2008 Silverado Build - “Brola”

[counterpart7]

NICE!

yeah, i have all that stuff too. i just never used it because it took way too much time.

but now that i have a different perspective on PATIENCE, once i get back out in the shop and doing my engine cage an whatnot, I'll definitely be using all that stuff.

It’s worth taking the time in my opinion! I’ve only managed to royally screw up 1 tube so far(center roof tube, notched the holes on the wrong axis ) which is less than I was expecting to screw up. It takes more time to remake the tube than it does to plan it out and use the right tools!

 

[UR_Mawm69]

It takes more time to remake the tube than it does to plan it out and use the right tools!

that should be the websites mantra or something. haha

 

[counterpart7]

that should be the websites mantra or something. haha

Lol! Are signatures still a thing for forums? That can be my “sig”

 

[UR_Mawm69]

Lol! Are signatures still a thing for forums? That can be my “sig”

of course, just look at mine. haha

 

[counterpart7]

Some small updates. It’s crazy how easy a few weeks goes by when family comes and visits and distracts you…

Found a center console out of an LTZ/Denali. I wanted this style specifically because its able to be slid forward a bunch for 3rd seat leg room. Mocked everything up.




Started bending up the B-Pillars. PITA to get the angles right and to get them to bend into the frame once under the floor.



Made a couple of overlay plates for where they will land. I think they kinda look like fish
Hogged some holes in them right under where the tube will land. Would this still be considered a rosette? I know on a tube they would be

Also, shoutout to the dudes that can weld out of position/under a truck just as well as they can on a bench. I’m not one of them. There’s a reason I’m not posting pics of my overlay plates after welding… kicked my ass and I might even grind them out and try again.





And both B-Pillars are landed. Planning on getting them fully welded out today. Gotta drop the cage back down again to 360 weld them up top.



Thats all for now. Need to start on the A-Pillar tubes from the dash bar to the frame and stub out into the engine bay.

 

[counterpart7]

Hey all, I figure it’s time I update this. Kind of crazy that it’s already been a year since I cut it up. A lot of progress has been made lately but still a lot left to go…

Cut some holes in the floor and cut a bunch of crap out of the way to slide these in. Factory trim panels are a must.




Then I cut some holes in the firewall and slid some tubes in. They wont connect to anything yet but they're ready for when I make some changes to the front end soon.




Then I cut some holes in its back so it could breathe...



And started the tube work for the backhalf




Picked up a new welder and started making some progress after a few month hiatus





Then I moved back inside the cab to add more to the C-pillar. 3rd seat fits nicely between the /\




A-pillar tie ins. I'll have these outside ones silicon bronzed in by a buddy



The inside ones I booger welded myself... kind of on purpose so I could blend them into the cab better. There will be another panel to fill the gap above these.

 

[counterpart7]

Then I added more to the B - C pillars. Built them, tacked them in and then removed them so they're not in the way.



Cut more of the floor out to add more to the back wall. The factory floor will go back in place and tie into the horizontal tube



Some MIG squirts. Huge props to the guys that weld out of position all the time, shit is way hard



Moved on to the fuel cell cradle. Man it was nerve-racking trying to make sure all of this was level, plumb, straight... whatever you want to call it. I had my wife come help me take measurements for like an hour and everything looks to be within 1/16" to 1/8" of "perfect".




And this is how it sits as of today. I need to add some gusseting to the sway bar tube and some more tubes, then weld it all out.





I'm currently waiting on shocks (3.0 x18" coilovers) and then I can start on the rear shock mounts.