1942 Chevrolet Suburban

This truck was built in Fisher Body/ Chevrolet, Tarrytown plant for shipment to Europe as an WWII ambulance. It was in a storage area near West Point with about a thousand other vehicles slated to go to Europe. The father or Uncle of the GI that I bought it from worked on the base along with some other locals. The story goes that the supply Sargent and these GIs had a standing Friday night card game, and during one of these games the Sarge got in over his head, and put this truck (which was needed by the Millerton FD) in the pot and lost it.

The truck then went to Millerton New York and was used as an ambulance through Korea. It was bought and changed hands, back to the son of the original guy. He did the paint work, put a chevy 305 70s vintage in it before he passed away. It sat in a barn up in the Saratoga area for 30 years and when the owner lost the storage space he decided to sell it.

I first saw it coming down from my home in the Berkshires. I saw them towing it and then putting a for sale sign on it in Millerton. I stopped checked it out (the engine was seized) but I bought it on the spot. I flatbedded it back to East Hampton. I filled the engine with auto/trans fluid and kerosene and let it sit for two weeks. I pulled the plugs and turned it first over by hand a few times, let it sit another week and then turned with the starter. At the same time I poured the tranny fluid kero mixture down the carb. I did that a couple of times and figured what the hell give it a try. I drained the old fuel, put in new gas and plugs, gave her a blast of either and off she went. Smoked like hell for about two hours, (let it idle ) and then drove it. I used the 305 for about a year. I then pulled it and put a 350/330 crate motor in. Since then I have redone all the leaf springs, brakes, lines, cylinders, wheel bearings, tie rod ends and drag link. I am keeping the stock front end with the leafs. I figure that if its good enough for new Dodge trucks, it is good enough for this Chevy. I really am not into Mustang front ends. I have a 5.0 Mustang and when I want a Mustang I drive that. I am a carpenter/contractor and we are going to finish the interior with clear cedar yacht finish. I use this truck as a daily driver, weather permitting. It is great advertising for my business. I will keep working on it and improving it. I am looking for a body man that can do it without making it show quality, I plan on using it, I love to drive it!

I would like to with other owners of Suburbans of this era or individuals that have done restoration work. Click on my email address >>> Chris's Suburban email and let's share information