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1952 GMC Suburban |
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01 January 2010 # 2731 & 2732
From Kevin : Back in 1973, I saw my first Advance Design Suburban one day on my way to work. That old truck came up for sale and was sold in three minutes. I never had a chance ... and I didn’t know I cared until I didn’t see it on my way to work anymore. Then I realized how much I had wanted that truck. I swore I wouldn’t miss the next one! It’s been 30 years now and I finally bought my first Sub, a 1949 Chevy 3100. After some fast talking and some promises, I got to bring it home and put it in my garage. There it has sat, seeming to beg me to work on it. I had been spending my time accumulating parts: SBC Chevy engines, 250 ci 6, 4.2L Vortec I6, 5 speed transmissions, miscellaneous interior parts, seats, steering columns, speed equipment, wheels and tires, a running LWB standard cab S-10 and a rolling BMW 325 ... so go figure!. Pretty much the usual junk yard and Swap Meet finds. My garage is starting to get really full! Then I remember what I had to promise my wife the last time and wonder what it’s going to cost me this time. I told the guy I’d be back to pick it up next week before school starts. I get home and tell my wife I’m going to buy a Suburban as a retirement investment (I just retired from the Army in June). She gives a blank look and so I guess it’s ok. The story from the most previous owner was that it was used by the Army Corps of Engineers for a nuclear power plant called “The Project” sometime in the late 1950’s early 1960’s. It has Army markings, a serial number and “For Official Use Only” on the driver’s door. On the rear door it says “TMP” usually stands for Transportation Motor Pool., but who knows?
I pull into my yard from my road trip. I look at my garage and think, 28 x 40 is not going to be nearly big enough for the stuff I have now. “Holy Sierra” there’s another fine mess you’ve gotten us into Ollie! Time for some crucial moves.
I sold my old Fleetline on eBay to a guy in CA.
I roll the old Chevy Sub into the back corner of the garage,
and put my good Fleetline in the other.
I put my new Sub (GMC) in the downstairs garage on my house. I’ll turn on the infloor heat when it starts to get cold. Many thanks to my wife for insisting on a pre-stressed floor in our new house garage, so I can double my attached garage space ... she’s such a sweetie.
I build an addition onto my big garage to store my yard equipment and the sudden collection of parts I’ve accumulated. Thanks Iola!
Nothing like a little creative stacking to make it look pretty, eh? Later plans are to address safety, reliability and comfort items as I have time and resources. I like the look of stock on the outside but having upgrades in the running gear to make it fun to drive. There are so many different styles to emulate but I think it will be done in the Newton style cause that’s the style I like best! My ’49 Sub will have to wait while I gather more critical parts for its rebirth. Iola here I come! I’m thinking this one will be way different than the GMC since I’m short on original parts for this one.
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