Cut bed to fit chest ?
 

Hi guys/ladies

Gotta bit of a moral issue, I'm looking for a tool chest for my girls Dakeri to store sand in this winter. I found a Delta diamond plate aluminum one for a full size truck that is nearly a perfect fit, but it would require cutting into the bed rail top nearly an inch on each side (0.85" to be exact). She wants to Line-X the bed after we take out the crappy bed liner anyway so the cut area will be sealed. The question is will it affect integrity of the bed?

What? Don't cut the truck,.. If you want that box, have someone that welds aluminum
& cut THAT to size. Don't cut the truck.

a spacer?
 

What about a plywood spacer under the box is that what you need more height or is the width the problem

oops now I see its the width cant help you on that.

Cut section out of box. Rivit end back on. Easy

what about getting a different tool box? haha

If you are just cutting the bed rail and thats it you wont notice a difference unless you are abusing your truck. You could weld in supports to beef it up after you cut it but it isnt necessary. I know my bed rail is pretty thin and flimsy. I had my atv in the back of my bed and I had to jam on the brakes well the extra weight pushed the top part of my bed into my cab. So its not strong to begin with.

For the effort, cut the box. Or, just make one. I got a nice Alum. box off ebay years ago that is solid, and the guy will make any size you want. I think it was $50

I wouldn't cut the bed. Just look for a toolbox for midsized trucks, most of the truck box companies make them they are just a little hard to find.

Tractor Supply carry's one that will fit either mid size or compact size trucks, Just ask for SKU# 1091729. I agree, don't cut the bed

Well I've decided against cutting the box. I found a perfect fitting one at believe it or not Lowe's. It a Kobalt one for full size that looks like it was made in for Dakota's. To boot it's a couple bucks cheaper.