29 Jan 2012

Rear Storage Base Plate

Well I'm now in the process of sorting out the rear storage solution for my FJ. I've figured on using Off Road Systems pre engineered carcases for the drawer system. However I first needed to lay down a base to mount it to. This entry describes this initial process.

Components
  • 1060mm x 850mm x 14mm Marine Ply
  • 2M x 2M Grey Marine Carpet
  • 1L Carpet Adhesive
  • 4 x M6 x 40mm Bolts

  1. First was to rip the Marine Ply to size. The sheet I bought was around 2M x 2M, so I needed to trim it to 1060mm x 850mm.
  2. Once trimed, I needed to round off the corners closest to the rear door. This was simply a case of tracing the curve, cutting with a jigsaw then cleaning up the cuts with a sander.
  3. After checking that the base plate fits properly, with around 5mm skirting around it to allow for the carpet, it was time to cover it. First step is to measure out the piece of carpet required; I dropped the board on to the carpet I then added about a 200mm boarder to it allow for folding over.
  4. Application of the adhesive is pretty simple; just poar it on, use an adhesive "V" spreader tool to get the right depth on the board, then wait for the adhesive to go tacky (usually about 10 mins). Once tacky, place the board onto the carpet mat and use a roller or something similar to make sure its in complete contact.
  5. Once the top has been stuck down and allowed to set, turn the board over and stick down the edges one side at a time. I used a piece of left over board to hold the section down with clamps.
  6. Next job is to remove the tie down points in the rear. A 10mm socket is all thats required. Once removed, the rear bolt holes are now "open", if you climb under the car you can look up through them.
  7. Place the base into the car and put something heavy on top of it to secure in place. Grab a drill and from under the car, drill up through the "open" holes. These holes only need to be guide holes, so use a small bit that won't damage the thread. Once drilled, remove the base plate and enlarge the holes to 6mm in order to fit the new bolts.
  8. I used M6 hex head 40mm bolts and re-used the tie down anchor brackets to install the base board.
1. Laying down the marine carpet, pinning down each side.

2. Carpet all set in place.

3. Finished product; ready to install

4. Base board installed, longer bolts used, however anchor brackets re-used.

16 Jan 2012

Forest Tool Max-Ax

Happy 2012 to everyone and my first post of the year (don't worry it can only get better from here!).

Well, I finally got my Max Ax today. For those not familiar with this product; its an axe based tool with the ability to add a pick, shovel, matock or McCloud tool attachments. The axe comes with a heavy leather sheath and a balistic nylon tool case that holds the attachments. This tool case has loops in the back that can be hooked around the handle of the axe (or something else).

The one I got was a military version, which is the same as a normal version, just OD green (was the only one the seller had!). Its standard equiptment on US army vehicles and I had the fortune of using a firefighting version when I was in the fire service.

I got mine through a reseller on ebay, as finding someone who will ship these from the US is a pretty tough work. Be prepared to pay around $100 AUS for the privilage of shipping this product as its around 13lbs.

Max Ax website is here: www.maxax.com/