Looking for leaning post storage box/tray

[HighseasSeminole]

I'm reupholstering the leaning post on my 2000 Pathfinder 2200V and want to add a storage tray/box under the seat.  Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding a drop in box/tray that fits.

Anyone know where I can find one?

[MassJawbreaker]

I had the same issue until my wife dragged me to IKEA. I found a pair of plastic colanders that fit well and they have drain holes across the bottom. This allows essentially two levels of storage inside the post box and won't collect water. $5 ea, called "Grundvattnet."

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90314280/

[PGolz]

Product above looks handy but if I understand correct @HighseasSeminoleis looking for a replacement for the white plastic tray/tub that drops into the stainless tubing under the upholstery. I am looking for the same for my '02 2400V.

Did you ever find one??

[Chief5130]

Just get some starboard and make one.

[PGolz]

8 hours ago, Chief5130 said:

Just get some starboard and make one.

That looks good. What thickness starboard did you use? Can you share any tips on putting the stuff together? Have used it for hatches and mounting plates but never built a box out of it. Can you share any more pics of how it’s constructed and attached to the leaning post? 

[Chief5130]

1 hour ago, PGolz said:

That looks good. What thickness starboard did you use? Can you share any tips on putting the stuff together? Have used it for hatches and mounting plates but never built a box out of it. Can you share any more pics of how it’s constructed and attached to the leaning post? 

I will try to get more photos.  It is 1/2" starboard.

[HoneyB]

Found this on YouTube. If you can not buy a drop in box from a dealer this guy seems to have an instructional video for just what you want to do.

 

 

 

 

 

[Chief5130]

Before I get into how I made mine, I feel I must comment on the video above.  Two things I saw, or did not see that I would do.  First is I believe he use sheet metal screws to hold the box together.  I would never do that.  Sooner or latter the material will crack.  This material is great in compression but not so good in tension.  All of those fasteners should be drilled and tapped.  Next is the fasteners that hold the box to the aluminum frame should be installed with anti-seize.  They might have to be removed some day and there is a good chance without anti-seize that they are there for good.

First thing I did was to install the two end caps.  I made a template from plywood to get a good fit around all of the leaning post structure.  Using this template and a pattern router bit I used double face tape and taped the template to a piece of starboard that use cut just oversize and routed.  Routing also make for a very clean and smooth edge. Then I made the sides and bottom to fit.  All of the fasteners are 10-24 SS machine screws.

I have done a lot of starboard fabrication for myself and others and how I build now is a result of learning what works and what does not.

If you need any more info, just ask.

[PGolz]

On 2/14/2022 at 1:08 PM, Chief5130 said:

Before I get into how I made mine, I feel I must comment on the video above.  Two things I saw, or did not see that I would do.  First is I believe he use sheet metal screws to hold the box together.  I would never do that.  Sooner or latter the material will crack.  This material is great in compression but not so good in tension.  All of those fasteners should be drilled and tapped.  Next is the fasteners that hold the box to the aluminum frame should be installed with anti-seize.  They might have to be removed some day and there is a good chance without anti-seize that they are there for good.

First thing I did was to install the two end caps.  I made a template from plywood to get a good fit around all of the leaning post structure.  Using this template and a pattern router bit I used double face tape and taped the template to a piece of starboard that use cut just oversize and routed.  Routing also make for a very clean and smooth edge. Then I made the sides and bottom to fit.  All of the fasteners are 10-24 SS machine screws.

I have done a lot of starboard fabrication for myself and others and how I build now is a result of learning what works and what does not.

If you need any more info, just ask.

 

Great info, very helpful and seeing the pictures gave me some good ideas of what I want to do. Are the holes in the aluminum tubing tapped as well?

I have a router but am new to using it, what type of bit do you need to trace a template like you did? Are you using a router table?

 

Last, how is this brush holder made? I see multiple layesr of board but no fasteners holding it together.

On 2/14/2022 at 1:08 PM, Chief5130 said:

 

 

 

 

Thanks!

[Chief5130]

I did drill and tap the aluminum too. 

Below is a photo of one of the bits I use.  It is called a pattern bit.  I do have my router in a table.

Some of the templates I have used and some of the things you can make with them.

[BradM]

I'm so glad Chief found his way back to the forum, and most of you will be, too! 

[Moderator]

Agree !!

Your work is beautiful, Chiefs 

Thank you for sharing it again !

MM