DIY Bed Drawer Build

[FunInTheSun]

It would be great for that and also longevity, by the time I take this all apart and reassemble it again in the truck the screws won't have near the bite as the first time. So unless you went to a heavier screw next time it likely can't be taken out of the truck again and put back in. I may take the cap off and enlist some help to see if it can be wiggled into the bed that way. Would be great if it could

Rivet Nuts are excellent for this, as long as you're drilling holes anyway. They are threaded inserts that install just like Pop Rivets. Aluminum inserts are pretty easy to install, and cheap. They also would not tend to induce corrosion in the aluminum bed (I think it's aluminum, right?) like a steel insert will. I think aluminum would be fine for the occasional removal and replacement of the drawer set. If you will take it out every week or so, you should probably go with steel or stainless.

https://www.amazon.com/Flat-Aluminum-Rivet-Blind-Insert/dp/B07WPYKSC1

You can get probably find them with an adhesive ring under the flange to seal the cut edges of the drilled hole, or you can put your own weatherproofing (mastic / tar, etc.) when installing.

Steel or stainless inserts are much stiffer and resist the wear from repeated disassembly better, but the tooling is more robust (and expensive). You don't have buy the tools although they make the job a snap. There are cheaper ways to install them if you don't mind a little fiddling.

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[shedfullatools]

These guys have UHMW HDPE available. It's a LOT cheaper than PTFE, and usually better for bearing slides. It's almost as slippery, and doesn't cold flow like Teflon.

https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/plastic-sheet-plate-uhmw-natural-virgin

I'm tempted now to order some .25" to replace what I used, quite expensive for a 6 foot piece though.

 

[shedfullatools]

Rivet Nuts are excellent for this, as long as you're drilling holes anyway. They are threaded inserts that install just like Pop Rivets. Aluminum inserts are pretty easy to install, and cheap. They also would not tend to induce corrosion in the aluminum bed (I think it's aluminum, right?) like a steel insert will. I think aluminum would be fine for the occasional removal and replacement of the drawer set. If you will take it out every week or so, you should probably go with steel or stainless.

https://www.amazon.com/Flat-Aluminum-Rivet-Blind-Insert/dp/B07WPYKSC1

You can get probably find them with an adhesive ring under the flange to seal the cut edges of the drilled hole, or you can put your own weatherproofing (mastic / tar, etc.) when installing.

Steel or stainless inserts are much stiffer and resist the wear from repeated disassembly better, but the tooling is more robust (and expensive). You don't have buy the tools although they make the job a snap. There are cheaper ways to install them if you don't mind a little fiddling.

I've used Rivnuts quite a bit and love them, my buddy has the bigger tool and the smaller one that's more like a rivet gun. I usually just install them with a nut bolt and washer if I'm only doing a couple or borrow his tools for bigger jobs.

 

[Bluestem]

I'm tempted now to order some .25" to replace what I used, quite expensive for a 6 foot piece though.

Check out Mcmaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/plastics/s...thylene-sheets-bars-and-strips/thickness~1-4/

They have about any size, shape and thickness you can think of.

 

[shedfullatools]

Got the little slides attached to the sides of the box and the back of the drawer. Attached the drawer faces, now onto the latch mechanism. Am copying a YouTube video with the slide setup and latch so not my design.

 

[NotBudule]

You have to do something cool on the drawer fronts ... RAN. GER. Or some woodburning perhaps ? No pressure , but looking forward to whatever you come up with ... That is going to turn out nicely ...

 

[shedfullatools]

You have to do something cool on the drawer fronts ... RAN. GER. Or some woodburning perhaps ? No pressure , but looking forward to whatever you come up with ... That is going to turn out nicely ...

I have aluminum angle I was gonna trim around them with but you've got me thinking lol, was kinda wondering what it would look like if I scorched them with a torch and stained/sealed them with a dark stain/poly combo.

 

[Blue Streak]

Got the little slides attached to the sides of the box and the back of the drawer. Attached the drawer faces, now onto the latch mechanism. Am copying a YouTube video with the slide setup and latch so not my design.

This is looking good. I also can't wait to see finished. Big improvement over my in bed storage boxes, but I have no need for draws.

 

[shedfullatools]

This is looking good. I also can't wait to see finished. Big improvement over my in bed storage boxes, but I have no need for draws.

Yours serves its purpose well ?Its too bad Ford hadn't added some storage to the bed on these like Tacomas always had. It would obviously be popular.

 

[Blue Streak]

That would work great as well and likely be stronger, the pocket holes are fast and cheap though and if you go overkill on the quantity plenty strong.

If you have to take it apart before you reinstall it put toothpicks in the hole's with a little wood glue & break them off & when you reassemble you have a new hole.

 

[NotBudule]

I have never seen the ford ones in person but they look like they might rattle ... I may steal a little form both you guys ... I dont need the drawers either.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

This is looking good. I also can't wait to see finished. Big improvement over my in bed storage boxes, but I have no need for draws.

I was thinking of doing this on the driver's side but the whole length of the bed and with cubby holes. you have easy boxes that could made with scraps and a couple bolts... genius

 

[Blue Streak]

I have never seen the ford ones in person but they look like they might rattle ... I may steal a little form both you guys ... I dont need the drawers either.

Don't steal that's not nice. You can borrow but make sure you post pic. so if you improve the idea I might have to borrow from you.

 

[NotBudule]

I like the angle cut plus the open back ,and bottom , I may want a lid on mine , in case I need to haul dirt/sand/gravel. .. Haven't really checked it out back there much , we went back to winter here in WV , snow at the moment...

 

[shedfullatools]

Got the latch made on one side, was planning two locking bars but pretty sure one will be more than enough.

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