The Ultimate DIY SKIDPLATE BUILD For GMC Safari and Chevy Astro Van!!!

Описание: We’re building the ultimate DIY skid plate for our lifted GMC Safari / Chevy Astro camper van! 💪 Using under $100 in scrap steel, we custom-fabbed a heavy-duty skidplate to protect the oil pan, transmission, and front differential — key upgrades for anyone taking these vans off-road.

Follow along as we design, cut, bend, and weld the perfect fit for real-world trails. We show how to solve clearance issues, strengthen the plate with braces, and test it under full vehicle weight. This off-road armor turned our family van into a true overland machine!

If you’re into Astro van builds, off-road fabrication, or DIY van protection mods, this episode’s for you.

0:00 – Welcome Back to Brothers Fab & Adventure
0:03 – Building More Off-Road Armor for Mom’s Camper Van
0:08 – Turning $100 Scrap Steel Into a Skid Plate
0:18 – Why a Skid Plate Is Essential for Astro & Safari Vans
0:33 – Protecting the Rebuilt Engine and Transmission
0:52 – Planning the Skid Plate Layout & Clearances
1:09 – Discovering Crossmember and Clearance Challenges
1:39 – Checking Fitment Around the Differential and Oil Pan
2:00 – Marking and Cutting for Control Arm Clearance
2:06 – Plasma Cutting and Grinding the Steel Plate
2:35 – Scoring and Bending the Skid Plate for Proper Fit
3:05 – First Test Fit Under the Van & Differential Clearance Issues
3:31 – Creating the Differential Drop Section
4:03 – Sourcing Extra Steel for Rear Crossmember Mount
4:41 – Cutting and Shaping Metal for the Rear Extension
5:13 – Hammering in the Diff Clearance & Welding the Front Mount
6:05 – Strengthening the Plate and Fixing Warping Issues
7:20 – Adding Middle Support Braces for the Skid Plate
8:00 – Welding and Fitting the Rear Crossmember Section
9:00 – Drilling Mounting Holes and Creating Nut Plates
9:45 – Stitch Welding the Skid Plate for Extra Rigidity
10:20 – Reinforcing the Midsection and Adding Final Braces
11:00 – Tack Welding and Structural Reinforcements
11:35 – Checking for Flex & Warping After Final Welds
12:00 – Deciding Against Access Panels for Simplicity
13:10 – Final Bolt-Up and Flex Test Under Full Vehicle Weight
14:00 – Skid Plate Strength Test: Lifting the Van on It!
14:20 – Final Thoughts: Protection Results & Off-Road Ready
14:37 – Wrap-Up: Like, Share & Subscribe for More Builds