On the subject of the rear panel area...

[utherjorge]

I've seen this amazing build at this site:
http://www.reid.org/~dreid/89suburban/box/box.htm

I thought I could do that for my K5, as the panels have to come out anyway for a new floor. In other words, there's no reason to keep it stock at this point.

So, here are the things I would like to do, or have questions about regarding the driver's side area specifically on my K5:

1. Pretty much that whole set up from the link above is awesome, so if I did "just" that, I would be happy.

2. Add speakers of some variety. Now, not for the speakers so much, but if I buried some power tools in it, how much heat would I need to worry about?
2a: Like...what if I buried a small compressor in there? Using an access door to get at it when needed?
2b: If I put an aux battery back there, and inside there on the floor, what concerns have any of you run into? I worry about the run of heavier gauge wire connecting to the electrical system up front.

What other interests have you all run into? Ammo case? Lock box?

Last question, and I do apologize: I'm going to be cracking my baby open like a Christmas present in the next week or so for the first time, so I'm filled with energy. How much depth do I have between where the panels usually are and the fender?

Thanks to all. Complete noob questions, I know. I can't weld (yet) or replace my auto hubs for manual (again, yet) but build a good box and equip it electrically, that I can do.

 

[Big Ray]

that was a cool box build...I'm interested in what you come up with.

 

[utherjorge]

Me too...I'm a whiz with a rotozip!

Plus, since I'm relocating the spare outside, I might do the same on both sides, but I don't want to build a box just to do it.

 

[utherjorge]

OK, to update: old panels are out, and new fabbed up diamond plate rear floor is awaiting time to get put in. (full disclosure: I'm not doing it in my own truck; I hope I will be forgiven by the faithful)

I have the old panels, in bad shape though they are.

As I mentioned previously here, I want to build in some things in the bed area. However, is plywood the best thing to make the new panels out of? Pressure treated plywood? Steel? Aluminum?

I'd like to do this and do pics on the whole thing so people can see for future use, too. Ultimately, this will just be covered by outdoor carpet...and I might want to bolt/screw the new boxes in the far back to this new panel, so it'll have to have some heft to it.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

that was a cool box build...I'm interested in what you come up with.

Ditto, also don't forget the pics

 

[rockstarnrg4me]

That is an awesome box build in the link! I am also thinking about doing something along the lines of that too.. But to incorporate a sub box into it too and actually bring the box to the B pillars (I think its the B pillars, where the seat belts mount up) that way I can also put my amps on the side too... dunno if that may be something you want too. Just a thought

The thing I really like was he has AC aaaand DC plugs all water proof

Since I have been throwin this idea around with my buddies, one of them is a welder and said DIAMOND PLATE!! I said IF YOU BUY IT!! lol also metal doesn't do much for sound dampening, if anything it worsens the squeaks lol. Do you roll with the top off at all and park it? Another thing to think about too, locking it. (if you do roll with the top off)

Just a few ideas I myself have been throwing around. I do want to see what you end up doing since this is the weekend

-Brett

 

[utherjorge]

I still don't have my truck back from the f@#$#@& welder yet, though next weekend should be fine, but I have the rear seats in, so I don't think I could go all the way to the B's.