You could say that someone had a two-year Suburban addiction as he scoured the world wide web for a Chevrolet Suburban. Success came in August of 2023, when Facebook Marketplace yielded an advertisement for a 1972 Suburban at a vintage car restoration and consignment shop in Lake Forest, CA called Auto Addiction.
350ci V8 Chevy is the Power of the Hour for the Iconic Suburban
Above: The original 350 Chevy V8 mill is backed by its original TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. The truck's original HVAC system is also present. A Bro Muffler's custom exhaust system takes care of the 'Burb's heavy breathing. While a Sears Die Hard battery supplies plenty of juice for the truck's electrical system. The front disc and rear drum brakes were also replaced.
The owner recalled that the listing appeared on a Friday morning. Surf City USA resident Jeff Erickson caught the first wave of the day, or more accurately made the first phone call on that fateful Friday to Auto Addiction. By that same afternoon he had secured the purchase of the vehicle, as many other callers were still anxiously waiting to see if he would pull the trigger and make the purchase.
In surfing jargon, if you're not paddling out in the early morning hour to be first in the lineup, you're not going to catch the big waves. In the case of the big 'Burb, if you're not surfing the web in the pre-dawn hour and calling first in line on the best potential project vehicles, you're snoozin' and losin' out on the vintage American muscle of your dreams.
If you're just a tire-kickin' look-y-loo, that's not a big deal. But if you're unlike the Suburban's new owner, you're going to miss out on finding the best muscle machines, if you're not putting in a solid search effort.
Above: The champagne-hued vinyl interior was already in place when the new owner purchased the truck from Auto Addiction.
Auto Addiction colleagues shared with Mr. Erickson that the Suburban had been in a warehouse collection out of state. The collection needed to be liquidated, which doesn't sound like very fitting treatment for a vehicle as mighty as a '72 Suburban, but there you have it.
One Owner's Liquidation is Another's Crown Jewel
Above: The 'Burb's owner procured plenty of parts from CI in his truck's awesome restoration, including chrome grill surround, light lenses, carpet kit, insulation, chrome beauty rings, 15" steering wheel, turn signals unit, dash bezel, body mounts, engine belts, hoses, gaskets, and hood hinges.
For sale prep on the 'Burb the team at AA (Auto Addiction) installed a new battery and starter. Jeff found that the truck had minimal rust and had likely been partially restored many years ago.
With plenty of help from the technicians at Automotive Excellence, in Huntington Beach, CA the Chevy's original 350-cubic-inch small block V8 engine was running sweet once again. The human wrenching maestros at DWS (Darin) in HB, CA installed a new CPP (Classic Performance Products) four-inch lower suspension system.
Body and Paint by Monroy's Body Shop in Huntington Beach
The arduous task of performing the body and paintwork on the imposing 'Burb, was accomplished by Monroy's Body Shop in HB, CA. The new owner chose a scintillating Champagne hue for the lid and a Sunset Orange color for the body, hood, fenders, and quarter panels. Though evidence of exceptional workmanship is evident in these photos, the truck's exterior looks even better in real life.
Work and Leisure Suburban
Underneath the stylish Classic Industries license plate, you will notice that there's a trailer hitch installed. In addition to being a vintage car hobbyist, the Suburban's new owner is also an avid boatsman. He and his family enjoy towing their boat to the Pacific Ocean or to some nearby waterways in SoCal for some fun in the sun and also to catch some good fish for dinner.
Classic Industries - Plenty Parts for the Suburban
Above: The choice is yours as to whether you wish to build your Suburban back to stock, like Jeff's Champagne and Sunset Orange creation or restomod your truck like the Icon here.
Whether you're building a Chevy or GMC truck or a Suburban, you know that you're going to find most anything you need for your General Motors pickup. Your search can be initiated online and enhanced by ordering the free catalog that can be found by pressing the button below and going from there. Keep on truckin'!
