1951 Chevrolet Suburban ~ California Car ~ Fresh Build ~ One Owner ~ Rare Find !

Description

1951 Chevrolet SuburbanCalifornia Born and Raised
I brought this back from California in March '18 and now it is your chance to get the fresh build. I bought this from the original owners family after he passed. It is a L.A. built vehicle and lived in the Pomonaarea for its whole life. There was almost no rust at all, the only patch done was the lower inside passenger door. The floors, kick panels and lower body were excellent, in fact we have video of the Burb showing all this. More pictures available or if you want a special picture just ask.
The 6 cylinder motor and drive train was removed. The frame was boxed in front and an independent front suspension with coil-overs, power disc brakes and power rack&pinion steering was installed. The fresh 1996 Vortec 350 was located in the engine bay for optimal clearance and a fresh Turbo 350 transmission installed in front of a 10 bolt GM rear with 3.08 gears (open). Stainless steel headers, Holley carburetor built by Willy's Carburetors, HEI distributor, Corvette power master cylinder and all newrearbrake drums, shoes and wheel cylinders including all new brake lines.A custom stainless steel fuel tank was built to fit the original location, approx. 18 gal.
A new tilt steering column (using the original steering wheel) was installed and mated to the new rack via stainless steel steering shaft. New gauges. Vintage Air A/C system including heat and defrost. The original front seat was recovered to match a rear seat we had from a later Suburban (1969). We made the decision not to do a complete interior because our taste might not work for you. This could be your winter project this year. All new rubber door seals from Steele Rubber are included but not installed since that would be done in connection with a complete interior if wanted. That being said the Suburban can be driven and enjoyed as it is and is very presentable. The choice is yours.
The exterior is painted the original color except that we did a two tone with the top now being Cool Vanilla instead of solid green. US Mag wheels and new tires, 18" in the rear and 17" up front.
I have included some pictures of the Suburban when it was brought back from California. It had the original undercoating that was flaking off so we pressure washed it and exposed the original shiny black paint underneath. Look at pictures of underside to see original black paint on inner fenders and on the bottom of the wood in rear. You can see the condition of this fine example when we started the build. Yes there was slight surface rust in some areas and we did not hide it, we left the underside so you can see the condition. If you are familiar with hot rod builds you know how important it is to start with a GOOD candidate. This was that car.
I found this '51 Chevrolet Suburban while looking for parts for my other project a '52 GMC Suburban. Had I not been so deep into that project this would be mine. My '52 is 3 years deep with tons of repair at twice the price of this one. That repair work was not needed on this one and it only took approx. 4 months to get this done. You will not find a better body and frame on one of these hard to find vehicles.
You could add a receiver hitch and take the family on a camping vacation towing your own vintage trailer. I took this to a couple of Cruise-Ins the past couple of weeks and this gets more attention than most everything there. How often do you see a 1950s Suburban. Make it yours.
All sales final, no warranty expressed or implied, sold as is where is. Payment must clear my bank before title will be released. Shipping is the responsibility of buyer, I will help with loading but you must make all arrangements. Please ask any questions before bidding and look closely at pictures as they are part of the description.
This is for sale locally so I reserve the right to end the auction early and sell vehicle.
Thank you for looking at my auction. Good luck.