Tailgate Storage Box
- Thread starter kevinmrowland
- Start date
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polarweasel
Where's mah cruzah?
A lot! You should definitely get 10 of your friends to order them, too, so you can save on shipping.
kevinmrowland
Forum Lifer
- Thread starter
- #264
Man, you're not kidding, I checked this morn and I could not find anything for less than the lid itself!A lot! You should definitely get 10 of your friends to order them, too, so you can save on shipping.
Oh, and welcome to the forum pyrotech.
My tailgate lid arrived today!! Very stoked! It is more substantial than I thought it would be. Has a bit of weight to it. Feels very solid.
Thanks Kevin, Great job!!
Thanks Kevin, Great job!!
lid options
What about 1/8" aluminum? Also try waterjetting for the plastic, it isn't as expensive as one would guess.
What about 1/8" aluminum? Also try waterjetting for the plastic, it isn't as expensive as one would guess.
Haha!That is just neat to see! Thanks for the pics.
I have been working hard on an HDPE lid variant. I think I have found a supplier that is willing to work with me on the small quantities (a few sheets at a time) but still get me a good rate. The HDPE seems to be the most cost effective plastic alternative, but it is still 3.5 times as expensive as the ply. The big draw back is that it can not be laser cut since it just melts, but I have a business associate that is setting up a CNC router. Hopefully we can work out an arrangement and I will be able to offer a plastic lid option! (retro-fittable of course)
My big concern with these is the durability of the ply. Mine has been holding up incredibly well, even using it as a workbench, dragging things across it, sliding forklift forks across it (yes I load things in the back of my cruiser with a forklift) but it is certainly showing the wear.
kevinmrowland
Forum Lifer
- Thread starter
- #267
1967 TLC said:
Glad you like it!
Every time I ship one out, I hope whoever gets it is getting what they expect.
rondog,
I tried aluminum in a few various forms, but it just does not have the strength. To get it strong enough it would have to be really thick, or have ribs, edge folds, ect all of which add weight, work and a considerable amount of cost.
I also have things water jet cut on a regular basis for work. The hourly rate for the machine is actually the same as laser cutting, but the water jet moves considerably slower. It is usually 3-4 times the cost of the laser process, but really cool.
Some pics of the install process for the tailgate. Thanks Kevin! (Note my new signature line).
In my excitement to get cutting, I had to be sure to remind myself to not cut any of the latch or punch through to the metal on the other side. I used a jig saw to cut, and up on some wood blocks to raise the blade (per KMR's instructions - yes, I actually read them). Then used a grinder to clean it up a bit.
I took some small vacuum hose, cut it lengthwise, and put it around the wimpy wire for the license plate light. Taped it down w/ some foil tape.
The silver lining stuff is basically bubble wrap w/ foil on either side. I bought it at Home Depot in the insulation section, it's inexpensive (maybe $20 - $25?). You can't see it, but I folded it down at the bottom, so it covers both the inner and outer portion of the tailgate to form a little pocket.
Will add more of the installed product if anyone is interested.
PS: I have one $OR tailgate carpet for sale if anyone wants (I will post in FS aslo).
In my excitement to get cutting, I had to be sure to remind myself to not cut any of the latch or punch through to the metal on the other side. I used a jig saw to cut, and up on some wood blocks to raise the blade (per KMR's instructions - yes, I actually read them). Then used a grinder to clean it up a bit.
I took some small vacuum hose, cut it lengthwise, and put it around the wimpy wire for the license plate light. Taped it down w/ some foil tape.
The silver lining stuff is basically bubble wrap w/ foil on either side. I bought it at Home Depot in the insulation section, it's inexpensive (maybe $20 - $25?). You can't see it, but I folded it down at the bottom, so it covers both the inner and outer portion of the tailgate to form a little pocket.
Will add more of the installed product if anyone is interested.
PS: I have one $OR tailgate carpet for sale if anyone wants (I will post in FS aslo).
one more pic
kevinmrowland
Forum Lifer
- Thread starter
- #270
That looks great!I'm starting to feel bad for all these poor, defenseless tailgates.
(not)I am the enemy of wasted space!
There's your new avatar/sig line/ name by which thy shalt ever be known. (like Parts Shaman = cruiserDan).
We all bow down to the killer of wasted space....
take a look at the rest of his FHZJ60.. we have a long ways to go to catch up with the rowlands
kevinmrowland
Forum Lifer
- Thread starter
- #273
There's your new avatar/sig line/ name by which thy shalt ever be known. (like Parts Shaman = cruiserDan).
We all bow down to the killer of wasted space....
oh no..........
oh yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssss..............
Hey Kevin,
Any news or updates on your quarter panel storage work?
Thanks
Any news or updates on your quarter panel storage work?
Thanks
Kev, that is one sweet idea turned design you got there...If you don't mind I'm gonna post a link to this thread on Land Cruiser Club - Southern Africa » News
Good job!
Good job!
kevinmrowland
Forum Lifer
- Thread starter
- #277
I do have another 10 tailgates in production, I have been dragging my feet a bit in order to get a plastic lid option going. And in the middle of that, my welder bit the dust! I am back up and running now with a new welder (and a plasma cutter, just 'cause it was so cool)
And, I have been getting parts made for variations of the 1/4s. They are much more custom that the tailgates. So far I have had to design around the presence or lack of:
Rear seat belts
Speakers
Washer bag
Vinyl wheel well trim
Cable opening gas door
Expansion chamber
Interior plastic trim (I think I've got it to work with either in this case)
Most of these things change the outer profile, but between the 60 and 62 the entire door assembly has to change to accommodate the seat belts.
So I have been making progress on that front, but the holiday season combined with getting our truck all spiffed up for a road trip on the 1st has slowed things up quite a bit. (that part is selfish, I know
)I have also been trying to make a website to put all this info on, that way I can have a Mud banner add
that will actually link to something. This whole thing is getting kinda serious, and I don't want to be a forum free-loader.I should post this over in the for sale thread as an update, and I think I will have euclid move that thread to the "Merchandise Storefront" section.
BosBok said:
Post away, this is all public info.
I am a bit confused though, what is the thread? Perhaps it is not loading properly on my browser, but it just looks like the opening page of the forum?
Thanks for the update Kevin!
No rush, we all have holiday pressures!
Did not realize there were so many quarter panel variations.
When the time comes, it might be a good idea to send you a picture of the inside of our quarter panels ... not to sound dirty or anything. Just to make sure we are ordering the correct version.
No rush, we all have holiday pressures!
Did not realize there were so many quarter panel variations.
When the time comes, it might be a good idea to send you a picture of the inside of our quarter panels ... not to sound dirty or anything. Just to make sure we are ordering the correct version.
x2 on updating & photo idea.
I ordered a used PS rear cargo replacement panel from back east, and got a panel with a gap near the rear seat. E's back n forth resulted in me keeping the panel, as well as the appropriate (missing) piece from the puppy-chewed panel I was fixing, so that I had a future template.
Who knew there was so much variation in just 1984 FJ60's?
keep up the good work Kevin!!
(Mr Burns Voice) Excellent
