Old guy & old trunk

[adileo]

I bought this metal trunk from a real old timer in the next town over.
I sanded and paint it. My plan is to put in back of the F1 as storage.

My question is how best to protect the latches? I don't think paint will hold up.

My second question is... any ideas on how to secure it to the bed? I'd rather not put holes in the wood planks and I would also like to be able to remove it should I need the room to move a large item.

[Capt Kirk]

What is the trunk made out of...Wood? What type of driving do you do with your truck...rain, snow, mud? As far as holding it down, you could use some industrial Velcro to hold it down. Latches...you could spray clear on them.

[adileo]

Hey Kirk, the trunk is metal and from the 1930s. Probably used as a trunk for an old car.

Truck is a driver but will not be used in snow.

I like the Velcro idea.

[38bill]

I removed two of the bolts holding the metal bed strips (one on each side) and used the holes to bolt my tool box to the bed. I also added a spacer strip at each end to keep the box slightly up and off of the floor so water wouldn't be trapped and cause problems. I placed the spacers so they sat on the metal bed strip and not the wood. It comes off easily but I do have to climb under it to unbolt. You could run the bolts from the bottom up and have an additional nut that holds them in place if you don't mind having them sticking up when the trunk is removed.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by 38bill

I removed two of the bolts holding the metal bed strips (one on each side) and used the holes to bolt my tool box to the bed. I also added a spacer strip at each end to keep the box slightly up and off of the floor so water wouldn't be trapped and cause problems. I placed the spacers so they sat on the metal bed strip and not the wood. It comes off easily but I do have to climb under it to unbolt. You could run the bolts from the bottom up and have an additional nut that holds them in place if you don't mind having them sticking up when the trunk is removed.

Nice looking set up. So far as having to climb under, if it were mine I would find a way to attach captured nuts underneath to eliminate that necessity.

[mike42]

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I made a box for my F-1 some years ago and used leather straps but I did use brass screws into the bed to hold straps in place. It really looked nice !

[Byron Warwick]

I found an old trunk in a local antique shop. I painted it and keep it in the back of Merlot. It is usually right next to the front of the box. The black wood triangle things are to keep it far enough back to open the lid. I never fasten it down and the natural stance of the truck just keeps it in place. A couple of folding chairs and some stuff is enough weight. I only put the piece of rubber down if I am going to carry something that would mar the paint. I am bringing my wife's Bike home in the photo. I painted the trunk to match Merlot and the hinges, etc. are just gold paint. Yes I live on the side of a hill, on the St Clair River . My place is to the left and I can use my neighbour's driveway any time I want.
Cheers, Byron W.

[adileo]

Originally Posted by 38bill

I removed two of the bolts holding the metal bed strips (one on each side) and used the holes to bolt my tool box to the bed. I also added a spacer strip at each end to keep the box slightly up and off of the floor so water wouldn't be trapped and cause problems. I placed the spacers so they sat on the metal bed strip and not the wood. It comes off easily but I do have to climb under it to unbolt. You could run the bolts from the bottom up and have an additional nut that holds them in place if you don't mind having them sticking up when the trunk is removed.

Wow that's one pretty setup.

Here's a pic in the old bed that I plan to replace.

Thanks guys for all the great input/suggestions.

[corvette8n]

Do you think you could polish the latches?, then maybe clear coat them.

[revkev6]

I'd mount a D ring or 4 in the metal channels then get a a spring loaded hood latch

something like this

[Shu47]

The leather straps would look cool but I really like the idea if using existing bolt holes in the bed to run up into the trunk like 38bill has done.

[revkev6]

Originally Posted by Shu47

The leather straps would look cool but I really like the idea if using existing bolt holes in the bed to run up into the trunk like 38bill has done.

bolting it down is fairly permanent. if he wants to be able to just unclip it without tools or anything in the way I would use those leather straps with with dog leash style clasps to attach to Single bolt d rings in both the trunk and using the existing bolts of the bed. unclip the tie downs and pull the trunk out... and you have an open usable bed.

[mike42]

I'd like to see more photos of these pickups. Damn they look good !!! I miss my '49 F-1

[adileo]

Originally Posted by mike42

I'd like to see more photos of these pickups. Damn they look good !!! I miss my '49 F-1

Many guys post photos of their cars/trucks in their ford barn album. Click on my name to left, then view public profile, then click on pics.

[barnfind]

Byron - What's a Merlot?
RE: I painted it and keep it in the back of Merlot

Sorry - Google did not educate me this time.

[Kahuna]

Wine
A type of grape