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Old 08-08-2013, 09:32 AM   #1
Sssingo
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'51 Bagged Suburban Build

Following a long and full resto of my 52 (urr humm, Ford) Pickup I longed for something more practical for the terrible UK weather that could carry people and work as a van.

Storking Ebay for several months led me to a BUTCHERED '51 in Utah , previously owned by some California hippies with a campervan style roof cut into its roof skin. Most people would and should run a mile but because they did, they probably didn't notice that actually apart from the obvious this was a solid old girl. The previous owners seemed to brush paint it whenever the paint baked through leaving it with so many layers of paint it actually saved it.

Having to sell both my TRUCK, now finished and my 63 OLDS lowrider in order to fund this project I wanted the burb to provide all the fun of both. Original, stock looks but with adjustable ride height.

In order to get most of the big stuff fixed to it before I imported it back to the UK, I enlisted the help of Starlite Rod and Kustom over in Torrance, CA.

The jobs list was Mustang II front end, four bar rear, Air-ride all round and a 350sbc with 700R overdrive.
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Old 08-08-2013, 09:37 AM   #2
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

After an extensive build thus far the Burb is finally back from mediablasting.

Check the slideshow on my signature for more images of the work so far
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Old 08-08-2013, 10:25 PM   #3
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

SSingo-

Looking good.

I will be following along intently. I will be starting on a 53 Suburban project myself. I just completed a long (11 yr) build on a 48 truck.

Good luck
Marc
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1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
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Old 08-09-2013, 02:08 AM   #4
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

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Originally Posted by youngrodder View Post
SSingo-

Looking good.

I will be following along intently. I will be starting on a 53 Suburban project myself. I just completed a long (11 yr) build on a 48 truck.

Good luck
Marc
Hey Marc, maybe you can get some parts off his donor car... inside window tirm etc...
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Old 08-09-2013, 02:09 AM   #5
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sssingo View Post
After an extensive build thus far the Burb is finally back from mediablasting.

Check the slideshow on my signature for more images of the work so far
will be checking this one out, looks like you're off to a great start.. check my signature for the '51 i did a couple years ago. keep up the good work.
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Old 08-09-2013, 07:54 AM   #6
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Looked at all the pictures in your album! I dig the hippie camper roof.
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Old 08-09-2013, 09:32 AM   #7
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

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Hey Marc, maybe you can get some parts off his donor car... inside window tirm etc...
Wayne-

I don't beleive there was a donor car just a donor roof....

Marc
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1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
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Old 08-12-2013, 09:03 AM   #8
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Hi guys, cheers for you feedback. Indeed there was no donor car just a roof somewhere in the wilds of Michigan !!??

Parkwood - Don't worry I know your build well as the pics inspired to me all those months ago when I was planning this build.
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Old 08-12-2013, 06:44 PM   #9
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

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Hi guys, cheers for you feedback. Indeed there was no donor car just a roof somewhere in the wilds of Michigan !!??

Parkwood - Don't worry I know your build well as the pics inspired to me all those months ago when I was planning this build.
Not worried i know you're do great.. will check back and see how you're doing..
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Old 08-28-2013, 10:48 AM   #10
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Here's some shots of the first stages of bringing this ole girl back to life. First things first - To tackle THAT roof!!!!

The travel wagon as bought from Utah (with hole in roof!!!)


Donor GMC roof from Michigan


The old skin removed at the spot welds and junked


Is this the first convertible suburban? ;-)

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Old 08-28-2013, 10:52 AM   #11
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build


The entire roof skin and three of the strengthening struts were needed to transfer onto my Burb











NEW ROOF FINALLY ON!!!!!
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Old 08-28-2013, 11:23 AM   #12
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Nice work! This thing is going to be bad ass. Subscribed!
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Old 09-04-2013, 11:21 AM   #13
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Cheers @CastleMaster. Certainly hope so I've had to sell up all my toys in order to be able to do it.
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Old 09-04-2013, 02:41 PM   #14
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

nice work on the roof
amazing how both roofs have the same patina
is this your shop or is someone building this for you?
nice pile of cars out back...


more amazing is that you got your donor roof from michigan
we export a lot of cars here, the only rust hole free cars have never been on our roads
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Old 09-04-2013, 03:42 PM   #15
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

That back yard shop is in Torrance CA. where the Burb is. No Auto Zone's in London
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Old 09-12-2013, 12:10 PM   #16
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

350 SBC fitted, ready for rebuild of the front end.
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Old 09-12-2013, 12:12 PM   #17
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

@ ogre. I wish this was my shop. No because I am in Britain I am getting as much of the problems solved before it heads out of the US to our rainy climate. And because there are definately no Autozones here I know I need to get all these parts sourced while its in the US.
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Old 09-12-2013, 12:20 PM   #18
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Nice progress.

Who's cross member/front suspension did you go with (TCI?). How about the rear?

It's looking good.

Marc
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1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
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Old 09-12-2013, 01:56 PM   #19
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

It's looking really good.
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Old 09-19-2013, 08:02 AM   #20
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Cheers Newfisher. ~Youngrodder the front end is indeed TCi and although the rear had to be adapted I believe most of the kit came from CPP. Adapted because I wanted to keep the stock filler neck without mounting the fuel tank at the rear as I plan to use titanium blocks at the rear so don't want all this hard work going up in flames ;-)
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Old 11-15-2013, 08:50 AM   #21
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

What happened to this thread???? Im starting the same type build on a 54 and wanted some more inspiration,,, well really just want a finish pic to sell the boss(ol lady) on the air bags
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Old 11-15-2013, 11:24 AM   #22
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sssingo View Post
Cheers Newfisher. ~Youngrodder the front end is indeed TCi and although the rear had to be adapted I believe most of the kit came from CPP. Adapted because I wanted to keep the stock filler neck without mounting the fuel tank at the rear as I plan to use titanium blocks at the rear so don't want all this hard work going up in flames ;-)
SSSingo-

Are you running the full three rows of seats? If so I would be intrested in seeing the size of the notch for the rear frame. I want to go as low as possible and still retain my 3rd (back) seat. Afterall that's why I bought this suburban. I realize it might be tough.

Marc
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1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
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Old 11-18-2013, 09:16 AM   #23
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

Mr Buck - still ongoing I'm afraid so no finished pic to show yet. I am still undecided about the 3rd row seat. I want to run an 'Elhippie' one and that is why the rear notch is slopped on the front edge but finishes at the rear with a 90 degree fold so the rear seat bolts in right behind it. The only thing that stops me is I know my passengers will stamp all over my nice pressed notch cover in order to slide along the seat. I way reinforce this so they can't bend it but I do like the option of also being able to use it as a big booty hauler.

Good luck with your builds anyway guys and i will post updates when cash and time allows
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Old 11-18-2013, 10:56 AM   #24
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

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Mr Buck - still ongoing I'm afraid so no finished pic to show yet. I am still undecided about the 3rd row seat. I want to run an 'Elhippie' one and that is why the rear notch is slopped on the front edge but finishes at the rear with a 90 degree fold so the rear seat bolts in right behind it. The only thing that stops me is I know my passengers will stamp all over my nice pressed notch cover in order to slide along the seat. I way reinforce this so they can't bend it but I do like the option of also being able to use it as a big booty hauler.

Good luck with your builds anyway guys and i will post updates when cash and time allows
Can you post a picture of what your rear notch and cover looks like?

Thanks
Marc
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1948 Chevy Truck - Finished SOLD!!

1953 Chevy Suburban "Family Truckster" Completed: Spring of 2021
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=605484

1994 4x4 Blazer - "Field Find"
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...ferrerid=30857
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Old 11-28-2013, 01:45 PM   #25
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Re: '51 Bagged Suburban Build

This shot of ElHippies scratch built seats he makes show well exactly how much space you have to play with. I'll dig out the other shot you wanted tho
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