Here’s another cool old car from–that’s right!–the Geneseo car show, home to the Turbo-Thrift Six ‘70.5 Camaro, ’64 Stude Cruiser, the nicest Dodge Omni in the world, and other stamped-steel delights. This one was actually in the spectator parking, but I’m sure you’ll agree it’s worth a look. And since we’ve just read about the ‘Burban that succeeded this one, I thought the time was right.
I’ve always preferred the GMC’s more comprehensive gauges to the Chevy-sibling’s fan-shaped speedometer. I’m sure this car has some modern bits underneath (probably no Jimmy straight six either–rats!), judging from the late ’80s steering wheel. From the interior, it appears this car was originally coral.
Though decked out in primer, I’m thinking a white-over coral color combination would be most excellent! As it sits, it’s still pretty cool though.
One of my university buddies lived in the panel version of this vehicle for the entire time he attended. He parked it next to the physical activities complex for washroom/showers and bed-hopped to three girlfriends for warmth and comfort. No rent. No landlord. Many years ago. That parking lot is now full of buildings. He is married with 3 daughters (god’s revenge). I can’t believe he graduated.
I’d say the low stance and “BAD BURB” license plate are giveaways that there’s a modern suspension/drivetrain lurking underneath. Hopefully it’s well executed and functional.
The gauges look modern; the steering column is out of an S-10 (I’m going on memory) and it’s in primer. Well…God bless him; this generation of Suburban gets so little love and attention anyway. A car done to his tastes will hold his interest longer.
Frankly, the steering wheel’s probably an improvement. I never liked the flat steering wheel that came with this generation GM truck…conical nose ready to skewer your spleen on any impact more than a bump.
Great find. Haven’t seen one of these for years. Still see a lot of the next generation all over salt free texas.
Interesting.
I owned a 1959 stepside for a short while… at least long enough to convert the front to Granada disc brakes (it involved brazing an adapter ring to the existing wheel spindle). I wish I had kept it, but I moved out of the state and couldn’t afford to bring a non-running truck with me. It was in pretty bad shape. Even the grille was rusted out and it was nearly impossible to find a replacement for that year, never mind a reproduction. Even LMC Truck didn’t have one at the time.
It’s a shame I have no use for a truck.. I’d buy another one. Well, that or an AMC-era Wagoneer.
Love it. I have a minor thing for Suburbans of all ages, so this one fits right in for me. Agreed, the GMC gets bonus points.
I’m strangely drawn to this Suburban,another French Bulldog car.I’d generally skip seeing these in magazines or shows and head for the Fords,Mercurys, and Mopars first especially the pony/muscle cars /fins n chrome and woodies..Nothing wrong with an SUV but it’s not my cup of tea in the same way science fiction isn’t my type of film.
Hello, Thank you for all of the comments. I’m the owner of this GMC Carry All (Suburban). I was nicely surprised when I did a search for parts and my own truck showed up! Yes chas108 there is an eighties Camaro drivetrain underneath. It drives lots better than a 1957 truck. Powering it is a Supercharged Chevy 350 with a 700 R4 overdrive automatic transmission. Yeah, it’s a sleeper. The steering column is out of a Chevy van with a GMC steering wheel. The wheels are 8 inch Corvette Rally Wheels. I painted them orange because that is the color I wanted to paint the vehicle however as soon as I drove it in public everyone told me to leave it alone so I have just been driving it like it is and having a blast with it. Since this picture I have sprayed some primer on the little body work someone else did before me so it didn’t have so many colors on it. I have also found a very rare complete set of 1957 GMC seats. They really complete the Suburban look for this truck and are at the upholstery shop right now.
Thanks for finding us! I live in the QC and go to many, many car shows and cruise-ins around the area in the summertime. You have a very nice truck!
Thanks Tom. You will probably see us again this Summer. We like the QC Cruise-Ins and shows. Been to South Park, North Park, Governor’s, Ducky’s, and Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Cruse Ins. I’ll post a few more pictures after I get the new seats back in and take a picture of the engine too.
Rat Rod Magazine took a picture of the Suburban when we were were parked at “Back to the Fifties” weekend in St. Paul Minnesota last June. That was a nice surprize too. I didn’t know they took a picture until I saw it in their magazine. There were over 12,000 cars there and it was really something to participate in. Any car guy would love it.
Taken at the Good Guys Car Show in Indianapolis right after we drove the Bad Burb around the Indianapolis 500 Race Track.