I was in need of some information I am interested in converting an
older suburban into a crew cab shortbox, I know I can buy a crew cab
truck but I want to build a inexpensive bush truck I need something I
can haul 4 people comfortably plus haul an ATV and gear in the back.
any info will be greatly appreciated.

On Nov 24, 10:04 am, jlill... (AT) mts (DOT) net wrote:
Are you wanting to close off the cab, so that there's a wall behind
the rear passengers? If so, that's a hell of a lot of body work.
I've seen weird and crazy things done that are similar.

If you don't care about that, then just sawzall off the back as
needed, maybe weld in some tubing for support, and call it done. It'd
look ghetto as all get-out though.

Are we talking the 73-91 body style? Do you currently have a Sub? If
so, and it's mechanically in good shape, you may be able to put a crew
cab pickup cab on there. I know a short cab will fit on a Blazer
frame pretty easily--you only really need to add a cross-member for
the rear cab mounts.

I wouldn't even bother with a factory-style bed. Make up a cheap
utility bed, it'd probably be better for ATV's and stuff like that
anyway.

You may want to check out coloradok5.com. There's all kinds of custom
stuff done on there, and it'd be the best place to ask, and possibly
see pics of someone doing something similar.

~jp

Be careful there Jon,
The FS Blazer wheelbase is about 6 inches shorter than the shortbox pickup.

Regards,
JR

"Jon R. Pickens" <jonrpick (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

jlillies (AT) mts (DOT) net wrote:

On Nov 24, 12:05 pm, "Jon R. Pickens" <jonrp... (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote:
yes I would close off the cab, body work is not an issue I have a
whole family of auto body mechanics. I do not currently have a sub but
I was looking for something in the early to mid 80s I want to stay
away from all the electronics. this will be strictly a licenseable
bush truck.

On Nov 24, 10:26 pm, syoung <syo... (AT) nospam (DOT) net> wrote:
The cheapest Avalanche I have found used in Manitoba was around 20
grand alot of money to just run through the bush and mud and every
time I tear the mirrors off it would cost me 500bucks I already own a
05 GM Z71 crew cab to nice and way to expensive to abuse.

On Nov 24, 10:00 pm, "JR" <Mati... (AT) sail (DOT) net> wrote:
Yeah, that's kinda the point. They nickname 'em "Trazers". Truck +
Blazer.

The idea is to have the short Blazer wheelbase with a small cab and
build a small utility bed. They're mainly built by the off road
guys. Some folks remove a section of a short bed and weld it back
together for a super-short pickup. I like them a lot. But I'm
instead going to try for the half-cab conversion that closes off the
back of my K5's cab. Same look, except for there's no gap between bed
and body since it's all one piece.

~jp

AH ok I understand what you mean now.
I saw one very nicely done by using a short topper that came down to the old
floor behind the rear seat leaving a tiny box.
I don't know if it was a custom job or an aftermarket topper.
Regards,
JR

"Jon R. Pickens" <jonrpick (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

I assume you already have the old Suburban.

If you cut off the cab in back of the second row of seats, are there still
enough bolts to attach the body to the frame? And I would guess that some
additional stiffening would be necessary in the new cab area.

As for the box, were you thinking of a short-bed box from a salvaged pickup?

Or, were you going to just open the top of the suburban like a tin of
sardines and remove the rear doors? You would definitely have to reinforce
the rear sides but would still have the option of the 3rd row seating.

On Nov 27, 2:09 am, "JR" <Mati... (AT) sail (DOT) net> wrote:
I know exactly what you're talking about.

The bottom piece is a formed sheet metal bulkhead that bolts in and
seals the bed up to the bed rails. Above that is a fiberglass window
frame that goes down to the bed rails, and accepts a standard pickup
rear window, which also bolts in where the standard Blazer fiberglass
top meets the back of the cab.

There was a company that made them, that is out of business now
(afaik). I'd kill to get my hands on one of those kits.

~jp