EB Body underfloor storage question

[Jammyauto]

I'm in the process of fabricating my own underfloor storage box for my EB van. There is a "beam" that runs across under the floor right where the storage box goes. The Beam is about 3" square and has rubber body mounts that mount to the frame. I'm trying to decide if I should cut the beam and have the access hole for the storage be almost as big as the storage box or build the box around the beam and have a smaller opening and thus be limited as to what will fit in there. I'd be really like someone who has the option from SMB to let me know if they cut out the beam or not. Anyone out there with an EB with underfloor storage? Thanks

[jage]

If you photo it I can go look at my van.

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by Jammyauto

[...] or build the box around the beam and have a smaller opening and thus be limited as to what will fit in there.

Is that beam going left-to-right (not front to back)?

I don't have an EB to measure for you, but that beam might explain why the access hole for the underfloor storage compartment on the EBs I've seen is almost half the size of the hole above mine on my RB. The hole above my storage compartment is almost as big as the compartment itself.

[geoffff]

Here's what the RB storage looks like:

[Jammyauto]

The Beam in question runs side to side. Here it is


I'm trying to decide if it's wise to cut this beam or not. I don't want to signifigantly weaken the body but I also want the have full acess to my underfloor storage.

[Jammyauto]

Sorry for the giant pictures.

[surfgeek33]

Hey Seth,

Here's a couple of pics of our underfloor storage during our build. Hope it helps. Good Luck.

Ray

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by geoffff

Is that beam going left-to-right (not front to back)?

I don't have an EB to measure for you, but that beam might explain why the access hole for the underfloor storage compartment on the EBs I've seen is almost half the size of the hole above mine on my RB. The hole above my storage compartment is almost as big as the compartment itself.

That would explain the difference in the size of the storage access holes that I've seen. I always wondered if it was based on model year, installer,.... I have the XL storage, but am jealous of the larger opening that I've seen. Things get lost down there!

I can take some pics when I get home if needed.


Herb

[Jammyauto]

Thanks Ray, that helps alot. Looks like SMB does not think it's a good iedea to cut that beam. I think I'll follow thier lead. I was hopeing for full access but I guess I'll have to settle for a 1/2 size door. I guess I could weld in a bunch of reinforcement all around the box but I don't think it's worth the extra weight or time to fabricate.

[jage]

Before you start- does anyone have the Locking XL underfloor storage in an EB? I saw one and the opening was full size, and the locking cover is metal. Always thought the difference was locking storage vs. non-locking- Can't recall if it was in an EB though.