".

[19723DR]

Originally Posted by ColoradoK5

That is sweet looks alot differnt from a year ago!

Thanks, actually these are from six months ago but I am slowly getting more pics up. Lots more pictures soon.

[19723DR]

I put everything back together for a couple car shows, one local and the Cache Valley Cruise in Logan Utah. Here are some pics form the shows:

Taylorsville Days






Cache Valley Cruise




The suburban got a lot of attention at the show. People really love the 67-72s and especially the 3 doors. They aren't seen very often.

[19723DR]

The car shows were in June-July this year and then I tore it down to get it ready for paint. I got rid of the rest of the rust on the hinges, tailgate and drip rails. I cleaned up the engine and put a fresh coat of orange on the block and other engine parts black with rattle-can-magic. Keeping the engine original looking.













These suburbans really rock!

[19723DR]

Check out the sticker that was on the hatch window. It's from when the original owner towed a boat to the Gulf of Mexico in June 1973.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Man I got to get me a burb... Looks great and so does the chevy truck ya got..

[1sik7t2]

lookn good down more down more lower the better mine sits on the body pinch but it's not low enough gonna shave them not picking on your wheels(i had these too) but be careful the brake dust will kill them quickly keep them clean probably no problem then keep down the good work

[19723DR]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Man I got to get me a burb... Looks great and so does the chevy truck ya got..

Thanks a lot yeah you do need to get one of these. It's worth all the work. I'll keep my eye on your 55 "Little Daisy". Looks like a good solid project.

Originally Posted by 1sik7t2

lookn good down more down more lower the better mine sits on the body pinch but it's not low enough gonna shave them not picking on your wheels(i had these too) but be careful the brake dust will kill them quickly keep them clean probably no problem then keep down the good work

One good way to get rid of your pinch mold is to drag for brakes.

[19723DR]

Finally here's some pictures with some color. The color is Toyota Signal Yellow with light orange and red pearl and a silver metal flake added. The white is the factory color from 1972. I ended up using two gallons of base coat and two gallons of clear. I painted the fenders, doors, tailgate and hood separately on different days and then did the cowl, firewall, passenger's side, driver's side and then moved to the inside. Shield you eyes this thing is really yellow!

[19723DR]

[19723DR]

And more...

[gringoloco]

Hell yeah! That'll get you noticed

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Damn thats bright looks killer though..

[19723DR]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Hell yeah! That'll get you noticed

The last time I took it out, I got 2 thumbs up from nieghborhood kids, a guy at the gas station, "Totally Awesome", and I almost caused an accident. It's impossible to keep your eyes on the road when I'm on it. What color are you gonna paint yours? If you don't want to get this much attention, don't pick such a bright color!

[Frizzle Fry]

That is f'n sweeeeeeet!