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Cut bed to fit chest ?

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Old Oct 4, 2011 | 04:26 PM
  #1  
Toad's Ride's Avatar
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Default 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?
 
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Old Oct 4, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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Default 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.
 
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Old Oct 4, 2011 | 08:14 PM
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Cut section out of box. Rivit end back on. Easy
 
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Old Oct 4, 2011 | 09:47 PM
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what about getting a different tool box? haha
 
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Old Oct 5, 2011 | 12:25 AM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2011 | 07:05 AM
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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
 
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Old Oct 5, 2011 | 07:13 AM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2011 | 10:59 AM
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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
 
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Old Oct 5, 2011 | 12:17 PM
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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.
 
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