I have a '51 suburban that I have started restoring. It has had a 327 in it for years along with the original drive train. They did a horrible job of installing it. I also have a 235 that has been rebuilt with an overdrive. I also have a 292 six that needs rebuilt and a 700R4 that is rebuilt. The burb now has a '56 pickup rear end in it. Any thoughts as to which way to go? Thanks, Dale
Dale, you asked for it! I just got home from taking SHMBO and her best friend to supper for "best friend's" birthday. They both spent the day at an assisted living home volunteering, which, by the way, is a most admirable way to spend a weekend! I know i'm rambling but, that's what 4 margaritas will do to the best of us! Back to the subject! When i was young, everything had to have a v-8 or it was not cool. As i grew older, i learned to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of an inline 6 cylinder. Nothing is more dependable than a well maintained 6, be it a 216 or 235 inline 6 cyl chevy engine. We've talked a lot lately about IFS, disc brakes, superchargers, you name it and the only thing i have to say about it all is that YOU'VE got to do what you think is right for your application. These trucks are an engineering marvel off of the line in the late 40's and early '50's, a vehicle born of a new generation, a generation tired of a world conflict and ready to enjoy life. I am lucky enough to own one and i want mine to be as original to the day it rolled off of the assembly line as possible. My next one, if i survive this one, will be upgraded a bit, but will still retain it's original lines and simplicity, and still will probably not be up to modern day standards. The real question is: You've got a vehicle that by certain standards, is not an "everyday day find". Do YOU want to preserve a piece of history and rebuild it as close to original as possible or do you want to make it a daily driver with all of today's safety upgrades or do you want to make it a retro rod to fit your ideas of your favorite time in life? So many questions, so little sheet metal. Do what you want to do. Whichever path you take, rest assured that we will support you in everyway possible to make your journey a smooth, fun, and informative one!
A classic "So many questions, so little sheetmetal". Now I know what I'll have running through my head when I'm standing outside (and it's WARM again) with a glass-o-wine, gazing at my truck- pondering its future! Thanks Ken.
He's right you know . Just remember this : anyone can (and allready has) stuffed a big old V-ate into an old truck , few bother to save that iron lump , the World Beating CAST IRON WONDER 235 and if you don't put that InLine engine back into it , the Gods of GM and yea , of old trucks too will be angry and your precious panel delivery van willl certainly burst into flames or roll off a cliff....... Er , what were we talking about ? . Oh , NURSE ! .
Damn Nate you're going to scare the newbie to death. Where's your nurse again? Just kiddin. You know dale all of the advice above is correct. I think Ken nailed it the best though. This is your truck and you're the one wrenching on it and spending the money. It sounds like you have several options to do with it. Myself I am a street rodder and I would say the 327 700R4 and put a 4:11 posi in it and go have a good time, but as you can see Nate and Ken go original. So which ever way that you decide to go there will be a lot of good support and good solid advice no matter what you choose. These guys on here are extremely smart on originals and street rods both. To me the only way to go wrong is to not restore the truck at all.
Thanks for all of the opinions. I am still taking it apart, so I have some time to decide. I like original cars, but I also like the idea of having an automatic. I just finisted a ground up restoration on a '50 3600 that my dad bought in '51.
