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tschroeder0 Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2008 Posts: 2096 Location: Boulder CO
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 5:18 pm Post subject: |
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I would love to see a design that was close to/or water tight. That way the option for what to store would be much greater, even putting my tools in something that would let road spray get to everything would be a bummer |
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Syncronoid Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2012 Posts: 1111 Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 6:35 pm Post subject: |
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tschroeder0 wrote: |
I would love to see a design that was close to/or water tight. That way the option for what to store would be much greater, even putting my tools in something that would let road spray get to everything would be a bummer |
Other than mine? It's completely sealed. _________________ '90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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IrideWheelies Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2009 Posts: 386 Location: Olympia, WA
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 11:40 am Post subject: |
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IrideWheelies wrote: |
They already do the underwear storage drawers out of steel. |
Oops. That was supposed to read "under seat storage" but my iPhone had other ideas. It would hold about $5000 worth of Victoria's Secret though.... _________________ 89' Dove Blue Syncro Hightop |
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syncromike Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2011 Posts: 660 Location: Boise, ID
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Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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climberjohn wrote: |
I think I'll try one of these:
Google < 120MM mortar ammo can >
Dimensions: 12" x 32 " by 61/4"
I just measured, and it appear as if it'll fit.
Thoughts? |
Did anyone ever try this? I noticed my local Army/Navy store has dozens of these cans for $20. _________________ _____________________
'91 Syncro w/ Country Homes PopTop |
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thasty07 Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2014 Posts: 310 Location: Bend, OR
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Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 2:09 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Syncronoid,
Did you use a local shop here in Bend, Or? We are Benditos as well and I have been thinking that floor spot is an awful waste of space, would make for a great storage box!
Very nicely done, would love to come check it out sometime! |
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Syncronoid Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2012 Posts: 1111 Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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thasty07 wrote: |
Hey Syncronoid,
Did you use a local shop here in Bend, Or? We are Benditos as well and I have been thinking that floor spot is an awful waste of space, would make for a great storage box!
Very nicely done, would love to come check it out sometime! |
I had a fab shop in Redwood City, CA make the box to my spec. Everything else I did myself. Will be living at my house in Bend for the entire Summer, up in Skyliners. Send me a PM or email. _________________ '90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32598 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:40 am Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Here is my current project for using the cargo space under the passenger side.
Please share your ideas/thoughts.
There isn't much originality going on here. While I am moving ahead with my original plan, there are some changes that will be put in place on the next one (my brother's '85).
The box is 16 gauge steel with a 12 gauge steel angle flanged outward for a lip.
The shape and dimensions are similar to MidwestDrifter's from page 3.
The depth on mine is increased to 6 7/8". This will accommodate a group 31 battery while still hanging higher than my propane tank on the opposite side.
I like the idea of keeping the weight low and having it on the right side. Currently, I have no aux battery system.
This version is tack welded and to be caulked and sealed. My brothers will probably be bended as now I know a guy. Either way, it will work.
Here is where I would especially appreciate input....
1. Should I go through the top and place the lip on the steel floor?
This would require removing the rear bench for instalation and ultimately give me a pass-through from the main cabin into the rear bench area by 4".
This pass-through would make it easy to pass wires and or allow for storage of something vertically taller (though nothing comes to mind).
or
Should I bolt up from below?
Simpler. No pass-through, though holes could be drilled through the floor easy enough. Would hang lower, still less than propane tank.
2. If I were to put my starting battery in the new box, what would I do with the new space under the passenger seat? Can anyone suggest anything?
3. Must I ventilate this box if I am putting in batteries?
Thanks
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Steve M. Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013 Posts: 6829 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 12:34 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Rorke wrote: |
Here is where I would especially appreciate input....
1. Should I go through the top and place the lip on the steel floor?
This would require removing the rear bench for instalation and ultimately give me a pass-through from the main cabin into the rear bench area by 4".
This pass-through would make it easy to pass wires and or allow for storage of something vertically taller (though nothing comes to mind).
or
Should I bolt up from below?
Simpler. No pass-through, though holes could be drilled through the floor easy enough. Would hang lower, still less than propane tank.
If hung from underneath you gain the thickness of the floor in your depth. If you hang it from underneath will you need to add a support frame/bar all around on the bottom side of the lip so the hanging weight is distributed evenly and not hanging by the attaching bolts? Really how much weight would you have to put in the box to cause that to happen? Your not likely to have it sag, but it is something to think about.
2. If I were to put my starting battery in the new box, what would I do with the new space under the passenger seat? Can anyone suggest anything?
What size starting battery do you think you can fit into it, the group 31? Less Ah? Lithium house battery? You would also have to run cables to the box which means using waterproof feed-thru to keep the box water-tight. Running the cables is not a major job, but where they come into the box will reduce the space inside the box by the little space they occupy. it's not a major deal, but every square inch is useable for something else.
3. Must I ventilate this box if I am putting in batteries?
Ventilating the box for a battery - not a sealed AGM Battery, but I would strongly suggest a remote temperature gauge to monitor the battery for over-charging temps. irregardless of what kind of battery you put in there.
I would also add a battery kill/shut off switch because once you close the cover on that box your going to have something over it. You would need to move quickly and in case of fire you want to take action fast and not be moving stuff for access. A battery kill switch means another hole cut to mount the switch plus holes for the cable routing. I'd leave the start battery where it is and keep mechanical spares in the new box.
Thanks
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_________________ This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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mtnride1 Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2011 Posts: 194 Location: la quinta, CA
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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That spot is where my tray (from Peace Vans) is for my 160ah AGM battery. _________________ 87 westy 2wd (NED) |
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 2:16 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Thanks for the thoughts Steve.
I am leaning toward dropping in from the top. The lip will support and the 4 bolts that already exist will keep it in place.
Fortunately, either way there is enough space for my group 31 115-12v battery with a little rubber padding.
The whole thing will probably weigh in at 175 lbs. Box is 40lbs. Battery is 90lbs.
Initially, the starting battery will remain under the passenger seat. Even if there was some sweet use for the space, I forgot to mention that I just scored a Dometic 35 box that sits perfectly 4" aft of the passenger seat. (The reasons for the 4" are... 1 - fire extinguisher, 2 - So the lid clears the seatbelt roller, 3 - ventilation.)
Since I like the original carpet and intend on continuing to use it as is, I probably will not go in and out of this box much because of the placement of this ice box fridge.
I will now get a remote thermometer. The kill switch sounds like a good addition too.
Thanks |
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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I drank some beer and cut the hole.
Measured a bunch.
Sawzalled that sh*t.
Dryfitted.
Grinded and filed. Then I leveled with cut q-pad, marine gasketing, and caulk.
Inserted and put in soundproofing. Bolted into existing threading.
Covered up.
I am a little further ahead that this, but I have no pics to upload yet.
Tomorrow, my starter and aux will drop in. However, I need to get some fuses.
Thank you very much to all the guys who contributed to this forum with such detail. I never used a sawzall or grinder in my life. Pretty fun project. Way easier than the damn electrical. |
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 5:45 am Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Just finished a nice 600 miles on the finished version. Worked great. Here is an update. (had to wait to get to a computer for the photo upload)
Installed inverter in back seat and re-installed. (Yes, it has already been kicked on and off accidentally)
115 ah deep cycle in gray.
new optima starting battery forward.
Blue Seas ACR in there too.
Tools aft
Under the bench
Have not yet decided how to repurpose starting battery spot under passenger seat. When I cut the sheet metal out, I will finally have a place for my atlases!
more or less finished...
Not pictured is the promariner 20 charger under the driver's seat.
Also, fuse panel is temporarily under passenger seat. Not sure where it should go long term.
Noteworthy, the vehicle drives great! Approximately 180 lbs is now on the passenger side, in the middle, and lower than the floor level. This was one of my major goals for this project, and the improved balance exceeded my expectations.
Thanks for all the great input on this thread. This was a fun project for me. I never used a sawzall or grinder before.
If anyone is considering doing this, it is stressful because of the giant HOLE, but in hindsight, it was strait forward and simple. |
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alaskadan Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013 Posts: 1857 Location: anchor pt. alaska
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:45 am Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Way to jump right in there man good work. This is a project on my list too. Hearing you say how much the passenger side ballast has helped motivates me even more to do this. |
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raoul mitgong Samba Member
Joined: July 05, 2009 Posts: 1338 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:07 am Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Rorke,
I got a queasy feeling in my stomach when I saw that floor cut. Brave. It turned out really great. Well done.
I've got a couple ideas for the new free space under the front passenger seat.
-A long sliding drawer. It would be a bonus if the Westfalia cabinet color, trim, and hinge could be duplicated here. Some metal work required but nothing compared to what you've already done.
-A slide out for a foot rest while the seat is swiveled 180. I always find a cooler or box to set there when I'm lounging in the passenger seat.
-A slide out seat. Could be handy for short shuttling of people when you have more than 4 bodies.
All three of these ideas could possibly be made into one. Very inspiring work. I own a sheet metal shop and wish I had the time for fun projects like this.
-d _________________ 84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim)) |
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dlb154 Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2006 Posts: 359 Location: Reno, NV
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Rorke -
I like the extended below the bench idea of your box and considering this mod. Did you have a shop fab your box or did you do it yourself?
Can you provide the dimensions of your box? Gauge of metal?
Nice job!
Dave |
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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dlb154 wrote: |
Rorke -
I like the extended below the bench idea of your box and considering this mod. Did you have a shop fab your box or did you do it yourself?
Can you provide the dimensions of your box? Gauge of metal?
Nice job!
Dave |
My buddy who made the box said he would do another for $500.
If you are to make your own, then I would follow the dimensions posted here by Midwest Drifter. but go 7" deep.
The lip is 1" additional.
Lip is 12 gauge.
bow is 16 gauge.
Just make sure there is no twist in the steel from too much heat from welding. This install was simple because insert was dead on and perfect.
My brother wants one and I am going to make some changes. I will also make a template so if anyone wants to do it, they can cut along the dotted line.
I will post those changes too. might be a month though.
pm me if you want my pal's info. |
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Rorke Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016 Posts: 255 Location: Traverse City, MI
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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raoul mitgong wrote: |
Rorke,
I've got a couple ideas for the new free space under the front passenger seat.
-d |
Those are great. I will use the long drawer area for my atlases.
The foot rest/ seat idea are great. My icebox sits here and does both those jobs daily!
I might build a little cabinet for that spot. This could house the fuse box and fridge plug. I mostly want cut it in a way allowing for icebox ventilation when box is strapped forward. |
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erste Samba Member
Joined: March 29, 2013 Posts: 1110 Location: San Francisco
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Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2017 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below |
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Great job Rorke, very cool. Definitely something I want to do down the road, especially since you made it look so clean! |
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0cean Samba Member
Joined: February 29, 2012 Posts: 1149 Location: California
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