got my steelies on - b4 & after pics

[dougo]

Originally Posted by Sublvr72

I like both looks! maybe keep the alloys for a spare set?

Thanks... & thought about it, but not sure how often I'd swap out sets and then I'd have to find space to store them (I have too much stuff in the garage as it is...). I'd rather see them go to someone who'd have a better use for them - tires have about 90% tread on them... so they'd be a good set for someone.

[Southcity]

No need and thanks for that info. Those steelies really set that Burb off, what a great look, I'll bet others on the road are noticing too.....great job!

Originally Posted by dougo

Thanks Southcity. I'd have to measure the alum wheels... I believe they are 17s, maybe 10 wide. The steels are 16.5, went with a 33 12.5 - which is basically same size tire that's on the alum wheels (made by Weld). That tire size looked good on the truck, plenty of clearence. So, no real difference in tire size (other than the new ones fit a 16.5 rim - same height/width). The offset is a little better on the steel wheels though... they tuck a little better than the other ones. That's not much help... let me know if you want specifics and I'll measure over the next couple days.

[Burb]

Its a Suburban ... it could be buck naked and shoeless and still look great .

Still don't have the wheels I want yet, how much you thinkin of askin for the alum. units? I do have to say I don't miss the 30 min per tire, change with my old 8 lug 16.5 x 9 steel chrome wagon wheels, everyturn of the "T" handle counted.

Good job Doug, the white wheels blend the lower rocker panel ... nice.

[dougo]

Originally Posted by dougo

Installed my steelies on a couple days ago - Recently powdercoated the wheels and repainted the caps (thanks to PICKMUP for a nice set of caps).

I have not had a chance to take very good pics - but thought I'd go ahead and post these. Previous set was a nice set of wheels and tires (going up for sale after I clean em up).... but I wanted a different look. Before shot attached too.

just came across this pic... forgot I took it - it's a close up of the center caps after I painted them. The one in the center is a NOS cap - which I used as a guide-line for painting the other caps.

[vectorit]

Nice kitchen counter top!

Oh, and the caps are nice too!

[too much stuff]

I didn't think you could make your burb look much nicer... i was wrong! The new wheels finish it up nicely. Eric

[dougo]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

I didn't think you could make your burb look much nicer... i was wrong! The new wheels finish it up nicely. Eric

Thanks, Eric - I appreciate it. Still a lot to do.... engine bay, under carriage, detail work on the exterior - the pictures make it look much better... lol.

[vectorit]

Looks like you have the big stuff handled though!
But I really understand what you are saying, since I am in the same boat with my burb. It looks great in the photo's, but the interior is still a work in progress.

So much to do on these interiors! Just rebuilding/recovering the three benches, I figured would be almost a 4k investment with materials and labor!
I decided to go with a 20 dollar seat cover for now.

[dougo]

Originally Posted by vectorit

Looks like you have the big stuff handled though!
But I really understand what you are saying, since I am in the same boat with my burb. It looks great in the photo's, but the interior is still a work in progress.

So much to do on these interiors! Just rebuilding/recovering the three benches, I figured would be almost a 4k investment with materials and labor!
I decided to go with a 20 dollar seat cover for now.

I'd like to do my dash... (gage cluster, dash pad), otherwise previous owner dumped some money into the three benches/door panels...., it has original carpet - which is in great condition. I actually put a rubber bed liner in the cargo area and under 3rd seat - on top of carpet, to protect the carpet from the kids, cargo (hauling dirtbike gear). I need to take some interior pics sometime soon... and post.

The headliner is good... (looking for 1 bowtie end cap for one of the metal "strips" that covers seams - any ideas?).

[bullington]

Very nice Suburban. Where did you get your steel wheels?

[dougo]

Originally Posted by bullington

Very nice Suburban. Where did you get your steel wheels?

Thanks. They are kelsey hayes... I was fortunate enough to have a couple local friends who had two wheels each - and i was able to make a set. I had them blasted and powder coated. They're hard to find... but they're out there.

[oldgold70c10]

That stance, the trim, & paint-you made the right choice IMO, the rims & caps set it all off nicely.

[SBTork]

Originally Posted by tcb-1

I like the modern aluminum rims, but I LOOOOOVE the steelies! great choice!

I second that statement!

[OARNGESI]

Both ways it looked really good

[dougo]

Thanks, appreciate the comments.

Did quite the project this week... had headers taken off, GM manifolds installed, re-routed the trans coolent lines, order some new spark plug wires (they were basically falling apart from engine heat). Headers were loud, creating a lot of heat (We go on 4-6 hour road trips) making hot starts difficult (and increasing cabin heat). In addition to exhaust leaks. For me the headers were not necessary and more of a headache than anything else.

Going to install a clutch fan over the next couple weeks...

[vectorit]

I ditched my headers a long time ago, and replaced them with the original rams. I've been thrilled about that decision ever since.

[dougo]

Originally Posted by vectorit

I ditched my headers a long time ago, and replaced them with the original rams. I've been thrilled about that decision ever since.

Best money I've spent on it... I was not a fan of the headers at all. I bought some GM manifolds (new) from a manfacture licensed on GM parts - it was a little more money (to get these), but clean look, stamped GM, looks correct. It's such a big difference noise wise... and the burb just seems to run smoother.

This project led to reparing a leak with the power steering unit, to re-aligning the coolent lines... overall - spent most of week doing it, and went over budget.

Oh well... the results are good.

[rjsdad]

I know this is an old thread, but, can you tell me who you got your wheels through? I've been searching and searching.

Jeff

[vectorit]

Those type of wheels are salvage parts, so you have to scrounge for them at swap meets or here on the for sale section of the board.

You can get new steel wheels in 16 and 17 inch from tire shops, a lot of them keep all the "take offs" from previous customers that upgraded to a fancy wheel. Plus, at least in my area there are shops that buy up all of those take offs and re sell them. Just hit up a few of your local tire and wheel shops to see what they can do for you.

[sams60gmc]

Nice choice on the wheels. They look good.

[rjsdad]

Thanks Vector! I'll keep my eyes open.

Jeff

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by rjsdad

I know this is an old thread, but, can you tell me who you got your wheels through? I've been searching and searching.

Jeff

post # 36;

Originally Posted by dougo

Thanks. They are kelsey hayes... I was fortunate enough to have a couple local friends who had two wheels each - and i was able to make a set. I had them blasted and powder coated. They're hard to find... but they're out there.

[rjsdad]

Thanks Longhorn. I saw that post and started googling but couldn't find the size he had. I want steelies as wide as his.

[66crewcab]

J have a complete set of 16.5x9.75 8 lugs if anyone is looking! I have the GMC burb on E-bay right now!!!

[rjsdad]

I wish I had the money for the wheels. In two months I would.

And that's your mustard yellow burb on eBay? Bad ass!
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