Collisions and accidents can happen at any time, and sometimes even the most minor incidents can rack up costly repair bills. Thankfully, the Chevrolet truck engineers have approached the current-generation Silverado from the viewpoint of the service department, providing ease and nixing complexity for damage repair.
“When we design trucks, we don’t only consider what features our consumers demand from a full-size truck,” says Mark Szlachta, a GM serviceability design engineer. “We also approach the process with our technician hat on, ensuring we engineer a truck that is straightforward and cost-effective to repair.”
Front Frame Rail Section
The Silverado’s front frame rail section has been engineered in such a way that minor impacts don’t necessitate costly repair bills. Technicians may be able to repair a leading section of the truck’s frame instead of replacing the entire chassis, which can equate to huge savings in the event of something of this nature occurring. The front fenders incorporate both outer sheet metal and the supporting inner structure, allowing simple unbolting of the entire assembly. Isn’t it great when clever engineering comes together? We think so.
Bond-On Body Panel Procedures
If the Silverado happens to need work done regarding non-essential body panels, such as outer-roof and door panels, technicians are able to utilize an ultra-strong adhesive available to them to bond panels back onto the truck. The biggest benefit this offers is foregoing welding, which can turn costly very quickly.
Pre-Prepared Roof Panels
It doesn’t get much more plug-and-play than this. Replacement panels are available to service centers and provide the ease of use due to pre-installed studs and pre-drilled holes for accessories.
One-Piece Body Side Outers
There’s a pattern forming here. Once again foregoing welding, the Silverado’s body side outers do not have to be replaced in an entire unit. However, a full unit is shipped as a single, complete assembly. This allows technicians to cut and replace only the affected area and not the entire assembly. “Our goal is to only have weld seams where we absolutely need them,” Szlachta said.
Flexible Bed Repair Options
Finally, the Silverado offers many ways to approach bed repair. If the bed does see damage, it doesn’t necessarily mean a whole new pickup box must be purchased. Depending on the damage, the outer bedside or the bedside assembly can be replaced from the bed floor out.
There you have it. So, tell us, have you seen the benefits of proper engineering in the Chevrolet Silverado? Talk to us down below in the comments.
Comments
Just wait till there are more Fords being repaired. The cost will really be felt. People are already finding out Ford is hiding the added cost in the price of many of he more popular options too.
On feature that makes many Ford trucks more difficult to repair is that the front inner fender supports and core supports are a single welded structure welded to the firewall of the cab.