68-72 Suburban scratch build

[64SS350]

Thank you all, starting on new suspension. Going 4WD with a few inches of lift.

[64SS350]

Update... actually did some frame and body tweaking. The frame was too short and the body was out of square. Got those remedied and started on an engine I chose from Texas 3D. Now  I can locate and make mounts  for the engine, trans, and transfer case.

The valve covers are a color preview....

[NOBLNG]

Nice looking engine!?

[64SS350]

Frame is painted, springs added, motor installed. I used masking tape for the serpentine belt.

 

Edited May 29, 2023 by 64SS350

[redscampi]

Avidly watching this build as I will be attempting something similar at some point.

[64SS350]

At the time I started, there weren't many options, now several people are 3D printing the bodies.

I ordered tubing for the axels today, and I need to get busy on casting the engine bay.

Edited June 1, 2023 by 64SS350

[BuilderX]

Looking Good!

['70 Grande]

What method did you use to make your cut/joint-lines in that pieced-together body disappear like they have?

Edited June 2, 2023 by '70 Grande

[64SS350]

I start with a solid glue joint, then use the super thin CA to reinforce after glue sets. Fill with body glazing and sand, seal with the CA again...sand and primer until flush, more CA if necessary. Thicker CA can be used if larger gaps or holes need filled.

[64SS350]

Got the exhaust finished (for the second time) and installed. I forgot that after bending the styrene(from eBay) it doesn't play well with Model Master Metalizer, breaks very easily after sprayed.

Also started axels...

[64SS350]

So I never was satisfied with the original frame, it came together alot for the engine. This made the LS have an extreme angle back, I used the current headers to help, but not enough. I could make a custom set to exit straight out then back in under the frame, but... just opted not to this time.

Sooo....instead I'm opting to customize the frame to accommodate... after all it is a 4wd. I tried spreading it first, but that wasn't enough.

 

Edited June 26, 2023 by 64SS350

[H.A.K]

[64SS350]

Whew.... rebuilt! All back together, repaired a few parts, reengineered some, and added drive shafts. Painted bottom of interior tub, and the brakes are close!

 

[64SS350]

Brakes and rotors installed, steering started.

[Bainford]

That's looking great.  Very nice work. Tough looking drivetrain.

[NOBLNG]

Yes, it is coming along very nicely!?

[64SS350]

While making suspension parts, I have been prepping the interior. These seat bottoms bothered me, so I cut them from the backs to try and clean up the lines, to no avail. So I opted to sand down the seat lines and replace with styrene.

More pics soon, interior is painted, just needs carpet installed.

[64SS350]

Interior painted, carpet installed, ready for detailing and assembly.

 

[jdhog]

Very impressive build.  

[64SS350]

Small update on the interior. I had both bench seats installed, then had an incident with the back one, so it's getting stripped for a repaint. Here's the dash from original to finished. I think it turned out decent.

[NOBLNG]

The dash looks great Karl. Were the instrument decals included in one of the kits or are they generic ones?

[64SS350]

There not actual decals, there are printings from the guy on eBay.

A side note...I , for whatever reason, I  decided to use a small dab of super glue for placement. Works great, but have it exactly where you want it.... there's no moving it after! Lol

Hence my speedo is the tiniest bit tilted. I'll stick with Elmer's or clear coat from now on!

Thanks for everyone following along!

[64SS350]

So... interior is done, unless I come up with a few extras to place in there... I'm not proud of my window cranks, but they'll do.

 

 

 

[64SS350]

This isn't much of an update, but sure feels like it! Playing with ideas and materials to get the u-bolts as right as I could, styrene, piano wire, straight pin shanks... Finally got the styrene to work for me.

 

[jdhog]

That is art