In-cab storage ideas (overhead/platforms/racks/hilift/etc)

(thread formerly known as 'Taking out ext cab seats and backrest for tool rack/ hilift mount?')

Just a thread for any and all ideas for in cab storage. Specifically for us extended cabs that wish to make room in place of the useless rear seat area. As well as other ideas as mentioned in the title, as I have even further ideas for custom storage/consoles. Bit of a noob at carpentry, but I'm learning, so please excuse any flaws or impractical methods as I attempt these feats.

(Edit: back panel is complete. Page 4)


[original post]
Has anyone done this? I'm considering doing this to mount my hilift, among other things like shovel, flashlights, and additional tools. Mostly my hilift. Iirc, the backrest is bolted down with a few bolts, and plan to mount it there. I feel like it's gonna be an eyesore with all that stuff removed, so wondering if anyone has done that and has pics...
Also considering JUST the hilift without removing anything, mounted in FRONT of the back rest with some brackets that mount behind, up and over the back rest, like a hanger type setup, or wrap around brackets for a more sturdy mount. If i find its Not doable, i may tear it all out and see what it looks like.. Just looking to see if anyone has done anything like this, before I tear into it.

 

It is your truck if it works for you why do you care what others think??

Some people think driving Toyota vehicles is really the sign of being a idiot maybe we should all sell our trucks to fit in

 

I don't really care what others think. Just myself .. Ha. And was wondering if anyone has done it before. I wanted to know if it looks like shit having all that stuff torn out and bare. I just want it to look somewhat nice. Lol. Maybe someone that created a carpeted wall in the back or something along those lines. Kinda like how they do for dog platforms and storage on the bottom, but just a rack for tools. Or maybe how they mounted their amp for their sound system, or whatever. Haven't seen much of that around here.

 

I see all kinds of storage and mounting options external. Like on bed bars and racks. But I started to think that (for me) it's just wasted space in the back seat area. And pondered the idea of making it into storage like others have done. But haven't really seen a rack type system in the back, and thought thatd be fairly unique instead. With quick fist mounts and small hangable storage bins,or recovery gear. Idk, all kinds of ideas running thru my head with that now. Ha.. Maybe that'll be my long term project to do. But for now, just looking to get it started with a hilift mount back there. I mostly want this to keep it all out of the elements.

If I don't get any further ideas, I'm gonna get started on a hilift mount for that backrest. See how it turns out. It may turn out to be a small rack system in the back. Not a lot of space as it is. But enough for a hilift, flashlights, fire extinguisher, Maybe shovel, couple smaller items. Idk.

 

Lol Yeah. True dat. I'm hoping I'll still be able to recline mine a bit. That's why I want a rack type system. I already have a 12" sub taking up a lot of space on the passenger side so that seat can't be reclined already. My gf hates it. Lol. But plan to do something about that too later on. So obviously space is a concern. Hence why I only want a few things back there mounted to the back of the cab. I thought about a storage platform on bottom. But not what I really want. I feel like a simple carpeted board attached to the back in place of seats and backrest would be perfect to hang/attach some stuff from.

 

Haha. Because she hates not being able to recline. And we'll be taking long trips in the future so yeah, gonna have to do something about the sub. Change it up for more space. And be able to recline still. And take naps, among "other" things. Because I hate that her seat can't recline as well...

 

Interested in your ideas. I'm thinking of doing this on my 2nd gen AC. I already have the seats folded with a tool box back there. Hilift across the floor. Just don't want to waste any space. Ideally I would like something with a slide out drawer on either side of the floor, room for my toolbox, and hi-lift mounted horizontally under back window.

 

My father has a '91 dodge ram reg cab. Behind the seat there was a wooden shelve fixed to the back of the cab (taking the whole space). I liked it because we were able to put a lot of tool from the bottom to the top. Bottom was wider. Closing to the top. He has truck parts, bottle jack, flares, chains, straps, all kind of tools. And nothing was laying on the floor. Making it wider at the bottom makes it easier to reach the thing you need in the lower levels...

I thought about making one for myself but now the back space is for the new dog lol

Edit:

Something like this but with more levels. Could be possible to make some mounting points for quick fist or hi lift mount

 

Nice. I like the way you think. I may end up doing more to it at a later time. But looking for the quickest and easiest method for now. It may turn into something more than that. But yeah, I like the sound of that. I'm just horrible at actually getting shit done. Ha. Or even started for that matter. Lol. Don't have a ton of time to have it be a big woodworking project with drawers or storage platform right now. But as I said, I may build it into something more later on down the road to something along those lines.. For now, I'm hoping that I can simply remove the backrest/seats/trim, and just get a wood platform, carpet it, bolt it vertical to the back of cab, and attach some bolts for the hilift. Along with some quickfist for other things. As long as I can utilize some factory bolt holes in the back if I find any, (which iirc there are, as I've had that apart once before) then I'll just go ahead with it. Gonna take that stuff off later today and see what I can see. And go from there. I'll take a pic or two with it all removed.. Hopefully this will happen and will turn out to be a pretty useful mod for me, and others as well(even if it is a limited crowd). I'll be uploading stuff for y'all of the process if it is a go. But it will be a slow process. Probly won't be until next week that I can start gathering supplies and actually start making a template. And another week later after that to get it cut and mounted in.

So in the meantime, keep the ideas/pics coming. Again not so much interested in lower floorboard type storage setups, but will take a looksee nonetheless. Have already seen quite a few ideas here on that subject.. Mostly interested in large/bulky item storage options..

Edit: My little toolbox keeps most of my small item storage in order. Unless I can build/bolt something onto the wood rack as well, like a small bin, for small item storage.

 

Hey that's pretty nifty there! Hmmmm.

 

^^ Yes that's a pretty simple design. But I would be afraid of things sliding around too much or God forbid becoming projectiles in a rollover or crash scenario.

 

It can always be possible to make division for each element you want to put in there and some kind of cover to hold it in place and keep it out sight

 

^^True. Leaning in that direction. My idea is to make something like a Milspec type setup with dividers/tie-down points that is easily accessible and sturdy.

 

Welp, think this project is a go. Took all the back seats and panels off. Was pretty easy. Held the jack up to the top and it fits horizontally, but doesn't sit flush. So I'd need to make some brackets to extend the mounts out. But.. I think I'm just gonna get a whole wood panel put in. Should be able to attach it pretty easily utilizing factory bolt hole locations.

Any suggestions for what type of wood to use? Not too knowledgeable in that respect..Something fairly heavy duty to support that heavy ass jack.. Ha.


Top trim panel removed


Backrest removed


Seats, trim, seatbelts removed.
Just look at all that space for a rack system!

 

1/2" plywood covered with carpet. Then you'll be able to drill anywhere you want! Can always go with 3/4" but $$$$. The secret is how you put your anchors on the plywood

 

make em really strong cause if you get in a wreck with a hi lift in the cab good chance you'll end up seriously injured or worse

not to be skeptical, i love the idea of better storage for light stuff in the back, but its a really good idea to over design however you're going to mount something that heavy in that cab. I'f it were me i'd mount shovels, hilifts, anything heavy, metal, and or sharp outside the cab, and flashlights gear and all that other less dangerous stuff in the back of the cab. my opinion anyways, i don't like being anywhere near hilifts unless im actively using it lol

 

^^those are wise words!

 

Took some measurements. Looks like a 2'x4' panel will fit in good. Prices aren't too bad. What type of wood exactly, would be good? I see all kinds. Ha.
And yeah, I plan to make/get some sturdy brackets for the jack... I may try and see if I can bolt them through the wood and into the cab. If nothing else, reinforce the mounts with backing plates to the panel.

 

I kept everything and built a couple panels of 1/2" ply with carpet tile in the back just in case a little screw poked through it wouldn't tear up the seats

I attached the two board to a crate at the bottom which made it stand up without having to bolt anything to the actual cab

Mounted my axe, Shovel, Hi lift, Tarp, Fire Extinguisher

 

Post up a pic, brother. Sounds cool.