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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Hello folks, I'm getting a 51 Suburban and was needing some input. (Good to be back on Stovebolt!) I had a solid 52 Panel and never really needed any parts for it but now I'm going to be on the hunt for some panel/burb specific parts.
First off I'll need a front floor section, is it the same as the pickups?
Are rear fenders unique to the panels/suburbans or can stepside fenders be used? The ones with the 51 have had the rear lip removed hinting that stepside fenders were modified to fit.
Where can I source parts for the side windows? Glass, rubber, hardware, etc.
I already know how rare the seats are! Mine have none. And I will casually search for originals but I'm certain other seats will work. Can someone share seat configurations that will suffice?
The rest I can figure out. Or I think I can! I will post pics once I have it. This thing is literally buried in a shed and take quite an effort to unearth! Look forward to hearing from you folks. ANY input is appreciated, even not addressing the questions above.
Thanks-
52panel/Scott | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Just saw the checklist at top of forum. I'll start there! | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 | Hello folks, I'm getting a 51 Suburban and was needing some input. (Good to be back on Stovebolt!) I had a solid 52 Panel and never really needed any parts for it but now I'm going to be on the hunt for some panel/burb specific parts.
First off I'll need a front floor section, is it the same as the pickups? YES IT IS A MODIFIED PICKUP FLOORBOARD, CUT WHERE IT MEETS THE BACK FLOOR AND A METAL PLATE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO HOLD THE FLIP SEAT.
Are rear fenders unique to the panels/suburbans or can stepside fenders be used? The ones with the 51 have had the rear lip removed hinting that stepside fenders were modified to fit. OUR BEST ANSWER IS, NO THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. THE CONTOURS APPEAR TO BE DIFFERENT AND THERE IS A RIDGE ON THE FENDER WHERE THE BODY MEETS THE FENDER
Where can I source parts for the side windows? Glass, rubber, hardware, etc. GLASS CAN BE CUT BY A AUTO GLASS SHOP THAT STILL DEALS WITH OLD CARS, TEMPLATES AND INSTALLATION PIECES CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH JIM CARTER ND A FEW OTHER VENDORS. STEEL RUBBER IS ONE OF THE MOST RECOMMENDED SOURCES FOR RUBBER COMPONENTS. REQUEST PARTS IN THE "PARTS WANTED" SECTION OR LOOK ON EBAY DAILY
I already know how rare the seats are! Mine have none. And I will casually search for originals but I'm certain other seats will work. REPRODUCTION REAR SEATS ARE BEING MADE BY SEVERAL PEOPLE INCLUDING OUR OWN ELHIPPY64, YOU WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN SPRINGS AND/OR CUSHIONS
Can someone share seat configurations that will suffice?
The rest I can figure out. Or I think I can! I will post pics once I have it. This thing is literally buried in a shed and take quite an effort to unearth! Look forward to hearing from you folks. ANY input is appreciated, even not addressing the questions above.
Thanks-
52panel/Scott | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Thanks GMONIZ. These seats that are being reproduced- is there a source for the springs or someone that will assemble them to size? The fact that these are reproduced now makes things a whole lot easier! That was my one reservation about the truck. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I'm sure elhippie is making only the frames. As I read your comments I "wondered" if a place that makes coil springs for a box springs for a bed, could make you up some to match your frames? We have a place nearby that makes mattresses and box springs so maybe I need to stop one day and ask? We may be missing or overlooking a place to get some springs made?
Just me thinking!!
If you decide to not go with original seats, or until you find some originals, I like the 03 Silverado bucket seats in my panel.
Be sure to post us up some pictures when you get the burb out in the sunlight!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | I will. Should be in my possession next week.
How much do these seat frames run? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Here is plenty of information. Its a little outdated but you can get whats going on. https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=91844&Number=638801#Post638801Be sure to read all the pages and click on the links within the post..... I got this by doing a search here.
Last edited by Achipmunk; 10/05/2013 9:24 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 162 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 162 | Congrats on your find! Owning a Suburban puts you in a "special" club! Sometimes I believe we have a soft spot for punishment! My advice is don't give up and never stop looking for parts. They're out there, they're just hiding! It's all about the hunt! Good luck! | | | | | Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 77 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 77 | Here is the link for the good rubber moldings: http://www.steelerubber.com/ | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | OK folks, I hit a little hiccup @ work and still do not have it in my possession. Will post pics as soon as possible. Took another look at it and I'll have some serious work to do. Lots of metal needs to be replaces inside the rear fender wells. I do not know of any new patch panels being offered, do you? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 | Ray Stanley does make some sheet metal patches that are sold through Jim Carter and on ebay. The sheet metal around the wheel well is a made to order piece when he has time. Put an ad in the swap meet, I believe someone was selling the entire side panel that can be cut to fit your needs. Make sure you read the archives on this repair.....g
Ray Stanley
Wheelwright Restorations
92 Pine Street
Wheelwright, MA 01904
1-413-477-6467
wheelwrightrest@comcast.net | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,781 | You will need to become a member of oldgmctrucks.com to see this information it's worth the time and they too have tons of good information and knowledgeable GMC guys, but most of the information can be either GMC or Chevrolet....g | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | As of now, looks like a Monday pick up on the old suburban | | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 390 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 390 | Sir, Please send some pics of your project '51 'Burb, as several of us are restoring an AD era 'Burb. Mine is a '52 'Burb and the metal work is 90% done. It's certainly not a race, especially with the $ needed to bring it road worthy. Thanks 52panel. V/R, Nick Cavallaro, Bel Air, MD | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Well, I have a few pics of it but I have to figure out how to upload them. Let me sort this out! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 |
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:38 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Yes, this thing is going to need lots of work! Going to de-uglify it by removing the wing spoiler and tv antennae. As you can see, the fuel tank inlet was modified as well. Rear fenders are from a pickup and flare out too much. The good I guess- small block, Mustang II front, lowered, 12 bolt rear, 350 trans. Also have all the side glass with some of the hardware.
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:45 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 |
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:44 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 |
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:39 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | The owner "helped" out by painting the beautiful patina'd chrome grill black before I picked it up. Said he was preserving the finish. Ha! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Here's an update. This thing was bad! It required all new cowl sections and a full floor treatment up front. The Suburban/panel specific panels all need attention or replacing. We are about to pull the body off the frame (now that it won't collapse) and completely go over the frame. I am estimating about another two years before she's on the road. Picture
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:43 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 |
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:43 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | In the above image, notice the Master Cylinder upgrade the previous owner put on- it is more than a foot behind the stock location. I'd have to flip up my seat to access it. Can someone recommend a better replacement? What about a firewall mount? What I have now is not going to make the cut. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | I used the full firewall kit from CPP on my panel.
The important part is the very stout pedal/firewall brace that
the master bolts to. You have to cut the old sheet metal brace out, but it's
not difficult.
I recommend it in your case.
mike
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | whew, reminds me of the shape my panel was in......2 years? Are they ever finished? Good luck. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 77 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 77 | Wow. That was an interesting set up, for sure!
I'll bet the PO was "interesting", too.
You are doing it right, in spite of the work.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Wow. That was an interesting set up, for sure!
I'll bet the PO was "interesting", too.
You are doing it right, in spite of the work. Yes, he was interesting to say the least. There was literally a spec built wood sub floor in it with Home Depot do it yourself wood flooring in it. Home stereo speakers, red faux velvet curtains with brass rods, lots of black pleather, and seriously, about 1000 screws holding all this crap in. Straight into the metal interior walls, floor, etc. This is a pity build so far and feels like more of a rescue than a purchase/restoration. BUT, it will be proper and back on the road one day. Slow and steady. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 |
Last edited by Peggy M; 04/16/2014 10:42 PM. Reason: Links to images
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | OK folks, I got a PM with some friendly advice about the posting rules. Apparently, I may have confused the rules over at oldgmctrucks.com with the ones on here and posted pics on threads, which is not allowed. Mr Moderator, please close or delete this thread if you like. In the interim, I'll re-acclimate myself with the do's and don'ts on this site! My apologies for the ripples. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,139 Authorized Pest | | Authorized Pest Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,139 | 52, Fixed all your pictures to links to pictures. We appreciate your good attitude. This is why we don't allow images. We are trying to look after a large group here. Thanks again for your cooperation. If I goofed on any of the links, and you can't fix them, just let me know. I have a feeling you know how.  Peggy M
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804"Charlie" - The Stovebolt FlagshipIn the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum"I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O" | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | 52 panel keep up the good work. Your comments on PO reminds me of my burb when I bought it. All the back windows had been painted black,it had yellow brown shag carpet on all headliner, walls and floor. I can only imagine the parties that took place during its lifetime......
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Thanks 49. The PO made it his own to say the least. He called the truck Joshua but I am renaming it Lazarus because we are bringing it back from stone cold dead. So far we have replaced the entire cowl sections both sides and the floor up front. Rockers too. Even my seat riser was toast! We have to replace the wood floor out back- have not measured it but it looks like something wider than a standard 4x8 sheet of treated plywood. I'll worry about that later!
We have everything unbolted and can separate the body and frame. Speaking of the chasis, I was just given a 68 Camaro rear- no frills with hwy gearing but the price was right! The "350" turns out to be an anemic 2 bbl 305 with a TH350 trans. It runs good so we'll leave well enough alone. Maybe some bolt-ons will liven it up.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Project update(pics later)- Cowls are redone as is front floor. The body is off the frame and we have started the POR-15 treatment after some serious rust removal. I need to address the Camaro rear end. Anyone done this? Is it best to get truck leafs and shocks or can the camaro units I have be used? Never done this before and probably putting too much thought into it. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | 52 panel Since we don't know the year the first check is what is width and how close is it to original? I used a 69 Nova year end with original burb leaf springs. I flipped the year end to over springs versus under and used a lowering block to get the desired ride height. Went to a salvage yard to get the bottom plate the had a built in shock mount and built a crossmember to attach the top of shock to. Be sure to use new ubolts to hold it all together as have read old ones should not be reused. Good luck
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | The Camaro rear end is a 1967 model with 2:73 gears. The leafs are still attached. I'll measure everything tomorrow, I think it may be a tad narrow. Just found an S10 4x4 rear diff with low miles for $350/ Don't know if that's good or bad! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
52panel,
This thread has changed to a question regarding a drive train matter. That new topic is not panel-body-truck-specific.
You would be much better off posting this question in a more general forum, "Driveline". You'll get more viewers and more responses.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,554 | I have a 1967 camaro rearend in my 1951 3100 Chevy Pickup, fit was great.I used the truck springs,had to weld new perches on the rear end after setting the pinion angle.
I agree with Tim, this part will get moved to the drive line forum.
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 321 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2007 Posts: 321 | Project update(pics later)- Cowls are redone as is front floor. The body is off the frame and we have started the POR-15 treatment after some serious rust removal. I need to address the Camaro rear end. Anyone done this? Is it best to get truck leafs and shocks or can the camaro units I have be used? Never done this before and probably putting too much thought into it. I have done both. I'm in the Raleigh area - feel free to PM me or call if you'd like to catch up. I don't check the board much anymore. My 49 has been done for a few years now. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2009 Posts: 29 | Thanks pplumer. I have yet to put my hands on the rear end. I'll certainly send you a p.m.
The frame is painted but I ordered a tubular trans crossmember from Jim Carter to replace the archaic angle iron the PO had done. So a little touch up is on order. The trans is a TH350. We also placed the 305v8 on the chasis BUT I just found a steal on a 1966 283ci complete from pan to carb that is fully detailed. DANG! Got to make a decision and quick. I'd imagine a 60s 283 will have a little more power than a mid 70s 305. Will look up some specs. And quick.
Man, it would be nice to have the $ needed to plan a build and stick to it. I'm reduced to bargain find to bargain find. Time to focus a little better. | | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 321 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2007 Posts: 321 | Heck, if you're not going for period original, a hot rod back in the day was built exactly how you're doing it! Cheap, fast, and what's available! | | |
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