Babe: The Blue Ox - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**rubberbandit** · 09-25-2016, 07:54 PM

Suburbans run deep in my family. My Dad grew up with a 1974 and wanted one for his own family so he got a 1979 with cruise control, rear a/c, 3 rows. We took so many trips and Sunday drives in that two-tone squarebody. I have many childhood memories with that suburban. Being a father myself I decided to purchase a suburban for my growing family. In 2012 we purchased a 2010 suburban but it was totaled a few months later by a drunk driver that ran a red light (photo below).

We've since purchased a Tahoe but I still wanted a suburban again. I've been on the lookout for a patina'd 67-72 suburban for some time but if I do find one it's very rusted and/or costs a fortune. When this gem showed up on craigslist it was near my house and has been a desert truck it's entire life, and thus rust-free!

CG · 09-25-2016, 08:10 PM

That's an excellent start. What are the plans?

flashed · 09-25-2016, 08:23 PM

Im in to see this one .

**Advanced Design** · 09-25-2016, 08:38 PM

Yes, that Burb looks like a very solid one. Nice find!

**rubberbandit** · 09-25-2016, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

That's an excellent start. What are the plans?

Here's the plan:

Install crate LS3 (already purchased)
4l85e
New control arms and drop spindles
Disc brakes all around
12 bolt rear-end with 3.73 Detroit trutrac
5 lug 20 inch wheels
Accuair air bags
Ididit steering column
Rack and pinion steering
Vintage Air a/c
Install rear a/c
Redo interior with new carpet and upholstery
Install 3rd row (already purchased)
Painless wiring harness (already purchased)

The ultimate goal is to make this a reliable daily driver that I can also take on road trips. Should be a fun Journey!

WannaBe68 · 09-25-2016, 10:48 PM

On board for this build!

Is the rear AC unit also from Vintage air?

nastety92 · 09-26-2016, 07:55 AM

Nice looking truck. I saw that one on Craigslist as well and spoke to the owner about it. Glad someone picked it up and will put some love into it. Good luck with your project sounds like a great plan.

Nick

**rubberbandit** · 09-26-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

On board for this build!

Is the rear AC unit also from Vintage air?

It doesn't have AC now but I plan on putting vintage air for the front a/c. Still looking at options for rear A/C. I'd love to put a factory 72 rear ac in it but those are hard to come by. There are other options I'm considering. We'll see

bowtieguy79 · 09-26-2016, 11:33 AM

Love it, lucky to have found one near you and in that condition!

**Hart_Rod** · 09-26-2016, 01:57 PM

Looks like a great start!

**rubberbandit** · 09-27-2016, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Looks like a great start!

I am excited. I read through your entire build. It only took me a few days. You've put a lot of work into that suburban. How do you like your HDX gauges? I just placed my order today for the white/silver version. they said 4-6 weeks.

**rubberbandit** · 10-01-2016, 01:51 AM

The LS3 showed up!!

Devillusion · 10-05-2016, 01:44 AM

looks promising so far

**rubberbandit** · 11-09-2016, 02:47 AM

This is the transmission that was built by user: Clinebarger. If you need a "better-than-stock" transmission he is the guy to go to. You can check out his transmission build thread here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=718986

I went with a 4l80e. I am very impressed with Clinebarger's knowledge and skills. A very reputable and honest person

**rubberbandit** · 11-09-2016, 02:51 AM

I've been collecting parts to get ready for this build. This is one thing that I'm so excited for. Just after receiving these Dakota Digital HDX gauges I went to SEMA and got to check these things in action. I think they are so cool and still retain that stock classic look.

**rubberbandit** · 11-09-2016, 02:57 AM

I scored this from Ebay, although it looks hammered it's actually in pretty good shape. I'd like to remove the speakesr and repair the holes then paint it to look like new. I've been looking for one of these ever since I got the Burb. I definitely need one of these in Hot Vegas. Does anybody know where I could get new replacement vents?

**rubberbandit** · 02-16-2017, 03:06 AM

Status update, got it torn to the bare frame:

**rubberbandit** · 02-16-2017, 03:17 AM

Porterbuilt components installed

**LockDoc** · 02-16-2017, 12:12 PM

-
Lookin' good! Keep at it and you will be driving it before you know it.....

LockDoc

**rubberbandit** · 02-18-2017, 04:52 AM

Mocking everything up. I want to be able to use the 3rd row (Which is why I went with the stage 1 PB kit instead of stage 3). The 3rd row will fit nicely!

nastety92 · 02-18-2017, 07:42 AM

Doesn't the third row seat normally mount between the wheel wells?

**rubberbandit** · 02-18-2017, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nastety92

Doesn't the third row seat normally mount between the wheel wells?

It does, but it sits about 4 inches above the floor. With my setup I'll be able to mount the seat directly on the tubbed floor (without mounting brackets) and still sit at a near-stock height.

**rubberbandit** · 02-18-2017, 06:43 PM

mocking up the LS3

nastety92 · 02-18-2017, 07:14 PM

Nice man. Looking forward to seeing how you mount the seats. Also what motor mount perches and slides are you using?

**rubberbandit** · 02-18-2017, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nastety92

Nice man. Looking forward to seeing how you mount the seats. Also what motor mount perches and slides are you using?

I'm using the custom ones that came from Porterbuilt. They aren't adjustable but they are designed for the LS and installed on the PB dropmember and the LS fits nicely.

09-25-2016, 07:54 PM	#1
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Babe: The Blue Ox Suburbans run deep in my family. My Dad grew up with a 1974 and wanted one for his own family so he got a 1979 with cruise control, rear a/c, 3 rows. We took so many trips and Sunday drives in that two-tone squarebody. I have many childhood memories with that suburban. Being a father myself I decided to purchase a suburban for my growing family. In 2012 we purchased a 2010 suburban but it was totaled a few months later by a drunk driver that ran a red light (photo below). We've since purchased a Tahoe but I still wanted a suburban again. I've been on the lookout for a patina'd 67-72 suburban for some time but if I do find one it's very rusted and/or costs a fortune. When this gem showed up on craigslist it was near my house and has been a desert truck it's entire life, and thus rust-free! Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

09-25-2016, 08:10 PM	#2
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 20,040	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox That's an excellent start. What are the plans? __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

09-25-2016, 08:23 PM	#3
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Im in to see this one .

09-25-2016, 08:38 PM	#4
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Yes, that Burb looks like a very solid one. Nice find! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

09-25-2016, 10:48 PM	#6
WannaBe68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Texas! Posts: 430	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox On board for this build! Is the rear AC unit also from Vintage air?

09-26-2016, 07:55 AM	#7
nastety92 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rockland, MA Posts: 367	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Nice looking truck. I saw that one on Craigslist as well and spoke to the owner about it. Glad someone picked it up and will put some love into it. Good luck with your project sounds like a great plan. Nick

09-26-2016, 11:33 AM	#9
bowtieguy79 Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Delavan, IL Posts: 677	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Love it, lucky to have found one near you and in that condition! __________________ 72 Suburban making it mine My 79 C10 story 79 C10 LS swap 94 LS swapped Daily Driver Tahoe Limited Instagram - @piersonclassics 83 K20 Farm Truck Build

09-26-2016, 01:57 PM	#10
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Looks like a great start! __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

10-01-2016, 01:51 AM	#12
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	ls3 The LS3 showed up!! Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

10-05-2016, 01:44 AM	#13
Devillusion Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 782	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox looks promising so far __________________ 1967 K30 4x4/12v Cummins/getrag/D60/D70/355s 1967 GMC suburban 4x4/LS swap 5.3/4500/205/10 bolt/14 bolt full floater 1963 C10 reg cab long box 1970 Chevelle 1968 Biscayne 2dr post "...there is no excuse for what I am about to do, but dangit....it's gonna be fun!"

11-09-2016, 02:47 AM	#14
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox This is the transmission that was built by user: Clinebarger. If you need a "better-than-stock" transmission he is the guy to go to. You can check out his transmission build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=718986 I went with a 4l80e. I am very impressed with Clinebarger's knowledge and skills. A very reputable and honest person Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

11-09-2016, 02:51 AM	#15
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox I've been collecting parts to get ready for this build. This is one thing that I'm so excited for. Just after receiving these Dakota Digital HDX gauges I went to SEMA and got to check these things in action. I think they are so cool and still retain that stock classic look. Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

11-09-2016, 02:57 AM	#16
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox I scored this from Ebay, although it looks hammered it's actually in pretty good shape. I'd like to remove the speakesr and repair the holes then paint it to look like new. I've been looking for one of these ever since I got the Burb. I definitely need one of these in Hot Vegas. Does anybody know where I could get new replacement vents? Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

02-16-2017, 03:06 AM	#17
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	more pics Status update, got it torn to the bare frame: Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

02-16-2017, 03:17 AM	#18
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Porterbuilt components installed Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox



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02-16-2017, 12:12 PM	#19
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,832	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox - Lookin' good! Keep at it and you will be driving it before you know it..... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

02-18-2017, 04:52 AM	#20
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Mocking everything up. I want to be able to use the 3rd row (Which is why I went with the stage 1 PB kit instead of stage 3). The 3rd row will fit nicely! Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

02-18-2017, 07:42 AM	#21
nastety92 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rockland, MA Posts: 367	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Doesn't the third row seat normally mount between the wheel wells?

02-18-2017, 06:43 PM	#23
rubberbandit Active Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 147	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox mocking up the LS3 Attached Images __________________ -Chad '72, C10, SWB, fleet, 4L80E, 406sbc, EFI, TruTrac Blackfoot '69 C20 Suburban, PB Dropmember, 3rd row, LS3 6.2L, 4l80e, rear A/C, Dakota Digital HDX Babe: The Blue Ox

02-18-2017, 07:14 PM	#24
nastety92 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rockland, MA Posts: 367	Re: Babe: The Blue Ox Nice man. Looking forward to seeing how you mount the seats. Also what motor mount perches and slides are you using?

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