Barn Finds reader Michael sent us this neat 1952 Plymouth Suburban field find from Bradenton, Florida. It’s listed for sale here on craigslist for only $1,250. I like the basic lines of this, a descendant of the first all-metal US station wagons. Heck, I didn’t even remember that GM wasn’t the only company to use the Suburban moniker!
You know, the chrome doesn’t look half bad for a driver. And there’s certainly plenty of the dreaded p-word to go around, for those of you that like that kind of thing. The seller tells us that it was parked in the 1980s. To quote them some more: “This creme puff features galvanized sheets of metal welded in over the original rusted out floors.” So I doubt that we are looking at a prime candidate for a concours-level restoration.
I think the two-piece tailgate is a cool design. I’ll bet I’d hit my head on the edge of the top a few times, though, unless it folds up further than it is in this picture. The seller tells us that the spare tire well (below where it is sitting) is completely gone.
What there is of the interior is, well, interesting. If you wanted to build some sort of restomod, the dash could be really neat looking. I know I’d try to keep that big old steering wheel. Looking at some pictures of restored and rodded ones, I hope this one ends up back on the road for someone.
I’m not sure I’d keep the original engine, though. We’re told it’s seized now and considering it was only capable of 97 horsepower at 3,800 RPM when new, I’m not sure the view after rebuilding it would be worth the climb. I think I’d spring for something like this slant six engine and transmission combo here on eBay, although I’d be open to a small V8 as well. Or what about a Jeep 4.0 high output inline six? What would you use to power this non-GM Suburban?
Installing the body on a later model 1/2 ton Chevy chassis, would upgrade the drivetrain relatively cheaply. Then use it as daily driver and tow a vintage camper. Or maybe a Crown Vic chassis instead… The wife is looking over my shoulder saying, “You don’t need another project.”
A slant 6 would be a good replacement
Drop it onto a Durango AWD with a hemi, that should work.
I’ve owned one of those and they actually make a pleasant little driver even with the original straight six flat motor and those engines are cheap and easy to rebuild. Could be a super low-buck rat-driver, a just-have-fun-and-enjoy-it kind of a car. All it needs is a board in the roof and a few surfer decals on the windows.
@ Derek I’ve not seen one of these in person. Really like the looks of them. Trying to get a feel for the size.
Early S-10 chassis might work well too as it can be shortened. Looks really pretty complete for it’s age and setting out in a field.
Back in the early 1970s, there were a couple of guys in North Hollywood, CA who built a couple of lowriders out of this generation Plymouth wagons.
The bodies and interiors were restored to original. Power in each was from the original flathead six, with split exhausts and short glasspacks. Wheels were good ol’ Astro Supreme five-spokes and 5.60-15 whitewalls.
They were very well done and a cool change from the usual Chebby…
If it were mine, I’d probably want to replicate what those guys had done.
Just judging by the looks of the seized engine, it looks like one that might respond well to a few days of “Marvel Mystery Oil” in the cylinders.
A first or second generation Dodge Dakota Pickup also offered a 111 wheelbase, and a Magnum V-6 or V-8. Wonder if a “transplant” would work for this as a Restomod?
I tried to put a slant six in a 1948 Dodge, it was too long and I had already sold the smooth running flathead original engine. I guess it was the fluid drive that I didn’t care for. When the headlights began cutting out on me, I just pulled the engine when I should have had the electrical issue diagnosed and solved. Oh well, live and learn.
You can get more horsepower from this engine. Every time the factory wanted more, they raised the compression. Hot Rodders also added dual carbs, split the exhaust and balanced and blueprinted and lightened the flywheel. I bought a finned aluminum head in the early seventies for it and never put it on.
Owned a low mileage wagon the same as this in the mid 70’s. The body was just as rusty as this.
Have owned many cars over the years, but used it as my daily driver for about a year,it was one of my favorites, sorry I didn’t keep it.
I found it to be very dependable, not fast or powerful but very comfortable, and GREAT gas mileage. All around great car.
Lent it to a friend and when the tail gate fell off he junked it.
Sure do miss it.
Cool, I’d roll with this. Probably shouldn’t go too much faster than 97hp would allow!
The floor boards are just about what I expected from the description. Was trying to figure out the dark blue v light blue. Hope it doesn’t get all generically butchered up.
Depending on length of the frame, Cummins 4×4 swap and just roll dirty…..
These flat head engines were so dependable that they continued to be produced well past there replacement in cars in 1960. They were found to be good for industrial applications such as welders, compressors, forklifts. They could run all day long and would not die. Parts are readily available from your local NAPA store and are relatively cheep. There as simple as your lawn mower to work on, a really enjoyable experience compared to what’s produced today. I have a 51 dodge Mayfairs two door hard top with the 218 in it exclusive to Canada. This car being a Plymouth will have a 217 which is a shorter casting by 2″. I would go to the trouble of getting that engine running, repair All things mechanical and restore the body. On mine I converted to 12 volts which was easier than I expected it to be. There is a reason that taxi companies liked these cars they were known for going a million miles in there fleets and when chysler stopped building them the taxi company’s started buying privately owned ones and then pressing them into service. If Chrysler styling would have been better I believe that their whole lineup would have been much more popular. JMHO.
I liked the old flat heads even though they did Not have a high H.P. Were lower compression. Engine always idle super low speed and smooth. If not being raced or driven long distance. I would go original.
What about a Jaguar 4,2L inline six?
We surfers looked all over for these, & when we found one, they served us well, with good mileage & lots of room inside. The big steering wheel provided leverage & was our version of ‘power steering’ ( by Armstrong- of course!). I like the idea of using a Durango chassis & engine, even the Chevy pickup chassis/engine combo would be great. An S-10 might work, but these cars were not lightweights; I know from ‘pushing to find a gas station days’ ! We had a lot of fun in the Plymouth wagons & even the Chryslers too. Dodge had one too.The price is good, considering the work it needs. I always thought the rear gate hinges were the coolest; the looked like walk-in freezer hinges-huge & chrome, but never wore out! Good luck to whoever takes it home, it’d be neat to see it here in a future prrsentation, BTW! Thanx!
My first Woods Car in the late 60’s was a 1954 Plaza Wagon. This car reminds me of it a lol. I like the 2 piece tailgate. When tailgating the top stops rain. Throw a towel over it for some shade.
Heya, Mike Ferrino; Like your Comment; that you’d leave the engine as stock. he great thing on this site is-there’s room for everyone’s ideas ; there’s nothing wrong with a stock engine. And you’re right, they did get great mileage. I think we’ve over-teched things like engine controls, etc,so they cost more money, but with today’s fuels and; the easily installed pointless igntions, ‘stock’ isn’t a bad idea! Thanks for your input!