FlushMount/Recessed Storage for SUV...Stupid Idea#2??

[NorCalBorn]

Looking at ideas and having searched for waaaayyyy too long I figure it's time to call in the IH8Mud'rs for pics and help here. I can't be the ony one who's thought of it, I just have yet to try it..

Why? Well, mostly traveling and tool storage, basically to have a saf(er) spot to stash our passports, some cash, power tools (during work week) to keep things out of prying eye's view.

Back of a 2nd-3rd Gen 4Runner, cut out the rear floor board, glue the carpet to a panel and use dzus fasteners painted a complimentary color to fix the carpet/backer down.

Has to fit flush and have an inset and lockable lid.

Has to look well executed/designed.

Has to be around 24"x24"x3-1/2" deep.

~Basically something like this with the edges not folded in but around so it can either be tig'd or riveted into place..

or this..then maybe just make the flange??

Again, professionally done so when the time comes, and oh yes, it will, when Border Patrol or Federales need to look inside it isn't some poorly done hack-job piece of junk.

Definitely wouldn't hurt if possible to have internal lock section also for the passports and cash.

Anyone with Sketchup or cad skills please help out here and throw down your design.

Shane

 

[sirenmoses]

ask Kevin if he'll start making storage for 4 runners: Latch Options

 

[NorCalBorn]

I would hope he'd eventually catch this thread and chime in w/ an offer to run a prototype for us. I'll graciously pay for the product and can guarantee there is a market both stateside and abroad.

Hear that WagonGear!!?? MMMM..compression lockable latches.

 

[Taildragon]

Just realize if your crossing borders that you WILL get scrutinized for something like this. Personally I'm all for it, I want to make a recessed area for a fridge and then the other half a 15 gallon fuel cell.
There is someone with an 80 that has done this I'll try to find it. JT

 

[kevinmrowland]

Huh, I need to poke my head in on the expedition builds section more often.
Too many threads, too little time...

Anyway, totally doable, pretty simple really depending on the location, you don't even need me for this kind of thing.

There was a guy in the 80 section awhile back that did this, it had to be a trapezoid shape, but it turned out nice, and crazy huge. Search on that. It was not really a safe though, not sealed up.

Actually had a 1st gen swing by my garage just last week so that I could get tracings of the panels and tailgate, some promising stuff there.


As for what you are doing, why not just bolt a small safe to the floor, or inside the rear quarter? You could do the same with a normal safe like you show and weld a flange to the case to mount the way you describe.
Not sure what kind of clearance issues there are under the back of the runner?

If you did have it flat the big concern would be that the door be gasketed in such a way that it would be fairly impermeable. Nothing like a bath tub with your valuable stuff in it.

You've got two nice spaces in the back quarters where those little access doors are, a cash sized safe might fit nice there......

 

[Taildragon]

Found it

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/167864-more-cargo-room.html

 

[NorCalBorn]

Kevin, thanks for chiming in..

Also, thanks!

Found it

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/167864-more-cargo-room.html

Gonna go look.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I seen a 60 series with a built in safe. It sat recessed into the floor under the back seat and you had to lift the seat to access it.
The original owner used it for delivering pay to construction sites.

 

[NLXTACY]

I seen a 60 series with a built in safe. It sat recessed into the floor under the back seat and you had to lift the seat to access it.
The original owner used it for delivering pay to construction sites.

Thats a great idea!

 

[calico kid]

Thats a great idea!

what if they steal the truck?

 

[NorCalBorn]

what if they steal the truck?

Well, then I'd be royally f*'d...

Still working with this lil part of my project but first a couple other things...

Went through OSH and HD last night looking at cabinets vs. safes.

 

[Manuelsv]

I was looking for the same and copied Haffi's idea!
You can see my build at the end of Haffi's post!
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/167864-more-cargo-room.html
Love the extra storage, and once you trow the original carpet on top of it no thief will ever think of looking under the carpet for a hidden compartment.
A lock could not hurt too, But I have not seen the need for it yet, might add a sliding lock in future.

 

[ForealBoreal]

77s have this little handy thing in the back of the cargo area.