Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
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Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
I was wondering what years had the toolbox built into the lower portion of the truck bed. I want to retrofit something like this onto my 1988, since I don't have room in my cab or in my bed for a normal toolbox. Some pictures of these would also be helpful and if anybody knows where I can get parts for this would be great. I thought JV Whitney used to sell a kit for retrofitting trucks but couldn't find any info.
Thanks!
Jerry
Thanks!
Jerry
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
I have seen 78/79 Rangers and Camper Specials with this, but it actually was an access for the spare tire mount. The spare went in the bedside! 68-72 Chebbies had an actual toolbox there, frequently it rusted out. I would make one out of the bed that's already there. If you know anyone who is good with a torch, or who has a plasma cutter, draw out exactly how you want it on the side of the bed with a soapstone. Once that is done, have them build a box to go between the bed sides, reinforce the door, add a lock and a piano hinge, and you are good to go. Just make sure there isn't anything flamable between the bed sides.
Jared
Jared
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From: West Union, OH USA
Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Nov-02 AT 03:53 PM (EST)]i've seen about every year(73-79) with the small tool boxes in the side of the bed. i'm not sure which years had the big compartment for the tire, on those the wheel bases were longer so you wont be able to get one that large in on yours. one thing thought, i would do what the previous guy said and use your sheet metal, because these 73-79's are getting rare. especially with those tool boxes in the side.
so please don't cut up a 73-79 bed to use on your 80's truck, the body lines wouldn't match up anyway
so please don't cut up a 73-79 bed to use on your 80's truck, the body lines wouldn't match up anyway
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Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
No worries, I wouldn't cut up a good truck like that. I really just need to look at one that has it and then I can fabricate most of it myself. Thanks for the input.
Jerry
Jerry
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From: Phx, AZ
Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
they started putting the in bed toolbox in the mid-sixtys until 79. i have a 78 with one. i'll take some pics of it with the door open and closed so you can check it out. the storage part of it is plastic so it wont rust out ( atleast someone was using their brain when they designed it) the bed with the spare tire in the side only came on the Super Camper Special. because the rear was moved back they had to put the spare in the side of the bed.
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Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
You will probably need 2 beds to do this properly. (or a chunk of the side of a bed that was wrecked on the other side). Reason being is the piece you cut will not cover the hole in the side and then won't be able to be sealed from the elements. Also to get a really nice finish you might want to bend the sides of the door over. The factory tool boxes have a hole in the side smaller than the door. The metal around the door is step flanged so the door will sit flush with the side. Then the door is made larger to fit in the flange and can have a rubber gasket around it to seal it to the weather. Hope this makes sense. I think you could do it. Just plan it out carefully before hand. Probably get the services of a metal fab shop with a large metal brake.
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Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
Were these Super Camper Special beds a regular fleetside standard bed,with the wheelwell moved farther back? If so, I wonder if anyone has ever done a conversion to a regular highboy? That would look kinda trick. Heavy Duty!
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Bedside toolbox (storage compartment)
Go cruising through this forum.
Possibly page 15 > access is on the bottom of the page.
Look for the header Camper Specials or Super Camper specials.
There are photos of it in them.
Dennis
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Possibly page 15 > access is on the bottom of the page.
Look for the header Camper Specials or Super Camper specials.
There are photos of it in them.
Dennis
F.T.E. Assistant Administrator
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/SigSanta.JPG
[font color=red]
"May The Spirit Of Christmas Be An Inspiration To You Throughout The Year"[/font]
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html|Club FTE]
[link: motorhaven.autoanything.com|How YOU Can Support This Site]
[link:www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Mil1ion.html|My Website,"North Of The 49th"]
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