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Old 10-21-2022, 03:21 PM   #1
nsiti
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1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

As a classic truck enthusiast, the sixth generation Suburban first caught my eye when watching an episode of Texas Metal on Discovery's Motor Trend channel. I really appreciated the truck's classic design and single passenger side door, which are special. Thus started my search for a Suburban restoration project. I've spent countless hours on this site and others researching and thought I would give back by posting my story and documenting the build.

Lots more thoughts and photos to folllow.

Regards,
Nick
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Old 10-21-2022, 03:22 PM   #2
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Full set of "before" photos on my cloud drive:

https://filen.io/f/fe403794-6dc0-461...qJhA5vvtAMOUjt

Last edited by nsiti; 10-21-2022 at 04:07 PM.
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Old 10-21-2022, 03:23 PM   #3
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

The hunt for a 4x4 Suburban, preferably with barn doors, started around March 2020. I love four wheel drive trucks and have previously restored a 1977 Ford Bronco which I have owned since 1992. It took me quite a while to find a decent truck that met my specifications. It seems that there are not a lot for sale these days, especially on the east coast. So when September of 2021 rolled around and one came up for sale just 25 miles from me, I promptly inspected and purchased it.

Then stated a six month process of planning for the restoration, which was an amazing (and often frustrating) learning process.

More to come when I have extra time to write.

Last edited by nsiti; 10-21-2022 at 04:37 PM.
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Old 10-21-2022, 03:56 PM   #4
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

That’s a great project good buy that’s the one to own I’ll be watching
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Old 10-21-2022, 04:05 PM   #5
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

"Before" photos
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:32 PM   #6
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Body work commenced back in late September, here are some photos of the first phase.
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:34 PM   #7
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More photos of the first phase of body work back in late September.
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:38 PM   #8
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Some progress being made in early October...
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:39 PM   #9
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More progress photos from early October:
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:44 PM   #10
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Body work continuing to come along in early October, with some attention to the rusted sheet metal.
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:49 PM   #11
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Some good headway was made into late October, after some custom metal fabrication.
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:51 PM   #12
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More progress from late October:
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:55 PM   #13
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More work was done in November, with some attention to the rear AC, including replacing the hoses and custom clamps into the roof unit.
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Old 01-29-2023, 02:58 PM   #14
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Rear wheel arches were replaced on both sides, of course some of the typical issues were encountered.
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Old 01-29-2023, 03:03 PM   #15
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

The Suburban's undercarriage is now in the process of being sandblasted:
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Old 01-29-2023, 03:05 PM   #16
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

More shots from the sandbaster last week, which brings us up to date. I'll post more regular updates going forward.
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Old 01-29-2023, 10:14 PM   #17
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

That’s coming along nicely!
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Old 01-30-2023, 01:08 AM   #18
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

-
You're doing great work on it. Keep it up. I know it's hard to keep up with the updates, I have the same problem sometimes.....

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Old 02-02-2023, 12:16 PM   #19
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Looking good!
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Old 02-02-2023, 01:43 PM   #20
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Nice truck
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Old 02-02-2023, 04:52 PM   #21
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Looking great, keep going strong!!!!
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Old 02-03-2023, 09:49 AM   #22
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Nice work! more skill than I could ever muster…
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Old 06-13-2023, 04:08 PM   #23
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Five months later... too long for my taste, but that's life.

I think my guys have been dreading removing the windshield in order to repair the rust round the upper and sides. Today it was tackled and removed without breakage. Next steps, rust repair, then the removal and re-fabrication of the rear wooden floor.

Cheers,
Nick
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Last edited by nsiti; 06-13-2023 at 04:18 PM. Reason: signature
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Old 06-13-2023, 04:11 PM   #24
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Chrome trim removal progress.
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Old 06-13-2023, 04:13 PM   #25
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Re: 1972 Suburban 4X4 3/4 Ton K20 "The Beast"

Final stages of windshield removal.
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