Teach's Build- 2008 Trailblazer LS

[Teach]

Year-2008
Make-Chevrolet
Model-Trailblazer

Drivetrain Specs:
3.42 gears
I6 engine
4x4

Suspension Modifications:
Stock

Exterior Modifications:
Homemade roof rack
Diy deer slayer grill guard
Receiver hitch cargo carrier

Engine Modifications:
Stock

Interior Modifications:
Overhead Gun Rack
Phone mount
Rear cargo box

Recovery Equipment:
Cheapo Tow Strap
Homemade Tow Hook Hitch

Electrical Modifications:
OBDIi wifi adapter and iPhone app
4-6" blazer off-road lights

Doing what I got it for.... A huntin rig

[Teach]

I decided not to delete my old posts just update the first on and add on. There are more updated pics below.

As you can see as of today my TB is bone stock. However we all have to start somewhere.

My plans are to make a off road capable rig for hunting, fishing and camping. Unfortunately there isn't a ton of offroad trails in my neck of the woods beyond gravel roads and corn fields but I do a lot of hunting so I still get a little mud on the tires now and then. The big kicker to this build is i have to keep my mpg. Before I bought my TB my four wheel drive was a 99 F150 (pic below) I love this truck but with a growing family and a 30 min commute I needed something that a car seat fit in better and I could afford to drive. (I was sick of the minivan)

Either way the TB has a lot in store for her, don't expect this build to happen fast. Most of my mods will be on an as you break it schedule or fabricated by high school kids, but it will be fun either way. Here are some stock pictures more than anything its a way for me to document the beginning. Disclaimer: The interior pics are really bad the previous owner used it for catering and there are some pretty nasty stains. But it allowed us to buy it almost 2k under kbb.

[Teach]

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Here is what she replaced

[Teach]

First Mod- overhead gun rack

My wife got this for me a couple years ago. I had it in my truck and knew it had to go in the TB. It comes in handy during hunting season.

[Teach]

It's been a while since I've updated my build. I have done quite a bit.

I had one of my students build an awesome grill guard. He also finished my roof rack Friday. I'm planning on installing it tomorrow.

Another student built me a rear organization box.

I modified my gun rack so I could fit longer guns.

I also added 4-6" lights to the grill.

I'm planning to do a write up on each of the projects over Christmas break. I just wanted to do an update. I'll post more pics this week.

[Teach]

Alright I have more pictures of the build process.

Ill start with the rear storage.

After allowing things to float around the back of the TB for a while I decided I needed some storage. I looked around here and expedition portal and came up with a storage drawer plan. I also needed room for the dog kennel when we travel. So here is what I came up with.




Originally it was designed to have a slide out drawer, but I couldn't find heavy enough drawer sliders. So I said forget it and made doors. Big mistake. I am going to redesign this in the future. Especially since I don't use the kennel when we travel anymore. I found a collapsable one so the pooch just rides in the back seat.


Here are some build pics



I made the whole thing out of MDF and then carpeted it. It is really handy to store stuff but not as easy as I would like to get stuff out of.

[Teach]

Next thing I added was a grill guard.

Again it was designed and built by a HS student. He did an awesome job.

Here is how it looks today.


We welded two receiver hitches to the frame to make mounts. From there we built out.
The only problem with that was he didn't weld them perfectly symmetrical. So it was a bear to test fit while building it.
One day I decided we would just chain it to a parking post and I would back up. Which worked great until the drivers side tube didn't come out all the way.

I thought the kid building it was going to be sick. But after 45 minutes and time with the torch I had it all straightened out.

I am super impressed with how it turned out.

[Teach]

Roof rack write up.

I haven't taken enough pictures but wanted it to be next in line of posts.

[Teach]

Extra lights.

This is a project in motion. I purchased 4 6" elcheapo blazer lights off amazon. I figure I will upgrade down the road when needed. My only problem I cannot decide where to mount them so I haven't wired them yet. I think I have decided to put them on the grill guard and add 4 square lights to the roof rack. Opinions are appreciated. Here are the configurations I have tried so far. Oh and I also have a set of hella lights I bought at a garage sale and made mounts on the roof rack.

Idea 1- 4 on grill guard and add 4 more to roof


Idea 2- Same as above but only have the two hellas on the roof.
Ill add a picture of this tomorrow.

Idea 3- See pic


Idea 4- 4-4" on roof and then add two more on grill guard

[Teach]

I still need to take updated picture of my gun rack set up and my Iphone mount. Maybe I can get those in tomorrow.

Next projects are
- finish lighting
- cb install
- reorganize rear storage
- shock replacement
- Lift and tires