1969 Chevy Suburban – The Byerly Family Cruiser
When Chevrolet rolled out its all new truck line in 1967, they recognized that pickups were being used for a lot more than just hauling. Many truck buyers enjoyed nicer features as well as different trim options.
In 1971 the standard pickup was deemed a Custom, with a mid-level package called Custom Deluxe, and the top-of-the-line option known as a Cheyenne. Later in 1971 and through ’72, there was an even higher-level trim packaged called the Super Cheyenne.
The Super Cheyenne was loaded with comfort features including extra cabin insulation, carpet, bucket seats, and woodgrain inserts throughout. Bright trim work adorned each side of the truck as well as the tailgate. The Super was a dressed-up pickup, but for some reason that option was never offered on the Suburban.
More than a decade ago, Robert Hartley, a hardcore fan and C10 builder, set out to build what Chevrolet never offered – a Super Cheyenne-equipped Suburban. He started with a ’69 Sub, added a ’72 front end and doors, and then set about adding the extra stainless trim around the body.
Since Chevy never offered one, he turned to Mar-K to craft matching side trim from the front door back. Other subtle body mods include grafting in a set of flush pickup taillamp assemblies, a gas filler door and trick custom ‘Superburb’ emblems.
Robert was very active on the 67-72chevytrucks.com forum, sharing his progress on the build while searching for parts and information. Kirk Byerly of Loma, Colorado, was watching the build intently as he had recently purchased a ’68 Suburban with a similar project in mind. After years of work, with the Superburb nearly done, Robert decided to sell it and move on to other vehicles. Kirk jumped at the chance.
As a third-gen C10 fan, the Superburb is perfect for Kirk and his wife Kylie, as two rows of buddy buckets and a third-row bench provide enough room for their four daughters.
The interior is finished in black-and-white houndstooth while the dash and panels all feature the Super Cheyenne woodgrain finish. Vintage Air keeps everyone cool and a set Dakota Digital gauges relay the status of the Magnacharged 5.3-liter LS.
The ‘Burb rolls on a set of 20-inch Vintec series wheels from Billet Specialties with 13-inch discs and calipers from CPP for stopping efficiency. The factory chassis features Porterbuilt tubular trailing arms combined with RideTech bags in the rear. The front sports RideTech StrongArms, 2-inch drop spindles and bags to settle the stance.
With its Victory Red and Summit White paint applied by Wicked Creations, most casual observers take note of a clean three-door Suburban. To C10 fans, the Superburb leaves them scratching their heads about the Super Cheyenne trim, taillamps and interior features. Robert’s attention to factory-style details and subtle mods created a one-off Suburban that the Byerly family is thoroughly enjoying and sharing.
