Rising from the Ashes

[blackrider]

Well I have been thinking about this for a long time now and what I want to do with this old truck. I have had her for ten years now and guess I can't quit on her now. This is my 72 Burb, It has had two bodies placed on the frame and three engines since I have owned the truck soon to be on its fourth. I have gone through everything else on the truck minus cosmetics. After the engine is in then I will begin work on the interior following that will be the exterior. I am hoping that this board will give me the advice, help, and motivation that I require to finally complete a project that has vexed me on and off for ten years. I will post more pics as the project moves forward. I need to replace the Engine so if any of you are near the Southern Illinois Area and have a solid 350 please let me know. I have to get to digging the spare parts out of the shed and start wrenching. Please let me know your opinions they will be much appreciated.

[big blue 72]

I'd drive it as is. Looks awesome Blackrider.

[Skirkpat]

I can't see it ? HaHaHa, it's camoflage !!!! Get it?


Nice looking 4x4 I would keep it going and in your possesion , I wanted one forever, I had a '69 Panel wagon that I sold about 10 years ago, but now I can actually see whats outside!!!

[blackrider]

Well today I removed the van conversion seats that I put in the Burb about two years ago, they sat too high for me. I reinstalled the original front bench and got the front bolts in and placed the third row in the back. Then as is customary where I live it began to rain on me. I also contacted Carolina Engines about a re manufactured 350. They would guarantee the engine for 12 months or 12k miles which ever would come first. Long block with the starter and the flywheel installed with a HD oil pump shaft for 1573.00 minus the core return of 295.00 which would bring final cost to 1278.00. So now I need to convince the wife that is where our income tax needs to go. If not I will sell my 78 caddy to get what I need and then some. Thanks for the comments.

[Otsa580]

You are off to a better start then I did with my 67 burban. It sat in the driveway for 3 months then I sold it. I drove it to work but that was about it. I really wish I would have held onto it.
I like your spare tire mount it looks sweet. Income tax refunds are always good for parts money.

[mrmojo32]

Yeah...I really like the spare tire mount too. Did you fab that or can it be purchased somewhere? Great looking suburban!

[blackrider]

I fabricated the spare tire mount about six years ago when I was still working at a heavy duty Semi Truck/Trailer shop in Omaha. mrmojo32-I REALLY want your front bumper and PTO setup I think It would compliment my rig as I am building mine for regular off road use as well as a dd. Tomorrow I am going to build a rear tool box for storage I will post pics of it as well.

[blackrider]

Ok so it rained all day yesterday and I could not get anything done. However today was a different story. I managed to get most of the box built and carpeted. I am trying to make a decision on if I want to install the third row or not. Leaning towards leaving it out of the truck.

[Otsa580]

One of the reasons Suburbans rock.......Tons of storage space. Nice looking tool box.

[trapperjack]

How bout some close ups of that spare mount for those of us that might like to "borrow" your design?
Nice rig, by the way.

[blackrider]

I will post pics of the spare tire mount when I venture out on Sunday again.

[blackrider]

Ok so I know I did not post pics of the tire mount yet, however another question comes up. Were the front springs in 1972 inverted in the front on the 4x4 models? Instead of a U shape?

[blackrider]

Ok so I am tired of trying to find a 350 so I am about to rip my Northstar out of my 03 Deville which tranny do I need to make this work? Or I will rip a 440 dodge motor out of my 78 RV since no one is buying. I want to get this on the road to enjoy like I did ten long years ago. If there is anyone on this board who is near me and wishes to help I need it, thanks.

[blackrider]

You know I finally got my engine ordered the day of this storm, yeah does not sound good right, RIGHT . So mother nature decided that maybe I should not build this truck after all. Here are some pics and a link to get an idea. Any ?'s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jath_q6gLhY

[blackrider]

I need a donor tub, believe it or not the frame is fine!!!

[rockc]

Was gonna ask if it bent the frame. There are a couple burbs around here but they got a lot of rust. Are ya interested?

[blackrider]

I am but the only truck I could tow with is squashed little to far to go to WY for me. I am taking suggestions and thinking about junking the old girl. I saw some crew cab conversions?

[jay-dawg]

ouch!

[19723DR]

Sorry to hear about your burb.

[project 67 sub]

holy crap that sucks.....i think i would cry if my burb got squished

[blackrider]

There was the stages of grief and loss employed for sure. Along with alot of superlatives used as well. If there is anyone near me who has a tub great, or a torch even better. If not I will have to part out the body.

[DINS 1]

sorry about the burb. I hate to see good trucks get wasted for no good reason.

[72BlckButy]

Sorry to hear about the Burb... what a bummer!

Are you looking for donor body, or an entire new project?

[68,69 K20]

Man that really sucks, sorry to see this...

[blackrider]

72BlckButy I am just looking for a new tub. I am planning on buying a brand new doghouse as well as looking for a Tub with glass. Most of the little things I can salvage, lots of grinding and torch work then I have to move it all to the new house. I think I will tarp it for now then disassemble when we move. However If I get a hold of a good tub sooner than my plans must be accelerated. I am located in Southern IL and have no way of towing anything at the moment. That same tree also took out the RV which had the only other hitch in the family. So if there is one close to me out there I could sure use it.