Ever see a daily driven ride that looks this good? How about one with 165,000 miles on it? Didn't think so. Please allow us to introduce you to the owner and builder of this beautiful 1993 Chevrolet Suburban.
Fabricator. Bowler. Custom vehicle builder. Jon Dalton could use any of these terms to describe himself. But he chooses to stick to the norm and go with his occupation, Service Manager at Northridge Tire & Brake, in Madison, Ohio.
While Jon spends his professional time handling the day-to-day tasks of a busy, 18-bay auto repair facility, his personal time is spent building a varied collection of custom rides. They include a 1928 Ford Model A rat rod, a 1953 Chevrolet 6400 flatbed and two motorcycles (a 2001 Yamaha R6 and a 2006 Custom Bobber-pictures below). Anything missing from the collection? Says Jon, "A 1958 Plymouth Belvedere, I've always loved Christine!"
But let us not forget the subject of this article, Jon's stunning 1993 Chevrolet Suburban. With a little over 165,000 miles on the odometer, this shining example of truck dedication shows what anyone with some will and a few fabrication skills can accomplish.
Suspension
This Suburban features a 4-way independent air suspension setup. The front suspension features CoolRide airbags from Air Ride Technologies along with Belltech lowering spindles. The rear system is comprised of a universal, parallel 4-link system, also from Air Ride, that includes a panhard bar and Firestone airbags.
Air is supplied to each corner by twin Viair 450C compressors that keep the dual 3-gallon chrome air tanks pumped up. A custom center console holds the system's four rocker switches and two air gauges.
Exterior
While checking out the awesome suspension setup, let us not lose focus of the rest of the truck's modifications. Believe me, the body of this truck has by far received the most love. Starting at the front of the truck you'll notice that the factory grille shell has been swapped out for a 1994-1998 Chevrolet grille shell, along with the appropriate grille update kit. Into the new grille shell went Street Scene Speed Grilles and a new Chevrolet bowtie emblem, each in chrome.
To achieve a cleaner, custom look, Jon covered the front bumper with an SS-style bumper cover from Street Scene and tossed out the factory turn signals for clear units from Car Wear. Further adding to the appearance, he swapped the factory hood out for a steel cowl induction hood from Goodmark and installed an aftermarket moon roof above the cab. The rear bumper was then removed and replaced with a Sir Michael's steel rollpan. Finally, the doors were modified with Street Scene Cal-Vu sport mirrors and the door handles were shaved and smoothed.
Interior
As for interior modifications, Jon changed out the factory radio for a Pioneer head unit and switched out the factory speakers for high-quality Pioneer units. Down and dirty bass work is provided by two 200-watt Bazooka 10" bass tubes. Jon has kept the rest of the interior mostly stock while concentrating on the exterior and stereo. But future plans include new interior carpet, leather captain's chairs all around and a custom fiberglass dashboard and cargo area panels.
Thanks:
Jon would like to thank the following people for helping make this truck happen:
"Frank from Frank's Auto Body & Restoration, Bill at Conrad Signs, Boris at Street Machinery, Scott at Northridge Tire and Brake and Jason at Davis Race Cars. But most importantly, my crew of three helpful sons who all lend a hand in the garage and my wife Shannon, who is the best helper a guy could ever ask for."
(Click the pictures to expand)
If you’ve got a slick truck and think it should be featured here, contact us at editor@stylintrucks.com so we can get you listed too.
Jon's 1993 Chevrolet Suburban at our September, 2006 High & Low Truck Show. |
Here is Jon receiving his award for best SUV at the truck show. |
Suspension:
One of Jon's pictures from his photo shoot at the High & Low Truck Show. |
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Wheels and Tires:
- 20-inch BIGG Bill wheels
- Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval 40-series tires
Exterior:
Stereo:
- Pioneer CD head unit
- Pioneer dash and door speakers
- Dual Bazooka BTA10200 200-watt bass tubes
Future Mods:
- Replacement carpet
- Four leather captain's chairs
- Custom fiberglass dashboard
- Custom fiberglass cargo-area panels
- Alpine DVD head unit w/ flip-out screen
- LCD screens in front headrests
Jon's other rides:
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| Jon's 2001 Yamaha R6 and 2006 Custom Bobber: "A few hours on one of these'll do wonders to take your mind off of the daily grind." |
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| Pictured above is Jon's 1953 Chevrolet 6400 flat bed and his 1928 Ford Model A. Says Jon: "This Ford rat rod was my first ever 'ground-up' build. I began with the body, which was pulled from a farmer's field, and built the rest of the car from scratch." Pay attention in welding class, kiddies. |
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