1936 Chevy Suburban
Bruce Duykers
Sandpoint, ID
I have a show quality ‘36 low cab Chevy pickup. It was very original and in excellent condition when I bought it from a man in Kentucky. We restored it partially frame-off. I had it painted Hollywood tan, a color Chevy used only in the Oakland plant on taxis and panel trucks.
I was not really looking for a 36 Suburban although I knew they were rare. When I was putting my 36 pickup together, we found that there was a spare tire well covered over with metal on the fender. We welded in a new spare tire well and were supplied the spare tire rod clamp top and fender step by Bob Baucom. At that time he told me he was restoring a 36 suburban.
I was on ebay a month ago just checking prices of 36 low cab trucks. And what pops up? A rare 36 Chevy Suburban Carryall. Needless to say, it caught my eye. It had sat in a barn in Northboro, Massachusetts, for 46 years. The man intended to restore it but never did. He bought it from someone who had had it for two years with the same intentions. That’s all the history I know at this time. So far we have not deciphered the engine block or body numbers, but we will.
We have an extremely rare 41 Chevy Woodie with a Cantrell body. The Cantrell Co. only made three hundred wood bodies for Chevy wagons that year. Campbell wood bodies were more plentiful. I consider the 36 Suburban to be rarer than that.
Unlike the two former owners, this new owner will restore this first SUV to its original state in cream and Hollywood tan.
When I first shared this excitement about yet another Chevy with my wife, she was less than amused. I have bought a few cars in the last couple of years and each time promised that it was the last one. (Most of the cars we bought needed little or no restoration.) But when I explained to her that this was the rare of the rare and showed pictures of this historical Chevy, she left the door open just a little. She finally agreed knowing that the long northern Idaho winter was on its way and not wanting a bored husband around the house.
Now the project begins with the advice of many Bolters who have been telling me, “slow pace wins the day.” I’ve taken many pictures since it was delivered as well as three pages of notes. Perhaps in two years this Chevy Suburban will be in Sandpoint’s Lost in the 50’s Parade and Car Show which goes on every year and is a four day long event.
Thanks to all of you for your advice and wisdom. We will update you with photos as we continue this archeological dig.
I know I’ll be searching a long time for the rare Chevy air conditioner! (Just kidding, guys!)
Photos of my
'36 Chevy Suburban
Keep it up, and soon you'll be cruisin' around in it!