2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission creative storage needed

[geusterman]

There is never enough storage for chains, tie downs, tools, emergency stuff, water and fuel, blocks, boots, coats and gloves etc. We all need utility beds. Remember the box on the passenger side of 60/70's Ford beds? I was looking under the fender/bed body and there is humungous space there. Somebody needs to manufacture tool boxes we cut into the lower parts of our beds (rocker panels) and suspend inside. Low center of gravity like a flat bed tool box. Anybody ever seen such things as this? George Eusterman

 

[Turbo Horseman]

I once owned a 97 F150. They did a service survey in Calgary. A bunch of F150 owners came into town for $100 to have them talk about our trucks. The interesting part was the F350 SRW that had a specially made box with the undercarriage type tool boxes etc. They were talking about it being an option in the future and that they were mass produced. Don't remember who made, but it was cool... even if it was on a Ford.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by geusterman

Somebody needs to manufacture tool boxes we cut into the lower parts of our beds (rocker panels) and suspend inside.

Somebody does, I searched for the link but couldn't find it. It was a real sharp unit, but pricey. The side of the stock looking bed hinged up right under the rails exposing three storage compartments per side. Maybe someone else has the link.

 

[geusterman]

You guys from MT and NT understand the need. I was thinking it did not have to be spendy. Such a waste of space under there including the fender forward area inside the box. Illflem, did you know that the GM DieselPage is in your backyard just outside Hamilton? George

 

[illflem]

George, I try to stay away from guys with bowties

 

[Big White Beast]

It's never enough...........

Even with all this space I had to build 3 rolling drawers for the bed. Heck even the back seat is full floor and all.



#ad




I did build a 5 sided wood partition for under my honey's seat in her truck. Works great and leaves lots of room, not like the plastic ones. I'll post some pic's when she gets home.



Garrett

 

[geusterman]

Wow Garrett, sometimes big is beautiful! Nice rig. I would like to stay a little narrower and carry a camper if possible. I would "cut-in" some lower boxes in the rocker area of my bed if I could find some nice ones. GE

 

[NVR FNSH]

I think this is what illflem is thinking about - Hide-n-Side. I've seen one or two going down the road and they look great. Can't be cheap though.....



http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/sema/hideside.html



Brian

 

[TPCDrafting]

A friend of my Dad's built his own setup similar to the hide'n'side except his opens on the top and he can move it from truck to truck when he buys a new one. He used diamond plate aluminum for the inside face (inside bed), back end, top which he had it folded to mold over the bed rail. Used piano hinges from top piece to inside piece. PUt lock setups into the stake holes and installed tubular bed rails on top as big handles to open it up. He can still put in a 4x8 sheet of dw or plywood. After he built it, he had it all rhino'ed and it looks like a pro did it. Neat thing was you had to look close to even notice it was there. Couldn't put real big stuff in, but normal small tools, hand power tools, jumper cables, ropes, etc. would fit nicely. I don't have any pics, but wish I did.

 

[illflem]

Brian, that's the one. I did a search for Innovative Truck Storage, the company that makes the hide n' side, they have no website. Most of the hits were for Innovative Truck Storage vs. WNS Inc, sounds like they must be in lawsuit land.

 

[geusterman]

The Hideside looks like a bed for the guy with lots of dough. Those steel wheel well boxes would be a regular guy's way of using that space. I would still like to see the space below the deck used. Lots of it there. A stainless or aluminum box with a trim ring after you cut the hole in the rocker area to finish it. That way even if the camper was on you could access the goods. GE

 

[Big White Beast]

Not what your looking for but......

I said I'd post a pic so here it is. Got a wild hair one night and used some scrap pine I had in the garage. Took about an hour to do (Less painting). Just used some cardboard first to get the angles close.



Garrett



#ad

 

[TPCDrafting]

Beast, that looks good. Thanks for the idea. .

 

[geusterman]

Very Nice! The work of a true craftsman. Ready to sell it as a kit? I would buy one. GE

 

[SlyBones]

I agree with Beast's idea. I got al little 1/4" plywood. Go down to the local carpet dealer and see if there are some gray carpet reminants laying around. Should do it.



Pass side will be complete with lid, and latch for lock. Center and drivers will be just lift the rear seat. Has cut out for bazooka tube subwoofer and holder for fire extinguisher.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

storage

Once upon a time in a galaxy far away an enterprising company called trunks4trucks decided to boldly go and make a bumper that was actually a set of lockers for things that needn't be warm or absolutely dry. Straps and cables and chains climbed in and down the road they went... Then the evil genie called marketing analyst waved his wand of disinterest and the company disappeared!!

 

[jsimpson]

How do you lift the passenger seat for access?