Input Requested: FJ60/FJ62 Security Glove Box Project

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

I would be in on a group order

 

[woytovich]

Had a meeting today with the fabrication shop... test fit their mock up into my truck. Answered a bunch of "how does this fit" questions. So far things are looking good. They are going to do a round 2 of CAD drawings... Next meeting I should have something to show here and a better fix on price... then it will be time to decide go or no-go.

 

[CanCrusher]

Good idea, I have done the drive down to Costa Rica a few times and having a secure box in your truck gives piece of mind. I would like a smugglers compartment in the back of it, something just big enough to stash some cash or very important papers that you don't want the "authorities" to see and poke around in.

Just for information, and this applies to the Canadian / US border, a modification to a vehicle to conceal items crossing the border without declaration bumps things up to a confiscated vehicle!

 

[Spike Strip]

Just for information, and this applies to the Canadian / US border, a modification to a vehicle to conceal items crossing the border without declaration bumps things up to a confiscated vehicle!

Unless, of course, it's the DOJ that's doing it.

 

[woytovich]

Thanks for the warning but that will not be part of this project....

 

[Living in the Past]

I thought my 89 had a locking glove box but I don't know for sure since I wouldn't lock if it did. I do know the door is metal and there a light inside. Had it apart a few times working on putting in a stock looking Toyota audio system. Personally I would use a area in back side panels to hide items then a locked glove box. The body cavity drops down. Cover that area with a false bottom and hide stuff there. If it was something really valuable I probably won't have in it the vehicle to start with. What the old saying locks are to keep honest people out. A thief that breaks in to your vehicle is not going to be concerned about what kind of damage he does. I guess a Tuffy center console could be replaced if a thief damage it. I would hate to have someone use a crowbar on my dash. Would rather they steal what's inside without tearing it up doing it. They say never leave valuables in pain sight. Having the inside looking like you have some extra security storage could give a thief the idea you have something to hide.

That's my .02 I'll put some effort in to keeping thieves from stealing my vehicle and let them steal what's inside with out damaging it.

 

[woytovich]

I know that some 60 series had a lock on the glove box door - I have one here. The stock door, box and lock are not going to stop many people from getting in... a razor knife or a strong kung-fu grip grab up under to the bottom of the cardboard box or a simple screwdriver will get you in.

Part of the idea with a heavy duty replacement glove box is that it will not attract attention like a Tuffy center console would... the door will not LOOK very different from a stock door, especially to a non-cruiser-head.

And I agree, if we are dealing with a thief they will take what they want... this is a way to keep honest people, curious kids and mischievous teenagers away from your stuff.

 

[Living in the Past]

I guess is has to do with location also. Your in Metro NY. My FJ62 is kept in rural part of Northern AZ. It's parked in a locked garage except when in use. No windows in the garage and shut the power off to the garage door openers when not there just in case. People are also less likely to mess with a vehicle parked in the forest. Most people carry some sort weapon while camping/hunting. Chances are any person seeing them is going to be the owner and know someone is messing with their vehicle. Forty plus years in the area and never a issue theft. Even running around in a FJ40 with the top off never had a problem. Only theft I had was some doper steal a cheap amp out of my FJ40. No damage to cruiser plus this was at my old house in Phoenix.

Locked doors are my only defense against someone stealing stuff from inside my vehicle. I want to limit damage to just breaking in which I say is more then curious kid and mischievous teenager.

 

[woytovich]

Still asking for thoughts and comments...

Ok... here we go. I have been working with a fabrication shop and I am almost ready to finalize the project. Details are: all sturdy gauge steel door and box, McMaster-Carr cam lock with 2 keys, stainless full width hinge. All laser cut, bent and welded. The door mount holes in the box will be ovals to allow for final adjustment during assembly in your truck. Holes will be provided for the stock glove box light and switch as well as for mounting the box in the dash. There will be an option for powder coating at additional cost.

This is the near final mock-up of the box made up in paper (by me) from the drafting drawings. The door will look just like the stock door from the outside except for the cam lock so it shouldn't attract any attention as something that might contain valuables.

At this point estimated pricing is looking a little better than originally thought:
Bare steel: $260 shipped in the USA
Powder coating: estimated at $40 for door and box, inside and out

I'm sure I'm forgetting info now but when I start to take orders I'll write this up in detail... I'll need to get a number of "group-buy" preorders in order to fund this project.

Still asking for thoughts and comments...

THANKS!
mark

 

[woytovich]

Cam lock:

 

[srogers]

That is looking great - will the powder coating match the OEM door color(s)?

 

[woytovich]

Yes, I will try to find matching colors... and maybe black as an option.

 

[woytovich]

Anybody else have an opinion?

 

[MANUCHAO]

You might want to PC the interior white for better contrast.
I spray painted the cheap interior carboard box..
Nothing else to add other than Im thinking of doing a fiber glass box, but not identical to the original box..
Making the box deeper (more volume) would help to storage more junk in there.
The current space provided is useless...

 

[woytovich]

I did look into enlarging the box but there are heater ducts behind it.

 

[Dynosoar]

Price point is the only issue. I could not see spending almost $300 on that. However, I am kinda frugal and don't have a large need for that kind of protection. That said I would be in at $125.

Dyno

 

[woytovich]

If I could get them made and shipped for $125 I would... but my cost is WAY over that... I'm getting a quote for just 50 pieces so that in keeping the cost up too...

Remember, even Tuffy is getting about $160 for their Jeep glove boxes, and they probably make 1,000 at a time.

 

[Spike Strip]

I really like the idea and would probably get one were it not for the price point, also. I realize there are economies of scale going on here, but I just can't see spending that much for so little secure storage when I already have a Tuffy. The other thing is, it's kinda hard to commit to spending that much without seeing an installed prototype.

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

I think it is a great idea. Price is a factor. but the concept of keeping it stock looking is ideal. and secure is a plus. would there be a cut out for the light as well? I didnt see one or maybe i missed it.

 

[woytovich]

Yes... the circle on the side of the paper model indicated the hole for the light. This box will have ALL of the cut outs that the stock cardboard box has.