The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Should I buy this 'Burb?!

There's a '54 Chevy 'Burb not far from where I live. Actually, I've know about it for (and occasionally driven by it) about 15 - 20 years! I finally stopped and talked to the owner about it. It can be had for the grand sum of $500.00. With title.

It is, as I said, a '54 Chevy, factory hydromatic, glass is all there and good except windshield is cracked. M.I.A. are the hubcaps, both rear seats, and the engine & tranny!

It has a little rust in the lower rear fenders, center running board bracket, and (the worst spot) the lower cowl on both sides (front clip is off) this area is just gone. The flange where the fenders bolt on, the inner kick panels, the toe board, all rusted away.

I'm not a good enough body man to do cowl replacement. Should I pass on this one? Maybe look for one that isn't quite so rusty. I don't even know if I'd be able to get any of the local body shops to do the patch panels...I can do everything else. Also, wondering about finding an original tranny....... What's everybody think???

Stingray

If the front cowl area is gone I'd bet it has rust in all the lower panels.

On the other hand, at $500 with title I'd probably bite. You won't find much worth having for any less.

I should also add that I found a '54 3800 panel just down the road from the 'Burb. It is less rust and only missing the seats and hubcaps (supposedly will run). I'd rather have the 'burb but, I am concerned that I might wind up putting more money into it than I could buy a better one for once it's all said and done....

Actually, it's a pretty complex piece. multiple curves, the fender mount.....I think they are reproduced though. I know the inner kick panels and toe board are. The rest of the body is suprisingly solid. It doesn't have the usual rust where the rear fenders mount. I don't know......The panel would be an easier restoration but, the 'Burb is more desireable......

Stingray,

If you are not interested in that suburban, I might be very interested. Please email me if you do not go for it (I am interested in the chassis for a Hydra-Matic - I have the drive train already). [email protected]

Tim

Check the link in my sig...a guy over there makes all sorts of repair panels for burbs and short panels.

The cowl stuff and anything else that's the same as a pickup is easily available.

The guy GMCpanel refers to makes many of the Suburban/panel specific parts. His work is incredible. I have some of his stuff and will buy more before I'm done.

I have a second Suburban I got just for body parts. That 3800 panel is a 1-ton with a 137 inch wheelbase and about 30 inches more body than the Suburban. Fenders and doors are all the same. Some of the other panels would be easier to make from the panel parts than from raw steel.

Buy both!

You're funny Oldsub! I already have a 30 x 50 garage full. 3 Stovebolts, a Vette, a vintage tavel trailer, etc........

If the panel was a 1/2 ton the title of this post would probably be I just bought a panel! That long wheelbase just seems like it might be a bit of a bugger to park at the post office!!

I know you can get the patch panels.....I just don't feel like I'm adept enough to put 'em in. (any of you guys up for a road trip to scenic Missouri) I've got a spare bedroom (or could put you up in the Serro Scotty Sportsman). Also, wondering how hard it's going to be to find an automatic for the enclosed driveline.

I guess what I'm getting at is this: I've done several restorations over the last twenty years.....I know how much they cost......I think this 'Burb is gonna take 10K + to do it right. So, for that kind of $$$ can I find one in better shape to start with??? This is what I'm weighing over in my mind.........

I think they are worth it pesonnally. The patch panels are not that hard to do if you have a shop to put the beast in. I replaced all the same panels you have stated are bad on my 52 GMC Suburban. It took some time but I was working on it on weekends and evenings after work when time was available. What part of Missouri are you in. I am from K.C. area. All the panels you would need are easily available from Carters or Chevy Duty, both in my area. There is a guy selling some of the more unusal patch panels out on eBay too. He makes a few then posts them there. The quality looks great. I am watching for some of his stuff currently. I also know of someone else looking for a panel in the K.C. area if you don't snatch up the one you refer to here.

Stingray, I'm usually in mid-MO, but my truck is near St. Louis. Where did you find the Burb for $500?

GMCpanel,

We gotta get together sometime....I'm down in your town at least once or twice a month for something. Sometimes we take one of the old trucks. Just had the '58 down there sat.

The 'Burb & the panel are up closer to the IA border. They are actually quite close to each other.

Stingray The answer to your qusetion is always YES until wife says WHOA or you runn outta space. Parts are hard to come by and EBAY morons will pay twice that to part it out.