Tailgate Storage Box

kevinmrowland · 10-29-07, 06:10 AM

Yeah

That was my initial response when I was still hung up on the actual "box" idea. If you look at the post dates the switch to using just a lid, and getting one built that worked right, took me over a year to accomplish.
All that wasted space was killing me and I just couldn't let it go.

I still like it though. Cool to open up my tailgate and see the first one in there, with half a dozen different coatings on it, piano hinge mounted to low so the lid doesn't quite open all the way, through bolts for the hinges that I realized were entirely unnecessary because they are always in compression, and then compare it to the new batch that have been made off a jig, with laser cut corners and a drill template for the holes, big difference there.

And now the tailgate list has a little over 60 people on it, the 1/4s, about half that, and a slowly growing list of 80 series tailgates that I have not even made a prototype for yet.

GLTHFJ60 · 10-29-07, 10:26 AM

Kevin,

I didn't realize that you were at the same stage for the quarters as you are for the tailgate box. Would it be possible to buy all three components, the two quarters and the tailgate box, for one possibly slightly reduced price?

Either way, when my unit is produced, it will be worth every single cent. I know I've said it already, but the fantastic design and innovation that you have put into this product makes it, I'd say, an essential to any 60 owner. Definitely on the top 10 mods list that every 60 owner should have.

kevinmrowland · 10-29-07, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLTHFJ60

Kevin,

I didn't realize that you were at the same stage for the quarters as you are for the tailgate box. Would it be possible to buy all three components, the two quarters and the tailgate box, for one possibly slightly reduced price?

For Response Please See: http://forum.ih8mud.com/wagongear/179840-tailgate-storage-box-%93-sale-thread%94.html

PLEASE, EVERYONE, THIS THREAD IS FOR TECH ONLY.
ORDERS, LIST REQUESTS AND PRICING ARE FOR THE "FOR SALE" THREAD

The first post is continuously updated with progress.

euclid · 10-29-07, 12:52 PM

I will delete non-tech related questions at Kevin's request.

Keep it techy-ish.

Here's an example:

Kevin, with the new easy access to the ouside skin of the tailgate have you considered adding some big lights for backup lights? With the tailgate down they would provide some nice light on the ground for camping and such. It would be pretty easy to box them in so that they aren't damaged by stuff in the tailgate.

I'll hold off pursing that idea till after I do a rear bumper, so as to avoid putting the lights in a space that would be blocked by the spare.

kevinmrowland · 10-29-07, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid

I will delete non-tech related questions at Kevin's request.

Keep it techy-ish.

Here's an example:

Kevin, with the new easy access to the ouside skin of the tailgate have you considered adding some big lights for backup lights? With the tailgate down they would provide some nice light on the ground for camping and such. It would be pretty easy to box them in so that they aren't damaged by stuff in the tailgate.

I'll hold off pursing that idea till after I do a rear bumper, so as to avoid putting the lights in a space that would be blocked by the spare.

That is a really cool idea! It would cut down on interior space quite a bit, but I did think about getting rid of the indentation where the license plate used to go so I could have an even thickness straight across, that would be nice.

You could put some of those slick PIAA lights with the external bolt ring in there even if you didn't have inside access.

The big problem I see is the spare tires getting in the way, but what a nice light that would be pointing at the ground...............

surffj62 just posted in the non tech thread (folks are just getting confused now) with another good idea about locking the tailgate box.

I responded with "Actually that is a great thought, the exact same latches are available with built in key locks, at a considerable price increase, even available in stainless at an insane price increase."

Might be something else to keep in mind.
I find that if I just push the little lock button down on the tailgate nobody can figure out how to open the damn thing anyway.

flybynight · 10-29-07, 03:31 PM

On the light idea.....there are a lot of mini sized head lamps used for motorcycle mods. Some in the tuner world as well. Small in scale, but high output.

OCHO4I · 10-29-07, 04:05 PM

Kevin:

Would it be possible for you to post a link to your current waiting list so we could all get an idea of where we are in line? (Yes, I know that this is not a tech question, and it doesn’t get me to the head of the line any sooner, but it would sure be nice to know where I am in the line!)

Oh, and by the way, the finalized version you recently posted is just right in my book. I’m sure that everyone out there will customize/alter it on their own in order to include whatever bells and whistles they would need. Just having the extra storage space for those larger items that don’t quite fit anywhere else (other than attached to the roof rack) makes the tailgate storage box in its current configuration a winner for me!

kevinmrowland · 10-29-07, 04:15 PM

?? The tailgate list is updated every day in the first post here: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=179840

Is that what you are looking for?

OCHO4I · 10-29-07, 04:59 PM

Kevin:

That’s exactly what I was looking for! (Fortunately, it looks like I’m closer to the top of the list than to the bottom.) Thanks for the quick response.

esh · 10-31-07, 05:02 PM

Not sure which thread to post in, so my update is in the other one.

boerboel313 · 11-04-07, 11:01 AM

Please PM me with the price for the quarter Panels and tailgate.

OlympiaFJ60 · 11-04-07, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boerboel313

Please PM me with the price for the quarter Panels and tailgate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

For Response Please See: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=179840

PLEASE, EVERYONE, THIS THREAD IS FOR TECH ONLY.
ORDERS, LIST REQUESTS AND PRICING ARE FOR THE "FOR SALE" THREAD

The first post is continuously updated with progress.

Not to be too obvious or anything

mep1811 · 11-04-07, 01:16 PM

I would be interested.

euclid · 11-15-07, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esh

Not sure which thread to post in, so my update is in the other one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by esh

Got the prototype! Wow, it is sweet. Off to SEMA and Surf N Turf or I'd have it in with pics.. so you'll have to wait 'til next week for install shots.

(Max thanks you for the dino bone, hehe)

Cheers

Ken, you aren't going to let me beat you to the install report are you? Mine will be here tomorrow.

Others? Lets see some reports with pics!

Edit: Just got mine. Probably install it tomorrow!

CaliCruiser · 11-15-07, 04:10 PM

Mine is supposed to be here Friday!

euclid · 11-17-07, 07:14 PM

It's in. No pics yet, sorry. My tailgate was completely bent. Never noticed till I put the straight frame on it. Once the hole was cut I was able to bend the metal out enough to match the frame. I cut the whole with the jigsaw, then cleaned it up with a grinder before I put the frame in. Thanks Kevin. It's really cool.

kevinmrowland · 11-17-07, 07:22 PM

First one in!
Very glad you like it Greg.
Every tailgate I have seen has been caved in, some are really bad, but they came from the factory straight, as I am sure you saw, the OE structure in there is pretty under engineered.

rmcquet · 11-17-07, 11:09 PM

Mine is sitting in the garage, waiting for me to install. Came wrapped up all nice and tight. Everything perfect. It looks awesome! Will post up pics of the install.

chicago · 11-18-07, 01:23 AM

That is the SICKEST thing I have EVER seen done in one of these rigs!
I didnt realize you were selling these!

Nice FAWKING job DOOD!

When I get some cash, Ill be in for the set...
Itll be a while though

Serously!

DIG IT!

Chicago

GAS-A-LOT! · 11-19-07, 10:32 AM

mine is in!!!! last night! had the hole for about a week though... I will try and get pics after lunch...

cruiser88 · 11-19-07, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid

It's in. No pics yet, sorry. My tailgate was completely bent. Never noticed till I put the straight frame on it. Once the hole was cut I was able to bend the metal out enough to match the frame. I cut the whole with the jigsaw, then cleaned it up with a grinder before I put the frame in. Thanks Kevin. It's really cool.

How long did it take ya?

euclid · 11-19-07, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiser88

How long did it take ya?

about 3 hours start to finish. I had stick on sound proofing under the carpet, on the ouside skin (the one that I cut) to get out of the way before I could cut it.

It's a 3 hour job including clean up.

One suggestion: Vacuum the inside of the tailgate before you close it. I have a ton of metal shavings down in the crevasse of the tailgate that I can't get out. (Yes.... Yes I did type crevasse)

cruiser88 · 11-19-07, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid

about 3 hours start to finish. I had stick on sound proofing under the carpet, on the ouside skin (the one that I cut) to get out of the way before I could cut it.

It's a 3 hour job including clean up.

One suggestion: Vacuum the inside of the tailgate before you close it. I have a ton of metal shavings down in the crevasse of the tailgate that I can't get out. (Yes.... Yes I did type crevasse)

cool.

crevasse will be cleaned

Mace · 11-19-07, 11:55 AM

So you are saying you now have grit in your 60's butt

Love the design. I am going to copy it on my rig

kevinmrowland · 11-19-07, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

Love the design. I am going to copy it on my rig

Cool, imitation is flattery, right?

Post a pic when you get it done.

Greg, did you put any sound deadening inside the tailgate to clean it up a bit? Makes it all nice and shinny in there.

cruiser88 · 11-19-07, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

Cool, imitation is flattery, right?

Greg, did you put any sound deadening inside the tailgate to clean it up a bit? Makes it all nice and shinny in there.

Dont sweat Mace, he is just cheap

kevinmrowland · 11-19-07, 12:06 PM

No, really, I think it is cool.
One less that I have to make.

That is why I posted this thread in the first place, I think it would be cool to see what Mace comes up with.

cruiser88 · 11-19-07, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

No, really, I think it is cool.
One less that I have to make.

That is why I posted this thread in the first place, I think it would be cool to see what Mace comes up with.

Oh goodness this is one heck of a idea. Thought never crossed anybodys mind I am sure.

euclid · 11-19-07, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinmrowland

Cool, imitation is flattery, right?

Post a pic when you get it done.

Greg, did you put any sound deadening inside the tailgate to clean it up a bit? Makes it all nice and shinny in there.

Back when I did my stereo/sound deadening project I put a bunch of short strips of material in the inside of the tailgate, where I could reach through the access panel. At some point soon I'm going to spend some time scraping all of that off so that I can put one single piece of material over the whole thing.

What did you do about the wire for the lisence plate light? Yours may be gone, since you have a swing bumper.

kevinmrowland · 11-19-07, 12:14 PM

On the first tailgate I just went right over it since I was replacing the tailgate soon, the second one I put the grommet in after the sound deadener and just ran the wire up to the light with a couple of strips of industrial tape over it.
Seems ok so far.