jdemaris
01-04-2005 06:10:00
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Re: OT: Chevy Suburban in reply to TractorMike, 01-03-2005 16:14:04
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I did my 87 diesel 4WD 3/4 ton Suburban over about 8 years ago. It was a complete rust bucket and had been driven in the winter salt every year until I did it over. I bought it from my neighbor, the original owner for $500 - which at the time I thought was a bargain. Now, I take it off the road in the winter. I found that some parts are not available new, e.g. the rear quarter panels. I wound up going to a junkyard and cutting some off a non-rusted Suburban. In retrospect, it would have made much more sense to buy an entire Suburban from down south (I'm in central New York State). I had to replace all the fuel lines, brake lines, AC lines, outer-inner fenders, all the doors, sills/rockers, etc. What a mess. I've also noticed that Suburbans and K5 Blazers are particularly prone to gather salt over the rear wheel wells and quarters unless you install some sort of guards. JC Whitney used to sell formed PVC liners and they work great. Problem is, I don't think they're available anymore. Last year I purchased a 90 diesel 4WD 3/4 ton Suburban at an auction for $900. It is from Long Island NY (that's south to me) and is rust-free. Runs perfect but has no title. I'm keeping it "in stock" until I'm ready for it. I'm not sure if I'm going to strip it, or attempt to retitle it. I don't think I'd ever attempt to completely redo a rusted Suburban, it's a big vehicle. I am, however, very pleased with how mine turned out. It now has 470,000 miles on it with the original engine (never been apart). A few rust blisters are beginning to show, and at 470K miles, although it starts and runs great, I don't expect it to last much longer and am somewhat hesitant to take it cross-country.
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