Building a console vault

I haven't seen any other vendors. I can say that the box fits the '12 models as well
Borrow a welder (if you don't have one) and spend a weekend making one. It'll be sweeter that way and you can customize it. I've been thinking that it would have been cool if I have added in a tray with a lip about 1/2 way up the recessed section to keep small stuff like an ipod separated from the heavier objects. Also considered mounting a net to the inside top for the same purpose. So many options...

 

I have a welder. I want a plasma cutter. lol No easy way to cut the metal needed for this without one.

 

Plasma cutter

I just used a 5" cutting wheel on my angle grinder. Edges won't be perfect but you have to weld and grind them anyway. It does sound like a good excuse for a new toy. Maybe I could have asked Santa if I had been a good boy this year. Oh well....

 

I'm waiting for them to come down to the $300 range like welders. Then I'll get one.

I have an angle grinder, cut off grinder for the air compressor, and a chop saw. So sick of using them to cut metal.

 

Try a jig saw, I know it sounds weird but with the proper blade it will cut like butter!

 

Duh. I have bi-metal blades for mine too.....

 

Yep that will do the trick You can get nice cuts with it too!



Sorry to thread jack OP!!!

 

Well, now that that's settled, does anyone have templates to cut out?

 

That is sick! You could probably sell these for a pretty penny on here. I would be interested if price is reasonable.

 

Finished up my console vault today. I'm not the best welder and don't have the best equipment but I was able to make do and crank this out. Fits like a glove and serves its intended purpose! Thanks for the inspiration OP!













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I was looking into buying one of the console vaults, but after seeing this, I am definitely just going to make my own. Luckily I work in a sheetmetal shop, and Run the burn table

 

Awesome!! Another reason to use my Everlast PowerARC 160 STH. Can that hinge go on the inside?

 

Totally building one of these!!! I learned how to weld with my last Taco project (baja tire rack), so I am going to start on this during the winter. Just picked up my first weapon so I want a way to securely lock it in the truck when I'm somewhere it can't come with.

 

Nice! Glad you took it and ran. Looks good!

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I researched options before I started the build but couldn't find any. there might be more options now (that was a few years ago).

Anyone thought of a more unique location for a lock box? I've been contemplating a build for something that would mount under the dash. Thinking of something just big enough for a carry piece (think G19 or smaller) and that could easily be locked. Since I'm only 5'4" knee room isn't my biggest concern but I can see that being an issue for some. Trying to figure out a good place and hoping to make blueprints of the build with trace-and-cut templates, etc. Just want to make sure the location works for as many as possible. Given the issues with the vault company I want to make sure this is a unique product.

Let's get imaginative folks

 

Sorry cvillechopper but I totally stole this design and started my first ever welding project. I wanted to keep it under $100 as well so I have about $75 into it so far with metal and cutting/grinding wheels.

So I got some of the welding done today. I am using my new Everlast inverter 160 STH running DC on 220 power. I started using some Lincoln 3/32 7018ac sticks and I was getting a lot of worm holes in my welds so I switched to some Lincoln 3/32 6013 rods and the welds got a little better.

My 6013 bead:



I figured that if I can grind down the welds and it looks like one peice of metal and still holds together after I try to hit it with a 3lbs hammer then it must be a good weld.





So here it is coming together. I still have a little more to do but it is looking good.

 

Looking good! That was the point of the thread. To quote Rob Schnider "You can do it!"

 

cvillechopper - How did you measure for the drilled holes to secure it to the truck?

 

Take out the back half of the console, set in your vault and mark the holes from the bottom. No measuring and you know its right!

 

This works best but I just measured and drilled with a touch of wiggle room (i.e. slightly larger holes than necessary).