DIY Network

	AUTOS & BOATS Index
	Auto Restoration & Kit Cars Air Conditioning Automotive Body Work Automotive Cooling System Electrical Systems Exhaust System Fuel Systems Boats Brakes Buying Detailing Engine Exterior Interior Parts & Accessories Safety Security Small Engines Stereo Suspension Tires Tools Trailers Transmission Vehicle Types Windows

Best of Autos Boats

Classic Car Restoration
Preventive Maintenance
Ultimate Car-Care Guide

SPONSOR LINKS

Replace Headlights
Replace Door Panel

Ultimate Truck Bed

Trick out your truck for professional-grade storage.

From "Wasted Spaces"
episode DWSP-213

(Continued from page 3)

The ultimate truck box is built, but it’s not ready to hit the road yet: Karl and Matt load the unit into the truck and fasten it down, then add finishing touches like wax for the drawers, brackets to keep the drawers in place and weatherproofing.

Installing the Truck Box

Paste wax on the runners will keep the drawers sliding free.

Turn the brackets out of the way to open the drawers.

If the drawers are in the unit, remove them and set aside before installation.
With help from a friend, set the completed box on the tailgate, lift it into the truck and slide it halfway in.
Use drywall screws to attach the wing boxes to the main box.
Push the entire unit into place. Use galvanized L-brackets to screw the unit to the truck bed.
Rub paste wax along the runners on the bottoms of the drawers and slide the drawers into the storage unit.
Screw small metal brackets to the ends of the vertical dividers so that they overlap the drawers slightly. This will keep the drawers from sliding out when the tailgate is down; rotate the brackets out of the way to open the drawers.
To help weatherproof the drawer unit, cut a wide strip of rubber liner to cover the drawers completely and overlap the top of the unit by about 1 foot.
Position the rubber liner and nail it to the unit using roofing nails. Drive a nail about every 6 inches. The liner will keep water and debris off the drawers, but will flip up for easy access.
Lay a pre-purchased truck bed liner on top of the box. Choose a liner that covers the entire unit.
Note: Make sure the rubber liner is in the "down" position over the drawers before putting the truck bed liner in place. Otherwise, it could be trapped under the purchased liner.
Use L-brackets to attach the purchased truck bed liner to the truck. This tricked-out truck bed is a great home away from home for all Matt's must-haves.