1985 Suburban Build

[VinnySC10]

So this is gonna take some time, but finally settled on a solid vehicle. Just picked it up, and drove it about 100 miles today, so I'd say that's an okay start.

So far, I'm going to

:Rebuild or replace the steering box

:Redo the sketchy steering wheel placement (someone took it off and put it back sideways)

:The turn signals stick, so need to fix that.

:The cover for the gauges is held in by 2 screws and a prayer.

:Make it so she ain't crosseyed anymore, between the low and bright lights I'm not sure where it thinks it's going.

:Replace the weather stripping throughout, along with any rubber exterior parts. It rattles to no end.

:Clean/repair all the power windows, they work but only technically. And more than one need a hand.

:Make a bed rack for the back that folds open to cover windows and create storage. Probably the thing that will take the longest. But will make this one heck of a camper.

Will post pics as I go along.

So here's hoping I can put a little more life into Babe, my big blue ox.

 

[Sandpoint Steve]

Another big Burb @Big Red Burb !

 

[Red_Leaf_Overland]

Love it. If I could find one around here in decent shape I would do the same.

 

[VinnySC10]

Honestly I got pretty lucky, Arizona doesn't have a rust issue like northern states. But the interiors are usually rotted out. Only found one other like it here in slightly worse condition but it was only 2WD.

 

[Big Red Burb]

Congrats!

Here’s the big red burb; looking forward to a busy camping season.

 

[VinnySC10]

Congrats!

Here’s the big red burb; looking forward to a busy camping season.

That is super clean, I really dig the matching trailer too.

 

[Big Red Burb]

Congrats!

Here’s the big red burb; looking forward to a busy camping season.

That is super clean, I really dig the matching trailer too.

Thanks!

 

[VinnySC10]

Can't believe it's been over a year, but I'm hammering back into working on the suburban. Luckily it's taken the time off with no issues other than a dead battery that was quickley fixed and it's back up and running around. Only real update other than that is a small headlight upgrade so I can actually see at night.

 

[VinnySC10]

So not a picture worthy upgrade, but swapped in a redhead steering box in hopes of getting the BlueOx to be a little more manageable. Which should also help for when I finish putting in the 2in lift kit and bigger wheels. Which will have before and after pictures once that's all said and done. So far the new stearing box has really helped with drift, but I'm sure going through the entire front end will help more.

 

[VinnySC10]

The "original" radio never worked right, so today I went and replaced it.
Whoever originally installed this did a pretty hack job of cutting the hole. Eventually I'll fix it, but for now I want sound and navigation.
Little bit of a rats nest of wiring, but eventually got it all hooked up correctly. With the exception of ironically enough the antenna, for which the cable has been lost. One day I will hunt for it, but it's getting hot so not today.

Admittedly it still isn't pretty, but I have sound and GPS now so Im not gonna complain to much.

Eventually I'll get to the actual important parts of the build. But creature comforts are easier at the moment.

Still need to fix the AC, and put in the lift I've been putting off for over a year now.

Then I'll have the fun of choosing new wheels as a reward, followed by a first run to see what's next on the list.