Let's see your frugal DIY mods!

Details? Part #'s? Info? Price? There are gobs of threads about the ammo cans (I've got some myself) but this is the first I'm seeing of these so more details and pics would be nice.

 

Just FYI, these are called "split bolts" and they are used to connect large electrical conductors (wires) together on things like electric motors and transformers. They are then wrapped in many layers of tape to insulate them.

 

Thanks for the info. I figured they clamped on to something, but wasn't sure exactly what for. That piece through the middle worked perfectly.

 

Looks good! I did this with a can that held 5.56 rounds I took from work. Not very big but big enough to hold my tow straps. Mounted and eye bolt in the front so I could keep it locked and no one could open it a steal my shit. Not a great picture but you get the idea with the lock.

 

Had some decals made for 20 bucks and upgraded to some custom TRD center caps.

 

Yup. We need a part # or something. I can't make out what's stamped onto it.

 

I have 5/8 inch but had to shave them down to fit.

 

Sorry guys, The part I found was in a mom and pop hardware store. They literally have a little bit of everything under the sun. I bought up the last 6 they had in the store.
Here are some better pics. I'm off to Lowes later I'll look around to see if they have them there.
Here are some close-ups of the bolt. They are made of copper so I expect to see some discoloration, etc. I got some clear pics of the company and model numbers too.

 

You can find those at any electrical store, they are used for connecting grounds. Cant imagine they are really that strong..

 

Found them at lowes...

 

Sub

 

I call that a Kerney. They are used to splice wires together. Strip the wires back, stick the ends through the slot then tighten the nut down. This is followed by a series of different electrical wraps and tapes to make a safe electrical joint. Most commonly done is 480v motor heads. What are you using it for? The Trac system?

And sorry, I just saw that was explained already. Haha

 

He's a little slow guys. You gotta look over him sometimes

 

Ah yeah, split bolt. Good eye because I couldn't tell from the angle of that picture so you did better than me. You can find these at any electrical shop & I would imagine some home improvement boxes would have them too with lower selection probably. Not sure it would work for this application though (due to material and design) as they're not really designed for the lateral torque loads they will likely see if you use them on your rail but it could work. It would certainly be cheaper than some of the other options out there that others have posted (myself included) but it comes at a sacrifice.

I think that the grinding down carriage bolts if you have access to a bench grinder/Dremel/angle grinder tool might be the most cost effective to robust ratio available. When I did the two in the front corner of my bed I used some of those goofy spring nuts for rails that you can get at Home Depot. They sort of work and are cheap but they don't stay flat and are just small enough that they can turn sideways and pull out of the rail. It worked for the front cans because I have two on the sides and one on the front rail so it anchors it into the corner well. I'm planning to add a 3rd further back on a side rail for a first aid kit and I need something more stable so I ordered up the pyramid block thingies from Grizzly.com that have been posted in the ammo can bed threads. They're spendy but probably the best overall option for solid mounting. If I was to do them all over again I'd probably just buy a fist full of the carriage bolts, fender washers, nuts & call it a day after some slight modifications. I'm pretty much committed now that and what I have mounted already isn't going anywhere so it is what it is.

 

Yeah, the 5/8 inch carriage bolts were only a few bucks for a couple sets. They are strong and fit nice and snug. I just used a hack saw and had them made in a matter of minutes.

 

No more talky for me

 

So this is how it looks, I'll cut them back when I have more time, but there in there pretty secure.
Inside:

Fitment against the rail:

Example of how it fits in the track:

I grabbed these only on a whim thinking they looked like they might fit. If they seem to loosen up or fail for some reason I'll switch to the carriage bolt.

 

Sub'ed

 

There are some cool mods on this page! Definitely worth a look at for any 2nd gen owner!

 

Still using carpet scraps.

It really knocks down the rattling.