[eshaw]

I've seen a lot of you guys installing truck tool boxes into a bench seat area. I'm going to do this also so I have more storage space that's lockable. My question is when you installed your box did you make it so that it's still removable if need be at a later time or did you weld it in place?

Did you use any doublers along the edges where you removed metal to make the opening? I don't want to compromise the structural integrity of the hull since it's the seat closest the transom.

Any signs of cracking, etc., after making the installation?

Thanks again!

 

[mobydick]

I didn't weld mine in place. It sits tightly in the cut out spot and is fairly easy to take out. Also the part I cut didn't affect the structural integrity of the hull.

 

[eshaw]

Thanks for the reply. Moby, what size boat is that?

 

[GaryBriggs]

I mitered the box to match the angle and supported it on the rails rather than the bottom of the boat.

 

[ILbowfisher15]

Mine is welded in place. Did have to trim it a little bit to make if fit though.

http://bow.fishingcountry.com/forums/showthread.php?26545-1974-Lowe-Rebirth-Pic-Heavy

 

[eshaw]

Thanks for the ideas fellas. I sliced into the bench seat today, that was interesting. Closed cell on the top side of open cell that was approximately two inches thick. Wonder what that was about! Since I won't be welding it I most definitely will be using doublers since the thickness of truck tool boxes leaves something to be desired. This will exceed the original metal thickness of the original.

 

[Bisch]

I welded brackets to the floor and then bolted the box to the brackets. That way the box is still removable.

Bisch