My New Project...

As my family has grown, we've outgrown my 54 Chevy pickup. The old pickup served as the perfect pacifier when the wife and kiddo had to go along and I couldn't ride the ol Harley. WIth the new baby came the search for the next hotrod.

My stipulations were that it must be mid 60's or older, have seating for four, and preferrably be a General Motors product. A car would be cool and I have never owned a car of any kind (unless you can count my 74 ElCamino), but I am really a truck guy.

So here's what I wound up with:

1961 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall 4X4, 235, 4speed. All original and all intact. I had originally planned a frame swap to a two wheel drive S10 and SBC power (or 500 Caddy...), but the more I look, the more I can't cut up this unique old truck. So it'll be mostly original except for a set of GM truck rally's and the color (we're thinkin red/ white). Depending on what I think of the 235's capabilities I may swap in an early Corvette 327 that's hangin out in the back of the garage, and possibly the Powerglide too (so the wife can drive).

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5922412&l=f4f35dc37b&id=507195422

 

Looks like you have a ways to go, enjoy the build, keep us posted with pics.

 

That is a rare bird right there..

 

The 4x4 thing has grown on me. THe more I research, the more I like it. Now I just need a two wheel drive one to go with it. (...and a panel, and a pickup, and a 4X4 pickup...)

 

I've started stripping the truck. It is going on a late model Silverado 2wd ch***is. I wanted something driveable for me and my wife, and this would make it much safer and practical in that sense.

The left side of the truck ain't that bad. Pinholes in the rockers, wheel arches look good, and a few dings to deal with. The tailgate and hatch are nearly perfect, as is all the gl*** minus the windshield (complete with standard issue farm truck bullet holes).

Rockers under the doors? What rockers? Was there ever rockers there? Wierd, because the floor pans are perfect. Doors open perfect and don't even droop.

If mice eat it, it is between the skins on this truck.





And I had good help...

 

Looks like fun. I like your helper too, train them young. Keep us posted that will be a real nice ride with plenty of room.

 

Thanks. He talks about his "Yellow Truck" and the old Ferguson TO20 in his sleep...

 

That's a cool truck. I'm building a 1966 GMC 4X4 short step side. It's not an orignal 4x4. Someone did a crude job of making it a 4x4. I wanted it to be driveable and not brake me at the fuel pumps so I'm swapping the frame and drvetrain for a 1994 dodge 4X4 with a ***mings and a 5 speed. I wish mine was in better shape like yours.

 

That sounds awesome! I kinda hate to lose the 4x4 out from under mine, but I just really wanted a hotrod! Now, a ***mins in my hotrod would be pretty sweet...

 

So after a little research, and nobody being interested in the 4x4 ch***is from under the Sub, I've decided to try putting the front suspension from a 64-66 under this one. A few people have told me it should be relatively straightforward. As nice as the modern suspension would have been, this will be a little more period, which is kinda what I'm goin for.

As far as progress, the driver's side from the door back is ready for primer, along with the hatch and tailgate. Driver's door isn't too far from ready.

The p***enger door was locked, and the door wouldn't unlock from the inside thanks to some broken hardware. So after two hours with a pry bar and some screwdrivers, I got things popped loose. Then I realized that I had a door key that would've opened it right up. Not used to getting door keys with old trucks!

The doors on this truck open and close like a brand new truck. There is no play in the hinges. The rocker and door jam in the p***enger side are in really good shape.

I've got four good steelies I'm about to paint up. It'll really start lookin like it's comin together with the wheels and tires on it. They always do.

 

Sounds like your realy coming along on this build. Can't wait to see more pics.

 

awesome. Keep at it
"and the bowtie rolls on"

 

Not much new today... got the top sanded down and ready, gonna try to prime it and the drivers side, and the lift/gate Thursday. This working second shift and babysitting is really puttin a cramp in my style!

 

if a 64-66' front crossmember will fit why not add a later one that has disc brakes a nd power steering? they are everywhere and cheap plus gives you the 5 lug upgrade.

 

I'd thought of doing that, but I kinda like the six lug, and my rear end is already six lug.

 

It's been a little while since I've got to post, but I've got the driver's side from the door back ready for primer, along with the top. Got the front cap off, and today I got the motor and transmission pulled. Now it's time to pull the transfer case and front springs and axle. I've found a front end from a 65, just have to sell some of these factory parts from this truck before I can do anything.

The hatch and tailgate need very little to be ready to prime. The left rear quarter, on the other hand, has old damage under nearly an inch of plastic filler. What I've found under that looks like they used a slide hammer with 5/16 bolts to pull out the mess. So I've got big holes to mess with too.

Both doors need bottoms, other than that, they're not bad. I'm gonna work them on the truck... they hang, open, and close way too good to take them off.

The front cap isn't too bad. Just typical C-10 lower fenders and hood rot.

 

Nice keep us posted

 

Sold the engine, transmission, and transfer case to fund the 2wd conversion project. Got to meet a new HAMBer, "gwh" from Mississippi, and he's a pretty darn good guy. Dealing with Guy was great. I got the front axle and leaf springs out, and went and picked up a 65 model front suspension setup. In the process now of getting it loose from what's left of the 65 frame.

 

Pretty neat can't wait to see more.