Next project 1961 GMC Suburban

Now that my 48 Buick is done I can concentrate on my other project 1961 GMC Suburban Custom. I picked up a fairly straight roller a couple of months ago.







Plans for it are forst off keeping it all GM, and remove the Chevy front clip they had installed. Both fenders are buckled.

I already started rounding up parts for it. Found the proper GMC grill, and bumper (probably the same as Chevy, but this came off a GMC)





Couldn't believe how hard it is to find GMC parts.

Next I found out it was a late 1961 model so it came with a 62+ hood. I love the curves of the 60-61. After looking at GMC's version;



I didn't like the boxyness of front. So I bought a 61 Chevy hood.



I wanted to give it a GMC fee3l. So I took two 63+ chevy doner grills (both not usable as grills) and made hood grills. Wellded them in, debadged and welded seams. This is what I came up with, look of A GMC with the curves of a Chevy.  Park lights will be floating behind grills.



What you guys think?

Will post as I progress on it.

That is pretty sweet! Nice choice of Suburban...you don't see these much. What are the plans for color, interior and drivetrain?

Later,

Lee

I already scored an engine for it. GM engine like I wanted. I had a friend that built a 69 GTO back in the day. Totaled it out with less than 1000 miles on the build. I had even forgotten about it,he totaled it over 25 years ago. Well i posted about the Burb on my facebook page. And he called and told me " you interested in going Pontiac". I told him hell yea. So he sold me the complete drivetrain for $1800. It came with a Muncie 4-speed and posi rear. I want my Burb auto. So I surfed Craigslist for an auto. Found an automatic for sale locally. I called the guy, and it turns out he was building a 69 Firebird that someone over the years had converted to auto. He was in the hunt for all the parts to change back. I got him to trade me the complete set-up (transmission, comverter, flywheel, yolk) for the 69 Pontiac shifter linkage, and bell housing. Double score. I got to keep the Muncie. anyways here is a picture of the engine.





Here it is getting the mounts set-up.




It's off again. Have to work on the front supension this weekend.

Wow, great score! You cannot go wrong with that deal. And Pontiac power ROCKS!  

later,

Lee

I like where this is going already. Nice trade off on the hoods. It works well.

I am sure you know about the history of V-8 Pontiac power in factory GMC trucks - nice nod to the past there.

I can't wait to get out there and spank some Chevies with this beast!  

Blue Eyed Devil wrote:I am sure you know about the history of V-8 Pontiac power in factory GMC trucks - nice nod to the past there.

My thoughts exactly...very classy touch.

Later,

Lee

Got the front suspension dismantled and sprayed the front half of frame with Eastwood's ceramic chassis satin black.



Got the a-frames modded to accept the air bags. Painted those also, and started to install some of the new parts. Just have to collect all the fittings for the air to finish putting everything together. Already have the 2.5" dropped spindles, and disc set-up waiting.



I'm out of country working till next week, should get to finishing front suspension, and painting /undercoating firewall as soon as I get back.

Be safe wherever it is you are going.

I'm in Bangladesh, thanks.

Back in town for a couple of weeks, next trip is to Panama City .
Got a chance to get the front suspension together. Just need inner tie rods, and to plumb the air-bag hard lines.



Also got the tires mounted, to check all the clearances before installing engine.



Want to also paint the firewall, and undercoat the transmission tunnel before engine goes in.