Extra bed storage project.

A little about me. I have a 2006 Tacoma extra cab. I got tired of having small things rolling abound in my back seat. I decided to make the stock storage box actually work for my needs. I decided to make them bigger so I looked around my garage to see what I have extra from projects in the past. I found stuff that might work, and to work I went. Goal. Don't spend to much money and have more space.


First step. Take out the storage box from bed. ( 6 screws).. Cut it up to how you want it.( once you cut it up , you cant turn back! ) I didn't want to built my new storage box all the way to the fender in case I get a dent in the rear fender when I'm out in the trail.

Second step. Remove fender. This might of been the most time consuming of this project. I have never removed it before and I found my self taking for ever.

Third step. Insert storage box, and build how you want.. Like I stated above, I didn't want it close to the fender. I wanted some space , so narrow I went.

Fourth step. Once you have the shape you want, you can use fleece to finish shaping it. Make sure you pull it tight and I used 3m spray adhesive. Let the glue dry. I recommend you work in sections. I fiber glassed the inside of the fleece. If just seemed easier for me and I was short on time.

Fifth step. Use the fiber glass resin and hardener and mix (follow instructions) I used a mixing cup and a paint brush. I soaked the fleece in the resin mix using the paint brush.

Sixth step. Let it dry. Could take one hour or 12. I used a lot of hardener and a heat gun to help it get harder quicker. If this is your first time working with fiber glass use less hardener.

Seventh step. Once all the fleece is dried . You could start the fiber glass part. You can add the fiber glass on the out side , inside or both sides of the fleece. I did the inside. Mixed more resin and brushed it on. I started to add the fiber glass mat in pieces. I did about 4 layers at the bottom and 3 on top. (You get the strength with the mat layer overlapping . Not form the resin it self) Do one layer at a time. My method is once I see it almost dry I will add the next layer.

Almost done. Once it fully dries (24 hours ) it will become one piece and will be strong. I didn't care about appearance and it shows, lol. I added a lil bit of tape on the outside to make it look decent. You could use Bondo to make it look real good and smooth. Put everything back. I was able to fit all my stuff that I wanted. I could even fit a portable air compressor. I hope all this made sense. I wrote this in a hurry. Here are some pictures I snapped during the process..

 

Damn Bro ... I'm impressed with you vison and your follow through.

The storage under the jump seats weren't enough?

You do know there is storage under those seats? Right?

 

In case anyone reading this happens to have more money than time/skill: http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5781


The lid, when closed, covers the 6 bezel screws to make the box more tamper-resistant.

 

Lol... Yes I do. But I have a custom sub box in the way.

 

Well there's your problem right there....

 

Definitely worth the $180.

 

Do you have this? If so, how "weatherproof" is it?

 

Great idea if you have $180. I just wanted to give some one an idea for any reason they need extra storage. I only spent $40. It is weather proof and tamper proof for the most part.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/202146-tuffy-box-install-pics.html

Looks good. Nice for $40. I was lazy and got the Tuffy Box also

 

I agree. I'm usually one that will do the extra work to save a few bucks. I was just saying that the ready made unit is definitely worth the money.

 

I don't have the ready made unit. I was just making the comment.

 

This is an awesome mod-you should put it in the frugal DIY mod thread.

A bit crazy though, I have been thinking about doing this for a few days just like you did. Strange how that works.

 

Just watching border patrol on tv and this looks like a bundle of weed strapped on the side of your tacoma haha. Don't go through the border with that thing

 

You're good they don't look there. Trust me

 

Nothing is holding the filler neck. Slids right out. I did have a hard time removing the screws between the bed and the cab. Luck for me my arms are long enough to reach from the bottom of the fender. Those screws are the ones that took the most amount of time.

 

LOL....I agree."Boarder wars" love that show.