Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

So my '75 C25 has the very rare RPO VK2 bedside toolbox. However, it does not want to open! The lock works as it should but when you pull on the handle it "pops/clicks" but doesn't budge. I pried it open a bit with a screw driver and soaked the mechanism with WD-40 but that didn't do much. I would like to open it without damaging it, any ideas?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

They like to rust. Try smacking it?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

With the handle up smack it. Tailgate was the same way. Just say "aye" when you do it like the Fonz

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Soak down the hinge too. It might be the bottom that isn't budging as much as the top.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

I gave the smack a shot, then tried to pry it open while pulling on the handle to no avail. Hinges have been soaked in WD-40 also. Anybody know if you can pop the latch with a small screw driver?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Is it possible to remove the whole toolbox or toolbox door from the bedside without the door being open?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

The latch mechanism is very flimsy on these. On my truck it took me a while to get mine to open. The hinges were frozen. You cant get to the screws that hold the door. They are on the inside.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...0-09140247.jpg

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

As cool as these are, there is a reason they only lasted a couple years as an option...

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Mix acetone and ATF 50/50 and use that as a penetrating oil. WD-40 isn't a penetrating oil.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

I'll pick up some acetone at work tomorrow and give it a go!

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

I.I.O.Y? Is it open yet?????

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Haha no unfortunately I got sidetracked and didn't get to muck around with it today. As soon as I get it open I'll post some pics of the inside and whatnot. I plan on getting new bedsides for the truck and I want to keep the whole toolbox unit incase I decide to restore the truck to showroom condition.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

If the hinges are rusted out as normal go ahead and finish them off and pry from the door from the bottom. If you have a glimmer of hope in saving the hinges pry it from the top.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

How bout now?!

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Sorry, I've been really busy these past couple days. I got the acetone and ATF mixed up and I used a syringe to squirt it in to the mechanism. I'm letting it soak overnight and then I'll apply more before I leave for work tomorrow morning. I'll update with the results tomorrow evening!

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Do you happen to know how many of these beds they produced?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

I'm not sure on the number produced, but internet searches for this option for the square bodies only came up with pictures in old dealer brochures and some pictures from a couple of members on here. I do know that it was available 73-75 only on this generation of trucks.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

They rusted out really frickin fast. Like fast enough that within 2 years of the first one being made it was already an obvious problem.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

No luck getting it open :( I guess when the time comes I'll just cut out the area around it!

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

I just realized your in Calgary. No wonder its seized!

What about drilling pinholes around the latch mechanisms?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

The lock is working but the latch is not. They are weak and easily broken especially if the lock bolt is rusted. The lock bolt is spring loaded upwards and there is really no way to push it down. You'll just have to give it a swift pry or two with a flat bar.

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

So any results?

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

No I gave up on it haha

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Time to saw the latch :lol:

Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open
 

Cut a hole in the back of it so its unnoticeable?