Got this Suburban last year, going to add a few pics of the process. When I got it, it didn't take much to make it run and drive. Problem is it was super slow with the 4speed and straight 6. It's a very solid car, everything seems to work. The goal is a family car that I can drive... the roadster can only take one kid at a time! Trying to keep it traditional with addition of AC and power brakes. The engine will be a 327 with a T5. Here is a picture of when I brought it home.
First things first, got the axle dropped 3", it already had front mono leaves when I got it, so I will run those for now. I also upgraded the steering ends. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Switching to an open drive shaft, out comes the old rear end. In with a 69 Chevy truck rear to keep the same 6 lug bolt pattern so I can run the original wheels. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Putting a V8 in requires moving the steering box over to clear the exhaust, you can see how close it is here. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I moved the box over close to 2" and forward a bit, also cut the section around the hole in the firewall and moved it over, you can't even tell inside. I used early sbc headers which worked perfect. I got two pass side so it didn't have the gen mount. I have the alt mounted low out of sight. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I cant wait to see this thing in person Matt! You've really done a ton of work since I saw it last year. It turning out awesome. Sounds killer too.
Your moving faster than me! I just now got all the stuff in a pile to put my 283 together for my 39, and I still have all the front end ripped apart! Old North State is gonna be here before I know it! and looks like you'll be riding in the clam shell for sure!
Nice work on your Suburban! I just started working on my lady´s 52 burb. I wish ours was as complete and solid as yours...Ours is a damn rustbucket , but will have a 327 too . I´ll watch you fix yours while I put new metal on ours
I've been a slacker on posting pics here... Had the car on the road, then had a transmission issue so decided to blow it apart. The entire car was sandblasted, interior painted, firewall painted, wired, seats and seatbelts are in and i've been driving it. Will post more soon.
Paint cut and buffed, engine back in. Also put the windshield in. I primed the upper part of the outside and painted where the windows go...I'm going to wait to paint the exterior after I get all the bugs worked out and metal work done.
I saw on these late 40's Suburbans back in the mid 90's sitting in a guy's shop here in Florida. When I asked my friend Roy what was under the car cover he took the cover off and showed me this all original 48 Suburban that looked to be in very good condition. This was one of his projects that was just sitting inside his shop waiting for him to find time to start working on it. What year was the first Suburban manufactured in? You have one very Cool Project and thanks for sharing your skills with the rest of us. Jimbo
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