The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 47-53 Woody Suburban Project

I am in the very early stages of planning a project with the goal of replicating a GMC Woody Suburban.

I am starting from scratch and I am trying to assemble materials, photos, details of assembly and joinery, measurements and more to proceed.

I do not have a Chevy or GMC suburban at my disposal to measure or study. Of course, it would be easier to work with a suburban and/or woody body...but I do not have that luxury.

What I have is a 51 GMC 1/2t short bed truck. It is in teardown stage. I also operate a cabinet shop and have the ability and accessibility to machinery and materials to create the pieces and appropriate joinery.

Some have said it can't be done. Others think that this project will peter out. Other are very skeptical. But, what people don't know is that when I put my mind to a project...I will do whatever it takes, plan, educate and learn for myself...how to do it. And...I do it. Call it subbornness and will.

If anyone can help me and can send me details, pictures, and offer their support or guidance...I would be very grateful. I also have ideas on how to collaborate with a small group or individuals if they have the desire to accomplish the same thing.

I can be reached at my cell phone: 603-723-5460. Also my e-mail is: [email protected]. My phone number is: 603-466-5776.
E-mail is best for starters. I can then call you.

Please reply, I am hoping to make some connections with Woody Chevy and GMC Suburban owners and...I think that this project may reap some benefits in a variety of ways...for all that can provide their assistance.

Thank you for your time.

Tom Moore
Gorham, New Hampshire

p.s. please excuse any typo's

You have probably seen this site. Have you tried to contact the author? They also list a lot of resources to read, there may be other contacts in the list. I believe that they are actually book sellers, but they might have some of the information that you are looking for.

HERCULES-CAMPBELL BODY CO.

JT CANTRELL & CO.

COACHBUILT.COM

OLD WOODIES This is a good place for resources/clubs and other information.

HEMMINGS INFO. Here is some information on resources and availability of parts.

1940 chevrolet station wagon for sale

Thanks!

Tom

Building a woody is an awesome idea. I don't think that you would even need to start with a suburban just a regular truck. If you look at the picture below there is nothing that they have used from an original suburban. Even the rear fenders have been used from a truck. You can tell by how round they are. Panel, suburban rear fenders are not as round and they stay closer to the body. Keep us update on your project

[IMG]http://thumb5.webshots.net/t/24/665/0/60/21/2139060210085718485YIvbLY_th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://thumb5.webshots.net/t/55/55/9/73/84/2577973840085718485ksYPIn_th.jpg[/IMG]

Hi Tom,

Perhaps you could contact this owner of a 47 Chevy Suburban woodie and work out some deal for him to document every inch of the Campbell body in photos. He might even place a yardstick in the pictures if you ask.

http://flickr.com/photos/97173733@N00/103600345

Good luck on your project.

Here are some photos of a Campbell built woodie, along with the instructions of how to strip the metal body before shipping it to them. Of course, this was years ago. If you can't read these sheets, let me know and I will Email them to you. I happened upon this vehicle last year in Maine.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/560453163gDKmby

Thank you for the replies. Will follow through on each suggestion. tom

Tom,
I'd try to get a copy of the National Woodie Club roster. It lists the members and their vehicles, so you could get in touch with the owner of one of these. I've seen at least a couple of these. Wavecrestis coming up in September and I'm sure there's going to be at least one there you could measure. It might be worth a plane ticket to San Diego to see one up close.
Paul Frederick