Eric drug his new-found prize to Julian's Auto Body in North Hollywood, California, and commenced with the restoration of this once-proud war Suburban. Minor rust was attended to in the door and tailgate hinge areas, before Julian Sr. massaged and realigned every panel to better than new. Since nothing was being shaved or molded like we are used to, it was a simple matter of laying on a few coats of original Sahara Beige one-stage enamel on all exposed metal surfaces, including the interior, grille, engine compartment, and wheels. The only custom features Eric requested were to have the painted front and rear bumpers chromed, and to have a period-correct aluminum and wood roof rack installed that he sourced from Classicracks.com. To finish off the body, the body beltline, wheels, and grille lip received a factory correct 1/8-inch Regal Maroon pinstripe applied by Bob Coslett. Topping off the work, Westinghouse halogen headlights were installed, as well as chrome bumper over-riders.
Eric had seen his vision of originality through with the outside of his Chevy, and the fellas at North Hollywood Upholstery were embarking on the interior. Nothing fancy in this department, as you could imagine. A full-length rubber mat covers the floor, vintage plaid cloth covers all three rows of seats, and you won't find a single speaker or hint of a radio, as it was never equipped with one. Ah, originality.
No amenities abound in this feature SUV. Eric is happy to chug along listening to the clattering of the 92hp inline-six firing with points and condensers. No worries about fuel mileage, this old iron sips through a Carter one-barrel carb. With those venerable 92 horses trotting through a Saginaw three-speed and a 4.11-equipped rearend, you can bet this 'Burban can't even bury the 90-mph speedo. Handling is brisk with the Coker bias 16x6-inch tires and factory-installed front sway bar.
Eric tells us it is therapeutic to drive this truck, the pioneer SUV. With his dog riding shotgun, ears flapping out the window and eyes squinted, Eric harkens back to simpler times when things weren't as immediate as they are required to be now. According to Eric, it's a short ride, make the most of it. Old trucks can do that.