- Joined
- Aug 23, 2007
- Threads
- 114
- Messages
- 1,099
- Location
- Kennett Square, PA
- Website
- cruisin4parts.com
It's been a WHILE, fellow mudders! I have more time now on the weekends so I have more time to tinker on the toyota! So this past weekend, I've finally constructed my own rear drawers. It took a lot of research (looking at fellow posts) to figure out what I wanted.
to this:
My Requirements:
Materials used:
Hardware Used:
Tools Used:
I looked at a lot of different poster's builds. Here are a bunch of links I saved over time to refer to.
Writeup
I've been meaning to do this "mod" since I really started using my cruiser. There was just so much stuff I need carry around in it, mainly tools for the cruiser and the farm, and having them bounce around the back was getting very old. As you can see, I did have a spare tire carrier in there. I took that out, I'm going to be building a swing out bumper soon. Soon probably meaning in 4 years!
I just wanted a level surface in the back while still stowing all my stuff. After looking at all different kinds of drawers by fellow members, I finally nailed down how I wanted to do it.
scrowley's no-slide build inspired me and helped me to understand that I don't need expensive slides in order to achieve drawer happiness. Although they're probably really nice to have. My father had these long nylon strips left over from a job, I made use of those. They're placed on the bottom of the case and the plywood effortlessly slides on them. I neglected to get a photo of these strips! If interested, I'll snap a photo.
The drawers have the basic, dividers with all kinds of stuff imbetween. I laid all the crap I owned on the floor and sorted them, trying to find the best way to store them. Basically trying to figure out where to place dividers. I sprayed the undercoating in areas where I know I'd be stowing the big stuff. Helps with the sound and the life of the wood.
The right drawer has a space for my Craftsman socket set I got like 4 years ago. It came in this carrying case where they used to slide out of. I didn't want that case to be bouncing around in the back so I incorporated them in the slide. The sockets jostle around a bit when you slam them drawer shut, but its not too bad. They're not all over the place. Still contained!
My father had some leftover automotive carpet, which worked out!. I started out by laying it over the finished case. Ends extending over the edge. I stapled the edges, and let it hang over the edge. Making sure it was tight. Some 3M Super77 Glue Spray helps hold the carpet down before you staple it all down. After its all stapled, I knifed the extra off, leaving mostly-straight-and-clean edges. Looked good enough for me.
I haven't included much about the case building process but if you guys want to hear more, I can elaborate.
to this:
My Requirements:
- Be able to stow away things I don't need immediately. (tools, straps, parts, etc)
- Have a level space for ice chests, tackleboxes, and 30-packs.
- Low cost
Materials used:
- ( 3 ) 3/4" thick 8' plywood sheets
- ( 4ft ) Automotive grade carpeting. Extra laying around shop. Don't know price.
- ( 1 ) 16'x6" Nylon Piece. This was an extra piece laying around the shop. I have to get a photo of this for you guys.
- (1 can) Duplicolor Professional Undercoat I would recommend 2 cans at least. 1 can JUST made it.
Hardware Used:
- ( ~75? ) 2.5" Black Drywall Screws
- (~200) Staples (not sure on the size. Used for carpet)
Tools Used:
- Battery Powered Screw Gun
- Staple Gun
- Table Saw
- Belt Sander
- Band-Saw
- Air compressor
- Battery Powered Drill
I looked at a lot of different poster's builds. Here are a bunch of links I saved over time to refer to.
- scrowley's No Slide Build
- Trekken Offroad's Build. Nice Hi-Lift Idea (which I couldn't figure out how to implement with the space)
- estoddart's highly useable drawers built on a budget
- Bluetribal's sleeper build.
- Some hindsight on Marc311's storage solution
Writeup
I've been meaning to do this "mod" since I really started using my cruiser. There was just so much stuff I need carry around in it, mainly tools for the cruiser and the farm, and having them bounce around the back was getting very old. As you can see, I did have a spare tire carrier in there. I took that out, I'm going to be building a swing out bumper soon. Soon probably meaning in 4 years!
I just wanted a level surface in the back while still stowing all my stuff. After looking at all different kinds of drawers by fellow members, I finally nailed down how I wanted to do it.
scrowley's no-slide build inspired me and helped me to understand that I don't need expensive slides in order to achieve drawer happiness. Although they're probably really nice to have. My father had these long nylon strips left over from a job, I made use of those. They're placed on the bottom of the case and the plywood effortlessly slides on them. I neglected to get a photo of these strips! If interested, I'll snap a photo.
The drawers have the basic, dividers with all kinds of stuff imbetween. I laid all the crap I owned on the floor and sorted them, trying to find the best way to store them. Basically trying to figure out where to place dividers. I sprayed the undercoating in areas where I know I'd be stowing the big stuff. Helps with the sound and the life of the wood.
The right drawer has a space for my Craftsman socket set I got like 4 years ago. It came in this carrying case where they used to slide out of. I didn't want that case to be bouncing around in the back so I incorporated them in the slide. The sockets jostle around a bit when you slam them drawer shut, but its not too bad. They're not all over the place. Still contained!
My father had some leftover automotive carpet, which worked out!. I started out by laying it over the finished case. Ends extending over the edge. I stapled the edges, and let it hang over the edge. Making sure it was tight. Some 3M Super77 Glue Spray helps hold the carpet down before you staple it all down. After its all stapled, I knifed the extra off, leaving mostly-straight-and-clean edges. Looked good enough for me.
I haven't included much about the case building process but if you guys want to hear more, I can elaborate.
