Rear Drawer Project
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 328
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From: London, ON
Rear Drawer Project
I thought it would be nice to have a bunch of my gear in a drawer system instead of in Action Packer-type Rubbermaid bins. The idea being that I could easily remove the set-up, but still have some flat surface to use on a regular, day-to-day basis. I figured I could try to build something out of scrap plywood and see where it went from there.
My dad is a hobby woodworker, I'm just good enough to be dangerous, so between the two of us this is what we threw together in a couple of hours and then took a few minutes the next day to paint and glue on the matting and fasten hardware.
We used scrap maple 3/4" plywood throughout. No drawer hardware like slides or tracks were used, just friction fit and arm strength to pull the drawers out. I picked up some recessed handles / tie-downs from Princess Auto, as well as some small D-rings. I stole some rubber matting off his shop floor for a no-slip surface to strap stuff down to on the top of the drawers. There are 98 1-1/2" screws and carpenter's glue holding the box and drawers together. There are 6 D-rings on top to strap down other gear. The size is 34"w x 28"d x 7"h. There is nothing to keep the drawers secured shut other than the back door and the weight of the contents. I could probably be on a steep incline before worrying about the drawers sliding open when I open the door.
Real craftsmen will be appalled at the outcome. Sorry. This was essentially Version 1.0 - protoyping the design and function of the system. I might keep it, or sell it, or burn it to destroy all evidence! I will entertain all comments and questions. I'm not going to change what you don't like, although I may use your ideas if I build a Version 2.0!
The pictures...
My dad is a hobby woodworker, I'm just good enough to be dangerous, so between the two of us this is what we threw together in a couple of hours and then took a few minutes the next day to paint and glue on the matting and fasten hardware.
We used scrap maple 3/4" plywood throughout. No drawer hardware like slides or tracks were used, just friction fit and arm strength to pull the drawers out. I picked up some recessed handles / tie-downs from Princess Auto, as well as some small D-rings. I stole some rubber matting off his shop floor for a no-slip surface to strap stuff down to on the top of the drawers. There are 98 1-1/2" screws and carpenter's glue holding the box and drawers together. There are 6 D-rings on top to strap down other gear. The size is 34"w x 28"d x 7"h. There is nothing to keep the drawers secured shut other than the back door and the weight of the contents. I could probably be on a steep incline before worrying about the drawers sliding open when I open the door.
Real craftsmen will be appalled at the outcome. Sorry. This was essentially Version 1.0 - protoyping the design and function of the system. I might keep it, or sell it, or burn it to destroy all evidence! I will entertain all comments and questions. I'm not going to change what you don't like, although I may use your ideas if I build a Version 2.0!
The pictures...
Last edited by deeker; Aug 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM. Reason: Someone made a typographical error.
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands, La
Nice Job Deeker..I had the same thing in my Toyota FJ. The only difference is I had the drawers on metal ball bearing rails and I had a hook and latch system to keep the drawers closed. Sorry no pics of it but I plan on making another, Version 2.0 as you say for my JEEP.
Todd
Todd
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 19
From: Wenatchee, Washington
Nice. I built something similar 20+ years ago for my old full-size Chevy Blazer. It worked GREAT!
Suspect that you'll be very happy with that. Have been thinking about building another one for my two-door JK that normally runs around w/no rear seat.
CW
Suspect that you'll be very happy with that. Have been thinking about building another one for my two-door JK that normally runs around w/no rear seat.
CW