VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans All original 1979 Chevrolet Suburban

Hi. New to the board, happy to be here! I need some help. I have purchased a 79 Suburban that I believe is a completely original 12,300 mile original truck. A 2wd Silverado C10 Suburban.

I was very skeptical during the purchase, but I have a lot of signs pointing in the direction of an all original truck.

All the purchase documentation from the dealer in 1979 was included (window sticker, bill of sale, still has the visor insert for haz signal and ignition use). The truck has vintage BF goodrich 78 lifesaver tires, appropriate for the period. All original interior and carpet without tears. And I can't find a replaced part in the engine bay or on the body, so far the only replaced part I can find is a spare tire.

There is very minor surface rust in parts, but the paint is 99.5 % intact and I can't any evidence of respray anywhere. I believe I had identified several factory marks on the engine and body.

I've had a resto-mod 1967 Pontiac GTO for over twenty years and I've been in the vintage car world for awhile. I don't know who, if anyone would be interest in documenting the vehicle. I don't plan to do any major modifications, but I am sure there will be parts that need replacing, like tires, so it can remain road worthy. I'm assuming I should take a lot of photos before doing any work.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on keeping it original, etc. And any advice on documenting the current condition beyond lots of photos?

Sure seems that your Suburban is well documented unless you feel a need to identify who ran up those 12K miles and whether they lived in the "rust belt".
'79 was the last year before GMs use of computer control and that can be good or bad depending on your maintenance expertise.
Suburban has always been one of the best tow vehicles because of the long wheelbase and sturdy frame. A good one like yours can fetch up to $25K on the auction market especially if its a nice all original like yours.
My advice is have it "detailed" and keep it parked indoors to preserve the paint. The factory paint on the GM vehicles of that era was none to thick. Drive it at least once a month to keep various seals lubed. If it has the typical 350 V8 with Turbo Hydramatic trans expect some leakage from the front and rear seals of each anyway after 35 years.
Dan

Dan,
It's from Marlborough, one town over from Southborough, MA. I know what you mean about the paint being thin. I have 6 or seven spots that I need to address in some way. Very light surface rust.

Very excited about this new project. A lot of hard lessons were learned on the last one.

First things first, it needs new tires. I'm going to save the original tires, but they are not safe for driving, just due to age. Next will be a complete fluids change. I've got some mats to protect the carpet and seat covers coming to preserve the vinyl . As well as a full truck cover.