Anyone Using A Steamer Trunk As A Tool Box?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I came across two smaller (I guess) steamer trunks that a former tenant left in his back yard after moving out. One is flat topped, the other has...is it called a barrel top? They are in rough shape but I'm considering a restoration +/- by sanding, staining the wood portions and painting the metal parts. The inside I would line with something durable and add a sliding tray of some kind. I'm thinking to carry a bottle jack, a small tool box, flashlight, flares, raincoat, etc.

Has anyone else used one for in-bed storage? Is this a cool idea or a stupid rat rod looking idea?

[_Ogre]

stupid rat rod looking idea

imo

[twinsemi]

Sounds like you have found a new way to stand out. I have been thinking of how to make a bed mounted box work in my 55. You have inspired me to see if my old wooden chest could be repurposed. My dad built it when he was in high school, and it has been across the country multiple times carrying tools for the last 75 years. It has been sitting empty for the last few years in my garage. So now I have a new project?

[OrrieG]

Should work ok in no-rain country. I think Sgtusmc used an old foot locker on his AD build. Not very secure from theft if someone really gets curioius about what is inside. I am going to probably get a commercial grade metal one with transfer gas tank in the bottom.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

imo

Ha ha, you're "blocking" tell us how you really feel?

But seriously, I've Thought about if it wouldlook bad, but other times I think it might look ok depending how good a job I do at refinishing it.

I'm a long way from being finished with the truck enough to worry about this but these trunks just fell in my lap and it was on my mind.

[iowaboynca]

I like the idea and have floated it around myself...but like you mentioned the trunk would need to be reconditioned and maintained...otherwise Ogre is right and it wouldn't look good.

[tmoble]

I'm partial to my heirloom matched Safeway shopping bags, myself.

[Old Crow]

IF anyone wants to try this idea, I've got a couple of those trunks in the attic of my house. Only thing is you'll have to tear the ceiling out to get them down
Previous owner built the house with them up there and didn't think when he put the attic pull down ladder in.

[Stevetoxic]

I've had one in the back of my Apache for 12 months - got a 12 gallon fuel tank tucked away in there.
Started of as a trial - see if I could get rid of the smell of gas in the cab, works so well its still in there.

[focusedontheprize]

Last week I put in an old '60s Army Footlocker. The trunk is actually more heavy duty than I expected. I plan on putting spare tools/straps/etc in the back on one side and leaving the other side open.

Between that and the strap tie downs I am very happy I went with it.