1978 Suburban - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 04:42 PM

So I've been looking for a donor 73-87 truck to use as a donor for my 67. I stumbled across this 1978 Suburban Estate. It has a 454/TH400. It has less than 76k miles on it, rear a/c, 8 track and what looks like a built in CB radio. The truck is somewhat weathered so as a keeper its not as good as I initially thought.
The wood grain is faded, the headliner has a 6 inch rip in the center of it, it has a cheap pieced together exhaust on it, some of the side trim had screws in them (I dont recall these things being screwed in), the outside trim is faded, peeling and dull and thereis rust around the upper trim on the dr's rear quarter.
I'm gonna ask you guys. Is it too good to part in your opinion or is it a good donor for the BB/tranny, crossmember conversion, p/s, rear mount gas tank, etc. Sorry about not getting a lot of pics, we were talking too much.

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 04:43 PM

...

**old Rusty C10** · 11-20-2011, 05:29 PM

In my opinion for a northern truck that is way too nice to part

**78 Big10 454** · 11-20-2011, 05:34 PM

I'm with old Rusty C10 on this.

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 05:35 PM

Ok, thats two votes for keep in one piece. It ran great, one pump of the pedal and two or three featherings and it started right up, let it run on fast idle for a minute and it idled right down. The inspection sticker expired 6/07 and hasn't been driven since. Its another story of the owner getting too old to drive.

thepenguin99 · 11-20-2011, 06:04 PM

Do you want a burb is really the question imo. Value wise I would say it is definitely worth more for parts.

RandyP · 11-20-2011, 06:06 PM

The odometer has probably been around the horn at least once, if not twice I bet. When they've sat for a few years, all sorts of things will need to be addressed to make a driver out of it. You just have to back up and consider what it will take money wise to refurb a few items to make it nice enough to sell and see what your profit margin would be. I'd venture you'd be money ahead parting it out and not having to worry about sinking money in to it for your investment return.

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 06:22 PM

I will not argue the mileage. The truck has 76k on it. Period. It shows. I know how to look for mileage wear and it does have any of that. As far as wanting a Burb, I wouldn't mind having one but I thought I might clean it up and resell it to someone who can appreciate it if I didn't bust it up for parts. I need the parts but if its worth more in one piece than I will end up paying for it I could still finance my 67 build.

**old Rusty C10** · 11-20-2011, 06:36 PM

the sad part is you cant really refurbish the woodgrain panels.. i know alot of people think they look cheesey but hey they were part of the era and i like em

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 06:44 PM

I've seen a bunch of trucks with the wood grain intact, even bagged w/ big rims. i like it, kinda nostalgic!

**68350** · 11-20-2011, 07:02 PM

well if you part out, i need the grille

thepenguin99 · 11-20-2011, 07:25 PM

It will be a hard sell to get it to someone who actually wants and appreciates it for what it is. If you put a good price on it someone else will just bust it up into parts. If you put a high price on it, it just won't sell. Burbs just aren't that sought after.

As far as the woodgrain, I also kinda like it. I really like the idea of that burb slammed with 20s and woodgrain now that you mention it.

*nekkidhillbilly* · 11-20-2011, 07:57 PM

i wouldnt part it

bigblock73 · 11-20-2011, 08:21 PM

Another vote for too nice to part out...but then again, I am a sucker for original 73-87's, especially with woodgrain. That Burb looks to have a lot of neat options, would be cool to let it see the road once again and take a family on a few road trip vacations.

Who cares if the "wood" is faded...I bet overall it cleans up real nice and would be a great driver.

If you were closer, I would consider buying it from you if the opportunity arose.

qksilver · 11-20-2011, 08:24 PM

I would buy what left if you pull the drivetrain, depending on the price. LOL , only 3 1/2 hours away from you and am trying to get parts for my 78 blazer and burb.

Steve

*nekkidhillbilly* · 11-20-2011, 08:26 PM

what would you want on a 67 from this anyhow not much would fit minus say the engine trans and maybeye the rear

BMERDOC · 11-20-2011, 08:58 PM

Thanks for the responses and opinions guys. If I parted it I would want the engine, trans, complete front crossmember, power steering and power brakes. I am looking for a donor so I can get every nut, bolt, clip, bracket, hose, belt and whatever else to do the swaps. I am getting a deal good enough to equal the cost of the long block and transmission alone. How much would all the stuff required to piece a swap like this together cost? I think a running/driving donor is better than pieceing it all together. This truck just showed up and it has a BB. Ida been happy with something lesser but I had to go look at this one.
Seeing the general condition has made me rethink things. This is why I posed the question to you guys, to get opinions. I could put plates on it, clean it up and drive it over the winter and deceide what to do with it next summer. If I did want to sell it, unless I wanted to wait forever and not clean it up, I would have to put money into it to make it nicer. Then I'd still have to advertise it on a national level to garner enough interest in it to get real money for it. Or, or...I could start parting it to get my money back and more to finance the build, keeping the components I want. This would be a good reason to actually subscribe to this forum so I could sell stuff

As far as Bagged and Biggies go i'd love to see that! If I got my stuff out it would be a perfect candidate for a dropmember, bags and a big LSX!

Pop's C-10 · 11-20-2011, 11:38 PM

Roof rack & woodgrain..that is a beauty..

**Corts60** · 11-21-2011, 12:07 AM

I think that suburban is the quintessential survivor and it would be sad that it made it all those years intact to get ripped apart now. I vote it goes to a home were someone could do it justice.

BMERDOC · 11-21-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

Roof rack & woodgrain..that is a beauty..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corts60

I think that suburban is the quintessential survivor and it would be sad that it made it all those years intact to get ripped apart now. I vote it goes to a home were someone could do it justice.

Well said Guys. I think I used the word "time capsule" while I was there.

meter swinger · 11-21-2011, 01:23 AM

Thats a tough call. Its hard not to get hung up rigs like this. Ive been offered a 78 a guy bought for the BBC drivetrain. He wants 300 for it. It has new paint, 3/5 drop, everthing shaved and new intierior, minus engine and trans. The burbs are so under valued, even more than crew cab duallys it seems. I think you should just go get it. How can you loose? Big block burbs are awesome.
Posted via Mobile Device

pat386 · 11-21-2011, 04:19 AM

I don't think the blue goes well with the woodgrain look, but that thing is cool! A survivor, needs some lovin'!
Posted via Mobile Device

MalibuSSwagon · 11-21-2011, 08:01 AM

Love me a 2wd Suburban, hard to find in decent shape around here

motornut · 11-21-2011, 08:40 AM

looks awesome shape
keep it together and drive it
if it had quirks you will find them
my first burb was a 78,not that nice
don't think it would be too hard to replace the grafics
see all kinds of decals on cars/trucks now

BMERDOC · 11-21-2011, 12:16 PM

Ok. So I gotta ask. What do you guys think this unit is worth?

11-20-2011, 04:42 PM	#1
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	1978 Suburban So I've been looking for a donor 73-87 truck to use as a donor for my 67. I stumbled across this 1978 Suburban Estate. It has a 454/TH400. It has less than 76k miles on it, rear a/c, 8 track and what looks like a built in CB radio. The truck is somewhat weathered so as a keeper its not as good as I initially thought. The wood grain is faded, the headliner has a 6 inch rip in the center of it, it has a cheap pieced together exhaust on it, some of the side trim had screws in them (I dont recall these things being screwed in), the outside trim is faded, peeling and dull and thereis rust around the upper trim on the dr's rear quarter. I'm gonna ask you guys. Is it too good to part in your opinion or is it a good donor for the BB/tranny, crossmember conversion, p/s, rear mount gas tank, etc. Sorry about not getting a lot of pics, we were talking too much. Attached Images __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

11-20-2011, 04:43 PM	#2
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban ... Attached Images __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

11-20-2011, 05:29 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: 1978 Suburban In my opinion for a northern truck that is way too nice to part __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-20-2011, 05:34 PM	#4
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: 1978 Suburban I'm with old Rusty C10 on this. __________________ 1978 Chevy SWB C-10 2WD 454/400

11-20-2011, 05:35 PM	#5
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban Ok, thats two votes for keep in one piece. It ran great, one pump of the pedal and two or three featherings and it started right up, let it run on fast idle for a minute and it idled right down. The inspection sticker expired 6/07 and hasn't been driven since. Its another story of the owner getting too old to drive. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

11-20-2011, 06:04 PM	#6
thepenguin99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Millington TN Posts: 435	Re: 1978 Suburban Do you want a burb is really the question imo. Value wise I would say it is definitely worth more for parts.

11-20-2011, 06:06 PM	#7
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: 1978 Suburban The odometer has probably been around the horn at least once, if not twice I bet. When they've sat for a few years, all sorts of things will need to be addressed to make a driver out of it. You just have to back up and consider what it will take money wise to refurb a few items to make it nice enough to sell and see what your profit margin would be. I'd venture you'd be money ahead parting it out and not having to worry about sinking money in to it for your investment return. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

11-20-2011, 06:22 PM	#8
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban I will not argue the mileage. The truck has 76k on it. Period. It shows. I know how to look for mileage wear and it does have any of that. As far as wanting a Burb, I wouldn't mind having one but I thought I might clean it up and resell it to someone who can appreciate it if I didn't bust it up for parts. I need the parts but if its worth more in one piece than I will end up paying for it I could still finance my 67 build. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

11-20-2011, 06:36 PM	#9
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: 1978 Suburban the sad part is you cant really refurbish the woodgrain panels.. i know alot of people think they look cheesey but hey they were part of the era and i like em __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-20-2011, 06:44 PM	#10
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban I've seen a bunch of trucks with the wood grain intact, even bagged w/ big rims. i like it, kinda nostalgic! __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

11-20-2011, 07:02 PM	#11
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: 1978 Suburban well if you part out, i need the grille __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

11-20-2011, 07:25 PM	#12
thepenguin99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Millington TN Posts: 435	Re: 1978 Suburban It will be a hard sell to get it to someone who actually wants and appreciates it for what it is. If you put a good price on it someone else will just bust it up into parts. If you put a high price on it, it just won't sell. Burbs just aren't that sought after. As far as the woodgrain, I also kinda like it. I really like the idea of that burb slammed with 20s and woodgrain now that you mention it.

11-20-2011, 07:57 PM	#13
nekkidhillbilly Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: hazard, ky Posts: 1,674	Re: 1978 Suburban i wouldnt part it

11-20-2011, 08:21 PM	#14
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: 1978 Suburban Another vote for too nice to part out...but then again, I am a sucker for original 73-87's, especially with woodgrain. That Burb looks to have a lot of neat options, would be cool to let it see the road once again and take a family on a few road trip vacations. Who cares if the "wood" is faded...I bet overall it cleans up real nice and would be a great driver. If you were closer, I would consider buying it from you if the opportunity arose. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

11-20-2011, 08:24 PM	#15
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: 1978 Suburban I would buy what left if you pull the drivetrain, depending on the price. LOL , only 3 1/2 hours away from you and am trying to get parts for my 78 blazer and burb. Steve



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11-20-2011, 08:26 PM	#16
nekkidhillbilly Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: hazard, ky Posts: 1,674	Re: 1978 Suburban what would you want on a 67 from this anyhow not much would fit minus say the engine trans and maybeye the rear

11-20-2011, 08:58 PM	#17
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban Thanks for the responses and opinions guys. If I parted it I would want the engine, trans, complete front crossmember, power steering and power brakes. I am looking for a donor so I can get every nut, bolt, clip, bracket, hose, belt and whatever else to do the swaps. I am getting a deal good enough to equal the cost of the long block and transmission alone. How much would all the stuff required to piece a swap like this together cost? I think a running/driving donor is better than pieceing it all together. This truck just showed up and it has a BB. Ida been happy with something lesser but I had to go look at this one. Seeing the general condition has made me rethink things. This is why I posed the question to you guys, to get opinions. I could put plates on it, clean it up and drive it over the winter and deceide what to do with it next summer. If I did want to sell it, unless I wanted to wait forever and not clean it up, I would have to put money into it to make it nicer. Then I'd still have to advertise it on a national level to garner enough interest in it to get real money for it. Or, or...I could start parting it to get my money back and more to finance the build, keeping the components I want. This would be a good reason to actually subscribe to this forum so I could sell stuff As far as Bagged and Biggies go i'd love to see that! If I got my stuff out it would be a perfect candidate for a dropmember, bags and a big LSX! __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever! Last edited by BMERDOC; 11-20-2011 at 09:14 PM.

11-20-2011, 11:38 PM	#18
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: 1978 Suburban Roof rack & woodgrain..that is a beauty.. __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

11-21-2011, 12:07 AM	#19
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: 1978 Suburban I think that suburban is the quintessential survivor and it would be sad that it made it all those years intact to get ripped apart now. I vote it goes to a home were someone could do it justice. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

11-21-2011, 01:23 AM	#21
meter swinger Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kennewick WA. Posts: 1,437	Re: 1978 Suburban Thats a tough call. Its hard not to get hung up rigs like this. Ive been offered a 78 a guy bought for the BBC drivetrain. He wants 300 for it. It has new paint, 3/5 drop, everthing shaved and new intierior, minus engine and trans. The burbs are so under valued, even more than crew cab duallys it seems. I think you should just go get it. How can you loose? Big block burbs are awesome. Posted via Mobile Device

11-21-2011, 04:19 AM	#22
pat386 misshape grape Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the badger Posts: 385	Re: 1978 Suburban I don't think the blue goes well with the woodgrain look, but that thing is cool! A survivor, needs some lovin'! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Don't you just love rumors? I always find out stuff about myself that I had no idea I even did..

11-21-2011, 08:01 AM	#23
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: 1978 Suburban Love me a 2wd Suburban, hard to find in decent shape around here __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

11-21-2011, 08:40 AM	#24
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: 1978 Suburban looks awesome shape keep it together and drive it if it had quirks you will find them my first burb was a 78,not that nice don't think it would be too hard to replace the grafics see all kinds of decals on cars/trucks now __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

11-21-2011, 12:16 PM	#25
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: 1978 Suburban Ok. So I gotta ask. What do you guys think this unit is worth? __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

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