iHenning

We have a problem with thieves in my city. And since the Cherokee is such an easy target, and mine being thrashed in a burglar attempt a few weeks back (cost the insurance $5000 to fix (stupid prices here)), I decided to hide my belongings in two drawers.

Its build't of 10 mm MDF. Would use at least 16 mm if I had to do it again.





The bottom, lifter 40mm from the floor to let the drawers clear the lock.


I made a sandwich of two 110mm high lengths of MDF as supports for the drawers and the top plate. And a single length of MDF between the drawers (will use a sandwich there as well next time). The whole thing is secured through the floor with an M6 rod with rubber and steel washers, and locking nuts.


I reused an old floor mat from an VW Caravelle.


Used the handles from an ammo crate


And the only item that did not fit into the drawers.

joe1992

Great idea! like it!

RTorrez1

I had one of those in my work Suburban when I worked Hazardous Waste Emergency Response. The do conceal a lot and I do want one for my XJ.
Did you mount it to the floor or is removable? I want mine to be removable just in case I need that little extra room.
Good Job.

iHenning

I got the idea from the 24 show with Jack Bauer

It is mounted to the floor with 4 nuts. So it can be removed with a little work. The total height is only 160 mm (approx. 5 inches), so I don't loose to much space. I want a roof rack as well, but they start at $1000 around here for a cheap one, so I might build one.

I will fasten the rubber mats with a heavy duty stapler as soon as I get back home. They look a little flimsy right now.

RTorrez1

Hey, As long it keeps your stuff out of sight of those a$$ hole thieves, That's all that matters. I'm not in a real big rush for mine since my window are so dark you can't see in it anyways. But, I do want the storage.

tallboy5280

The Only part that sucks is the spare tire mount becomes unusable! other than that, that looks great, good job!

iHenning

The spare tire was already exchange for a spare tire spray. When the roof rack gets done I will lock a spare tire on-top.

b. lee

Dang! Where do you live?

I like the box, very clean install and very functional. I need to build a secure box in mine just to keep stuff from landing on my head in a rollover.

crux

Just make a cutout if you want to keep the spare in the back. Looks like there is more than enough room for the left drawer to clear.

iHenning

Norway...

There is plenty of room for a spare tire if thats needed. The cargo-latch holes decides the with of the drawers.

The drawers are on "tracks", so until I can find a solution to lock them while driving, they pop up every time I accelerate, and close on braking. In the plans I though about using handles that would lock as well, like the dashboard glovebox. but I can't find any around here.

b. lee

Keep it simple, drill a 1/4" or 5/16 hole through the top and down into the drawer fronts and drop in a bolt.

* Edit *

You're in Norway, make those 6mm or 8mm bolts.

Dan91

Looks awesome man. Exactly what I'm planning on doing for mine. Don't suppose you wrote down dimensions or sketched out the bottom piece? (I'm out of the country and can't get to my Jeep to measure it lol)

iHenning

I thought about such a solution, but I want to keep the floor clear, and make the solution glove friendly. The choice of 10mm MDF hampers many solutions as well.

I can post my drawings tomorrow.

iHenning

Here are the drawings. Sorry for the not-so-crystal-clear font.

The bottom part, holes market from underside the vehicle with a rod directly to the MDF. So no markings no the drawing.


The top piece, the curves I cut in cardboard with a pair of scissors and the transferred to the MDF.


The holes in the top MDF.


A cargo net I sewed (under supervision of my better half). Will fasten it with carabiners. I have already mounted brackets in the seat-belts mount for the rear seats.

WolfNman

I like that. Some more storage and not much lost space.