Tool box in bed

[Matt_50]

What have you guys done for tool boxes in the bed?

What did truck tool boxes look like in the 40s and 50s?

[Foot Stomper]

When you find a picture of one, please post it.

[MiraclePieCo]

I've sure seen a lot of owner-built wooden bed-mount tool boxes, many very decorative.

[Matt_50]

Yea that is all I've found. Did they have truck tool boxes back then?

[1project2many]

How secure does the box need to be? Can you make one from an old trunk?

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/569775790339708867/

http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/Pi...od-sept11b.jpg

https://billstudepage.homestead.com/...jb53ccpura.jpg

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=568775

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1369403047

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1369435595

[Matt_50]

I dunno, never kept valuable stuff in my last one. Lol I used it for groceries on one side. On other side was odds and ends and my jack and lug wrench. I'm playing around with idea of maybe having a fuel tank in one.

I've seen those wooden ones, kinda like the look with wood floor and wood rails.

[1project2many]

It's sometimes interesting to look at patents for ideas. In the '50s and '60s truck bed covers were more popular than tool boxes and there are certainly some interesting versions.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3420570A

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3069199A

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3012814A

https://patents.google.com/patent/US2886375A

This one is for a pull out drawer, vintage 1955.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US2784027A

This one actually converts a stepside bed into a utility box.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US3326595A

[Matt_50]

Awesome idea. Old patents are a great resource.

[vintovka]

The pics made me think about one for mine. I was wondering about building (or buying) a GI footlocker to go with the USAF theme. Would have to be waterproof (ocean air/rain here) and either OD green or USAF blue with appropriate stencils. Also thinking synthetic decking or metal with stainless hardware.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gi+f...8td4tHR5zzNxM:

[joedoh]

one of my favorites is coach's, he did a battery box in an old cooler.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...postcount=1122




honestly though I really like a clean bed, no extra stuff in it. its just my cruddy opinion though, if everyone liked the same things the world would be pretty boring.

[1project2many]

I like the cooler / battery box. Neat idea.

I think a person could make a false floor above a drawer using 3/4" plywood with bed strips installed. Folks that know trucks might figure out why the bed is shallow, but I think the average person wouldn't have a clue.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

I like the cooler / battery box. Neat idea.

I think a person could make a false floor above a drawer using 3/4" plywood with bed strips installed. Folks that know trucks might figure out why the bed is shallow, but I think the average person wouldn't have a clue.

That would work great on a notched frame truck. I have seen some with the front half done like a boat hatch that lifts up with a compartment under it.

I like the drawer under the back too. a good way to secure tools and stash cleaning supplies.

[MiraclePieCo]

My '34 tool box:

[Volfandt]

My 49's working section. Old tongue and grooved panels made a a good bed, side rails and toolbox.
I carry various spare fluids, tools, some emergency parts, The Club and rags in the box. The box also doubled as a good perch for a grandson to toss hard candy during one of last years Christmas parades.

[Matt_50]

That looks nice. Wood bed, wood rails... makes that wood box look like it belongs there.

[1project2many]

My 49's working section.

That does look nice. The bed wood has the same color as mahogany.

[Clay54]

How about a plain ole across the bed tool box. Clay

[Matt_50]

The rust helps.

[nail pounder]

I used a weather guard and painted it to match in my 66. It works great but I'm looking at other options for my 58.

[Volfandt]

Thanks. The wood is old pine tongue & groove inside paneling off a long gone log cabin that I stripped out and was originally dark stained.
I had some Behr transparent deck stain left over and gave it coat or 2.
It was only supposed to be temporary and that was 5 yrs ago...

[MiraclePieCo]

The PO put this one in my '50 PU. I removed it however.

[dsraven]

if using on an AD truck, the early ones had sloped bedside tops instead of flat. the "cross the bed" style toolbox wouldn't work. I like the idea of the old metal sided cooler though. an old chest style pop machine would look cool too but would likely be too tall for the box sides unless cut down. there are also lots of prebuilt toolboxes for tow trucks etc. they would be sealed but may not have the rounded corners etc.

[19553600]

Mine is a modern toolbox I got at a ranch supply store. It is level to the bed rails and works good.

[_Ogre]

unless you're a contractor, why would you need a toolbox in your truck? on three 5000 mile power tours i carried a 7x7x10 cardboard box of tools, mostly electrical

[tsmith8]

I used this firework crate. We purchased the crate of fireworks for Canada Day and I thought it looked good in the truck. I added some hinges to the lid and some actuators to hold the lid open (and so it would hit the cab). Works great.