Need suggestions on purchasing an old Burb and what I should be looking out for.

[EricU]

Hello All, my name is Eric and I am a car addict- I don't know when to just stop.

I am currently on the hunt for a 2wd 60-66 Suburban for my next project. I am looking for an as clean as possible, non-rust bucket example to start with. I want the look of the hood from the chevy 60/61 trucks and have been told that I can install that hood on a 63-66 (hopefully that is correct).

I am still not sure which windshield design that I prefer or if I care.

I don’t care what engine/tranny it has or even if it has one as I have a newly rebuilt torque monster Cadillac 472/TH400 with a SWP convertor sitting on a pallet in my garage taking up space and the motor has to go into something! I would just sell the engine/tranny but I like the valve covers too much.

The plans are of course for the truck to bag it and lay frame, so either a complete new chassis or a front and rear suspension hack off/weld on (Porter Built, Choppin Block, late model Chevy, etc etc etc).

But what I don’t want is a major rust bucket as my projects just take too long to begin with (my current 65 Cadillac Convertible which I gave myself 6 weekends is now over three years old!!!!)

I can wrench (got most tools), paint (kind of), weld (poorly), do have access to a lift (kind of, involves begging and beer) and don’t mind taking my time on this project.

* My question to you 60-66 Suburban experts is when I go look at some to buy, what areas should I be concerned with? What trim pieces are readily available or made out of unobtainium? (some of the stupid little things on that “clean” Cadillac…).

I need and welcome any and all of your input.

Thanks for any help, comments or cheeseburgers….

I included some photos of my engine that is lonely because I don't yet have a Suburban.

Some things about me;
I have a dog - that's him in the last photo and not me

[chevy_mike]

Nice looking Caddy and pup.

Basically everything from the doors forward are just like the truck other than the very front body mounts. They are specific to Burbs/Panels and are not repop'ed. Everything back of the doors are unique to them. Almost not repop'ed panels so look for any rust or damage body items, as you will likely need to fad or cut from another vehicle and weld in. On Burbs, the glass, sliders, window locks and seats are unique and hard to find. Same with rear doors/hatch/tailgate.

Spend the money up front and get the best condition body you can find. Mechanicals are like the trucks so that's not a big deal but anything to do with the body or interior (seats and from back of the doors) are hard to find and most stuff is not repo'ed.

Good luck.

[shibbby911]

Nice I’m ready to see this

[EricU]

Originally Posted by shibbby911

Nice I’m ready to see this

GREAT! I'll be playing second fiddle to Shibbby on two forums!!!

[61ChevyPanel]

Parts are much easier to find for the '64 - '66 models. Parts are hardest to find for '60 - '62; just look at any parts catalog. The '60 - '62 versions also have a torsion bar front suspension. Many people prefer coil springs. The '60 - '63 trucks have a wrap around front windshield while the '64 - '66 windshields are flatter.

[Killer Bee]

this looks like it would be a good host for your project

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=679

1966 chev c10 suburban project - $3500 (Monroe)

[EricU]

Found this one in Driggs Idaho, which is off the beaten path at the foot of the Tetons. Brought her home to Northern California to live out the rest of her life along the beach.

Now I just need to dig up a hood off a 61! along with a few mods that I have planned.

[Captainfab]

That is a very nice '63 Suburban. Personally I would leave it as it is. Of course I am partial to '63's