Sounds Of Summer Nights Feature: 3-Door 1972 Chevy Suburban
Between 1968 and 1972, Chevrolet rolled out a unique 3-door Suburban alongside their action-line C/K trucks. It came with a driver’s side door and two passenger side doors on the opposite side – supposedly this door configuration was to keep passengers from stepping into traffic. The Suburban was GM’s way of jumping into the booming recreational vehicle trend of the late ‘60s.
While these Suburbans are rare, Pat Walsh was lucky enough to have one sitting on his driveway – and he spent a solid 3.5 years transforming it into a custom masterpiece:
Pat’s had his Suburban for years, even using it to tow his race car while his kids snoozed comfortably in the back. These days, though, it’s his everyday ride, and he proudly drives it to car shows instead of trailering it.
One of the biggest changes? Swapping out the original big block engine for an LS3 from Karl Kustoms. But Pat wasn’t ready to give up the big block vibe, so he added a dress kit to keep that classic look intact. The LS3 has already seen 20,000 miles, and it’s still going strong.
“I did 98% of the work myself, aside from the paint.”
– Pat Walsh
And let’s talk about that paint – a brilliant red that shimmered under the sun at the Sounds of Summer Nights event. While he didn’t tackle the paint job himself, Pat did lay down a gleaming oak floor in the back, install luxurious leather captain chairs, and customize the grille and hood to perfection. He can be proud of the work he did on this Suburban.
If you’re ready to upgrade your ride like Pat did, then Karl Kustoms is ready to lend a hand. We’ve been specializing in hot rods, parts, and accessories since 1978. Reach out to us if you have any question about your custom build or restoration – we’re happy to help.