No Toolbox

[78 Chevyrado]

I took my toolbox off to find rust underneath it, So since it's off I've left it off for about a week now and I'm starting to think the truck looks way nicer and cleaner without it.

Nasty


I've also decided that after I get springs and shocks on there, I need a spray in bedliner.  It'll be color matched and Over the Rail.  I'm tired of having to be so careful when actually working the truck, it makes a lot of jobs 38% harder having to be so careful of the rails.  After last weekend, Hauled 3 loads of scrap steel and 9 loads of wood scraps, etc.  I was cussing the rails and the the kids were getting as tired of me making them watch out as I was telling them to.  This will also allow me to get rid of the SS protector strip on the tailgate while I'm at it.  I talked to the linex guy today and it sounds like I really want it.  Can't go wrong getting it.


So on to another whachutink.  Should I keep the toolbox or not.  I think in the last year I've only used it 10 times or less.  I have time to think on it, but if I keep the box I don't need to have the mounting holes in the rails welded up, and if I do get rid of the box, I can have them welded up now and the bedliner will cover it up like it never happened.


There are some pics WITH the toolbox here:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=20006.0


Here's a couple a pics without the toolbox I took today.  It seems to look nicer or something.





Maybe, if I go without the box, I'll put the cab trim on it later to fill the gap under the window.

[slammed79]

I like it! I've never been a fan of the over the beside toolboxes, I've got mine in the bed itself.

[jaredts]

If you really don't use it, I guess you're better off without it.  I do think it looks good both ways, though.  I don't have one now but have liked having a box to easily stash stuff in on other trucks I've owned.

[beastie_3]

I would weld up the holes and spray the rails. When you come across a need for the box, there are J clamps that grip under the bed rail to lock in the box. Dont be confused with the J hooks which grab the rail lip-those bend the metal. Ill get you a link if you want.

[78 Chevyrado]

I would weld up the holes and spray the rails. When you come across a need for the box, there are J clamps that grip under the bed rail to lock in the box. Dont be confused with the J hooks which grab the rail lip-those bend the metal. Ill get you a link if you want.

I would love that link!  If those will work well, I'd rather do that in any case.  I don't like holes, they rust almost no matter what you do to them.

[bake74]

     I agree with everyone else, I don't like the tool boxes over the rails, and beastie has a great point, when you need it you can use it then take it off.

[VileZambonie]

You could leave the holes and just plug them with a body plug. if you decide to ever put in the tool box it's no big deal to just pop the plugs out.

[beastie_3]

These will work for you. You can order them online or go to any truck accessory store that sells tool boxes or Leer brand camper shells. A good Leer dealer will have these in stock because it offers a no drill installation for their shells because of the shell design. I used to work for a store for 5 years and customers like the no drill option. In the link, you can see the difference between the two clamps I was talking about, and you can see why the J hook would damage the lip. The clamp grips the underside of the rail, not the edge. 13 bucks is a fair price if you cant find them locally.

http://www.buyautotruckaccessories.com/product.cfm/cf-bin/pn.challenger-toolbox-mounting-kit/

[Blazin]

I always have chest style tool boxes in my trucks. I don't like them on top of the rails for looks and for visibility.

[Grim 82]

It looks cleaner without it, but not bad by any means with it. I always run with an over the rails lockable tool box because most of the chest style boxes aren't wide enough to fit a cased long gun, hi-lift jack, etc.

[78 Chevyrado]

Thanks beastie, I'll get some of them if I decide to get another toolbox.  I'm liking it a LOT better without it.   


Now I just have to decide rather I want a Black of color matched line-X bedliner.  It will be over the rail, to cover up the damage from the toolbox and from use.  I want the color matched one, but its like $685 for a black liner with the XTRA part (which I want), or it's $960 for a color matched one.  It's only like $300 more, but I don't like the sound of a $1000+ bedliner. 

What yall think?  Think it's worth price the difference?

[zieg85]

Awesome look either way.  I haven't had a toolbox in quite a while due to a cap on my worker.  I will probably go with a low profile for the yellow one just to add some contrast to the all yellow truck

[VileZambonie]

Here's a suggestion - If you want to save some money, pick up a gallon of rustoleum bedliner and get a cheap undercoating gun. You can do it yourself for under $100 bucks. If you want it really thick buy two gallons and apply a second coat after 24hrs. I did one recently for someone and it came out real nice.