Body Panel Parts for Suburbans

[88Burban350]

Hi All,

Getting slightly desperate to find some sheet metal for my 88 Suburban 1500. Ive seen panels listed online, but then I read that those panels dont actually fit because they are for a Blazer or truck. Its somewhat frustrating as these Suburbans are still all over the place.

I need rear quarter panel parts, mainly the wheel archs, and lower quarter panel areas. I also need fully inner and outer rockers. The inner wheel tubs are also starting to go, so if I can find parts of those (I doubt it) that would be great too.

Does anyone have any suggestions for reliable suppliers that can get me Suburban specific parts? Trying to find clean sheet metal in junkyards here in PA is nearly impossible. And trying to search out west is super hard because Facebook Marketplace is pretty much the only source and I can only do 100 mile radius.

Thanks for any feedback!!!

Justin

 

[Itali83]

Good luck. I’m not a pro at marketplace but you can move your location if search so you can search 100 mile radius out west. Just a thought.

Ben

 

[88Burban350]

Thanks Ben. I've done that and I either get total junk or $18,000 rigs. Maybe I need to just keep at it. I see that full quarters are being made for big $$$$, but not sure why they won't make smaller panels. Frustrating.

J

 

[Itali83]

I’d have to measure to make sure but the over the wheel arches are the same with all models. Behind the wheel lower 1/4 I think is the same as a long bed and the small lower piece of the 1/4 in front of the wheel can be sit down from a shortened piece. May just have to get creative that way.

Ben

 

[Vbb199]

Thanks Ben. I've done that and I either get total junk or $18,000 rigs. Maybe I need to just keep at it. I see that full quarters are being made for big $$$$, but not sure why they won't make smaller panels. Frustrating.

J

I could've sworn I saw sections of panels in the LMC catalog? I know it's pricey AF.

 

[88Burban350]

There are sections, but I've heard suburban sheet metal is slightly different between trucks, blazers and burbs. If I could get a FULL wheel arch, even if it's different than the burb, it won't matter. But the parts I found seemed like they'd need more fab than I am comfortable with to make work. I was hoping to find the complete arch, all the way down to the lower quarter panel.

What is posted above about parts being interchangeable is the kind of info I would love to have confirmed. So if I can just search for blazer or truck wheel arches for instance, I can try that approach.

J

 

[R Carnella]

I bought my metal parts from a company called goodmark.
I had to use pickup rear wheelhouse's for my 90 suburban

 

[BKING33]

I've bought patch panels for my Burb from LMC.
I got the lower sections in frt and behind wheel arch. Pretty sure they sell section for around wheel arch also. Not sure about how they fit-haven't put them on yet.

 

[R Carnella]

Only part i couldn't find are the rear wheelhouse's. I used inner and outer wheelhouse's for the pickup

 

[Camar068]

I get my body parts from a guy that sells them as a side job. I came across him on craigslist back in the day when it was more popular. His prices are about 5% higher than online, BUT he doesn't charge shipping....including on big items. Look up Suburban fender on craigslist and see what you come up with. May be someone up your way doing the same thing.

 

[88Burban350]

Are you willing to share your source???

Thanks for those pictures! I was considering using the truck parts but wasn't sure how well they'd work out. If I can get the exterior sheet metal, the inner parts are more in my lane as far was ability to fab. I just want that wheel arch looking right.

Appreciate all this feedback!

J

 

[Big Chip]

Try these guys

https://tabcoparts.com/amfinder/

 

[VMF531]

Hi,
I went through looking for rear panels for my 1990 V2500 GC Suburban 3/4T, 6.2L diesel. I found a few suppliers of the body panels. One was geekparts.com. The problem with the panels is shipping. Currently the panels from them cost $47.98. The kicker is that it cost $150.79 shipping and handling. They do have a note to inspect the part for damages if damaged refuse the item. They will refund the shipping charges and part price.

I found a supplier of body parts in Connecticut 1 1/2 hrs from me. Auto Body Specialties a small family run business. They had the LR panel for a pickup in stock. Their ad for the panel for a pickup says “Fits: 1973-91 Suburban (trim at rear door).

I went there and they let me take the panel outside to see how it would fit. I was able to overlay the panel on my suburban and it fit except that the length was past the rear door opening. As they said it has to be cut to fit.

This is the webpage for geekparts.com
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1990/gmc/r1500_suburban/body_mechanical_-ar-_trim/wheel_arch.html?brand=action_crash

This is the webpage for autobodyspecial.com
https://autobodyspecialt.com/lh-1973-1991-chevy-gmc-truck-rear-quarter-extended-wheel-arch/

I have attached a photos of the panel I bought at ABS taped over my rear panel and the rear tail light panel.

I spent many hours looking at various suppliers of body parts these are the two that I found to be better in price and availability.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

John

 

[88Burban350]

Whoa thanks for that info!!! So the rear panel for the pick up matches the burb?!? Mostly the wheel arch concerned me. If so that opens up lots of options for me. Thanks for the links!

 

[88Burban350]

For those of you that have replaced the inner wheel house, did you find that both of these parts are required? Even if using the truck wheel tub?

Thanks!