Few vehicles capture the scale and creativity of the custom car world quite like a fully realized Suburban build, and “Lime Crush” is a clear example of what happens when experienced builders are given complete freedom. Developed by The Roadster Shop, this 1966 Chevrolet Suburban moves far beyond restoration, becoming a comprehensive reengineering of the original platform. From the outset, it is important to note that this is a complete Roadster Shop build, not merely a chassis conversion, with the Gerber family personally shaping and refining the final execution.
At its core, the build reflects a philosophy that treats vehicles as functional art, where design, engineering, and craftsmanship are developed in parallel. The goal was not simply to create a showpiece, but to produce a vehicle that performs as well as it presents, a principle that defines the Roadster Shop’s approach.
This example is based on the fifth-generation Suburban platform, a key chapter in the model’s evolution as Chevrolet refined the vehicle into a more versatile utility offering. The Suburban nameplate itself remains the longest-running in American automotive history, continuously in production since 1935 and approaching its 90th anniversary in 2026, adding further historical context to the significance of this build.
At its core sits a GM ZZ502 crate big-block V8, modified to produce over 502 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with port fuel injection and paired with a 4L85E 4-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain delivers strong, consistent performance, further complemented by a 3-inch Flowmaster exhaust system. Power is sent to a Strange Engineering Ford 9-inch rear end, forming a robust and well-matched setup.
The foundation of the build is a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, featuring independent front suspension, a true four-link rear, and BAER 14-inch six-piston brakes at all four corners. This modern architecture significantly improves ride quality and handling, ensuring the vehicle performs at a level far beyond its original design.
Visually, the Suburban has been extensively reworked. All four wheel openings have been stretched and reshaped, while the front and rear bumpers have been smoothed and tucked for a cleaner profile. Additional modifications include shaved door handles, a reworked hood and fenders that eliminate the original clamshell design, one-piece flush-mounted glass throughout and a roof rack with matched and striped surf boards. The vibrant green finish, applied by Charlie Hutton, reflects an obsessive focus on detail, with panel alignment, surface preparation, and depth of finish executed to a level typically reserved for top-tier concours builds.
Inside, the build takes a distinct approach, blending craftsmanship with material richness. The cabin features hand-laid Costa Rican teakwood extending from the firewall to the rear hatch, paired with brown leather seating and hand-woven inserts. The original gauge cluster has been reworked, while Vintage Air climate control and a Kicker audio system are seamlessly integrated.
Originally unveiled at the 2013 SEMA Show, this Suburban carries an extensive show history, including recognition as a Goodguys Truck of the Year finalist, features on PowerNation TV, multiple magazine covers, and an ISCA Millwinders Top Seven award at a national event. Accompanied by a build book and supporting documentation, “Lime Crush” is not just simply a custom Suburban, but a a fully realized expression of the Roadster Shop’s philosophy, where craftsmanship, engineering, and design converge to create a vehicle that performs as well as it presents.
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