TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri May 31, 2019 3:15 pm

After 6 years, I'm finally getting around to having the permanent, locking metal top made for my under floor storage. Lid will be made of 0.105" thick steel with formed over twice each edge, then welded at all 5 corners. Welded L-brackets for stiffening and recessed handles. Having the formed edges providing the thickness for the lid will actually allow almost a 1/2" extra storage height inside than the current wood board as the lid will have no bottom layer. Still have yet to determine the final locking mechanism, but I think there are lots of options.

Here's the mockup....

Syncronoid wrote: Here's the progress I made today, mostly getting things sealed, final bolt selection and getting the temporary cover cut to fit (still need my sander from my neighbor to dial in the edges).

Cut the two existing bolts out as they were slightly corroded and did not allow enough space between it and the side of the box to fit a nut over.

Silicone injected into openings to seal out dust and moisture.

Rear and front rubber insulation strip to seal the rear of the box where, as a result of the cross cut, left a 1/4 inch gap between the flange and floor.

...front....

Bolt connection. 6 in all.....

Rubber pad cut to fit...

Now just waiting for my neighbor to return my sander so I can finish the temporary wood cover...

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Sat Jun 01, 2019 5:22 am

Syncronoid wrote: After 6 years, I'm finally getting around to having the permanent, locking metal top made for my under floor storage. Lid will be made of 0.105" thick steel with formed over twice each edge, then welded at all 5 corners. Welded L-brackets for stiffening and recessed handles. Having the formed edges providing the thickness for the lid will actually allow almost a 1/2" extra storage height inside than the current wood board as the lid will have no bottom layer. Still have yet to determine the final locking mechanism, but I think there are lots of options.

I'll probably get around to doing mine in 6 yrs. too!

Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:35 am

Going to do something similar on my euro bus project. Your topic is the inspiration.

Wed Jun 19, 2019 12:17 pm

Here's the completed metal lid. Next step is figuring out and installing the locks. Ideas??

Wed Jun 19, 2019 12:24 pm

Want.

Wed Jun 19, 2019 12:25 pm

Nice!

----
Luke:
It's a good thing you have these compartments.

Han Solo:
Yeah, I use them for smuggling. I'd never thought I'd be smuggling myself in them.

Wed Jun 19, 2019 1:35 pm

Inspiring stuff. I'm always chasing storage options.

I cut a hole in my roof, so I suppose I could do the same in the floor...

Wed Jun 19, 2019 1:51 pm

LOL...J/K Say no to drugs kids.. Very nice job on the compartment.

Thu Jun 27, 2019 10:06 pm

Locking mechanism coming along......

Fri Jun 28, 2019 11:52 am

Done! .....except for painting the lid (will likely use spray on bedliner) and putting a nicer trim than duct tape around the edges of the box.

Fri Jun 28, 2019 2:08 pm

Inspiring "art project." Well done, thanks for sharing!

Mon Sep 07, 2020 6:36 pm

super impressive...did you figure out how to deal with the edge condition?

Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:16 am

This is my final version. Not fancy and lockable like the others here.
1/2” ply. 3 anti fatigue mats.
When cooler is in place, I can only open the back part.

Sun Jan 02, 2022 9:26 am

Adding to this topic for searchers.

This is from my euroBus build topic. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9620308#9620308

And I finally started on the under floor storage bin. (I intend this for tools and parts that I hope to rarely have to access. This way I can save the under seat storage for camping and living gear. The other spare parts area will be the bin under the drivers seat.)

When I removed the vinyl plank flooring I discovered that untreated plywood was a bad choice as an underlayment. I will get 1/2" pressure treated plywood to replace this. (Obviously some water had been spilled in the bus and got the plywood wet...)

Nice clean floor ready for surgery.

Opening up.

Treating the open wound edges with rustoleum.

Test fit of the first 1/16" thick aluminum side piece.

Three sides sitting in place. (The rear piece will be placed on after the bin is created as it does not overlap the opening. The bin goes about 4 inches under the floor.)

And the bottom laid in place. The bin now needs to be riveted and 3M 5200 used to hold it together and weatherproof it.

The inside dimension is about 9.5 " wide and 6.5" deep. It hangs no lower than the gas tank or transmission so it should be fine. Basically the same as a propane tank.

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And I assembled the storage box.

I will need some spacers for the side closer to the slider since that part does not have the ridges that are in the center portion. Fortunately some leftover jalousie window pieces that are cut off when I do a conversion were just the right thickness.

I pop riveted and 3m5200'd it together.

Now I'll start working on the floor and hatch.

Finished off the lid for the storage bin under the floor.

I went with this handle. It was better quality than the marine handle of similar style and cheaper too.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RYFR6JK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Routed out the recess for the handles.

Final installation. Need to sweep up....

Storage bin cost $150.

Sun Jan 02, 2022 10:12 am

That looks factory! Nice

Wed Aug 03, 2022 6:23 pm

DASMULE wrote: We are fine tuning the CAD models for our under van storage NOW. It sounds like most people are interested in using them primarily for tools. We are also considering a water storage container as an accessory that would fit in the exact space.

Interested to know what all of you would love to be able to use these under van storage spaces for -- the idea is to make a product that people actually want and will use!

DasMule, did you guys ever refine some of these products?

Wed Aug 03, 2022 8:39 pm

Das Mule hasn't been here in over a year but they're doing amazing work on other platforms at their shop, Mule Expedition Outfitters. The Syncro was their gateway to overlanding with modern rigs. It's worth a visit if you're in the Seattle area.

https://dasmule.com/

Rexy128 wrote: DASMULE wrote: We are fine tuning the CAD models for our under van storage NOW. It sounds like most people are interested in using them primarily for tools. We are also considering a water storage container as an accessory that would fit in the exact space.

Interested to know what all of you would love to be able to use these under van storage spaces for -- the idea is to make a product that people actually want and will use!

DasMule, did you guys ever refine some of these products?

Fri Aug 05, 2022 8:43 am

It appears Das Mule doesn't anything Vanagon specific anymore. They do have some nice accessories and camp/travel gear.

Tue Feb 13, 2024 5:20 pm

Love this concept. Wondering how these boxes are working out for those that have built them. It's another item that I must have.