The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 54 T boned new 1996 3600 Suburban

46 Chevy Mom, This is what happens when a new 1996 Florida DOT 3600 Suburban truck pulls in front of you while doing 55 mph. The reason I'm sending you this is #1 seat belts work and #2 gas tank in back of seat was unharmed. He is almost on the road just finishing up some small stuff. Maybe I will put a fuel cell in back of seat.Doc

Doc, did you have shoulder belts or just the lap belt?

Wow, talk about crumple zones - the impact didn't get into the passenger compartment at all. Subaru should be envious.

Rusty Rod, no shoulder harness, I want to find a way to put them in. My 9 year old son was with me. The impact almost tore the 3600 Suburban into. Driver about the same way. The
D.O.T. Suburban had large tires and 4 wheel drive so my lil' 54 went right under. It has been a long path finding good parts but, no aftermarket parts used. Re-built or NOS parts only. Do you know how difficult it is to find a 54-55.1 hood. Looked all over the world, I was surprised at how many people think that 47 thru 53 hoods fit a 54. A lot of shipping back, found one about 4 years ago. I don't want all the Bolters to know what I paid, they would know I'm really crazy. Ed

You might try here.. For seat belts.[url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2001-BUICK-LESABRE-PASSENGER-SEAT-TAN-LEATHER-SPLIT-BENCH/184213484528?hash=item2ae3fab3f0%3Ag%3AQ34AAOSwmAheb8S8&fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3ALeSabre%7CMake%3ABuick]I have these in my 54 3100. [/url. I paid $300.00 15 years ago.

Wow! Glad everyone is ok!

Thank you WE b OLD, will do. Ed

Why do you say that earlier hoods won't fit a '54? I have a '54 hood on my '49. The only difference which I noticed is that the holes for the front badge are recessed about 1/4 inch, but they are in the same place as the earlier hoods, so the badge will still fit.

52 Carl, The pre 54-55.1 have a extended arch to accommodate the split ( called a yawning grill), A 54 hood will fit I understand pre 54's but, not the opposite. Any Bolters want to chime in.Doc

Wouldn't that difference show up when a '54 hood was installed on an earlier truck with the earlier grill?
There are a whole bunch of ODSS Stovebolters who have seen my '49 with the '54 hood at Homecoming a little over a year ago, and the only one who mentioned that it was a '54 hood was Grigg (he has an uncanny eye for detail), but he based it on the front badge, not the fit.
I do understand why one would conclude that it couldn't possibly work due to the upper yawning grill, but it is an optical illusion. The hoods are exactly the same where it matters.

Did the drive train move back at all? I would think the engine block connected directly with the other truck. That is a truly impressive outcome for one of these AD trucks.

I think I bought those fenders and tried to straighten them out

This is good to know, thanks 52 Carl. I would like to see it sometime just for bragging rights with the gear heads, but I sure would not sell it or should I say it for a 53 down. It costs way to much. LMC sells a metal replacement for them but, they only carry a fiberglass hood for the 54'. Ed

@ Doc - I'm so glad you're both Ok! I was wondering... When you say that the gas tank "behind the seat" was safe do you mean that it's still in the original location under the seat, or you have put it in the bed? I'm asking because we just removed the one under my seat while taking it apart to restore it, and I'm considering replacing it with a new tank in a trunk, in the bed. While I don't really think it's a huge risk under the seat it does need some work, and possibly replaced, so I can easily go either way. Well, I say easily...LoL I have the opportunity to do either.

I have to re-apply my post. It just disappeared into the clouds. My fuel tank is in back of seat, just like almost new, no damage. In a front or rear collision I would prefer the gas tank in the cab. you need to remember that the sides of the 46' frame is high and built with very strong steel. I have a 842 h.p. super wedge 440 Mopar in a 34 Dodge P/U truck. The gas tank is in a custom aluminum gas tank. If you consider getting a leather belt(s) steamer trunk and have it refinished with marine spar varnish you could put your tank in the bed. It would be real cutesie. Ur and manly too. Ed

Thanks again We b Old. I have two salvage yards looking and the Buick dealer has been notified. Bless your heart. Doc