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kdenault · 07-02-2006, 11:54 AM

Does any one have any good resources (other then the dreaded Ebay) to find an older/vintage Suburban to purchase as a dedicated TV for my 65 Overlander? Are there any particular model years that I should stay away from?

Kathy

scottanlily · 07-02-2006, 09:58 PM

Kdenault,
If you go to your local magazine store and go to the vehical section ,they will have small paperback magazine called truck trader or car and truck trader.It is about 10" by 6" in size and many vintage trucks of all makes large and small
are listed for sale .It is a classified add for vehical sales.It gives access to all over the states.The best years for power steering ,v8 and auto trans in 1/2 ton 3/4 ton etc. 68 to 72 a very popular body style .the early years ,
such as 50 ,51 52 etc ,have poor steering ,stick shift 235 6 cylinder .Not
a robust vehical for towing a trailer .Now the early 60s suburbans to 66 were
much heavier duty ,power steering and auto trans still were not the rule.In
65 (the most popular year of that body style) could be had with a v8. You can find restored versions with updated drivetrains and a/c and such .I personally (and only my opinion) would be the 68 to 72 ,They would have all of the good stuff and are an excellent tow vehical.Watch out for rust so
west is where to look !Most all parts are available from many aftermarket sources ,and i mean most all ,because much of that style shares front sheetmetal ,interior parts ,engines trans ,etc etc. with the pickup .I would
look for that style ,would be easier to fix up and restore ,plenty of size.

Scott of scottanlily

safari57 · 07-02-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

We brought home this '65 Suburban Carryall over Memorial Day weekend and have spent the last few weeks fixing it up. Can't wait to take it camping - hopefully in two weeks, if all goes well.

Mel, that is a neat looking suburban. I saw one recently, similar body style but unsure of the year, with a V6, the second one I've seen since we went to the Tin Can Tourists campout in Deming, WA. I had not known they had a V6 as an option. What does yours have for powertrain, options, etc? Have you had it out yet? I really like them. If I were forced to move up from the '57 I'd be looking hard at the sixties are first couple of years of the 70's suburbans. For me an automatic is pretty much mandatory but easy enough to convert a standard if that's what comes along. Are you attending the TCT Deming event this August?

Barry

scottanlily · 07-03-2006, 12:05 AM

Hello safari57 ,

sorry the question was not posed to me but the v6 is made by gmc .It is a 302 cubic inch engine with an extremely long connecting rod length .The span
between the timing chain gears is 6/7" .Made for low torque ,heavy truck service ,seen them in 3 ton GMC dump trucks .If its a chevy it might have a 235 straight six ,but in 65 a 194 or 230 likley straight 6 would be in that burb.
Any thing is possible say if it is a GMC suburban than a 302 v6 .Just some engine trivia there.

Scott

robandzoe · 07-03-2006, 03:47 AM

Kathy,

Also, go to any Borders or Barnes and Noble, and you will find the latest issue of Hemmings Motor News on the magazine rack... another possible source.

http://www.hemmings.com/ Put in Suburban in the model seach and I think you'll get over 200 hits, with all Suburbans, including De Soto and Plymouth come up. There is a nice 48 on there too. Find a 65 for your 65!

Good luck!

Rob

Mel · 07-03-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

Mel, that is a neat looking suburban. I saw one recently, similar body style but unsure of the year, with a V6, the second one I've seen since we went to the Tin Can Tourists campout in Deming, WA. I had not known they had a V6 as an option. What does yours have for powertrain, options, etc? Have you had it out yet? I really like them. If I were forced to move up from the '57 I'd be looking hard at the sixties are first couple of years of the 70's suburbans. For me an automatic is pretty much mandatory but easy enough to convert a standard if that's what comes along. Are you attending the TCT Deming event this August?

Barry

Hi Barry!

Yep, we finally found one in Eugene. Drove down that Saturday and decided within a few minutes that it was the one. It's got a 454, automatic, sway bars, air bags, etc. - so much fun to drive. It hasn't been camping yet - I think it's first trip out will be Deming (we'll pull our Safari with the '73 F250 and my parents are planning on pulling our Caravel with the Suburban). Are you coming to Deming this year? We had such a blast last year, I wouldn't miss it!

safari57 · 07-03-2006, 10:07 PM

Mel

I'm looking forward to seeing the suburban at Deming. Last year was our first year and we had a great time. So, you let your parents have all the fun with the new tow vehicle.....good for you. Years ago I traded my dad my 68 corvette roadster with a 427/4speed for the weekend as I needed his truck and he indicated he wasn't interested in driving the car but just in case he needed to get somewhere and mom was out with their car. We came back a day early and on our way into town there goes Dad and Mom blasting down the main drag, top down, enjoying the sunshine and moving quite rapidly. We just went home and didn't tell them we were back until the originally agreed to time. Never got a chance to tell either of them that we'd "caught" them before they passed, but it always brings a smile when I think about it.
Barry

scottanlily · 07-04-2006, 12:27 AM

Hello safari 57 , that 427 vette can fetch upwards of 60 to 100,000 dollars
restored at barrettjackson auction house in az.If a convertible (roadster)
no telling ,a 427 4 speed too ,how high is anybodys guess .Those were the
first stingray new body style .good times.

Scott

Barry2952 · 07-04-2006, 06:35 AM

What do you guys think of this combo?

Toybox trailer combo:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/340096/5

Mel · 07-04-2006, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

So, you let your parents have all the fun with the new tow vehicle.....
Barry

Barry, your story made me smile - what a wonderful memory to have! My parents came for a visit on Fathers Day, and we were showing him the new vehicle. Lee started up the Suburban, and my dad just started to grin. I asked him if he'd be okay towing the Caravel to Deming with this, and he gave us a resounding YES!

Road Ruler · 07-04-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

Mel

Years ago I traded my dad my 68 corvette roadster with a 427/4speed for the weekend as I needed his truck and he indicated he wasn't interested in driving the car but just in case he needed to get somewhere and mom was out with their car. We came back a day early and on our way into town there goes Dad and Mom blasting down the main drag, top down, enjoying the sunshine and moving quite rapidly. We just went home and didn't tell them we were back until the originally agreed to time. Never got a chance to tell either of them that we'd "caught" them before they passed, but it always brings a smile when I think about it.
Barry

LOL... I too had a 1969, 427 Corvette Coupe. The car was in the garage at my parents place. Got a call one afternoon from my dad. He wanted to know how to turn the alarm off on the Vet!?!. Apparently he thought he would take it out for a quick spin but as soon as he opened the door to get in the alarm went off. ha ha!

wkerfoot · 07-04-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry2952

What do you guys think of this combo?

Toybox trailer combo:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/340096/5

Barry,

It will look fantastic.

Bill

ps: but not a good as my Lincoln and Airstream

Barry2952 · 07-04-2006, 04:11 PM

I had seriously considered using my 17,000 mile '77 TC as a tow vehicle. I was talked out of it by a retired Ford VP and ex-Secret Service guy that said that the TC would break towing a 13,000lb load. I'm told that the '77 TC has equivalent structural strength of an F-250. I believe that the '79 Excella 280 I'm looking at is built on a Chevy C-30 chassis, which is 1-ton, I believe.

Where could I acquire chassis drawings for that model?

scottanlily · 07-04-2006, 04:55 PM

That spartan manor is seriousely built .It uses custom airbag suspension
on all 3 axles and disc brakes all heavy duty type setup .Custom frame
naturally ,this guy put some real time and money into that dream toy hauler.

Scott

wkerfoot · 07-05-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry2952

I had seriously considered using my 17,000 mile '77 TC as a tow vehicle. I was talked out of it by a retired Ford VP and ex-Secret Service guy that said that the TC would break towing a 13,000lb load. I'm told that the '77 TC has equivalent structural strength of an F-250. I believe that the '79 Excella 280 I'm looking at is built on a Chevy C-30 chassis, which is 1-ton, I believe.

Where could I acquire chassis drawings for that model?

Barry,

Most classic motorhomes have either GM 454 or Ford 460 engines, ignore the few Isuzu turbo diesels, sorry Chaplain Kent. I believe that they use a premanufactured chassis, go to the motorhome section and ask, if they use a premanufactured chassis you should be able to find the drawings.

Bill

robandzoe · 07-07-2006, 07:19 AM

I know it is slow towing, but with Wally's true intent, dual purpose as well. Plus, not such a big worry if the brakes are working!

Rob

safari57 · 07-07-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robandzoe

I know it is slow towing, but with Wally's true intent, dual purpose as well. Plus, not such a big worry if the brakes are working!

Rob

A single seat roadster of early vintage. Bigs and littles with implement tread pattern, bobbed fenders, spoke wheels - man, you are styling......I suppose it's even a flathead.

MarkR · 07-10-2006, 03:16 PM

lots of potential . . . saw it on the sacramento "craigslist"

firefly007 · 07-10-2006, 07:12 PM

This is what I use for my Bambi II

Steve

safari57 · 07-10-2006, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR

lots of potential . . . saw it on the sacramento "craigslist"

That rig would give new meaning to give me 40 Acres and I'll turn this rig around or something like that. I had a friend in Alberta who had a '57 Chev airport limousine at one time very similar to this. He was in the process of restoration. With a unit like this one you wouldn't even need the trailer....
Barry