61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GMC Sub4x4 · 03-07-2012, 02:06 AM

I started on this 1961 Suburban about 2 years ago. The project has taken many different course corrections since I started. I bought an 87 Suburban for $400 for the axles and decided just to shorted the frame.

GMC Sub4x4 · 03-07-2012, 02:11 AM

More Pics

jimmythompson1964 · 03-07-2012, 08:54 AM

did you have to move all of the body mounts? I am thinking of doing the same on my truck

babylonflyer · 03-07-2012, 01:42 PM

Im watching...

GMC Sub4x4 · 03-07-2012, 10:38 PM

I did. I moved the mounts from my 61 frame to the 87. They are located in almost the exact same place as the 87 mounts were. The rear "subframe" from the 61 slid right between the rear frame rails like it was made to fit. I used the last cross member off the 87 right behind the gas tank as it is made to cradle the tank. On the front of the frame I made "adapters" that I welded to my radiator core support that fit in the existing 87 frame holes. I also used a hole saw to cut new holes in all the 61 mounts so I could use new poly 87 bushings between the frame and body. As for the gas tank I bought a new one from Rock Auto and just put it in backwords so the fill neck is on the drivers side, it clears the bottom of the body by about an inch.

GMC Sub4x4 · 03-07-2012, 10:49 PM

Here are a few more pics of my frame. After I z cut the frame I used 3/16" plate the width of the frame about 3' long to reinforce my joint.

66Gilbert · 03-07-2012, 11:04 PM

Wow looking good! Can't wait to see this one done or just body back on the frame rolling down the road.

C@rnut001 · 03-14-2012, 03:52 PM

This sure looks good! This will be a really neat suburban when you get it all together and finished! Keep up the excellent work!

66Gilbert · 07-06-2012, 09:40 PM

Any updates GMC Sub4x4? Bringing all the 4x4's that have not posted in a couple of months to the top.

GMC Sub4x4 · 08-20-2012, 11:51 PM

I have recently been working on a cross flow radiator conversion. When I tried to use my stock radiator the lower inlet was blocked by the 87 frame cross-member. I purchased this radiator from Summit, it is a 26" x 19" with a tranny cooler. I started with a mock-up.

GMC Sub4x4 · 08-21-2012, 12:05 AM

First I made lower mounts by using 1-1/2" x 1/4" strap and welded on pieces of 1" square tubing that fit inside the lower channel on the radiator. They I fabbed up an upper cover/mount with some 18 gauge and a cheep Harbor Freight Tools brake. I welded a piece inside the cover to sandwich the upper outer flange of the channel on the radiator. I then welded some nuts to the inside and used some small SS allen bolts to fasten the upper cover to the radiator. It really was a simple and fun project.

GMC Sub4x4 · 08-21-2012, 12:08 AM

A few more pics of the almost finished project. I still need to paint all the pieces and am going to put a Vintage AC condenser in front of the new radiator.

piratexpress1369a · 08-21-2012, 11:35 AM

nice fab work

GMC Sub4x4 · 10-28-2013, 11:09 PM

A little update on my progress. I now have the motor running! It sounds good. Using modified stock GM TBI, I still need to have a new chip burned for the computer. I ordered some mandrel bends for the radiator tubing and welded them together. It was hard to find a molded hose that I liked.

GMC Sub4x4 · 10-28-2013, 11:12 PM

I have also been working on my seats a little at a time. I am using the third row seats out of a newer suburban. They have the seat belts built into them. One fits perfectiy as the third row seat in the 61. I cut 10" out of the width of another seat to be my middle seat. I have also cut the foam and will glue it back together before I have it re-upholstered.

GMC Sub4x4 · 10-28-2013, 11:25 PM

More Seat Pictures

GMC Sub4x4 · 10-28-2013, 11:32 PM

The previous owner hacked a chevy gauge cluster into the GMC bezzel. I welded in some sheet steel and then cut holes for my custom Speedhut gauges. I also had a custom signal indicator made. It has lights for turn signals, 4x4, E-brake and Brights. It also shows what gear I'm in.

69 chevy 1 · 10-28-2013, 11:33 PM

very cool build i like all the modern touches

Dinos63 · 10-29-2013, 09:36 AM

very cool ! you have done a ton nice work!!

RANDY COX · 10-29-2013, 12:37 PM

Kool build can't wait to see it finished.

piratexpress1369a · 10-29-2013, 12:37 PM

wow gauges look cool

C@rnut001 · 10-29-2013, 11:49 PM

Wow, your truck and work is looking really good. Keep it up! Thanks for updating and showing us what you have been doing on it.

BucketOfBurban · 11-04-2013, 04:44 PM

Wow man it looks great! I'm a few steps behind you but on the same path. Here's how mine looked when I got it.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383597856

BucketOfBurban · 11-04-2013, 04:46 PM

The guy I bought it from snapped this pic when he got it. Then he disassembled it and started painting some body parts blue.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598010

BucketOfBurban · 11-04-2013, 04:51 PM

My Dad and I pulled the body the other day.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598290

03-07-2012, 02:06 AM	#1
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame I started on this 1961 Suburban about 2 years ago. The project has taken many different course corrections since I started. I bought an 87 Suburban for $400 for the axles and decided just to shorted the frame. Attached Images

03-07-2012, 02:11 AM	#2
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame More Pics Attached Images

03-07-2012, 08:54 AM	#3
jimmythompson1964 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Greeneville TN Posts: 251	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame did you have to move all of the body mounts? I am thinking of doing the same on my truck __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=765151

03-07-2012, 01:42 PM	#4
babylonflyer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: CALI Posts: 107	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Im watching...

03-07-2012, 10:38 PM	#5
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame I did. I moved the mounts from my 61 frame to the 87. They are located in almost the exact same place as the 87 mounts were. The rear "subframe" from the 61 slid right between the rear frame rails like it was made to fit. I used the last cross member off the 87 right behind the gas tank as it is made to cradle the tank. On the front of the frame I made "adapters" that I welded to my radiator core support that fit in the existing 87 frame holes. I also used a hole saw to cut new holes in all the 61 mounts so I could use new poly 87 bushings between the frame and body. As for the gas tank I bought a new one from Rock Auto and just put it in backwords so the fill neck is on the drivers side, it clears the bottom of the body by about an inch. Attached Images

03-07-2012, 10:49 PM	#6
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Here are a few more pics of my frame. After I z cut the frame I used 3/16" plate the width of the frame about 3' long to reinforce my joint. Attached Images

03-07-2012, 11:04 PM	#7
66Gilbert 1966 Crew Cab & 4X4 Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 904	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Wow looking good! Can't wait to see this one done or just body back on the frame rolling down the road.

03-14-2012, 03:52 PM	#8
C@rnut001 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alaska Posts: 405	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame This sure looks good! This will be a really neat suburban when you get it all together and finished! Keep up the excellent work! __________________ C@rnut001 (Owen) Alaskan Members Check In http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...22#post5094422 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...18#post6778618

07-06-2012, 09:40 PM	#9
66Gilbert 1966 Crew Cab & 4X4 Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 904	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Any updates GMC Sub4x4? Bringing all the 4x4's that have not posted in a couple of months to the top.

08-20-2012, 11:51 PM	#10
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame I have recently been working on a cross flow radiator conversion. When I tried to use my stock radiator the lower inlet was blocked by the 87 frame cross-member. I purchased this radiator from Summit, it is a 26" x 19" with a tranny cooler. I started with a mock-up. Attached Images

08-21-2012, 12:05 AM	#11
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame First I made lower mounts by using 1-1/2" x 1/4" strap and welded on pieces of 1" square tubing that fit inside the lower channel on the radiator. They I fabbed up an upper cover/mount with some 18 gauge and a cheep Harbor Freight Tools brake. I welded a piece inside the cover to sandwich the upper outer flange of the channel on the radiator. I then welded some nuts to the inside and used some small SS allen bolts to fasten the upper cover to the radiator. It really was a simple and fun project. Attached Images

08-21-2012, 12:08 AM	#12
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame A few more pics of the almost finished project. I still need to paint all the pieces and am going to put a Vintage AC condenser in front of the new radiator. Attached Images

08-21-2012, 11:35 AM	#13
piratexpress1369a Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Selkirk Ontario Canada Posts: 1,141	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame nice fab work __________________ My 63 GMC Panel Slow Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post5457281 63

10-28-2013, 11:09 PM	#14
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame A little update on my progress. I now have the motor running! It sounds good. Using modified stock GM TBI, I still need to have a new chip burned for the computer. I ordered some mandrel bends for the radiator tubing and welded them together. It was hard to find a molded hose that I liked. Attached Images

10-28-2013, 11:12 PM	#15
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame I have also been working on my seats a little at a time. I am using the third row seats out of a newer suburban. They have the seat belts built into them. One fits perfectiy as the third row seat in the 61. I cut 10" out of the width of another seat to be my middle seat. I have also cut the foam and will glue it back together before I have it re-upholstered. Attached Images



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10-28-2013, 11:25 PM	#16
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame More Seat Pictures Attached Images

10-28-2013, 11:32 PM	#17
GMC Sub4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ogden Utah Posts: 66	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame The previous owner hacked a chevy gauge cluster into the GMC bezzel. I welded in some sheet steel and then cut holes for my custom Speedhut gauges. I also had a custom signal indicator made. It has lights for turn signals, 4x4, E-brake and Brights. It also shows what gear I'm in. Attached Images

10-28-2013, 11:33 PM	#18
69 chevy 1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: las vegas nevada Posts: 231	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame very cool build i like all the modern touches

10-29-2013, 09:36 AM	#19
Dinos63 chevy only Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,619	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame very cool ! you have done a ton nice work!! __________________ CHEVY ONLY... Nothin Else !

10-29-2013, 12:37 PM	#20
RANDY COX Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: RADFORD, VA Posts: 2,651	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Kool build can't wait to see it finished. __________________ 1964 BBC 402 4x4

10-29-2013, 11:49 PM	#22
C@rnut001 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Alaska Posts: 405	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Wow, your truck and work is looking really good. Keep it up! Thanks for updating and showing us what you have been doing on it. __________________ C@rnut001 (Owen) Alaskan Members Check In http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...22#post5094422 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...18#post6778618

11-04-2013, 04:44 PM	#23
BucketOfBurban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Suffolk,Va Posts: 13	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame Wow man it looks great! I'm a few steps behind you but on the same path. Here's how mine looked when I got it.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383597856 Attached Images

11-04-2013, 04:46 PM	#24
BucketOfBurban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Suffolk,Va Posts: 13	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame The guy I bought it from snapped this pic when he got it. Then he disassembled it and started painting some body parts blue.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598010 Attached Images

11-04-2013, 04:51 PM	#25
BucketOfBurban Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Suffolk,Va Posts: 13	Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame My Dad and I pulled the body the other day.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598290 Attached Images

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