The Stovebolt.com Forums Home | Tech Tips | Gallery | FAQ | Events | Features | Search
Fixing the old truck

BUSY BOLTERS
Are you one?

Where is it?? The Shop Area

continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.

Searching the Site - a click away
click here to search
New here ??? Where to start?
Click on image for the lowdown. Where do I go around here?
====
Who's Online Now
13 members (klhansen, BLUEMEANIE, RBs36, TUTS 59, 46 Texaco, Gib70, Ponchogl, mvigo, Leo, Possum, Deegs53, 2 invisible), 571 guests, and 1 robot.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics126,776
Posts1,039,277
Members48,100
Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025
Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 3 of 4 1 2 3 4
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
S
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
S Offline
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Patrick,
Its 9d here today and will be as cold into next week.
As far as the temp of any adult beverages is concerned I couldn't tell you but if Mt dew counts we are making slushies.


Sully

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Originally Posted by FriedGreenTmater
How do you keep your beer cold when it's that hot?


Ha ha! That's freezing for coastal NC! I keep my beer cold by using my RV as the beer fridge. (Redneck I know, but the truth) :-)

Last edited by pplummer; 01/08/2010 2:10 AM.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Hi All, I am finally back and working on the suburban again. It's been one cold winter here, and with an 8 month old (Yes, time does fly) My time has been consumed with being ill, and cold! Daycares seem to be great breeding grounds for ailments.

Anyway, I managed to get working on the truck again. I stripped msot of the interior parts out and sanded it and put it in 2k primer this weekend. I do need some help determining which colors are wicker, and which ones are pecan, and what is the original steering column color. I've decided to go back to original interior colors for the heck of it with the Cape Maroon for exterior. I have been tinkering here and there on the engine to getting ready to fire it. I'll send some pics up tonight. I am hoping to start painting some of the parts in the not too distant future. I may paint it base clear, but am having a hard time getting paint colors. I just may call Jim Carter and order a pint of each and spray it out and have it matched in base / clear.

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Hey Guys, Can somebody do me a Favor? I need to get a sprayed out sample of the original two tones of brown for the interior of this truck. Can somebody spray out a couple of squares for me on steel and mail them to me? Jim Carter wants 50 b ucks a quart for paint I'll never use but for a sample. I'll pay for shipping costs, just need someobdy who has the exact color. I have nobody locally who can help and have tried twice with some horrible results.

See what you guys think, here is what I ended up with. The Cape Maroon looks right, I am not so sure on the browns, and the darker brown is metallic? Can't be right.

http://gallery.mac.com/patrick.plummer#100287/P1000484&bgcolor=black

http://gallery.mac.com/patrick.plummer#100287/P1000489&bgcolor=black

http://gallery.mac.com/patrick.plummer#100287/P1000488&bgcolor=black

Last edited by pplummer; 03/22/2010 4:21 PM.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
I
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
I Offline
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Fantastic pictures of the progress on your burb. You haven't even owned it for a year yet! You obviously don't mess around on a project.

Great job!

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
G
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
G Offline
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
thumbs_up Looks good. Can't wait to see this one done! Tim Lederman might know which colors will work.

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262

I do not feel confident to ID the pre-54 Suburban interior colors. The colors in your photos sure do look nice. The darker color seems very metallic. From whom did you get those sample colors?

I think that the darker brown is similar to the brown used in some 54/55 GMC trucks (but I am not sure). My 54/55 GMC COE has that dark brown. The PPG Prophet computer analysis showed it to be metallic (I could not see that with my old eyes).

Do you have a friendly PPG dealer nearby? They might be able to match the old codes and even spray a few samples?

Here is some information on 1953 interior colors in the Suburban.

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Tim, I would agree. I think they mixed a 54 interior color on the darker brown. I am going to use the inside of my glovebox for the one color, and then maybe find a darker piece for the "wicker brown" color. That way, I'll know for sure it's a match.

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
I managed to find enough pieces to get all the colors shot by a local PPG rep to match the colors (pecan brown, wicker brown, and Cape Maroon) much better than the last place. So I won't be needing any samples as I mentioned in the above post. I just need one final sand on the inside and I should be spraying the color of the interior tonight in the booth. Maybe outside Color by next week! Woo hoo! My autobody guy found me a 'fool proof' wet sanding 600 grit flexible disc to run on the outside before I spray the base. His help guiding me has been a blast.

Incidentally, my close friend had a cutoff wheel let go on him this weekend. 5 stitches in the nose! Wear your face shields folks :-) He was wearing glasses. (It was a cheap disc too) It was a good wakeup call for me too.

Last edited by pplummer; 03/24/2010 2:45 PM.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
G
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
G Offline
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
Originally Posted by pplummer
I managed to find enough pieces to get all the colors shot by a local PPG rep to match the colors (pecan brown, wicker brown, and Cape Maroon) much better than the last place. So I won't be needing any samples as I mentioned in the above post.

Do you have the formula numbers for those of us who have not reached that point? Can you post it here? Thanks

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Gmoniz, I will see what I can do. I will be talking to the rep again Friday. I managed to paint the interior this afternoon! I seem to be back in my groove agian. I was so happy that I managed to do it myself! My friend was watching from the booth window laughing at me. My arms are killing me! It definitely isn't as easy as it looks. It turned out pretty good!

Last edited by pplummer; 03/25/2010 2:38 AM.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 226
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 226
what a great truck to work with! Mine is the same model but, a 1951. WOW yours is rust free big time compared to mine. I just put mine on the road with duct tap to cover the rust! I have to do this to pass the state inspection this week. I have to wire up the headlights before I go. I just replace the complete brake system last week. I will be working on it in pieces just like you. do keep up the great work! I will be looking forward to more pictures over time.


Poets Seat Auto
Appraisals, Parts, Service
Past: General Motor's Master Technician
Member: Northeast Chevy/GMC Truck Club
Phone Number: 413.774.5856
Collector of: 1951 Army Chevy Burb barn door,53 GMC COE,two 1934 Chevy Truck,1935 Chevy Army Truck.1950 Gmc Suburban clamshell these are just my chevy/gmc trucks.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
I seem to be back into the swing of things. I painted the interior a few days ago and it turned out great! I posted some pics in the gallery. I also wet sanded the outside body and the shell is ready for its final color. I am hoping I can get some spray time either tonight or tomorrow morning. It took me a couple hours to do the interior. My body guys says I spray slow, but hey, it's not a race for me! I'm just not experienced enough yet to speed it up. I am having fun learning the final prep steps, which is pretty cool.

I also fixed the rear clamsheel hinge that was tore up from a previous repair.

New pics are all the way to the bottom. Iphone photos so quality isn't so hot.

http://gallery.mac.com/patrick.plummer#100287&view=null&bgcolor=black&sel=335

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Body is in Color! I put pics in the link above. I ran it in a few places, but the good news is, I am really good at final wet sanding :-) I'll probably ease up on the updates and stop driving everybody nuts for a while. I am probably going to continue painting bits and pieces for the next month or so!

Take Care all!

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
G
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
G Offline
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
thumbs_upKeep them coming I like being bored with your updates! grin

What color is your final coat? Is it from the stock color charts?

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
GMONIZ, Yes it's a stock color. It's Cape Maroon.

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
T
Bondo Artiste
Bondo Artiste
T Offline
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
Keep those photos coming, I really enjoy the updates.


~ Phillip
1949 GMC Suburban - 10 year project
1952 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible straight 8 hydramatic
1945 GMC half ton truck - Driver
1946 Chevy COE - Might restore one day...
1959 GMC Half ton long bed NAPCO
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
S
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
S Offline
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Patrick,
All looks great.Hope your family is doing well.I'll have updates also coming shortly. Getting the chassis ready to paint and will be setting the body back on in a couple of weeks.

Sully

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Sully, Thanks for the comments. I spent two days this weekend painting the truck. Pics are in the picturegallery in my signature. I got a bit of dirt in the fenders, so I may repaint them. I had to repaint the body as well due to CC runs, but I needed the practice. I've had a hoot of a time painting the truck myself. I've learned a lot. I didn't think there was much to do after primer. Boy, was I wrong! Anyway, I am progressing, and hoping to get the body back onto the frame in the next few weeks as well after I color sand the firewall

Last edited by pplummer; 04/19/2010 1:58 PM.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
G
Master Gabster
Master Gabster
G Offline
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,781
thumbs_up I like it! You may have another Cape Maroon Suburban twin, mine.

I have wanted to paint mine maroon from the beginning but I didn't know how it would look, now I know. It was a toss up between Seacrest Green or a maroon of some kind. I like the fact that it's a stock color.

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 29
C
New Guy
New Guy
C Offline
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 29
I like it also!
You guys might just see a Cape Maroon Canopy by the end of the year.


Justin

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
I got the body back on the frame this weekend. Pretty big step! The truck is in various pieces and forms on color sanding currently. Pics are in the gallery at the very bottom

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 226
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 226
nice job!


Poets Seat Auto
Appraisals, Parts, Service
Past: General Motor's Master Technician
Member: Northeast Chevy/GMC Truck Club
Phone Number: 413.774.5856
Collector of: 1951 Army Chevy Burb barn door,53 GMC COE,two 1934 Chevy Truck,1935 Chevy Army Truck.1950 Gmc Suburban clamshell these are just my chevy/gmc trucks.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
S
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
S Offline
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Patrick,
Way Cool!
I put mine on the new chassis last weekend. Will upload new photos this weekend.


Sully

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
The Hats off to you Patrick, I can hardly believe the pace you've done this at!
Keep up the great work.


1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in Scotland
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Flickr.
I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings
"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
I got the truck sanded and buffed this weekend. I had to start a new photo gallery because I hit my 500 pictures per gallery limit! I am hoping to get the pieces aligned and assembled this week, but who knows what's in store. Also, I have some pieces coming for the grill too. I am going to restore the original grill. I'm just not happy with some of the repops.

http://gallery.mac.com/patrick.plummer#100501&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=12

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
thumbs_up Way to gooooooo.


1937 Chevy Pickup
In the Gallery
1952 Chevy Panel
In the Gallery
More photos
1950 Chevy Coupe
Pictures!

I'd rather walk and carry a Chevy hub cap than ride in a Ferd.
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you smile
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,554
B
'Bolter
'Bolter
B Offline
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,554
Looks GREAT, I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!


1951 3100 Chevrolet
1951 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall
Image
"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: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
T
Bondo Artiste
Bondo Artiste
T Offline
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 775
Yes sir, keep up the great work, your progress has got me in high gear on my 'burb project.


~ Phillip
1949 GMC Suburban - 10 year project
1952 Pontiac Chieftain Convertible straight 8 hydramatic
1945 GMC half ton truck - Driver
1946 Chevy COE - Might restore one day...
1959 GMC Half ton long bed NAPCO
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 320
T
Cruising in the Passing Lane
Cruising in the Passing Lane
T Offline
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 320
It's really coming together Patrick. I'm very close to where you are with my panel. Hopefully soon I'll have some pics to share.


1951 Chevy 1-Ton Panel
In the Stovebolt Gallery
Pictures of the restoration on Photobucket
Now cruising in the Passing Lane
RIP good friend.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Thanks guys! I appreciate the nice feedback! While I may not be going for a perfect 'factory' original resto, the changes that I am making will put my spin on things, and I am hoping will make it a nice driver for me. I just had my gauges rebuilt and I decided to have them faced as GMC gauges. I think they will look better with the truck. I had the originals rebuilt as again, I wasn't happy with the repops. I should have them in shortly, but first is rear glass. I just had it all cut and I am ready for the task. I was just reading up on some old threads from way back when and now I need to order the parts. Tim Lederman, when you get a moment, could you call me to talk through this before I tackle it? I think I am ok, but a sober school of second thought never hurts. Also, where are you guys buying install kits? I see Classic parts has one, but the thread said (two years ago) that some weren't happy with it.

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Hey guys, I've had a couple of PM's from some of you regarding the retractors, so I thought i'd share my findings. They are actually window counterbalances! I'm not sure if all of the models use the same ones, but mine was listed there on the website. It doesn't look like mine were ever replaced, so I suspect this is the original part! I measured mine out and it is a model A and the information is stamped right on the part itself. Thanks to Bill from Bill's truck shop for the tip

http://pullmanmfg.com/standard.html

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 118
B
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
B Offline
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 118
Has anybody priced these on the site? I am actually looking for some and there was a set on ebay but I'll probably go this route, THANKS!

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Brian, I called them today. They were 20 bucks. If you look at the face of the counterbalance (the part that bolts to the metal in the door) there will be some letters and numbers. They will need them. Mine had the letter A on it.

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 120
E
'Bolter
'Bolter
E Offline
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 120
thank you for sharing the counterbalance info along with posting the link,,it has to be one of the best pieces on here for us burb guys.

oh and sorry i forgot to tell you what a great job your doing on your burb and in such a short time ,, seeing your progress makes me wanna tear into mine already


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
A
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
A Offline
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33
i just figured out how to fit a 99 safari third seat into a 52 front seat. maybe you could do something close for the time being. the length is very close.

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
HI guys, I am still alive! I am taking a break for the summer. With all this heat down here, it's just too hot to work in a garage in 100 degree weather on the truck. I'll get back to it this fall. It's been nice having a break. I've been collecting parts for the next big push. Hope you all are doing well. Back to riding my bikes and spending time with the fam!

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 256
B
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
B Offline
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 256
Originally Posted by pplummer
Hi all. Well, it's here in my driveway.

49 Burb Pics

Here's what I've decided to do so far. I probably won't start the project in a month or so. I broke my fifth metacarpel bone in my right hand a couple weeks ago and now I'm the proud owner of three stainless screws. (This was quite a painful experience)

Anyway, here is the rundown for what I'm thinking:

Chasis:

4 inch dropped front axle over stock springs from Eaton
Rear springs from Eaton with 4 inch drop
261 engine that I just finished building for the 47 with
Howard M4F cam
.40 over with sealed power pistons
Stock head with 848 head decked .30 with new valves and seats
Unsure on carburation yet, but leaning towards clifford for a bit more power, but still love the look of 2 rochester B's.
Saginaw 4-speed that I just finished rebuilding for the truck with a Patrick's shifter
Camaro Open rear end
Wide whites and painted smoothies or artilleries
Original steering box but convert the linkage to 37-53 ford tie rods instead of originals
front discs, rear drums

Body:
Either is vista green two tone color combination that they used to put on the cars, or the two tone grey combination
All other pieces original, maybe a visor. I think these trucks look great with a visor

Interior:
All original, but may possibly add carpet throughout

That's about as far as I can think forward right now! I'll send you some pics as I move along on the project. I am going to take the truck over to my friends shop who has a booth and am going to tear down and start body work in the month of June after this hand heals. Hope you're all doing well. Talk at you later!

Patrick
Great pics


Stovebolt CHEVROLET
1949 Chevrolet Suburban
Non stovebolt CHEVROLET
1958 Impala Convertible
1963 Impala Convertible
MY 1949 SUBURBAN
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k237/bigtony55/B3Le4kQmkKGrHqQOKkIEyOD6OnQjBMlR5ZKJng_121.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k237/bigtony55/B3LfyCQEWkKGrHqEOKkEEyNoRGLUBMlR8HrYzg_121.jpg




Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 256
B
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
B Offline
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 256
Originally Posted by bowtietim
Here is a picture of original sheet metal under the jump seat.I thought it was patched,but was told it's original.It has a few spot welds that hold it down.

sheet metal under jump seat
sheet metal
Pegs behind jump seat
Thanks for these pics i was going to ask about this same thing,somone replaced my floor in that area with some 1/8 plate steel, im glad i read thru this whole build topic great build be the way


Stovebolt CHEVROLET
1949 Chevrolet Suburban
Non stovebolt CHEVROLET
1958 Impala Convertible
1963 Impala Convertible
MY 1949 SUBURBAN
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k237/bigtony55/B3Le4kQmkKGrHqQOKkIEyOD6OnQjBMlR5ZKJng_121.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k237/bigtony55/B3LfyCQEWkKGrHqEOKkEEyNoRGLUBMlR8HrYzg_121.jpg




Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 321
Thanks! I am going to hit it hard after Christmas. I have enjoyed the break on the truck to tell you the truth.

Page 3 of 4 1 2 3 4

Moderated by  MNSmith, Rusty Rod 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Home | FAQ | Gallery | Tech Tips | Events | Features | Search | Hoo-Ya Shop
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0
(Release build 20240826)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 8.3.11 Page Time: 1.927s Queries: 15 (0.068s) Memory: 0.8171 MB (Peak: 1.0920 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2025-09-22 16:47:36 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS