61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

I started on this 1961 Suburban about 2 years ago. The project has taken many different course corrections since I started. I bought an 87 Suburban for $400 for the axles and decided just to shorted the frame.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

More Pics

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

did you have to move all of the body mounts? I am thinking of doing the same on my truck

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Im watching...

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

I did. I moved the mounts from my 61 frame to the 87. They are located in almost the exact same place as the 87 mounts were. The rear "subframe" from the 61 slid right between the rear frame rails like it was made to fit. I used the last cross member off the 87 right behind the gas tank as it is made to cradle the tank. On the front of the frame I made "adapters" that I welded to my radiator core support that fit in the existing 87 frame holes. I also used a hole saw to cut new holes in all the 61 mounts so I could use new poly 87 bushings between the frame and body. As for the gas tank I bought a new one from Rock Auto and just put it in backwords so the fill neck is on the drivers side, it clears the bottom of the body by about an inch.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Here are a few more pics of my frame. After I z cut the frame I used 3/16" plate the width of the frame about 3' long to reinforce my joint.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Wow looking good! Can't wait to see this one done or just body back on the frame rolling down the road.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

This sure looks good! This will be a really neat suburban when you get it all together and finished! Keep up the excellent work!

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Any updates GMC Sub4x4? Bringing all the 4x4's that have not posted in a couple of months to the top.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

I have recently been working on a cross flow radiator conversion. When I tried to use my stock radiator the lower inlet was blocked by the 87 frame cross-member. I purchased this radiator from Summit, it is a 26" x 19" with a tranny cooler. I started with a mock-up.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

First I made lower mounts by using 1-1/2" x 1/4" strap and welded on pieces of 1" square tubing that fit inside the lower channel on the radiator. They I fabbed up an upper cover/mount with some 18 gauge and a cheep Harbor Freight Tools brake. I welded a piece inside the cover to sandwich the upper outer flange of the channel on the radiator. I then welded some nuts to the inside and used some small SS allen bolts to fasten the upper cover to the radiator. It really was a simple and fun project.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

A few more pics of the almost finished project. I still need to paint all the pieces and am going to put a Vintage AC condenser in front of the new radiator.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

nice fab work

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

A little update on my progress. I now have the motor running! It sounds good. Using modified stock GM TBI, I still need to have a new chip burned for the computer. I ordered some mandrel bends for the radiator tubing and welded them together. It was hard to find a molded hose that I liked.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

I have also been working on my seats a little at a time. I am using the third row seats out of a newer suburban. They have the seat belts built into them. One fits perfectiy as the third row seat in the 61. I cut 10" out of the width of another seat to be my middle seat. I have also cut the foam and will glue it back together before I have it re-upholstered.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

More Seat Pictures

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

The previous owner hacked a chevy gauge cluster into the GMC bezzel. I welded in some sheet steel and then cut holes for my custom Speedhut gauges. I also had a custom signal indicator made. It has lights for turn signals, 4x4, E-brake and Brights. It also shows what gear I'm in.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

very cool build i like all the modern touches

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

very cool ! you have done a ton nice work!!

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Kool build can't wait to see it finished.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

wow gauges look cool

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Wow, your truck and work is looking really good. Keep it up! Thanks for updating and showing us what you have been doing on it.

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

Wow man it looks great! I'm a few steps behind you but on the same path. Here's how mine looked when I got it.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383597856

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

The guy I bought it from snapped this pic when he got it. Then he disassembled it and started painting some body parts blue.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598010

Re: 61 Suburban 4x4 on 87 Frame
 

My Dad and I pulled the body the other day.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1383598290