More "Hidden" Storage for Tools! - (with pics)

[Captjon1959]

I've use the tool box under the rear seat for tool storage but hating having to unload stuff to get at them and using up precious space. I decided I could make up some boxes to slip in under the rear cabinet by the engine lid. I used card board mockups to get the size right. Here's how it works.

A series of boxes. The biggest one goes in first and just fits. There's a hole in the front to pull it out with.

Has to go in at an angle, then you straigthen it out and slide it back.

There it is in place.

Next one is the same length but not as wide.

Final one is longer, and as wide as the space that remains

Had to route out a slot to compensate for the bolt and nut that holds the rear cabinet down.

There they are all in place.

They haven't rattled or moved around. If they did I'd probably put felt or rubber on the bottons. I can't fit really long tools in there, but it works for 90% of what I need to carry. Just thought I'd share. If you want dimensions just let me know.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

[danfromsyr]

Very slick,
only trouble I see is having to take them out (2) to remove the engine lid. and have nowhere to put them down in the process.

but this goes right in line with my engine lid mod where I plan to cut it down the rib to the left of the latch so that the part under the closet is stationary, and the engine lid can then just be opened up straight up with a prop-rod.


very nice and should be added to the camper gadgets in the handy sticky links.


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[dobryan]

Nice!

Dimensions please.
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[Ryan Keating]

I put my first aid kit there but first aid for the van may be more important. Nice!

[danfromsyr]

you put your what in there?


Link

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[wyomingresident]

Great idea.

This has been the spot for towels! Better I think for tools.
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[Jake de Villiers]

Very nice! Please post dimensions.
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[j_dirge]

[Jedi]

Seams like all the stated reasons above are reason enough not to do this I will ad a few more. How about the sounds of tools rattling around. Some tools tend to smell when exposed to heat. The tool box location is in just the right spot that if you were working on your van using that as a resting spot you could dump your tools in the engine bay,
You can only carry small tools in those box's
Good job on the mod and I hope it works for your needs.
How ever I will continue to use a Professional tool bag filled with all of the tools needed in it when I need them. I store it under the rear seat. I am not bashing the idea I am stating my opinion with a kind intent.
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1961 Westfalia SO23 Mango Green/Seagull grey
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1964 Westfalia SO33 pearl white
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[Captjon1959]

I haven't had a problem with rattling, perhaps because it is buried under the cabinet and the cushion "hides" it. Haven't had a problem with smells so far either (and I sleep with my head right near it). It isn't, however, a perfect solution. I must take the boxes out when I open the lid (no big deal to me). As far as tools falling in the engine bay it's more of a problem for me when they are NOT in a box and I just lay them around the edges. I suppose other things could be stored in there just as well. I would love to have the hatch hinged to open as some folks have described. Anyway, it works for me.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

[Ahwahnee]

I like it. I have always used that area for the supply of paperback books and maps of places don't need until farther along in the trip. Even for those kind of things these boxes would make a neater solution and probably hold more than the loose packed approach.

Yeah, some dimensions would sure save time.

[Ahwahnee]

[Captjon1959]

Here's the dimensions, all outside measurements. The inside space is based on the thickness of the wood you use to build the box.

Large Box = 10" long x 9" wide x 3" deep (or tall)
Medium Box = 10" long x 5" wide x 3" tall
Small Box = 9" long x 5" wide x 3" tall (measure to cut slot for nut)

Put holes in one end to help pull boxes out as necessary. This is what fits in my van. You may want to make cardboard mockups to test fit in your van. You might even find some better dimensions, but I doubt it. The big box just fits and kind of drives the size of the other boxes. I would love to see other modifications you might make based on this idea. Enjoy.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

[Captjon1959]

"If you made the 3rd one shorter perhaps it could go in before the 2nd one which could be longer. Then you would only have to pull out one box to be able to remove the hatch."

Trying using some cardboard mockups to test your idea. The problem I ran into was making the box as big as I could while still being able to fit it in the opening and rotate it into place. Rotating it is the challenge since the diagonal dimension is larger.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

[seanjenn]

Great idea, simple and can be made of scraps most of us have laying around.
For me it would be perfect for all the basic tools and I'd keep everything else in it's usual spot. I dig it.
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1987 GL Sunroof
2.1 4 spd

[Captjon1959]

Ahwahnee - I see what you're saying now. Yes, that seems like it would work and would give you a longer box for longer tools/things.
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1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Edition
Former 1.9 L now Bostig Ford Zetec

[vanagonjr]

I've tuck belts into the that space, followed by the Bentley. I do have to pull the Bentley to open the lid. That's a pain only because of the dog eared pages get caught on the cabinet.

I have thought of buidling two trays for this - I like your 3 tray system! While I really like my tool bag - I'd certainly should give this a try. This would also work for spare parts, tent/awning stakes and more, if one does retain the tool bag.
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[danfromsyr]

you can make this space solution al ittle more useful if you remove the steel pan in the base of the closet (above these boxes) and make a new false bottom/divider for the back of the closet base..
think of a small plywood step in the closet to make the space for the boxes more square (above)

my winter plans to modify the closet to better suit my needs is to remove the steel wedge, put a new false floor inthe closet and open up the back bottom edge where it sits on the dek so I can slide long objects underneath the closet.. ie the camp axe, telescopic awning poles etc...

really losing a few inches from the base of the closet isn't a loss.
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[chojinchef]

[j_dirge]