The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs I've got a couple of dumb AD Suburban/Panel ques

So, I'm always sort of perusing for my next truck. Out here where I am, we just don't see too many panels or 'burbs or this vintage.

I drive my One ton every day, but I don't often need the capacity, lets face it, the box is huge. I'm more interested in covered storage for my tools and junk. Today I cam across a 1/2 ton Suburban, that looks like it might be a good candidate for restoration, and daily driving.

I have a couple of questions though for y'all. The truck has no seats with it. I'm sure with enough money I'll be able to buy some on ebay, but how much do they cost (about). I'm particularly interested in the fronts, and second row, but I think I'd probably end up with wanting them all.

Also, this truck, the side windows go up and down, instead of sliding back and forth. Is this some hack job? In the gallery, I only see sliders. Also, the truck has barn doors on the back, not the lift gate. Does this mean that it was a panel truck, and not a 'burb? The whole rear of the truck is "bed wood" just like a pick 'um up truck.

I'll try and snap a few pictures to add to the post here. Probably would be easier than me trying to describe this stuff.

Thanks for any info.

Sure sounds like a panel, what year is this find? I have this one ton 55 1st that had windows added to the rear sides that slide up & down. I'll see if I can dig up some pictures of them.
Mike Taylor

Without pictures, and the way you describe the rear floor, it was probably a panel, converted into a suburban.
But thats in no means a reason to stay away from it.
Seats are available from time to time on e-bay and Craigslist.
Good luck with your decision either way.

Okay, here are some pictures. You can see that there is no little detail around the windows on the rear. I don't think its all bondo there, as its not lumpy, and the truck's been out in the weather for years and years. Oh, it's a '49. Foolishly though, I didn't look at the serial number, though I was standing right there. Duh.

I'll just post clickable links, I can't remember if I'm allowed to have the images show up in the post here.

So, here we go!


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3058.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3059.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3060.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3061.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3062.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3065.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3068.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3070.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3071.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3073.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMG_3074.jpg

Ahh, more post while I was typey-typey. Sounds like its a panel with windows.

This is a panel with modifications that was built in a specialty shop. Looks good from what I can see. I like the way the rear windows roll up. With a little bit of work you should be able to put in original suburban seats. It looks like it is a 1947/1950. Check out the Check List for buying one of these and let me know if there is any corrections or modifications that you would recommend.

Okay, thanks for the replies.

Now, seeing how this is a panel truck, did they still have the same set of front seats like that, or did they use a regular truck seat? Wait, you might have already answered that question with your comments about the seat riser.

The passenger seat, does just the back hinge forward, or does the whole seat hinge forward, like in new minivans for easy access, and to haul long items with the rear doors shut?

Do allot of folks just stick pick up seats in? Or do most people not loose the front seats somehow? Hahaha.

Chris, My panel has two seats in the front, the driver's seat pivots only the back section and the seat is able to slide ahead and back to adjust for the driver's needs. The passenger seat tips ahead from the front wooden blocks that are fastened to the floor. The top of the seat actually rests against the dash, just above the glove compartment. I am quite certain that I have correct panel seats.

Okay, great. I thought that's what you meant, but I wanted it spelled out!

This truck has no seats with it.

This will make me sound dumb, but the seat riser would be the sheet metal thing the seat frame in my truck sits on? I didn't take a picture, but I don't remember seeing anything like that in the front of this truck.

This is only the second panel I've seen in real life, and the other one also had no seats too.

I'm mostly just interested in being able to sit down up front, and haul junk in the back, but being able to get into the back, from the front would be nice too.

Thanks again for answering my questions. I'm not too sure if I can swing this deal, but at the least, I'll know for next time!

The panel truck seats are different from pickup and suburban seats. A one-person driver's seat was standard - its top/back folded forward and came on its own base. The passenger seat was an option and it folded/tipped forward as described above (and had a base as part of the seat assembly). With these two seats in place is is still possible to get into the back from the front seat area and via the passenger door.

There were no 47-55 1-ton Suburbans.

Here are illustrations of the driver'side Panel Truck seat-assembly.

Here is the passenger's-side seat (note the hinge at the front of the seat-base, at the floor).

Here are the floor covers that go under the Panel Truck front seats.

Those illustrations are fantastic. I have been reading old threads here, and looked at some pictures, but those clearly show the details.

Thanks again guys. I'm really thinking that this might just be the truck for me, as I've already forgotten the hours and dollars I've spent getting my truck to be reliable. 17,000 miles on my watch, who knows how many since 1989ish when the engine was rebuilt, and only three push starts. Darn electricity anyway.

Okay, I had a chance to swing by again and take a hundred photos of the truck. I love electric cameras!

After all my reading here, and looking at the truck, I am really thinking about selling my truck, and then working in a mad panic to get this panel on the road. I just can't believe what a solid truck it is. The body is in such nice shape, other than the usual marks the need to be hammered out.

Its interesting to me that it has 15" wheels on it. Was that the way GMC's were, or were the 15" wheels an option, like on Chevs.

Now, this engine is a 235 I should think. I really only have experience with my old 216, but can't really imagine that this engine it altogether too different.

What rear end would this likely have? Were they all 4.11? You can see I think, that the truck has the four speed transmission. I assume this panel would be a little more calm at 55 mph than my 1-Ton. I don't really know anything about 1/2 Tons.

The floor is so very nice in this truck, its hard for me to believe it!

Now, this being a Canadian GMC, when new, it would have had a 216 in it, but was it negative ground?

It's got lever action shocks, which are so awesome looking!

So, I made these photos smaller, and I'll post them right here with the img tag thing. I think we are allowed to do that, although no one seems to. Mr. Moderator, if I'm not, feel free to have me change it. Oh, wait, I see we can't do that here. Ahh well, clicky-click on the links then!

If you see anything that jumps out at you, let me know. Also, it you want to see something not pictured, just let me know too, I took a whole bunch of photos.


[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1626.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1620.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1619.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1616.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1590.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1587.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1577.jpg[/IMG]

Look at those sweet sticky-outy lights!

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1564.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1563.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1555.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1554.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/IMGP1552.jpg[/IMG]

The sheet metal looks good.

It looks like it has a high-pressure engine - the valve cover is held on by 4 machine screws. The carburetor has an automatic choke but they were more common on the later 235 engines (most, if not all later car 235s had automatic chokes).

The wiring under the dash looks a little loose.

15" wheels were optional in all 47-55 1/2 ton GM trucks. Maybe they were standard in some trucks or in some years in GMCs (or in Canada).

That is the first time I've seen a picture of a Canadian GMC radiator. Looks to me like you could stick a US GMC radiator in there and use a real GMC engine.

The outside looks like a suburban to me,but the windows look custom.There is no where for the outside window trims to attach.It has a panel floor in it.I would like to see some pictures of the inside walls where the side windows are.


Tim

Click thru his array of pictures to see the inside.
It was definitely a panel. Someone did a very nice job of converting it.

I did look at all his links,but I would still like to see what the inside walls look like.It looks like they did a really nice job from the outside,of course the angles are different than a suburban.There are no pictures of the inside walls and windows!

Tim

Looks pretty solid, especially around the rear fender wells. I would do a closer inspection on the inside cowl, both sides. It looks like you may have some weak sheet metal under the heater and next to the parking brake. This truck looks like an easy fix. (They all look easy) Is the wood around the rear windows complete and in good shape? Definitely unique!

Images # 3068, 3070, and 3071 show the inside,complete with window crank handle.

I am just curious that's why I want more pictures of the wood. I have never seen details of them before, just oddball pictures referencing something else.

Thanks Marty,I don't know how I missed that group of pictures.
They did a nice job putting the windows in,all the windows need is to be trimmed somehow.


Tim

Mr Lang i haven't seen a price do you mind if i ask, I have a Canadian 54 Panel got it on Vancouver Island back in 74. I have had no problem interchanging parts between Canadian and US or between Chev and GMC for that matter, except for the obvious in the grill area.
I would go for it you don't find them to often in such good condition body wise.
Good Luck

Tim,

For some reason, I also missed those photos on my first few reads of this thread. Maybe the first set of photos were added later?

Nonetheless, this truck is in good shape and it is an interesting and well carried out conversion. I am as curious as laybacklenny is regarding the price.

Mr. Lang, have you bought the truck or are you still considering buying it? By all means, keep asking questions.

I do not think that your question regarding the rear-end was answered. If it still has the original enclosed drive-shaft rear end, it would be a 4.11:1 (same ratio used in all 1/2 ton Advance-Design trucks from 1947-1953). The stock rear-end in your 1950 1-ton would have been 5.14:1.

Okay, to make this easier, I'm making a new album on my photobucket, and will put a link here. I've put 123 pictures up, including these, so it'll be easier to scroll through them.

The fellow is asking $3500. Which does buy allot of old car around here, but trucks, sedan deliveries, panels and burbs cost more. There are always a number of AD trucks for sale here, but not panels or burbs. Our rainy and wet weather really takes a toll on the sheet metal, unless the truck has been undercover.

As you can see, it does have the torque tube driveline.

The '49 Pontiac I had for years had the same set up, torque tube (Canadian Ponchos had this) and 4.11 rear end. It would cruise all day at 50 mph, with sounding like it was reving to fast.

The photos seem to be finnished uploading.

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/HomeCrafter/PanelBurb/

oops! Looks like there are a few duplicates on there.

The wood around the windows is there, but much of it is in tough shape. Having the pieces to copy, makes that a cake-walk.

Same as the one regulator set up is missing from the rear window, but the other is in place, that sure makes repairing the missing side much easier.


Let me know if the link doesn't work, or you have more comments.

Tim,that's what I was thinking as well.
If the price is right,I wouldn't hesitate about buying it.The sheet metal is really clean,no rust in the rear near the doors,it has the rear metal bumper valance pan. It has a deluxe air flow heater on the passenger side.I would get rid of the heater hanging under the drivers side.I don't think those rear side lights are original.It looks really solid to me.

Good Luck,
Tim

Also, check out the huge speedo needle! I've not seen one like that before hahaha.

The Canadian Pontiacs had the same torque tube setup, but is it 6 stud? Not sure when they changed, but they did have 3.55 rear end ratios, maybe it's a Pontiac sedan delivery?

Sorry for the confusion, I was referring to my Pontiac sedan, and not the panel truck pictured. The panel truck is a GMC.

First time that I have seen a Canadian Tag up close. They include the Trim code and Paint code as well as the body code, wish the US made ones did that.

I would take him on the best offer deal, you're going to need some tires and other necessities immediately. YOU SHOULD HAVE SOME FUN WITH THIS ONE!

You should have already bought this one! I love the crank down quarter windows. The Art Deco Burbs had those, and quite frankly, they should have been retained in the AD/ND burbs as well. The plank and strip floor is an advantage over the stock suburban floor in that if repair is needed it will be easy to do. Seats can be obtained and it sounds like maybe just one rear seat is all you'll need for at least the short term. Don't sweat that stuff.
That price is a good deal and trucks' condition bears that up. And don't change those rear lights either, just because they aren't original. They look very cool.
See if you can find a nice 261 to throw into that engine bay and maybe go open driveline at the same time. Nice score-don't let it get away!

That driver's-feet heater must have been a very desirable accessory in Canada?

Yes, the speedometer needle is unique.

Those holes in the roof are perhaps additional evidence that the truck was set up as a panel truck conversion into an ambulance?

Would a 3.55 car enclosed driveshaft in Canada have 6 lugs? A 3.55 car rear-end first became available in 1950 in Powerglide-equipped cars. 5-lugs in cars started in 1949 in USA cars? This truck has 6-lug wheels and most likely a 4.11 (truck) rear end.

I do know that my '49 Canuck Poncho, which was basically a chev with a (flathead six), had five lugs and was a 4.11.

The jump from the 1-ton 5.14 that I drive everyday to a 4.11, and less weight should feel like a rocket ship, that's the way my sedan always felt when I got into it.

Did you end up getting it? Did you find out the year of it? My guess would be a 47 because it has the fuses on the driver side of the firewall and there isn't an H pattern in the firewall above the hole for the steering column. My 47 Chevy Panel has the fuses and no H pattern either, my 50 pickup has the H and no fuses.

It's a '49.

It's coming this weekend, and then I'll be in a panel-panic to get it on the road, and looking presentable. I'll be sure to post here, with nauseating frequency!