Rare bedside toolbox won't open - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

E.D.75GMC · 11-09-2013, 04:28 AM

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?

INSIDIOUS '86 · 11-09-2013, 06:04 AM

They like to rust. Try smacking it?

79Betty · 11-09-2013, 09:22 AM

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

ElGracho · 11-09-2013, 10:55 AM

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

E.D.75GMC · 11-09-2013, 07:04 PM

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?

J Knight · 11-09-2013, 09:00 PM

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

75gmc454 · 11-09-2013, 09:36 PM

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.

ElGracho · 11-09-2013, 11:23 PM

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

BONUSCAB · 11-09-2013, 11:24 PM

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

E.D.75GMC · 11-10-2013, 02:46 AM

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

WarBeard · 11-10-2013, 08:59 PM

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

E.D.75GMC · 11-11-2013, 12:37 AM

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.

Sillyoldman · 11-11-2013, 12:45 AM

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.

DREAMER1 · 11-11-2013, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motomech

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

How bout now?!

E.D.75GMC · 11-13-2013, 02:40 AM

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!

TheBlueBomber · 11-13-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.D.75GMC

I'll update with the results tomorrow evening!

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

E.D.75GMC · 11-13-2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueBomber

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

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.

willett · 11-13-2013, 08:41 PM

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.

E.D.75GMC · 11-14-2013, 01:17 AM

No luck getting it open

I guess when the time comes I'll just cut out the area around it!

willett · 11-14-2013, 01:56 AM

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

What about drilling pinholes around the latch mechanisms?

Sillyoldman · 11-22-2013, 10:06 PM

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.

TheBlueBomber · 12-01-2013, 03:40 PM

So any results?

E.D.75GMC · 12-02-2013, 01:33 AM

No I gave up on it haha

INSIDIOUS '86 · 12-02-2013, 01:41 AM

Time to saw the latch

79Betty · 12-02-2013, 01:16 PM

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

11-09-2013, 04:28 AM	#1
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	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? Attached Images

11-09-2013, 06:04 AM	#2
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open They like to rust. Try smacking it? __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

11-09-2013, 09:22 AM	#3
79Betty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jasper, IN Posts: 948	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 __________________ When in doubt, throttle it out! 1974 Chevrolet Custom K20 2005 Ford Ranger Edge 1985 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C10

11-09-2013, 10:55 AM	#4
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	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. __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed

11-09-2013, 07:04 PM	#5
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	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?

11-09-2013, 09:00 PM	#6
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	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? __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

11-09-2013, 09:36 PM	#7
75gmc454 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: MS Posts: 479	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.

11-09-2013, 11:23 PM	#8
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	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... __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed

11-09-2013, 11:24 PM	#9
BONUSCAB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: east troy, WI Posts: 341	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. __________________ Few things in life will make you look stupider than putting a dollar sign after a number.

11-10-2013, 02:46 AM	#10
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open I'll pick up some acetone at work tomorrow and give it a go!

11-10-2013, 08:59 PM	#11
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open I.I.O.Y? Is it open yet????? __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

11-11-2013, 12:37 AM	#12
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	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.

11-11-2013, 12:45 AM	#13
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	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. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

11-13-2013, 02:40 AM	#15
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	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!

11-13-2013, 08:41 PM	#18
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	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. __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"



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11-14-2013, 01:17 AM	#19
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	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!

11-14-2013, 01:56 AM	#20
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	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? __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

11-22-2013, 10:06 PM	#21
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	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. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

12-01-2013, 03:40 PM	#22
TheBlueBomber Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 816	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open So any results? __________________ Austin 1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado 1979 Chevrolet K10 Scottsdale - Carolina K10 - My 4.8L Twin turbo build - Project Short Stroke - Instagram - TheBlueBomber1996

12-02-2013, 01:33 AM	#23
E.D.75GMC Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 273	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open No I gave up on it haha

12-02-2013, 01:41 AM	#24
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open Time to saw the latch __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

12-02-2013, 01:16 PM	#25
79Betty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jasper, IN Posts: 948	Re: Rare bedside toolbox won't open Cut a hole in the back of it so its unnoticeable? __________________ When in doubt, throttle it out! 1974 Chevrolet Custom K20 2005 Ford Ranger Edge 1985 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C10

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