What a happy coincidence that I found this cool build while our media team was in Las Vegas getting plenty of footage at the SEMA Show (stay tuned to see that). Our Pick of the Day looks like what a company would’ve made for the event back in the early ’90s. This 1991 Chevrolet Suburban overlanding rig is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Hickory, North Carolina.
The Chevrolet Suburban has been around for 90 years and gone on countless on- and off-road adventures in that time with thousands of owners. This final-year “Square Body” model was modified by the selling dealer for overlanding, which is defined as “self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal” by Overland Journal.
The dealer began by removing the frame and sandblasting and refinishing it, along with rebuilding both axles. It adds that “the brakes and suspension have been refreshed with new calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, ball joints, leaf springs, bushings, shocks, steering linkage, and steering box.”
Of course, the wheels and tires were upgraded too. Now this Suburban gets over nature’s obstacles on a set of black 15-inch wheels wrapped in Nexen Roadian all-terrains. A spare is mounted at the rear on a custom swing-out carrier.
When you’re days away from home and hours away from civilization, you need to know your engine and transmission are in good shape. As part of this Suburban’s conversion process, the dealer rebuilt the 350ci V8 and equipped it with Edelbrock E-Street aluminum heads, flat-top pistons, Edelbrock four-barrel intake, Edelbrock AVS2 carburetor with electric choke, Comp Cams camshafts, stainless steel shorty headers, and more. The small-block is paired with a rebuilt 700R4 four-speed automatic, and a rebuilt and resealed dual-range transfer case. The dealer states, “Additionally, the fuel tank and lines, radiator and hoses, and starter and alternator have all been replaced with new units.”
Overlanding can leave “forest pinstripes” on paint, but it’ll take a lot to mar this rig’s black Rhino Linings finish. If Mother Nature puts up a fight, there’s an externally mounted axe on one side and a shovel on the other. Really stuck? Just use the 10,000-pound Smittybilt winch to get out.
Inside, the floor has been covered with heavy-duty vinyl that can be easily cleaned after you splash through water and mud. New black vinyl covers the front bucket seats and the rear bench. A custom switch panel controls the auxiliary exterior lighting, which includes a light bar in the grille guard and spotlights.
Once the day’s journey has ended and it’s time to sleep, a ladder provides access to the Smittybilt four-person tent, which comes equipped with a built-in rain shield and canopy.
You could spend the time and money it would take to assemble a rig like this, or you could just buy this updated and thoughtfully built example that’s completely turn-key. If you wish to purchase this 1991 Chevrolet Suburban overlanding rig, reach out to the selling dealer to ask for the price by clicking any of the pictures in this article or the below link.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
