Hi

Hoping to buy an original, 6 cyl. 4.1 1970 C10 4WD Suburban. Never had one before! Mileage: 25000 miles (according to the car dealer but could be 250.000 miles)

From the pics, the vehicle looks to be very original with only 3 owners and appears to be very solid underneath. Only some cosmetic rust on the bottom of each rear fender.
It hasn't been driven for over 5 years, so naturally, it needs a full service + ?

Based upon my brief description, what parts would you replace + spare parts to take before setting off on a 10-15000 mile trip over rough terrain?

1) Would you go as far as replacing the original water pump / leaf spring mounting bushes / 4 shock absorbers / gearbox + 4WD universal joints / 4 wheel bearings / cylinder head overhaul / complete brake overhaul

2) What size tyres on the original 750x16 wheel rims would be suitable to drive on paved/unpaved rough roads?

3) Electric or manual winch?

4) Good quality winch make?

5) Where could I buy / download a C10 1970 Suburban workshop manual?

7) What basic tools would you recommend taking?

Any other advice would be most welcomed & appreciated!

Many thanks.

 

3 owners and 25000 miles. Not at all possible for a 1970 vehicle.

 

Yes you're right.

I had a mechanic friend check it out but could't drive it because it ran very rough and backfired. Not sure is this is due to dirty petrol or? Hasn't run for over 5 years.

He said the chassis was good, no holes in the floors + few dents + minor rust but in a very original state.

Tyres are 750x16 and need to be changed..

What is the largest tyre size it could have on paved / unpaved roads?

Would a 1970 Burb have discs all around or, brake pads on the rear & discs on the front?

Know where I could source a good workshop manual?

Any other tips most welcomed for a road trip?

Many thanks

 

Backfiring is ignition, is this a distributor, or electronic? Probably disc front, and rear drum brakes, you can look to see. Try google for the manual. I don't know about the tire size, 16 is probably what it came with from the factory. If you have a reputable tire dealership in your location, ask them. As far as wench, depending upon how often, and what you are using it for other than yourself, I'd go electric, with that if you are going to be in water alot, might consider different. Sounds like your description, you need to get it running first, is it a mechanical fuel pump?

 

Backfiring is ignition, is this a distributor, or electronic? Probably disc front, and rear drum brakes, you can look to see. Try google for the manual. I don't know about the tire size, 16 is probably what it came with from the factory. If you have a reputable tire dealership in your location, ask them. As far as wench, depending upon how often, and what you are using it for other than yourself, I'd go electric, with that if you are going to be in water alot, might consider different. Sounds like your description, you need to get it running first, is it a mechanical fuel pump?

Haven't seen the vehicle as it's in South Africa and I'm in the UK. Lived there for 9 years and want to return.

The '70 Burb is in a very original condition. So I assume it's got a distributor. I don't think the owner really looked after it that well. I base this on him selling it without getting it running properly.

I assume it has a mechanical pump.

Not easy to know what the engine condition is but having had lots of early '40's / '50's Chev pick up, I found the straight 6 'Stovebolt' very reliable. Right now, I'm trusting what the car dealer says!

But wtih Covid restricting travel, I guess I'll have to wait and hope it's still for sale when I arrive.

Always admired those early 'burbs' and this one with the 4WD + good ground clearance + 6 seater would be ideal for a road trip. But as you say, I'd need to get it running properly + renew a few original parts - leaf spring bushes + shocks + water pump + wheel bearings + a good greasing.. Chev parts are widely available in SA.

In appreciation for your advice, PM me your email and I'll send you an African 'Bush' classic adventure,

Thanks again.

Don't know where you are located!

Keep well,



.

 

Post some pictures. Some of us are well into more vintage cars, and might be able to better help.

 

What's a road trip mileage for you?

 

Always post on this bulliten board, or you can send me a personal message. I'd prefer to keep anything out in the front as so others that might have this issue can benefit from it.

 

If I buy this Surburban and Covid travel restrictions are lifted, my plan is to get it running perfectly and drive from South Africa - Kenya - approximately 35000 .miles. Not being in South Africa now and having no idea what the state of the engine / gearbox / 4WD is, I'm somewhat weary. But for peace of mind, I will ask the car dealer to do a 6 cyl. compression test. And if that is ok, then I'll seriously consider making an offer.

According to the car dealer, the owner drove it there and it's been unused for 2 months. Before that, it lay around for 5 years. I understand it's in a very original condition. Ok there are a few dents / minor rust on the rear wheel arches but I don't mind...

The car dealer said it needs a complete service + new tyres, so just maybe that's all it needs + a grease / brake overhaul. What I don't want is a clapped out engine. Don't mind a small oil leak or, if it burns a bit of oil. So if all goes well, what I'll do is buy the service parts here in the UK.

Perhaps someone could reply with the following info on this 4.1 litre 6 cylinder engine.

Chassis no: KSI 60F 137 432 (if that is helpful) 1969 C10 Burb.:

Ant other info would be most appreciated!.

Many thanks

Part no / make:

Contact points?

Distributor?

Oil filter?

Air Filter?

Fan Belt?

Timing info?

Contact point gap?

Tappet gap?

Maximum tyre size that would fit on the 16 inch wheel rims?
(currently they are 650x16)