Aluminum Underfloor Storage Box $300 (15.5"x15.5"x32")

[northleftcoast]

As the title states I'm offering 5052 .125 aluminum underfloor storage boxes for sale. These sized boxes currently fit Ford EB models when the underfloor spare tire carrier is removed.

See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=6757

Box ready to ship (12" x 24" opening with vinyl trim, 1" flange, drain plug, washers / backer plates and shims):
[photo:1jxybwze]15335[/photo:1jxybwze]

[photo:1jxybwze]15217[/photo:1jxybwze]

[photo:1jxybwze]15231[/photo:1jxybwze]

Standard subfloor box only: $300



Includes:

* 15.5"x15.5"x32" aluminum box made out of 5052, .125" sheetmetal. All corners either bent or tig welded. Standard size opening for Ford EB models is 12" x 24" with a 1" flange for carpeted surfaces.

* Access hole rimmed in black vinyl trim. Opening can be cut to your size requirements (no charge).

* Box top flange of 6061, 1/8" bar stock of your choice of height (1", 1.25", 1.5") based on your flooring+subfloor dimension needs (no charge).

* 4 - 2 x 2 x 7/16" spacers for mounting (6061 barstock tacked together).

* 4 - 2 x 2 x 3/16 "washers" (6061 bar stock cut to length).

*Aluminum bung with tapped 1/4" npt hole and plug for drainage on an outside corner or bottom where you determine.

Available for pickup in Portland, OR or shipped (your actual cost) via UPS. I did a quick UPS search and it was around $50 for shipping from PDX to SF via ground for a 35# parcel with the box dimensions.

Options:

* Subtract depth to make shallower (you choose any final depth dimension) $25.

* Cutaway lower trailing edge for better departure angle (your choice of angle) $50.

* Smooth floor lid/hatch with interior 6061 1" angle flange and aluminum piano hinge $150 (your choice of dimension). No latch but I can drill a hole for your choice of latch. Latches can be sourced from West Marine, Gander Mountain, etc. A simple rope pull through grommets could also be an elegant and inexpensive solution.

* At this point, I'm open to trying to make one of these boxes work for you if you have specific needs that aren't met by any of the above. Feel free to ask.

PM me for details. Generally if I am around (i.e. not on vacation) it shouldn't take me more than a couple of days from time of order to get your box shipped as I've got materials on hand and partial boxes built.

Paypal, check, or cash accepted.

Mulder.sam@gmail.com
593 801 0378

 

[northleftcoast]

Special offer for the first customer order with a Ford RB:

Send me detailed pictures and measurements of underfloor area on your RB and I'll sell you a box for $250.

That's a $50 savings for a little crawling around under your van!

First pm with pictures to me gets to claim it.

 

[racrx451]

I have a chevy express that I want to do this to. i will check the measurements to see if it will work.

 

[northleftcoast]

I have a chevy express that I want to do this to. i will check the measurements to see if it will work.

I'll give you the same $250 deal if you can provide me with details of the underbody so that I can modify my existing box to fit your van type.

A few pictures and measurements from the critical frame rails and underbody structural members is what I'm looking for.

 

[Axis25.2]

I have rear air. I either need to relocate the vacuum canister(?), or make modify the box accordingly. Ideas?

 

[racrx451]

I have a chevy express that I want to do this to. i will check the measurements to see if it will work.

I'll give you the same $250 deal if you can provide me with details of the underbody so that I can modify my existing box to fit your van type.

A few pictures and measurements from the critical frame rails and underbody structural members is what I'm looking for.

ok, let me get some measurements. I will also be putting in Vantred so I need to figure out the thickness of it.

 

[northleftcoast]

I have rear air. I either need to relocate the vacuum canister(?), or make modify the box accordingly. Ideas?

Can you send me a picture? I haven't ever seen a van with the rear a/c option, so I don't know how the unit is positioned. I can always make the box a bit narrower if the canister sits along the frame rail. Also, could you swap it to the outside of the frame to make room for the box?

 

[carringb]

Ford vans with rear AC will not affect under-floor storage. The AC system is completely outboard of the frame.

It turns out the 15 passenger vans do have some bracket that interfere. These bracket are extra support for the 5th row mounting, and tie to the door sill support. I had to trim about an inch off each bracket, and since it was 1/4" and under the floor, not super easy. But even then, still only about 30 minutes to the job.

I used a plasma torch for all cutting.

BEWARE - the flat area on the EB vans is not where the body crossmember is. I thought I'd be smart and move the box forward for easier inside access. But I found said body crossmember, and had to weld my cut back up, and move the hole rearward.

Sorry. No pics yet because my POS Samsung Intercept is a POS.

 

[northleftcoast]

Ford vans with rear AC will not affect under-floor storage. The AC system is completely outboard of the frame.

It turns out the 15 passenger vans to have some bracket that interfere. These bracket are extra support for the 5th row mounting, and tie to the door sill support. I had to trim about an inch off each bracket, and since it was 1/4" and under the floor, not super easy. But even then, still only about 30 minutes to the job.

Bummer about the seat mount plates. The three vans that I've put boxes in so far has been cargo models, so I didn't consider running into those mounting brackets. I'd like to see some pictures of them.

I wonder if 4x4 tour is looking at his charcoal canister? 4x4, you've got a v-10 right? Is it an RB or EB? On my old v-6 gasser e-250 My canister was on the left frame rail inboard IIRC.

 

[carringb]

My charcoal canister is mounted on the forward side of the frame crossmember, forward of where the tire carrier was. But I think there is some variation where is sits. The canister can be moved, as long as up stays up.

 

[tmtm]

I had northleftcoast / Sam build me a box...
Here's my post on the install for an RB:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7407

 

[2horsegarage]

Is this still an option? I'm looking for a box for a RB shipped to 80227. Thanks, Michael

 

[northleftcoast]

I just sent you a PM with some details.

For others that are interested, I'm back up and running after a little downtime this fall due to a broken welder. I'm planning on a run of 5-10 boxes to be ready about the third week in February if anyone has an interest in one. I hope to keep a few standard sized boxes in stock and available to ship immediately for those that have a hard time waiting for things :a3:

If you would like custom options, now would be a good time to iron out the details so that I can just roll a special order into the group of boxes I'll be building

Thanks for the interest!

Northleftcoast

 

[Waterski02]

Need to go shake the money tree and see what falls out.

You ever consider making more of the ladders too, though being oversized shipping may be terrible.

 

[dandan-SMB]

morning are you still in the buisness of selling aluminium underfloor storage box. My name is Dan 619-772-1958. Cheers.

 

[BrianBlair]

I'm interested in one of these as well if they are still being made.

Thanks,

BB

 

[northleftcoast]

Just an update on these underfloor aluminum boxes. I've had a busy spring and summer with two house remodels (one rental house fire and prepping another for sale). We are now moved into our new place on the Oregon Coast and I'm currently setting up my new shop space to allow for better welding and fabrication.

The welder is up and running and I now just need to get the finger brake back up on its legs. I've been picking up a few motorcycle repair jobs. A friend is trying to drop a Kawasaki 500cc 2 stroke in a late model Yamaha aluminum frame. He ordered a couple of 1"x1" lower frame members that were pre-bent and we set about coping and then welding them in place. Pretty fun to do a one off project that required major frame rebuilding and also adding or moving several tabs on the existing frame to mount radiators, CDI, plastics, and exhaust. The radiators had to be re-welded so that the ports and vents faced the proper way too. I've come away with that fact that preparing aluminum is paramount to successfully welding it. I had to send the frame and parts back to the owner a couple of times for further cleaning and degreasing before i could get a clean bead going.

More to come. I'll be updating the price list this coming week and building at least one box for a customer that has been waiting for a while. I'll be reaching out to those that have expressed interest via PM and email the last few months too.

Thanks,

Sam

 

[rallypanam]

Sweet. Set me up.. I have a new van, but still want the box we talked about last year!

Glad to hear life is normalizing!

 

[SilverForkPhil]

Received by box from Sam for by RB last Thursday and got it installed this weekend.

Fantastic quality build and craftsmanship!! Sam's attention to detail is impressive and inspiring.

If you're interested in this, follow the steps on this post and here:
http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic. ... 7&start=45

Also, tmtm has a detailed, complete install post as well:
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7407

I ordered by box with these dimensions:
21.5" (front to back) x 15.5" deep x 32" wide, with 8" in and 3" up departure angle mod

This measurement (under the van, where the spare tire used to live) is important, between the tabs. Mine is 21.75" (not my photo), so I ordered it a bit smaller at 21.5":



The only modification I did was to add 4 sheet metal screws (one shown here on the left) in order to hold the lid flange tight to the box flange:



Here's the finished install :



Now I need to get started on finding a new home for my spare tire...

Thanks Sam - great work

Phil

 

[SilverForkPhil]

Here are a few photos Sam sent of the complete box, prior to shipping. I was too excited to get started on the installation to take any "before" photos of my own...







Phil