J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

Michael Petramalo’s 1967 Suburban by J-Rod & Custom

Repeat business is great asset in any line of work, but it’s especially rewarding for custom car builders. Having a customer return for a new build not only means they liked the previous one, but also indicates that the customer and builder are on the same page when it comes to style and quality.

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

That’s what the team at J-Rod & Custom found when building this 1967 Suburban for Michael Petramalo, a repeat customer who shares the shop’s taste for big power, clean style, and high levels of detail.

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10


The big power part of the equation for this 1967 Suburban came in the form of an 800hp supercharged GM LT4 engine built by Lingenfelter and backed by an 8L90 transmission. The drivetrain is cradled in an all-new GSI chassis (the company’s first for a Suburban) rolling on 22×9- and 24×15-inch Schott wheels backed by Baer brakes and wrapped in Pirelli rubber.

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10
J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

Subtle body mods included tightened gaps, tucked bumpers, and custom under-hood panels before a beautiful finish of PPG Lapis Poly paint was applied in-house at J-Rod. The interior got tasty Ferrari leather and plaid fabric upholstery stitched by McFarland Upholstery, plus comforts and custom touches like Vintage Air, Dakota Digital instruments, and an Ididit tilt column.

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10
J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

The end result is one incredible SUV, one with understated style, impeccable detailing, potent performance, and modern comfort. What more could a classic truck enthusiast want?

J-Rod & Custom, J-Rod 1967 Suburban, 1967 chevy c10

Photos by Tyler Clemmensen

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.