Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

badpeanut · 08-06-2007, 01:43 AM

I have a painted steel over the bed rail tool box with two side opening doors on my truck, but it has seen better days.

For those who have tool boxes, what fits and looks good on our trucks?

Do the single lid tool boxes clear the cab light?

Are the single lid boxes worth the premium over the two lid boxes?

The tool boxes that sit flush with the bed rails look nice and don't block the rear window, but do they prevent you from hauling a few sheets of plywood with the tailgate up?

Longhorn Man · 08-06-2007, 04:58 AM

Mine is about 25 years old, but I will never get one with the 2 side opening doors again. I've had a couple back in the day, and I always hated them.
This tool box is huge, hangs down real low. I can still slide boards under it... but not much else.
And yes... it is a real snap on box.

(I got the latch workin properly now)

**special-K** · 08-06-2007, 07:57 AM

I have a cheap single lid on my Highlander,I just mounted it back a couple inches so it wouldn`t contact the cargo light.I like the painted steel boxes the best.Diamond plate is way overdone.I intended to get mine powdercoated white.

badpeanut · 08-06-2007, 08:09 AM

Longhorn Man, can you open yours from one the side of the truck (can you reach the latches)?

special-K, do you happen to have any pictures from the side which show the tool box placement?

68K20 x Drill · 08-06-2007, 02:21 PM

Craftsman rear opening...
Doesn't lock, but doesn't open easily either.
Plastic 3rd light broke easy and lets water in.
Score = 2 out of 10

Longhorn Man · 08-06-2007, 02:44 PM

Yeah, I can reach it no problem, however, some one a few inches shorter may not. (I'm 6 ft w/out my shoes)
The lid doesn't hit the cab/glass/cargo lamp either.
I doubt you'll find one like it though, as i said before, it is about 25 or so years old, and it's a true snap on box, which means it was WAY over priced (to the original owner). This sucker is HUGE... that's the main reason i wanted it.

Spray-Bomb · 08-06-2007, 02:47 PM

68GMC454 · 08-06-2007, 02:56 PM

i will never buy another one that opens from the sides,, a royal pain in the butt to get anythign out of...

2bits · 08-06-2007, 03:02 PM

I will be building one out of wood (to match the bed), it will go around the gas tank, and I will put a "floor" on top of the tank for storage on top of it and also beside it. I haven't done the gas tank swap yet, but that is soon to come. Has anyone else made their own?

JayG · 08-06-2007, 04:32 PM

You might get one of the boxes that sits below the bed edge on the floor, then space it up with brackets so you can slide the plywood underneath.Then it still wouldn't show. That's how I did the box on the "Pink Thing". That's where I put my luggage when traveling. Very handy, but not "eyesore" on a nice truck.

JayG · 08-06-2007, 04:39 PM

Forgot I had a picture at work. Like this:

matthufham · 08-06-2007, 06:03 PM

i found some 2X4's at work and particle board so i nailed it all together, painted it, got some I bolts, and locks. cheap and hidden, and it's large enough to hide anything safely. the paint flakes off since its particle board.

**Palf70Step** · 08-06-2007, 08:38 PM

I've had this for a while in several trucks. I love it except those ocassional times when I could use the entire bed floor.

This one will end up in the 70 when ever it becomes road worthy.

**special-K** · 08-07-2007, 06:45 AM

The lid`s got about 1/4" to hit the light.Prolly can`t tell,I wasn`t quite lined up.The box sit`s back about 1 1/4".Here`s a pic:

mrein3 · 08-07-2007, 08:06 AM

My tool box is almost old enough to be period correct.

I happen to be the opposite regarding tool boxes that open from the sides. It is a pain in the butt to get my high lift jack out of, but for 99% of the stuff I put in and take out it is MUCH easier to do it on the ground from the side then to have to climb in to try to manipulate those crummy latches I've seen on the back opening ones. Maybe if you're taller, and/or your truck is a girly truck (not 4x4

), the back opening tool box is the way to go.

Below is the best picture I could find. It wasn't taken to show the box.

Longhorn Man · 08-07-2007, 04:48 PM

My 'girly' one ton (

) sits fairly high in the back, and the latches are within reach, but if you aren't built like a man (5 foot 10 or better) then you may have problems.

I'll see if I can't get pics of it open and stuff.

**special-K** · 08-07-2007, 04:54 PM

You mean built like an oaf?

(BTW,I just barely made it into your group,shewee!).I have had mostly saddle-style and I don`t have problem getting things in or out because I only put in what fits.Personally,I like utility beds

.

08-06-2007, 01:43 AM	#1
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,759	Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes I have a painted steel over the bed rail tool box with two side opening doors on my truck, but it has seen better days. For those who have tool boxes, what fits and looks good on our trucks? Do the single lid tool boxes clear the cab light? Are the single lid boxes worth the premium over the two lid boxes? The tool boxes that sit flush with the bed rails look nice and don't block the rear window, but do they prevent you from hauling a few sheets of plywood with the tailgate up? Attached Images __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

08-06-2007, 04:58 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes Mine is about 25 years old, but I will never get one with the 2 side opening doors again. I've had a couple back in the day, and I always hated them. This tool box is huge, hangs down real low. I can still slide boards under it... but not much else. And yes... it is a real snap on box. (I got the latch workin properly now)

08-06-2007, 07:57 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes I have a cheap single lid on my Highlander,I just mounted it back a couple inches so it wouldn`t contact the cargo light.I like the painted steel boxes the best.Diamond plate is way overdone.I intended to get mine powdercoated white. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-06-2007 at 07:58 AM.

08-06-2007, 08:09 AM	#4
badpeanut Not a bad nut after all.. Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ND Posts: 1,759	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes Longhorn Man, can you open yours from one the side of the truck (can you reach the latches)? special-K, do you happen to have any pictures from the side which show the tool box placement? __________________ '05 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 '72 GMC LWB 4x2 driver '72 Chevy LWB 4x4 plow truck '71 Blazer 4x4 driver '70 GMC LWB trailer

08-06-2007, 02:21 PM	#5
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes Craftsman rear opening... Doesn't lock, but doesn't open easily either. Plastic 3rd light broke easy and lets water in. Score = 2 out of 10 __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

08-06-2007, 02:44 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes Yeah, I can reach it no problem, however, some one a few inches shorter may not. (I'm 6 ft w/out my shoes) The lid doesn't hit the cab/glass/cargo lamp either. I doubt you'll find one like it though, as i said before, it is about 25 or so years old, and it's a true snap on box, which means it was WAY over priced (to the original owner). This sucker is HUGE... that's the main reason i wanted it.

08-06-2007, 02:47 PM	#7
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

08-06-2007, 02:56 PM	#8
68GMC454 THE VILLIAGE IDIOT Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tooele, Utah Posts: 1,405	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes i will never buy another one that opens from the sides,, a royal pain in the butt to get anythign out of... __________________ honestly honey,,i have no idea how that truck got here.

08-06-2007, 03:02 PM	#9
2bits Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 504	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes I will be building one out of wood (to match the bed), it will go around the gas tank, and I will put a "floor" on top of the tank for storage on top of it and also beside it. I haven't done the gas tank swap yet, but that is soon to come. Has anyone else made their own? __________________ _______________ Thomas '78 Silverado '74 Monte Carlo '47 Teardrop Trailer East Texas Classics Local Club

08-06-2007, 04:32 PM	#10
JayG Formerly ADHDCARGUY Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: DUNCANVILLE, TX Posts: 1,213	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes You might get one of the boxes that sits below the bed edge on the floor, then space it up with brackets so you can slide the plywood underneath.Then it still wouldn't show. That's how I did the box on the "Pink Thing". That's where I put my luggage when traveling. Very handy, but not "eyesore" on a nice truck. __________________ Jay 67CHEVY SWB,355, built 700r, 5/7,9",posi 3.50,REAR BAGS,HOOSIERS, A/C. 54CHEVY - BURB, beginning construction(well, i gotta take it apart first!) 36FORD PU - WAITING 38CHEVY - 2DR SD,CHASSIS FINISHED 46CHEVY - BURB - waiting

08-06-2007, 04:39 PM	#11
JayG Formerly ADHDCARGUY Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: DUNCANVILLE, TX Posts: 1,213	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes Forgot I had a picture at work. Like this: Attached Images __________________ Jay 67CHEVY SWB,355, built 700r, 5/7,9",posi 3.50,REAR BAGS,HOOSIERS, A/C. 54CHEVY - BURB, beginning construction(well, i gotta take it apart first!) 36FORD PU - WAITING 38CHEVY - 2DR SD,CHASSIS FINISHED 46CHEVY - BURB - waiting

08-06-2007, 06:03 PM	#12
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes i found some 2X4's at work and particle board so i nailed it all together, painted it, got some I bolts, and locks. cheap and hidden, and it's large enough to hide anything safely. the paint flakes off since its particle board. Attached Images

08-06-2007, 08:38 PM	#13
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes I've had this for a while in several trucks. I love it except those ocassional times when I could use the entire bed floor. This one will end up in the 70 when ever it becomes road worthy. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-07-2007, 06:45 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes The lid`s got about 1/4" to hit the light.Prolly can`t tell,I wasn`t quite lined up.The box sit`s back about 1 1/4".Here`s a pic: __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-07-2007 at 06:47 AM.

08-07-2007, 08:06 AM	#15
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes My tool box is almost old enough to be period correct. I happen to be the opposite regarding tool boxes that open from the sides. It is a pain in the butt to get my high lift jack out of, but for 99% of the stuff I put in and take out it is MUCH easier to do it on the ground from the side then to have to climb in to try to manipulate those crummy latches I've seen on the back opening ones. Maybe if you're taller, and/or your truck is a girly truck (not 4x4 ), the back opening tool box is the way to go. Below is the best picture I could find. It wasn't taken to show the box. Attached Images __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN



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08-07-2007, 04:48 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes My 'girly' one ton ( ) sits fairly high in the back, and the latches are within reach, but if you aren't built like a man (5 foot 10 or better) then you may have problems. I'll see if I can't get pics of it open and stuff.

08-07-2007, 04:54 PM	#17
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Aftermarket Bed-Mounted Tool Boxes You mean built like an oaf?(BTW,I just barely made it into your group,shewee!).I have had mostly saddle-style and I don`t have problem getting things in or out because I only put in what fits.Personally,I like utility beds. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

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