RichieP_MechE
Well-known member
A few months ago I graduated from a 2006 Ford Ranger to a 2020 F-250 (regular cab, long bed, as god intended). I had a little bag of Harbor Freight tools in the old truck, and I just couldn't bring myself to carry that over to the new vehicle. So I started working on the new one, and things quickly spiraled out of control. So here is the result of my labor: Richie P's Entirely Unnecessary and Over-Complicated Ford F-250 Center Seat Well Toolbox.
Quick Fabrication Summary: 22 ga stainless, laser cut and bent on a finger brake, then spot welded. A few other stainless pieces to form the handles, with black powder coat to finish everything off. Custom foam inserts and some multi jet fusion 3D printed parts for tool organization.
The corner cutouts are necessary to clear some areas of the center seat well. I also added a reinforcing bracket where the handles mount.
Empty box. The spring clips on the sides are from McMaster-Carr. The 3D printed parts have heat-set stainless inserts for stronger threads and retention. The foam is 6 lb density toolbox foam in 1/2" layers with spray adhesive holding the layers together.
Tekton socket rails have some nice features for locking them in place. By adjusting the height of the screw head (which is now loctited in place) I was able to dial in the holding force where the rails will hold position but can also slide out when needed.
The contents of the box. I spent a good amount of time thinking about tool choices to optimize for the space available. I got 12 point sockets just in case I come across a 12 point fastener in my travels. I customized the Wera Zyklop set by removing the pozidriv bits and adding up to 8 mm hex and a complete set of inch size hex bits. The Olsa Tools extending breaker bar is pretty neat and coupled with the 7/8 socket should make loosening lug nuts a little easier if I ever have to change a tire on the side of the road. The Halder hammer is also cool with a steel face on one side and a replaceable nylon face on the other.
One of the drawbacks of this design is that you have to remove a lot of tools out of the way to get to the tool you want, but everything has its place and nothing moves around when cruising around the neighborhood. In the end, this toolbox cost way too much money and weighs a million pounds, but I'm very happy with how it all turned out.
Quick Fabrication Summary: 22 ga stainless, laser cut and bent on a finger brake, then spot welded. A few other stainless pieces to form the handles, with black powder coat to finish everything off. Custom foam inserts and some multi jet fusion 3D printed parts for tool organization.
The corner cutouts are necessary to clear some areas of the center seat well. I also added a reinforcing bracket where the handles mount.
Empty box. The spring clips on the sides are from McMaster-Carr. The 3D printed parts have heat-set stainless inserts for stronger threads and retention. The foam is 6 lb density toolbox foam in 1/2" layers with spray adhesive holding the layers together.
Tekton socket rails have some nice features for locking them in place. By adjusting the height of the screw head (which is now loctited in place) I was able to dial in the holding force where the rails will hold position but can also slide out when needed.
The contents of the box. I spent a good amount of time thinking about tool choices to optimize for the space available. I got 12 point sockets just in case I come across a 12 point fastener in my travels. I customized the Wera Zyklop set by removing the pozidriv bits and adding up to 8 mm hex and a complete set of inch size hex bits. The Olsa Tools extending breaker bar is pretty neat and coupled with the 7/8 socket should make loosening lug nuts a little easier if I ever have to change a tire on the side of the road. The Halder hammer is also cool with a steel face on one side and a replaceable nylon face on the other.
One of the drawbacks of this design is that you have to remove a lot of tools out of the way to get to the tool you want, but everything has its place and nothing moves around when cruising around the neighborhood. In the end, this toolbox cost way too much money and weighs a million pounds, but I'm very happy with how it all turned out.
That is a Slam Dunk right there! Is it getting a lid? Harry
