It's a great day for a
car show! This is one of those rare Saturday cruise shows when the
temperature, a light breeze, and no rain make it a picture perfect day. A
few hundred vehicles, antique and street rods, fill the parking spots gather
around the old city square.
The display overflow
extends onto connecting side streets. Vehicle owners have gathered to enjoy
a common interest, a love of special interest and restored cars and trucks.
As the day continues
spectators are outnumbering the vehicle owners 3 to 1 as they stroll among
the special cars of all early ages and marquis. However, it is obvious that
one vehicle is attracting more than the usual passing interest. A constant
flow of onlookers are staring at a large blue car or is it a truck. We wait
for a place to get a better view of this "large people hauler". It's a
beautifully rebuilt 1948 Chevrolet Suburban! The color, workmanship and
engine bring most people to a stop as they are walking by this display.
The owner is Jerry
Rivers of Independence, Missouri. The interest from the crowds prevent our
questions but Jerry agrees to allow us a later interview for pictures and
questions.
In a week we are at
his small antique Chevrolet parts store with all his attention. The more we
looked and discovered the truck's special features, the more it was
important to place this vehicle as our monthly truck of the month section.
Jerry bought this
Suburban 13 years ago from the original owner in North Missouri. A friend
was hunting and noticed the tired body in a back field along a fence row.
Rusted out floors, broken glass, and a totaled engine was the package. Jerry
saw the great potential plus he had always wanted an old Suburban. He is a
retired body man, so to him the challenge was not so threatening. He began
the rebuilding after a total disassembly. His parts business requires much
time but he allowed himself one night each week for Suburban duties. Thus,
thirteen years for restoration! It's unveiling was June 2010.
He wanted an original
appearing 60 year old vehicle but added many special accessories plus
additions to make it freeway friendly. Jerry has no concerns about driving a
long distance. It's built as a driver but, of course, it gets extra care as
one would with a collector vehicle purchased from a new car dealer.
Jerry provided us two
pages of extras he carefully added during the 13 year rebuilding. These are
items you may not notice as you view the final product. We list them here as
he did for us.
Accessories
- Guide back-up Lamp
and Shift Box Switch
- 15" Wheels
- Wheel Trim Rings
- Bumper Guards
- AM-FM Radio
- Oil Bath Air
Cleaner
- Right Hand Rear
View Mirror
- Right Arm Rest
- Glare Proof Inside
Rear View Mirror
- AC Oil Filter
- Rear Turn Signals
- Guide Traffic
Viewer (prism)
- Fulton Outside Sun
Visor
- Right Hand Inside
Sun visor
- Guide Turn Signal
Switch on Steering Column
New Old Stock Parts
- Left Front Fender
- Both Inner Fenders
- Front Lower Grill
Baffle
- Core Support
- Hood Emblem
- Complete Hood with
Center Strip
- Upper and Lower
Hood latch
- Rear Splash Apron
- Front Splash Apron
- Upper Gate Hinges
- Right and Left
Latches
- Inside and Outside
Door Handles
- Steering Wheel
- Radiator
- Shift Box
- Misc. Mechanical
and Suspension parts
Up Grades
- 1954 "261" Engine
- HEI Electronic
Ignition
- Alternator
- All 12 Volt
Electronics
- 3.55 Differential
(replaces original 4.11)
- Radial Tires
- Tinted Windows
- Custom Rear Lower
Tailgate
- Bucket Seats
- YF Carter Lean
Burn Carb
- Heavy Duty 10 3/4"
Clutch and Pressure Plate
- Electric Wiper
Motor
- Rear Dome Light
- Seat Belts
- Air Conditioning
and Heater Combo
- Special Paint
Color Combo in Centari Acrylic Enamel
Parts Suppliers
- Jim Carter Classic
Truck Parts
- Bowtie Bits Truck
Parts
- Tom Myers Truck
Parts
We should note three
very special extras that make the Suburban even more of a real show stopper.
The Tailgate opens to
the side and operates as if GM did it. (This is a Jerry Rivers Creation). No
leaning over in the rear just to reach the body.
Its Power Plant is a
pure 261 six cylinder from 1954. They were originally in school buses and 2
tons only. It was a drop-in and moves the Suburban easily to 70 mph. (Of
course the high speed 3.55 ring and pinion helps too) Many don't know this
261 engine even existed. It really steps out in today's traffic!
Cold Air Conditioning?
Certainly. The custom made system is for the 1947-53 Chevy truck with a 261
engine. No cutting on the body. Note the concealed two control levers in
what was once slots for the original factory radio speaker. Yes, it keeps
the large body Suburban comfortable during Missouri days of high humidity
and temperatures.
Jerry has had the
Suburban completed and at car shows for only three months. Two trophies and
so much public interest! It attracts so many he calls it his "Magnet". His
last show required a 400 mile drive. Did he have any mechanical problems? Of
course not! He made it to be a new 60 year old Suburban.
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| Here He Comes! |
Custom Tailgate |
Accessory Back-Up Light |
Jerry's Grand Daughters |
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| Factory Dash |
Smooth Headliner |
Accessory Taillamp |
Prism |
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| 261 Engine |
Power Plant |
A/C Items |
Bucket Seats with New Covering |
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| Pickup Dome Light |
New Carpeting |
Interior |
There He Goes! |
