Well it's been quite a while since I reported on my 58 Suburban getting the
56 front end sheet metal upgrade. . .but since I haven't made that much
progress, I guess not much was warranted. I have been collecting parts
including L and R NOS rear quarter sheet metal, a very good tailgate assembly
(thanks Craig!) and misc tailgate parts, and a couple of TF radios (one
restored by Eric Watson (thanks as well!). . . misc engine/trans parts, etc.
The 56 front end sheet metal and all the front end trim/grille/etc are all on
hand and ready.
We've decided to split the body from the frame. . .creeping restorationitis
is rampant. My brother Brian will keep the body and do all of the sheet
metal cut/replace bad panels and paint. . .still red with bombay ivory trim.
He's building a rotiserrie for the body now.
I'll get the frame installed on his existing frame rotator since I can keep
that in my garage away from the neighbor's eyes and will do the
frame/drivetrain at my place. The engine (350) will be coming down first on
a custom built cradle so that I can bolt on the 3 speed + OD trans and get
everything worked out. (I don't know; Brian just likes to build stuff like
that for the fun of it.) Even though it's a 350, the engine plans are still
to retro it as much as possible. . .gray of course. . .I'm going to use
crankcase venting hardware off of the early 60's vettes; you can buy that
reproduction.
I joined the NAPCO list a while back and would like to convert the Sub to
NAPCO some day. . .but for the moment am just learning all I can about the
hardware. . .at least unless/until I can buy my brother's 57 NAPCO away from
him.
Mark Noakes
58/56 Suburban
Knoxville, TN
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