The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 53 suburban

Well, I went to look at a 53 burban for parts for the 50 suburban that I have and I ended up buying it. It has NO rust issues at all so I am thinking of keeping the 53 instead although my problem is, the 50 I bought about 3 months ago I found out is Pretty rare, it has a very early 235 that at first glance looks a 216, a truckstell overdrive, and runs and drives, so I would HATE to tear it apart at all. What should I do? Wife is forcing me to sell one of them. (Everyone knows how that is)

Tell the wife you agree with her and put it on CL for full value. If it sells it won't hurt so much and the wife will be happy. If it doesn't you can honestly say you tried and you will be happy.

How much rust is there on the 1950?

Does the 216 in the 1953 run?

Did you find the block-date and head-date casting codes on the 235?

If I had what you have AND I could only keep one truck, I'd probably put the 1950 drive-train into the 1953 truck and swap the 1953 drive-train into the 1950.

What did you pay for the 1950?
What did you pay for the 1953?

The drive train in the 1950 is not stock GM: the 235 was not a factory option in the Suburban in either 1950 or 1953, and the truckstell over-drive is a non-GM part (but, it is a very nice part). Those parts would be just as rare (and non-original) in the 1953.

If you keep the 1953, would you want to keep it "original"?

Do you have one full set of seats (at least) between the two of them?

"Original" or not, the Truckstell is a key piece of the equation. As no GM overdrives were available for those years, the Truckstell would be the equivalent of a NAPCO upfit to GM. Except a whole lot more rarer than a Napco setup would be. I wouldn't consider a Napco upfit to be so unoriginal as to contemplate it's removal for the purpose of originality-not that anyone has suggested it-but I hope no one is thinking it either.
Truckstell made their OD's with the express intent of putting them into a specific model. Upon inspection I think you'll find number like A-104 on the OD. Congrats on your finds. And it's a nice quandary to be in. (as for the sale of the "other one", get the first one done and show it around at work and shows-you'll have plenty of buyers for it once people get to see what it's all about.:))

Hmmm, how much you think SHE is worth

Seriously, I think thats a good situation to be in. Both vehicles are worthy to keep so I suppose you just as well "flip a coin". Let us know what you decide to do.

ok, so here it goes,
The 53 burban has no motor or trans but is for the most part complete, ( front & second row seats w/springs) extra set of rear doors body completely stripped from frame and neither frame nor body have ANY rust issues. I have decided to keep this one, due to it being easier to put together & finish.

The 50 burban has the truckstell, 4 spd, early 235, front seats only, fulton visor, spotlights, but has small cancer issues in rear of cab, right rear fender, very small area on right side in between fender & front door, all the dash works, lights etc, new glass being cut, all it needs is a resto & 2nd/3rd row seats, a few small misc. hardware items.
I thought of pulling 50 body off & putting 53 body on that frame but decided against that due to lack of space in my shop.

I followed "fried green Tmater" advice and listed it high, I now have someone who looked at the burban completely & wants to possibly trade a 35 chevy 4 door for it. This guy seemed VERY VERY knowledgeable about these AD vehicles and isn't telling me something due to his interest in it. ( I think ) I just need the money really to keep my wife happy.

Found out the 35 has a wood frame, so it is a no go on that.

chevrolet did not rid the trucks of wood frame till the 36 models
I am not shure on the cars

It is a car.

...37 was the firt pickup ALL metal.

36 Low cab was the first. the 36 High cab still had some wood and looks like a 35 but, the doors are all metal and most of the cab... The 36 Low cab came out mid year so, most would think 37.

Just think that these wood frame cabs were the last of the hand made chevy/gmc trucks and cars. from there everything was stamped and welded. It is still a craft to restore one of these classics. I have one myself that I am keeping. Still nice. and don'e let the wood stop you from getting one. If the wood is good.

A friend has a 36 Sedan,he's always having probs with the(wood frame) doors especially finding parts.

There are two companies making the wood frames. I got one for my 35 chevy truck. and it is a nice job. I also, know of others that have removed the wood and built a steal frame..