I have a chance to get my hands on a 1959 Chevy Suburban Carryall. It has been sitting for 20 years. It's all original, stocked with 265ci V8. I have no idea as to the shape of the rest of the powertrain.I own a small furniture restoration company. I'm a novice mechanic who likes to tinker around and I am hoping to take this on as my first rebuild.

I am hoping to create a daily driver out of this rig. It needs to be simple and dependable. Upgrades will likely include a new powertrain, disc brakes, power-steering. The 59 frame is in solid shape, I am not really interested in a swap (unless there is a really good/easy swap). Im thinking re-power with upgrades. Fuel efficiency and dependability will be more important that performance. I will likely be towing light trailers w/ furniture.


My questions to you Chevy gurus:
1. based on what i intend to use this rig for (driving around picking up old furniture), what would you re-power this rig with?
2. is there a more modern powertrain that is a bolt in or minor mods?
3. what kind of donor vehicles should i keep my eye out for.

Thank you in advance for you advice and opinions.

 

Greetings Saint, welcome to the Forum.

In response to all three of your questions...
Leave it in as Original condition as possible !

The 265 was a good economical engine, and if it hasn't been run in a long time, you might consider using some penetrant in the cylinders, to assure that the rings are free. Beyond that, fresh Fluids, Hoses, Belts and a Tuneup will put this old girl back on the road as reliably as ever.

A good find, good luck, just sit back and watch her value escalate. :wink:

 

Thanks SW Houston.

I agree with you. Plan A should be to try to bring her back to life. A couple hundred bucks should answer that question.

 

There's no way to be sure but...
Even a fair restoration keeping with as original parts as possible, may render you with sufficient remuneration upon a sale/auction, to almost buy you a new Suburban... well, maybe one that's a couple years old anyway.

 

Personally I would try and keep the vehicle as original as possible. There is nothing like a classic vehicle that has been taken care of. Get it up and running then evaluate the vehicle and see if it is worth the investment.