Lifted Van, Cargo Space Below

[tschroeder0]

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

[Syncronoid]

[IrideWheelies]

[syncromike]

[thasty07]

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!

[Syncronoid]

[djkeev]

I must admit, this concept has grabbed my attention.

Having a "Weekender" storage space is conveted ...... Especially when you carry as much "just in case" crap as I do!

I do think for this application a urethane would indeed be choice #1.
Silicone, while it initially seals GREAT!!, after time it tends to let go and pull away from the product it is applied to. Sadly it leaves a hard to remove coating behind which hinders other more appropriate sealers ability to stick as they should.

Dave
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[Rorke]

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

[Steve M.]

[mtnride1]

That spot is where my tray (from Peace Vans) is for my 160ah AGM battery.
_________________
87 westy 2wd (NED)

[Rorke]

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

[Rorke]

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.

[Rorke]

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.

[alaskadan]

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.

[raoul mitgong]

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))

[dlb154]

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

[Rorke]

[Rorke]

[erste]

Great job Rorke, very cool. Definitely something I want to do down the road, especially since you made it look so clean!

[0cean]

I really like the clean job of making the box. Nice work.
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