You can order a Silverado directly from Chevrolet and customize nearly every part of it before it's built

Building a Silverado means using Chevrolet's online configurator to choose your truck's body style, engine, transmission, interior, exterior color, wheels, and features — then placing an order through a dealer. You don't build the truck yourself; Chevrolet's factory builds it to your exact specifications after you order. The process takes roughly 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery, though timing varies by model year, current production schedules, and how many custom orders are ahead of yours.

Most people either build a truck online and show the configuration to a dealer, or work with a dealer's sales team to build one together. Either way, you'll need to finalize the order through a Chevrolet dealership — you cannot order directly from the factory as a consumer.

Key Takeaways

  • Start at Chevrolet's website using the "Build and Price" tool, where you select cab style, bed length, engine, transmission, and trim level before choosing colors and features.
  • Once you've designed your truck online, take the configuration to a Chevrolet dealer to discuss pricing, financing, and place the actual order.
  • Custom orders typically take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive at the dealership, though wait times depend on current factory production and how many orders are in the queue.
  • You can modify your order after placing it, but changes made late in production may delay delivery or incur additional fees.
  • Dealers can also show you inventory trucks already built and in stock if you want to take delivery sooner.

Using Chevrolet's Build and Price Tool Online

Go to Chevrolet.com and look for the "Build and Price" button, usually near the top of the Silverado section. This tool walks you through every customization option step by step. You'll start by choosing your cab style: Regular Cab (two doors, no rear seat), Double Cab (smaller rear doors and seat), or Crew Cab (full four doors and full rear seat). Next, select bed length — typically 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, or 8 feet depending on cab style.

After cab and bed, you'll choose your engine. Silverado offers a standard V8, a smaller turbocharged engine on some trims, and a diesel option on higher trims. Each engine choice affects fuel economy, towing capacity, and price. The tool shows you these differences so you can compare. You'll also pick your transmission — most Silverados come with a 10-speed automatic, though some trims offer a 6-speed.

Next comes trim level: WT (Work Truck), RST, LTZ, High Country, or ZR2, depending on the model year. Trim level determines what features come standard — higher trims include nicer interior materials, more technology, and additional safety features. Once you've locked in these core choices, the tool lets you add or remove individual options: towing packages, technology packages, wheel styles, exterior colors, interior colors, and specific features like heated seats or a sunroof.

Understanding Pricing and Dealer Involvement

The price shown in the online tool is Chevrolet's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact configuration. This is not the price you'll pay — dealers set their own prices, and market conditions, local demand, and dealer inventory affect what you'll actually owe. Some dealers charge above MSRP; others discount below it.

Once you've built your truck online, save the configuration (the tool gives you a link or a code) and visit a Chevrolet dealership. Show the sales team your build. They'll discuss the actual price they can offer, explain financing options, and answer questions about features or upgrades. The dealer then places the order with Chevrolet on your behalf. You cannot order directly from the factory yourself — the dealership is the intermediary.

At this point, you'll sign a purchase agreement, put down a deposit (amount varies by dealer), and agree on a delivery timeline. Some dealers ask for a deposit before the truck is built; others wait until it arrives. Ask your dealer about their deposit policy and what happens to it if you cancel.

What Happens During the Build and Delivery Process

After your order is placed, Chevrolet adds it to the production schedule. The factory builds trucks in batches, so your truck won't start when ready — it enters a queue. You'll receive an order number and can track your truck's progress online through Chevrolet's website or through your dealer. Tracking typically shows when the truck is scheduled for production, when it's actually built, when it ships to the dealer, and when it arrives.

Build time at the factory is usually a few days to a week. Shipping from the factory to your dealer takes another 1 to 3 weeks depending on distance. The total wait from order to arrival is usually 8 to 12 weeks, but this varies. During busy model-year transitions or when production is ramping up, waits can stretch longer. Your dealer can give you a more specific estimate based on current schedules.

Once your truck arrives at the dealership, the dealer inspects it, prepares it for delivery (adding floor mats, programming keys, fueling it), and contacts you to schedule pickup or delivery. You'll do a final walk-around to confirm everything matches your order, sign final paperwork, and take the truck home.

Modifying or Canceling Your Order

If you want to change your order after it's placed, contact your dealer when ready. Early changes — before the truck enters production — are usually free or low-cost. Changes made after production has started may incur fees or delay delivery. Some changes (like swapping colors or adding a package) are easier than others (like changing cab style or bed length), so ask your dealer what's possible and what it costs.

Canceling an order depends on how far along production is and your dealer's policy. If you cancel before the truck is built, you may lose your deposit or have it applied to a future purchase. If you cancel after it's built and shipped, you may owe the full purchase price or face a restocking fee. Read your purchase agreement carefully to understand the cancellation terms before you sign.

Choosing Between a Custom Build and an In-Stock Truck

Building a truck to order gives you exactly what you want, but it takes 8 to 12 weeks. If you need a truck sooner, ask your dealer what Silverados they have in stock. Dealers receive trucks from the factory in various configurations, and you can often find one close to what you want — maybe not the exact color or every option, but close enough to take home in days instead of weeks.

In-stock trucks are usually priced differently than custom orders. Dealer pricing on inventory trucks may be higher or lower depending on demand and how long the truck has been sitting on the lot. If you're flexible on color, trim, or features, shopping inventory first can save you weeks of waiting. If you have specific needs — a particular engine, a diesel option, or a rare color — building to order is your better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my truck's color or features after I've ordered it?

Yes, but timing matters. Changes requested before production starts are usually free. Changes after production has begun may cost extra or delay delivery. Contact your dealer as soon as you want to make a change — they'll tell you whether it's possible and what it costs.

What if my truck arrives with a defect or doesn't match my order?

The dealer inspects every truck before delivery and should catch obvious defects. If something is wrong or doesn't match your configuration, tell the dealer before you sign the final paperwork. Most dealers will address defects under warranty or contact Chevrolet to resolve the issue.

Do I have to use a dealer, or can I order directly from Chevrolet?

You must order through a Chevrolet dealership. Chevrolet does not sell directly to consumers. You can build your truck online to see options and pricing, but a dealer places the actual order and handles the transaction.

How do I track my truck once I've ordered it?

Your dealer gives you an order number. You can track progress on Chevrolet's website by entering that number, or ask your dealer for updates. Tracking shows when the truck is scheduled for production, when it's built, when it ships, and when it arrives at the dealership.

What if I want a truck that's no longer in production?

Chevrolet updates the Silverado lineup each model year. If you want a truck from a previous year, ask your dealer whether any inventory remains. If not, you'll need to order the current model year. Your dealer can explain what's changed and help you find a similar configuration in the current lineup.