Started doing a thing...Tailgate storage.

Saw a company makes a storage box but it is really expensive and you have to cut out most of your tailgate. Decided to give it a try with minimal cutting. Not done yet. Just doing a little bit at a time and for less than $200.

1/4 ply with a piece of 1/2 glued and screwed.

Was going to fiberglass over the plywood but decided to use zinsser indoor outdoor primer to seal it. Will final coat with some black deck paint.

Some aluminum to protect edges and give a lip for weather stripping, also for the handle to latch onto.

Will attach the lids with piano hinges.

Going to bend some abs sheets to make the bins. Already cut out the pattern.

Only modification to the tail gate it cutting out two cross pieces and switch the rods to a cable for opening the tailgate.

It's not a mind blowing amount of storage but it will get the straps, bungees and air hose out from behind the seat.

Definitely not a professional, just bored.

 

Cool project! Much better than $600 option

 

have you come up with a decent way to make the latches cable-actuated?

 

I found an install video from that company. So I have an idea of how to do it. Just need to play around with it.

 

Very cool

 

Exterior paint with anti slip additive

 

Started working on the doors

 

Looking really good so far! I was interested in the one you're talking about but definitely can't justify the cost. Very eager to see how yours turns out.

 

Thanks. Hopefully I'll get it finished this week.

 

That looks really nice. Clean work.

 

Ran the cables for the latches

 

Cut the support. Used a jigsaw with a metal blade. Quick work

 

I was wondering how you were going to protect the backs of the storage boxes from the cable. That explains it.