My (hopefully) next project...

[bell 11]

I picked up this rusty 551 from Steve (wh500special) in March. Thanks again Steve!!!

I started thinking... how cool would it be to build a Suburban, with a 8-speed transmission... 23x10.50 AGs... and a K181? I'm going to find out!

I now have just about everything I need to get started... I just need to get the 314-8 done first.

I was looking at it a while back and remembered the 50 pound weights I bought at the local flea market last year... I figured out what to do with one of them.

Here's the 23x10.50 Carlisle AGs and the 8-speed...

And the mockup engine, a K141... Looks like I'll have to raise the hood 1/2"-3/4" for clearance. That should be easy enough.

[bell 11]

I had vinylguy whip up some custom decals...

EXCELLENT WORK TERRY!!! :scratchead:

[bell 11]

Here's a little "mockup" action...

I had to put it all together to see if everything was going to fit... I had to cut down the high-low shifter a little bit.. and I'll probably shorten it up some too... but everything clears GREAT!!! AND, it looks as if the original style belt guard will work with some light modification!

[wallfish 15,919]

That looks pretty cool!

You might be on to something. I have a 551 with a beat tranny and I think I have an 8 speed too. Did the 8 speed bolt right up to the frame?

[Suburban 550 28]

Looks like a great project, Jon. Nothin' like havin' a creative mind. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[bell 11]

Thanks guys!

Yes, the 8-speed bolts right up to the 551 frame. You will have to modify your HI-LOW shifter to clear the engine....

[Coadster32 793]

I had the same idea going on in my head also. I was flirting with John's (wallfish) 8-speed, and Jeff's (fireman) Suburban parts, and frame on it. I do realize though that with the 5.5 Lauson stock motor on it, my leg rests on the recoil, and the pedal is out to the max. I can imagine that with a bigger motor, you might have, or want, to put in highway pegs and forward controls on it to lift them up a bit. Just my .02$ suggestion. I like the idea alot!!

BTW-great idea for the weight in the battery cutout. :scratchead:

[bo dawg 477]

yeah! that suburban rocks now I like it.

[KeithB 6]

Enjoy your new project :scratchead:

[Indy w h 4]

Oh yeah a custom 551 I love it!!! Indy

[bitten 133]

Looks like a great idea Jon.

[Kelly 1,028]

I like it, I'd almost leave it rusty, looks orig. that way.

[tgranthamfd 28]

:hide: Talk about a BEAST, I like it. Give us more. :scratchead:

[bell 11]

As soon as I get this 314-8 done and out of here, I'm going to get started on it again...

[wallfish 15,919]

I was thinking of extending the frame and having a 12hp kohler behind the seat.

The exhaust could be run in a way to roast my nuts

Maybe make a puller out of it