Tool box under the hood

[GingerKid]

Has anyone done it yet? I'm getting a tool box together for when I'm off at college in case I need to fix something. I want to stick it under the hood since it's a lot more secure than the bed. Anyone else done this? Any pics?

 

[88gt]

not exactly a lot of room under there for a tool box in my opinion. What would you be looking to store under there tool wise?

 

[Captain Ledd]

I imagine an old breaker bar (belt tensioner tool) would be good. Basic sockets/small socket set and wrenches can be spread out fairly flat. Enough for a quick brake job, oil change, or to change out an alternator or something.

Wouldn't be a whole lot, but just the basics are better than nothing. And he's right, a hell of alot more secure than the bed.

 

[adsm08]

I keep my stuff either in the back seat, or in the apartment. Then again, when I was living on campus, I was living with other auto students who understood that you don't mess with a guy's tools.

 

[GingerKid]

I was going to put one of my smaller tool boxes in there, probably 12x6x8 or so. Once I posted this I went out and looked under my hood and realized there's nowhere for my box without moving a lot of stuff around. I can't put it under or behind the seat either, I have a standard cab.

Another thought I had come up with was mounting it somewhere up on the frame under the truck so it's out of sight, but that would be a pain in the ass to get to. I might have to get really creative to figure this out.

As far as what tools I'm taking: couple of screwdrivers and a few kinds of pliers, small socket set, hopefully some wrenches. Basically anything I would need to do any minor work I might need to do.

 

[willievhook]

my dad talks about how he had one in his 70's something F150, but, he had plenty of room with just the inline six under the hood

 

[dennis461]

my dad talks about how he had one in his 70's something F150, but, he had plenty of room with just the inline six under the hood

Those were the days...

How about making something to go in place of the spare tire, throw the spare in the bed (make sure it's a bald tire and dirty metal rim.

Another spot could be where a second gas tank might go.

If you just go with a small flat all-in-one tool box, put it on the floor under a floor mat.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

I was going to put one of my smaller tool boxes in there, probably 12x6x8 or so. Once I posted this I went out and looked under my hood and realized there's nowhere for my box without moving a lot of stuff around. I can't put it under or behind the seat either, I have a standard cab.

Another thought I had come up with was mounting it somewhere up on the frame under the truck so it's out of sight, but that would be a pain in the ass to get to. I might have to get really creative to figure this out.

As far as what tools I'm taking: couple of screwdrivers and a few kinds of pliers, small socket set, hopefully some wrenches. Basically anything I would need to do any minor work I might need to do.

why not making a small compartiment with a lock inside the bed?

i guess thats why Ford gave 3" of back space to the cab in 98...

 

[rockin86ranger]

what do yall think about using computer cases to make one of these i can find room in my engine compartment for one. i just dont know whats the best stuff to use for cheap. and i have wanted to do this for years and just realized i had some junk computers

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i've been planning to stash a small toolbox on top of the spare tire.. just an idea.. not visible to thieves and more room than under the hood

 

[4x4mike2004]

i had one in my old k5, i used a 50cal ammo can. kept jumper cables, come duct tape, gloves, an some other stuff in there.

 

[GingerKid]

Well right now I do have the spare tire in the bed, but it's going back in it's original spot. The problem I would have with an compartment in the bed is that my quad goes in my bed a lot, and it barely fits in the empty bed. I have a cap for the bed, but I've been trying to avoid putting it back on because I don't want to have to take it off every time I take my quad out.

I did stop by walmart earlier and picked up a 19" stanley tool box that came with another 12" tool box inside. Might be able to find space under the hood for the small one and stash my little socket set and wrenches behind the seats. Or come up with a place to mount the bigger one on the frame. Or both. I'll look at it tomorrow when it's light out.

willievhook, I know what you mean. I used to have a K5 Blazer, and I could fit four good size toolboxes under the hood if I wanted to make mounts for them.

EDIT: I really like the ammo can idea, I could put one on each side of the bed and still be able to drive my quad up there. I could even do two at the front and two at the back if I got that ambitious. Now I gotta find a surplus place somewhere near me.

 

[4x4mike2004]

ebay is a great place for that stuff (ammo cans) or check this out

http://www.govliquidation.com/index.html

lots of good stuff there, but its it or miss.

 

[Slim]

As much as I like the idea I see one problem ..... y'ever grab something on the engine right after it's been running?

It's uhhh, it's just a little hot. And those tools ..... I bet they're made of steel, aren't they?!?!?!?


Then again, behind the battery, on top of the driver's side wheel well - nice spot for a flat kit.


Someone REALLY needs to make something that turns the tailgate into a storage area!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[idriveafordranger94]

Maybe you should look into buying a used "truck box." You know, the diamond plate or plastic boxes that sit on top of the bed rails. I have found plenty online that I have almost bought. There was a few really nice ones that the owners didn't have keys to. Replacement keys aren't too expensive either.