1950 Burb help wanted

[opc patrick]

After lurking for a year... I am ready to start working/ posting.

I have always wanted to build a hot rod or rebuild a classic car, but it turns out I don't have any real car knowledge, but I am not one to let that get in the way. I am a computer nerd who ended up in the electric industry.

A year ago I went on a search for a 1956 nomad... Turns out I don't have nomad money. I then did some soul searching and came up with a 47 to 53 burb. After some Craig's list searching I found one for sale 20 miles from my house in Red Oak Tx. Yea! I was able to drive it home... after stopping at a car wash to refill the radiator and cool down the engine.

It looked in better shape than it really was. The PO had done some things that may not have been the best choice for this girl. The Camaro clip was welded in, but it looks like it was done in the dark, like old battery cables stuck between the two frames.

I have bought a frame from someone doing an s10 conversion and I am starting to work on it. I am going to need help..... Lots and lots of help.

A photo is worth a thousand words...so here we go..

[opc patrick]

When buying the frame I walked around the guys place and spent some additional money on gauges, speedo, some sheet metal and odds and ends.

another pic, oh never mind the blood I used the back to clean a deer

[fredscarryall]

Check out ad-engineering.com.if you don't want to buy the s10 conversion kit from them.you can get some really good ideas from the web site
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[kornfed]

Hey Patrick, if you'd offer up some tenderloin, you may get more offers for help
Nice lookin project... !

[opc patrick]

slow progress frame is now on make shift rotisserie, and front and rear suspension has been dropped. I have purchased a blazer rear end for the disk brake upgrade. Soon I will order the mustang II front end and the rear springs. I hate grinding drilling these rivets out.

I am still trying to figure out how to place the engine. seems moving the body of the burb is not that easy and it looks like it has to be done several times.

[youngrodder]

OPC Patrick-

Good to seem some progress. I hear you about the rivits. I'm in the process of doing the samething to my 53 Subruban. I just have the rear driver side suspension left.

Good luck
Marc

[xpickup]

They are a PITA. I cut an X in the head of them down to the frame surface and then get out the air chisel. air chisel the head off in pieces and then put the blunt point in the air chisel and drive out the rest. work out pretty well. Keep working on it and it will get there.


Shannon

[oldman3]

Nice looking project...Jim

[Iceburgh]

We'll you are in the right place. There are 5 or 6 burbs being built now so we can lean on each other.

[48 GMC BURB]

You are definitely in the right place, the group of of guys that have responded to you have Mad skills & are eager to help. Too bad your build is so ahead of my rebuild or I'd sell you my frame.. MI II & ford 9 in the rear..Moving to a kustom frame with C-4 vett susp in the fall if Shannon(xpickup) not fed up with helping me by then!!
Have fun with it the possibilities are endless.

Originally Posted by opc patrick

slow progress frame is now on make shift rotisserie, and front and rear suspension has been dropped. I have purchased a blazer rear end for the disk brake upgrade. Soon I will order the mustang II front end and the rear springs. I hate grinding drilling these rivets out.

I am still trying to figure out how to place the engine. seems moving the body of the burb is not that easy and it looks like it has to be done several times.


Attachment 1222441

[hyatt]

also building one Have mine about ready to start Been running fuel and brake lines and mounting radiator

[hyatt]

My best friend is also building a burb his 51 is way aheadd of mine

[oldman3]

Hey hyatt, your's and your friend both have nice rides, you guys have threads, if so post them up so we can follow...Jim

[xpickup]

hyatt, Yes,they are both nice looking rides. I wish mine way a burb. I love the color combo on you buddies. Trust me Ken I am not tired of you!

Shannon

[opc patrick]

So I have been grinding, drilling and chiseling out some rivits almost have all the various pieces off the frame. I have a few more on the passanger side. Hope to finish this up this week.

Do most people remove that brace around the e-brake bar? This part seemed to hold the most dirt and has seen better days.

Oh and the grinder got away from me once and I grabbed it before I realized what happend. Ouch.

[oldman3]

You are so right about the grinder. Believe me you are not the first and won't be the last to learn grinders...Jim

[yawdie1]

I broke down and bought a air chisel. But i still had to cut the head so they come off easier.

[Iceburgh]

keep plugging away...it will be worth it

[opc patrick]

finished stripping brackets and cross members necessary. Identified one spot that had rusted through the frame rail. It was where the rear cross member was holding dirt.


I got it patched and now ready for sandblasting.





I'm not the best welder, I tend to over do it and then grind a lot.

[youngrodder]

Looks good. I have coined the term "Grind welding" This is where I heap up a bunch of weld and grind it off. I joke that it is the strongest weld known to man..

Marc

[JSavoie]

After 3 years, what happened? Did you sell it? Or did just life get in the way as it so often happens?