About 6 or 7 years ago, I worked for Carquest Auto Parts as a store manager. While I was there, I formed some great working relationships with quite a few customers. One of the customers, Tim, was a self-employed mechanic that had built a huge garage on his property and mostly did mechanic work for a masonry and concrete company, but also did general mechanic work. Tim was a GREAT guy, very loyal, hard-working (he also did a paper route early mornings) and a family man. Tim had a few projects in his yard as well. He had an old Jeep Wagoneer, and some other things.
But there was one project that really caught my eye. He had a 1953 Chevrolet Carryall or Suburban. I had heard him talk about his old Suburban a few times, I didn't even know they existed, so I made a trip to his shop to see this thing. This was perhaps the coolest old truck I had ever seen. It was a bit rough, but an Arizona rust-free vehicle. Tim had plans to put a 4-wheel drive chassis underneath it and make it a Grave Digger type of machine. I, on the other hand, had visions of a street rod with a powerful engine and a low stance, but to each their own.
So months went by, and I would ask Tim occasionally about the Suburban, but he had not so much as even touched it. Finally, one day he came to me and said, "My wife wants all of my projects gone. I want to give you first shot at the Suburban if you want it. $300 and it is yours." No brainer. I went to the ATM, got him the cash and was at his house within the week with a flatbed and some winches.
It has some issues: Body is rough, rear end is locked up, interior is shot, and there is no engine. But it has a TON of potential. I have seen this era Carryalls sell for $80,000!!!
Fast-forward to last night, and the Barrett Jackson auction is on the Speed Channel, and I just cannot get that Suburban out of my head. I haven't touched it since I got it, and I need to. It is being stored at my dad's house at the moment because he has the space, so I gave him a call. I told him that it is time to get going on this thing. He got excited, and we started to formulate a plan to get working on it. I am hoping that I can have it on the road sometime this year.
The plans are to get an S-10 longbed frame to put under it to get it rolling. I have an airbag suspension already for it, as well as a fuel injected LT-1 and automatic transmission out of a 94 Z-28 waiting to be installed. once I get those in, the body will be attacked and finished. The body is rough, but can be driven that way. I just need to get the drivetrain done so I can.
Needless to say, I am excited about getting this thing rolling finally! It has been a long time coming. I want to take a cruise to Tim's house and let him take it for a spin!
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