1972 Chevrolet Suburban

SUV

6.6L 402cid Chevrolet

Automatic

CCE162F159162

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is a great running 1972 Chevy C10 Suburban half-ton 4x2 with its original 402 cubic inch big block engine. I purchased this Suburban in late-2008 in Utah and drove it back to New York, trouble free. I have since invested approximately $10k in the truck (excluding vehicle purchase price) to make it a reliable family truckster…and it is. The Gear Vendors overdrive unit works really well with the 402 big block, improving mileage and keeping highway revs down to about ~2500rpm at 65mph, even with a 3.73 rear end ratio. The ’72 models are the last and most refined of GM’s “Glamour Trucks” era and this is a nicely loaded up Suburban/Carry-All model with Custom Deluxe trim level (full carpeting, body belt trim, cloth/vinyl seating, etc). It has the rare, 402 cubic inch big block engine (called the “400” back then) in the lightest (half ton, two-wheel drive) chassis configuration. It’s a reliable weekend getaway vehicle as-is, and seats six comfortably with huge storage behind the rear bench. Sure, it’s got a dent here and a ding there, and some body rust in the usual spots around the bottom, but it also has great bones, great factory specs and color combo, awesome (high quality and pricey) upgrades, and incredible documentation back to new. Drive it while you restore it!History and documentation:This Suburban was sold new at Burns Chevrolet in Caldwell, Idaho to Bennie Peacock (also of Caldwell) on April 6, 1972. Bennie owned the Suburban until he sold it to Kenny & Kathy Robert of Boise, Idaho on May 4, 2001. I purchased it through a classic dealer in Salt Lake City, Utah in September 2008. The Suburban still has its original owner’s packet, including owner’s manual, warranty book with Protect-o-Plate, TH400 booklet, and emission control systems booklet, plus original dealer’s selling form, original window sticker and a color picture of the truck from when it was new (dated April 1972). There’s also a stack of receipts for maintenance and repairs dating back to the 1980s. The glove box lid decal is still in place as well, confirming all the factory-installed options. The original bias-ply spare is also still in place. The auction includes some extra parts, including the original white 15” diameter steel wheels and full wheel covers.Why I'm selling:I love this Suburban but purchased a fully restored, 3/4 ton '72 Suburban 4x2, also with the 402, and I don't have the time or room for two of these land yachts. I have treated this truck like I would own it forever, only using the best parts (Gear Vendors overdrive, Griffin radiator, QA-1 aluminum shocks, MagnaFlow stainless exhaust, etc) but finding the restored ¾ version means I need to let this one go. Also, the list of items needing TLC/attention on this one is creeping up there (see further down). In hindsight, I obviously wish I hadn’t spent all this money in new parts on this Suburban, but now they are for a new owner to enjoy. Even though I am starting this no-reserve auction at far less than I have in new parts and labor alone, this is still a reluctant sale and so I maintain the right to end it at any time.Factory equipment/options:Power steeringPower brakes (disks in front, drums in rear).Automatic transmission (TH400)Air conditioningRear auxiliary A/C402 cid V8Heavy Duty rear shocksRear seatFront stabilizer barAM radio (still there and working perfectly)Manual throttle (a crude early factory kind of cruise control)Camper mirrors, stainlessTinted glass12-bolt rear axleUpgrades since I purchased it in late-2008: (All new parts, except where noted)Gear Vendors Overdrive unit (nearly $3k, excluding installation)MSD HEI distributorGriffin aluminum radiatorStewart aluminum water pumpMagnaflow stainless dual exhaust systemMoroso Ultra 40 heavy duty plug wiresEngine oil coolerTransmission oil coolerDIxco Tachometer (vintage piece but works perfectly)Rear sway barQA1 Carrera aluminum shocks all aroundWheel bearingsBrake padsAluminum differential cover (original stamped steel one leaked).Cragar 16" inch steel wheels ($400)Goodyear Wrangler HT tires ($700 new, now with about 7k miles on them) Hella 500 driving lights Condition:Engine & Trans – The 402 was rebuilt in 1997 at an indicated 35k miles. I purchased the truck in 2008 with 55k on the clock; it currently has 74,185 miles on the odometer. Based on mileage listed on old receipts, I believe actual mileage to be 174,185, with the engine rebuilt at the 135k mile mark (or about 40k miles ago). It still runs very well: no smoke, nice and cool water temp, great oil pressure, good power, starts easily and idles perfectly, and the charging system works perfectly. The TH400 transmission shifts great; the Gear Vendors OD can make an abrupt “clunk” when it downshifts out of OD when coming to a stop, but I have read that this is normal. I would not hesitate to drive this Suburban cross country…in fact, I have a couple of times already, and if logistics work, I may be able to deliver it in exchange for expenses (including return airfare). Coordinate this with me ahead of time though if it’s something you need.Interior - Gauges and all lights work perfectly. Driver's side of front bench seat is frayed/worn, but seats are otherwise in fantastic shape. Dash is in awesome shape too. Dash pad is very nice, but shows a couple of places where it has been touched up. Steering wheel has a few shrinkage cracks in the rim, which is normal, but is structurally fine. Carpeting is very nice as well. I assume the interior has been freshened up at some point in the past. Seat belts are originals and are all there (front and back) and working perfectly. Window cranks all work, but are stiff and could use lubing. Side window weatherstripping could use renewing. Body and chassis – The paint on the body looks like a combination of some original, and some re-spray, but is overall still solid, if not especially shiny. Chrome bumpers are both very nice, with only a coulpe of tiny spots on the front bumper. There is some bubbling along the bottom edges on both sides, but the main body issues are the area just before the rear wheels: rust on the passenger side and a dent on the driver side, and rust through at the driver's door sill. The rust is still very manageable at this stage and seems to be contained to the white area below the black belt line. An all-metal repair would be a straightforward job for any competent body man and to be expected as part of any restoration. Importantly, the body edges, wheel wells (including uppers), and all door jams remain very nice. I have tried to include as many close up photos as possible showing the body areas in question, but please feel free to message me if you need specific shots. All glass is very nice, with no cracks. There a few rock chips in the front windshield. Grill has a small crack/chip. The frame is very clean frame with no rot and minimal surface rust. This is a very solid frame. Again, I have many additional pictures available, so don't hesitate to ask if you need pictures of anything specific. Needs:Rear tailgate: Something broke in the rear tailgate pushbutton mechanism a year or so ago. It will not turn to lock or unlock with the key and the top lift gate will not latch unless you manually reset the cam. The pushbutton latch will function, however, if you side load the button with the key in the mechanism, and push it in, but I normally leave the cam unlocked and simply use the top lift gate for putting stuff in and out of the back. Also, the top half of the lift gate, the section with the window, is rotted along he bottom edge, including a thumb-sized hole (see pic). This seems to be from water leaking past the window seal over the years and into the inside of the hatch frame, accumulating along the bottom edge. The lower gate is very nice and dry.Third door lock mechanism is very, very stiff. I have managed to lock it a few times with the key, but I don’t even try any more for fear of breaking or bending the key. It can be locked from inside by pushing down on the lock, but the amount of effort required is insane.Rear drum brakes are due for some attention. They grind a bit under braking, although there’s no pull left or right when the brakes are applied, and are leaking as well.Air conditioning system – All the parts seem to be in place, and the system was completely verhauled in the 90s (according to receipts), but it does not work (so I removed the accessory belt to the compressor). I would assume the compressor needs recharging or replacement. The heater/AC blower works sometimes, but only on the high setting, suggesting a faulty switch.As I said, the truck drives very well, although there is a shimmy around 65-70mph. It did not have the shimmy before I installed the Cragars and bigger Goodyears Wranglers, so I suspect improper balance job. Extra parts included:Four original 15” white steel wheels and full wheel coversOriginal Tri-Co stainless wiper blades (new blades installed recently)Spare AM radio (no idea if it works)Terms and conditions:The Suburban is sold on a clean Georgia title in my name, along with a bill of sale. This Suburban runs great, but it is a 41 year old truck, so no warranty is expressed or implied; it is being sold as-is. Your bid is a commitment to buy, not an option to buy, so please ask any questions before bidding/buying. I encourage prospective buyers to see and test the truck before bidding, if at all possible. I will make myself available to meet with the shipper of your choice. I will also deliver the Suburban within a reasonable distance (in exchange for expenses), but please coordinate that option with me before bidding if it’s something you need done. I also encourage the winning bidder to fly in and drive the old boy home, as I did (SLC to NYC) when I purchased it in 2008.Check my feedback and bid with confidence. Good luck!