Uncle Pauls 86 3/4 4x4 Sub

[70-K5]

It isn't *my* Uncle Paul, it is actually my father-in-laws Uncle Paul who I met at my wedding two years ago and then again at 4th of July last year. We talked a little bit about cars and he said he had an old Suburban that wasn't running. He only used it to tow his boat that he gave away a few year ago.

I was welcome to it for the price of $1. Only issue is it was in California and I live in Oregon.

Well, a few weeks ago I got down to the bay area and drug it home on a uHaul auto transport. FYI, if you have a suburban don't try to put it on a uHaul, they say it fits but it is like towing a roller skate.

I actually got great mileage considering the weight of the beast...

This is the round trip account for the trip.



This is how it fits on the trailer....


And what I was towing with:



Besides the trailer sway it was a great ride, pulled great.

Dumbo towing mirrors - Check
Running board - Check
Oversize mudflaps - Check




Ready to go home:



And where she sits until I can get down and figure out how to get the old dinosaur breathing fire again.




Uncle Paul was the original owner. Engine was replaced in 1988, painted in 1999 (red is not a good color to sit out in the California sun for 15 years....) as stated 3/4 ton, 4wd, 6.2L diesel, captians chairs, rear air, rear heat, power windows and locks, third row delete.

Everything is there, just needs some cleaning and a little TLC.

[Bluerb]

Musta been a fun trip up I-5! Did you have to take it through the Grapevine?

Should be fun to work on. As you said in my thread, I'd be happy to turn a wrench if you need some help. It's hard to find time with 4 kids, but I'd be happy to help when I can.

[70-K5]

Only had to go to Pinole which is North Bay, near Oakland.
Besides this I've got a 1970 K5 and an 89 K5, so plenty to do.

[special-K]

I love it. I wish I had it. I retired my '91 3/4t 6.2 Suburban a few years ago and miss it.

[68Timber]

That thing is a beast, love the 6.2.

[Nodnarb76]

Nice truck, can't wait to see it when your done, be sure to keep us updated on the progress.

[70-K5]

Thanks guys, it is 40 miles away until I can get the shop built next to my place, hopefully in the next three months or so.

[70-K5]

Made it out to the farm this weekend and spent a little time with Paul. Found out that it came with 4.10 gears and a locking rear differential. Also found the adjustable rear brake bias with the squat arm thingy attached to the rear axle. Pretty sweet stuff.

Paint isn't as bad as I thought, I just hosed it off and it looks 20 times better.


Looks like he put the seats down in 1987 and then put the plywood and carpet over the cargo area and never moved it. Seats are mint and rear carpet is pretty damn good looking!







Unfortunately due to a leaking hydroboost the front carpet is done.




I ordered a bunch of parts for it yesterday: belts, air filter, oil filter, fuel tank straps, tank sending unit lock ring and seal, u-joints and steering damper. Picked up two new 78 series batteries from Costco, funny the tire guy there said, "Diesel Chevy?"! Haha!

We'll see if I can get out there again next weekend and get the new parts on and have it running when Uncle Paul comes up for the 4th! Would be great to have him see it running.

[thirdstreettito]

Gorgeous burb! I'd buy a nice set of 16x8 Rockcrushers and run 285/75R16 BFG A/T's. I think it would look great But that's my $.02

[70-K5]

I've seen a set like that on my local craigslist, Weld makes a similar style, looks identical to me.

Seen these too, only $550 for the set, only 4/32's left on tires though...

[68Timber]

Those are sharp. If the price is right I'd pick those up and replace the tires in a few months as needed. If you don't drive it much you may get a year or more out of them.

[thirdstreettito]

https://www.treadwright.com/

http://www.tirerecappers.com/

Both high quality retreads(NOT RECAPS). Lot of guys on Pirate4x4 use them and have no more problems than brand new tires.

[70-K5]

Here's picture of Welds that won't expire with the CL ad.

[70-K5]

Originally Posted by BRUISER

Those are sharp. If the price is right I'd pick those up and replace the tires in a few months as needed. If you don't drive it much you may get a year or more out of them.

Yea, since I've got a 70 K5 and an 89 K5 in the garage along with my F150 daily driver they don't get a lot of miles between them.

Thinking about them but the other problem from having so many projects is the lack of funds.

My other projects:

[70-K5]

Knocked a little work out over the weekend.

Picked up a new hydroboost which was leaking into the drivers footwell, nasty to say the least. Vacuumed out the back, got the nasty falling headliner out, dropped the 40 gallon fuel tank, ordered a new one and polished the hood up a little bit. We're going to need something a little more aggressive but it is a good start.

[Kurt L]

i'm not seeing any pics

[68Timber]

You've got some cool K5's. Good start on the Burb.

[70-K5]

Long week trying to get the Burb running for Uncle Paul, I'm very happy to report that we were successful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=9DPY8DLQoII

Now it has a new tank and new sending unit, replaced all the hoses and the lift pump. New fuel and air filter. Waiting for new belts and an oil change.

Had a massive struggle getting the hydroboost unit out, there are fawlking nuts above the steering column which means you have to take apart the dash to get to them. Then I find out the unit I picked up from a local yard has different fittings so I couldn't get it in to take Uncle Paul for a drive. Next year I guess...

[70-K5]

Hydro boost was delivered yesterday and I picked up a new set of wheels. Found a set of Toyo M-55 almost new on some nice rims for $440, couldn't pass them up. From what I've read they are a sturdy tire with very good construction and handle many terrains well.








He also brought me some oil he had left over and some CB radios. The big one has a plate that is a quick release matched to another wired in the cab.

[68Timber]

Those wheels look new - cool score.

[70-K5]

I'm pretty happy with the new look.

[thirdstreettito]

Looks nice! Just get those running boards off and you'
ll have a right pretty burb

[70-K5]

I don't know... I kinda like the running boards... I know they are "old man"...

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by 70-K5

I don't know... I kinda like the running boards... I know they are "old man"...

Normally I do not like them but somehow they click on your truck. The wheels look great.

[Nodnarb76]

Looking good!
comming along nicely.