So i just picked up a 1950 plymouth suburban as a new project that needs total restoration. The car is all original and complete, and had been sitting in a field since 1965. Overall the body is in pretty decent shape. Has a good amount of rust in the floors, and the front crossmember is rusted out due to sitting in the dirt... the rest of the frame actually looks to be in good shape though. While i would love to upgrade the stock plymouth IFS, that is basically imposible due to the front crosmember issues. I have an s10 frame sitting at the house that i could painfully join up to the 'burb, but i would rather not reinvent the wheel here (and yes i have read many of the threads discussing this, so noone fall out of your chairs yet.) I think this would probably be a larger project than my limited fabricating skills could handle. I do have access to a factory plynouth front subframe that could be used to replace the rusted out crossmember, but i think if i am going to go through that much trouble i had might as well upgrade. I am kicking around the idea of of doing a JAG of M2 setup as well. i Think the track width on the jag might be a bit wide though. I am also planning on bagging the suburban as well. Probably go 2-link on the rear. also, does anyone know the front track width on a 1950 plymouth suburban is?
The factory published front tread width is 55 7/16". Stock Mustang II is 56". S-10 is, I believe, 54". Jag XJ6/12 is 60 3/4" from WMS to WMS (wheel mounting surface). The greatest drawback to the S-10 is the steering box position being well forward of the axle centerline..........radiator/core support interference issues will be a major challenge. The stock front end on Mopars of this era actually ride and drive very well. Disc brake kits are available. repairing/replaceing the stock front crossmember would be worth considering. But if you are determined to replace that with something else, a Fatman frame stub kit is by far the easiest (no issues with radiator/steering gear) and will yield the most satisfactory results in all respects. It will cost more than an S-10 in terms of money.....but will be the least expensive when compared to results achieved. BTW, over the years I have had, and have now, several of these Mopars so I am making recommendations based on prior experience with them. One of my 'regrets' is having sold a '51 Suburban several years ago. I do get the pleasure of seeing it a few times a year when the guy who bought shows up at events we both attend.........cool cars! Ray
@sunsetdart nice Plymouth you have there. How much of a chop do you have on it? Hnstray. Thanks for the great info.this is my first mopar anything, and the most involved project I have undertaken. This is exactly the kind of info I am looking for. Jag is off the table. An s10 swap seems way more involved than it is worth... I am trying to build this on somewhat of a budget. Looks like a fatman stub is gunna cost in the neighborhood of 2k plus, which is a lot more than I would like to spend on the front suspension. I am thinking replacing the crossmember and and modifying the factory ifs is probably going to be the way to go...
Hey Guys, need some help locating rocker and floor pans. I've got a couple of these Burbans. I settled on the suburban due to it's coolness over a Sedan Delivery, but need sheet metal. any leads are appreciated.
i know there are several companies make them. rockauto is one. you should check out the p15-d24 forum, there is a bunch of info there.
I don't own it anymore but love posting photos. crossed a Suburban with a Belvedere. still need Plymouth Savoy quarter panel belt moulding (Stainless trim )
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