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

For the bottom I plan to do what another member did. Should be easy enough to add in later on. Might try mounting my sub directly to the front. See how it sounds. Probly like shit, ha. Idk. But if it sounds alright, I might mount a second in on other side too. This will be my long term goal.

 

So any recommendations for the 'type' of plywood to use?

 

Imo it's all about thickness... so 1/2" should do it right. 3/4 if you want it bulletproof and heavy lol

 

Right o. Probly just go with 3/4. Not sure what all I'll be mounting on it yet. Also thinking more about the bottom storage compartments. Probly gonna see if I can also mount some tracks on top for some tie down storage. Trying to think of what all I need as far as gear goes. Trying to get my setup going in preparation for some trips. Kinda new to all this. Really curious to see where it goes. Ha. Again gonna be a slow process. But I'll get there. Hopefully next week I'll have the back rack setup complete to get it started. Already have that all planned out with some hilift brackets and quickfists on order.

 

I would think making one big lid at the top where you could make an insert specifically for the are underneath would be more user friendly than two small ports. Just my $.02 ymmv

 

Also have this mount for the jack. Got the jack from a jeep owner, and he threw this in. It COULD be mounted horizontally, but I don't think it would be practical to mount this onto the panel in that manner. Maybe in the bed against the cab, vertically, But I think some 4xrac mounts will be better for the rack.

 

Yeah, was my thinking too. Trying to think of a way to do that, as well as mount some tie downs, for additional storage on top of it. Might as well utilize as much space as I can if I'm gonna be taking up the bottom portion. Maybe some additional storage bins. Or Jerry cans. Too bad I can't put in some sliding drawers of some kind. Or something ott like that. Was also thinking about tearing the headliner down and see if I can make some kinda hanging storage by utilizing any factory bolt hole locations(but don't think there's gonna be much up there). Or make a simple crossmember bar from side to side in the back. For some roof mounted stuff. Ha. Idk. Just ideas running through my head.

 

Here is my take on it, and take it for what it is worth, absolutely nothing lol. I would make the bottom bin, like discussed, mount a piece of 3/4 plywood to the area under the back window, put some thin rubber insulation over the plywood and secure molle rigging to it. It would be flexible where you could change and arrange to your present and future needs, quiet, LP and there are tons of pouches, packs and accessories available for it. I would NOT mount a jack in the interior compartment, as has already been stated, too much risk imho. The great thing about most molle packs, pouches, etc is they almost all come with a security strap/band on them

 

Buy enough of these and dye/fabric paint them black (unless you find them in black) trim the last one/s to fit to make it look great and buy/make pouches to attach to them, I think it would be great
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-MOLLE-II-Vehicle-Panel-MVP-Brand-New-/140931603596

 

in black

http://www.7sportinggoods.com/produ..._product_ads&gclid=CPCDxuy4hdECFYa4wAodNGAOcg

coyote brown
http://www.7sportinggoods.com/product/390999/rapid-dominance-t97-m-o-l-l-e-panel-24-x-32-coyote/

Khaki
http://www.7sportinggoods.com/product/391000/rapid-dominance-t97-m-o-l-l-e-panel-24-x-32-khaki/

 

Man I have been looking into all kinds of neat ideas. I've pondered the idea of making an overhead console of sorts. As well as a visor area 'shelf'. Take these with a grain of salt. Some of these ideas aren't that practical, especially for such a small cab, but I imagine some can be done. Just wanted to share my thoughts..



Stumbled upon this thread (among lots of other things, which I'll post some below, for good ideas) from ttora on a guys 4runner. He's got my kinda thinking! I like the idea of a wooden built one better. But the tracks for support are a good idea. Here's the link. And a few highlight pics of his overhead console setup. But follow the link and there's lots more pics. Along with more mods he's done.




And here's his mod using 1/2" conduit to make support bars for his own molle pack rack system.


Which speaking of the conduit used in the fashion, gives me more ideas for overhead storage in the back! Whether or not using this would be better than something else like square tubing or who knows what else, idk. But brings in more ideas. Wondering if I can somehow make and attach some support beams to the top of the cab behind the side panels. Like slightly arched (for better support) crossmembers attached to the clothes hangers and seat belts in the back.

Either low hanging for above storage stuffs like clothing/blankets (lightweight stuff like that)held in by some net, or just a plywood sheet attached with small nets on the front. Or even a cabinet. OR, ceiling mounted with items hung/ attached upside down. Idk. Will have to put some thought into all this. On top of all my other ideas. Ha. Or maybe just something simple like this, but with a platform to attach them to:






And here's some good random pics for other takes on overhead storage/consoles, and racks.

Really like this shelf setup. Not sure if it's doable, but would be sweet. Currently have my rear view mirror assembly out, and my cb mounted in its place. So this would probably work. And be much easier than an overhead console. BUT, no reason they both couldn't be made and joined together. Ha.



Here's a few more overhead consoles I found that I like.






And a few more random pics:

Liked this one due to the window rack. Thought I might be able to add on something like this above the rear platform I'll be installing.


Attached with some supports like this:




Or another idea for overhead storage in the back, is a smaller (maybe wider) version of this. Attached to the back by window, and locked/snapped in front with a mount attached to the dome light fixture support.




Again some of these might not work. Especially the above one as I kinda doubt the supports up top would be able to support much weight. Idk. I'd have to remove the headliner and see what's up there. Had it out once, but don't remember what it looks like. But I'm sure something could be fashioned to work..

 

*Edited the title, as this is turning out to be general in-cab storage ideas now, lol.

 

X2

 

I say do it! I have a double cab and love this idea, but I bought a double cab specifically for hauling other people around as this is my only vehicle. I would recommend taking everything in the back out build your rack setup however you like so it bolts in directly to where the seats did originally. Then go buy some spray in bed liner (DO YOUR RESEARCH, BUY THE BEST STUFF YOU CAN) not sure if it's rhino liner or whatever that stuff is in the YouTube video where they cover an egg with it and drop it off a building, the egg survives the fall - line the back of the cab with that. Keep the lines clean and tape off or get it done professionally cause the front half of the cab has to be bagged up right to avoid ANY overspray. Then you've got everything protected from the tools and jack-all in the back when you load it back in covered in mud and whatever else. I don't think this would look like crap, but remove the carpet.

If I were doing this I would remove every piece of carpet in the truck and rhino line the whole inside of the cab floors and the back of the cab under the window. Obviously this would require stripping the inside of the truck (seats, console, carpet) the. You keep everything you're taking out in case you want to reinstall later for resale. No one would need to know unless they asked (besides, it's an upgrade in my opinion)

Just my two cents, soneone correct me if I'm wrong but most spray on bed liners now don't have an issue with trapping moisture against the steel cab in any way, meaning things won't rust.

 

Right o. Got my plywood today. Along with some fabric from jo-ann's. Which I got a pretty large sheet cheap, and will have some leftover for future projects/ add-ons.. Got lots of plans/ ideas.. Still need some extended bolts and aerosol glue, and waiting on my jack mounts and quickfists. But should have the plywood mounted up in a few days at least. Will post pics. Stay tuned.

 

Welp, got the back panel on. Turned out pretty good for my first ever woodworking project! But was a pretty simple job. Gotta start somewhere. Ha. Had some trouble with drilling the holes. But finally got the bolts to go through. Took it back out and next up is to get the jack mounted up, then carpet it.

Got some extra supplies. Like extra plywood and other things. To get ready for the lower storage box. Not quite sure how that'll go together but have a good idea.

I ended up using 1/2" plywood for the back. It was pretty darn solid when it was bolted up. But I'll be adding some 1x3 board pieces that will be bolted horizontally onto the panel for the jack to rest on. Since the jack doesn't quite sit flush due to the bulky jack mechanism. And will add as reinforcing to the plywood as well. Took a few pics of the install and where I made cuts and whatnot, if anyone wants more details.. A little extra work with that made it look better than a plain ol rectangle sheet, as well as being needed to have the panel sit flush with the back of the cab.

 

Test fitted the jack. This'll be the easy part. Just gotta drill some holes. And as you can see, the bolt/nut on the underside is preventing it from sitting flush too. So I'll just take a small hole saw to that spot.

 

This thread excites me. I'm glad people are still innovating with first gens even after all these years. Keep it up

 

In to see how this turns out. I was going through ideas in my head of what to do with the space in the back and then found your thread. I like the floor box idea too. Looking good so far though.

 

Man, I'm loving this thread. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing the floor box ideas.