When it comes to starting a project from a blank canvas it doesn’t get more blank than Eric’s 1957 Chevrolet Suburban. When Eric found the Suburban it was just a shell. It didn’t have an engine, transmission, glass, or even a chassis.
The first thing he did was have a friend build a custom chassis out of heat formed box tubing. On top of that good foundation he installed an air suspension and disc brakes on all four corners.
For power Eric decided to use a 5.3 L LM7 V8. These iron-block truck V8s are plentiful and have huge upside. To gain some of that potential the engine was upgraded with some ported and polished heads, big chamshaft and finished with a Magnacharger supercharger.
Backing up the boosted V8 is a 4L60E automatic transmission and Ford 9″ rear end with a Detroit Locker and 3.55 gears.
Some custom floorboards were fabricated which allows the Suburban to sit very low and get the most out of the air suspension.
Eric has owned the Suburban for 10+ years and drives it often. Considering how much enjoyment the project has provided, I think he will own it at least another 10 years.
Normally I am one for leaving a project in patina/primer, but I love these bodies so much here I would be a proponent of a nice driver paint job.. It would be hard to pick a color that hasn’t been overdone, but when you found it it would be something…. drool….
ultimately it will be finished to look completely stock. stock ’57 paint colors, trim, and I even plan on using stock truck hubcaps. But the paint and body work will be the largest investment in this thing so i need to figure out how to grow money, plus i don’t want to give it up to the full on resto rabbit hole that will occur when i give it up to the paint guy.
Hey pal, I have 1957 Chevy burb,I also want one piece glass on the side windows,where did you get the weatherstripping for the side glass,thanks kc
I think brothers trucks. The place that made and installed the glass may have also done it. sorry it took so long
Eric:
If you still monitor this can you send me a quick email at jrwiesmann@hotmail.com? My brother-in-law now owns this truck. We’d like to gather more info. about the vehicle from you.
Thanks,
Jason Wiesmann