$50 GQ storage boxes

[Devious 4x4]

Hey guys. I thought id share one of my DIY projects. My GQ needed some form of rear storage, having big plastic tubs strapped down in the back to hold all my recovery gear etc was just taking up too much room and all the bumping around of 4wding sees the boxes getting broken all the time. Not to mention the sub box I had in there with 2x12" subs taking up a heap of room!

I didn't want drawers as I need the height in the back for the kids bikes to go in and the potential to run the dickie seats is also handy with 3 kids.

So.....I decided to use the 'wasted' space over the rear wheel arches, by making up a storage compartment that also incorporates a speaker box.

First I stripped out the rear of the GQ.




I refitted the RH side trim, it is out in this pic to run the wiring needed for the fridge.

Then I had to get the materials needed for the job. I bought....

3 sheets of MDF, 2x 1200x900x12mm thick 1x 600x900x12mm thick, 4 small hinges, 2 pairs of magnetic door catches, 2 handles, some right angle brackets, some screws and liquid nails. All the materials cost $50.25 at my local bunnings.




I then transferred my plans to the MDF, I was able to make most of the panels required for one side from 1 sheet of MDF, the smaller sheet was needed for the partition and one of the ends.



Then I simply cut it all out, planed all the edges and screwed it all together and trial fitted it.




Then once I was happy with the fit of the main box, I then cut and fitted the end piece that is closest to the front of the car, which matched the profile of the wheel arch, and I made a divider, which also follows the profile of the wheel arch, to separate the storage box section from the speaker box section. Sorry, no pics of this but I can take if you want!

Then I fitted the magnetic door holders to keep the lids closed, the handles (which I now don't like!) and cut the speaker holes for the 6x9 speakers.




All I need to do now is fit the power sockets once I work out where I want the fridge to go, and carpet the whole lot.

And the boxes dont look really big to look at.....



But just in the left one, I have 2 snatch straps, a tree trunk protector, winch controller, recovery blanket, 2 pairs of gloves, tow hitch recovery point, 2 ratchet straps, a couple of cans of various lubes and cleaners, bow shackles, some rags, the jack, jack handle and wheel brace. That leaves the RH side for things like spare oils, parts etc.

Thanks for looking!