Building a Tacoma console Strong box

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OK so this is my first welding project. I am trying to build a strong box that will fit in the console of my Tacoma. I have completed the template and will be getting the steal this weekend to start transferring the pattern and cutting it. I am thinking 1/16 thickness should be enough. Any suggestions?Century AC 100 stick (dead but trying to fix it)Everlast PA 160 STHhttp://www.riograndehatters.comhttp://www.texashatcleaners.com
Reply:Wutcha putting inside the box?  1/16 should be strong enough.  Can't wait for pics.  Good luck!-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:Originally Posted by rabidchimpWutcha putting inside the box?  1/16 should be strong enough.  Can't wait for pics.  Good luck!-Aaron
Reply:You should spend more time keeping in blending in with the rest of the truck than anything.  you are an easy target if it looks like you have a safe in your truck.  It's really easy to get into a vehicle either knocking the window out or with a long reach tool, but the newer ones have alarms so the thief will really want to smash and grab.   Your goals should be #1 camouflage and #2 adding a bit of difficulty to the typical smash and grab.  IMO of course but hey, does your truck get broken into faster with your wallet laying on the seat or in the glove box?
Reply:Make it hard to pry the lid up (tight fit and/or recessed at the edges).  Make the hinge and lock hard to attack.  Make sure the lid is stiff enough that it can't be dented in and then pried.  Hiding/camouflaging it is a good idea too as cd19 mentioned.
Reply:You just need a big sticker on the top of it that says "I work for a living, therefor i'm broke ".  interested in seeing the build come together. good luck.JobSmart MIG125Lincoln AC225-SLincoln Pro-Mig 175Dewalt GrindersRidgid ChopsawIR Garage Mate CompressorAny thing worth doing, is worth doing right.
Reply:This is cool beans man! I was thinking about doing this. Can't wait to see how it comes out.
Reply:I just leave my ccw in the glove box.  Its inconspicuous and doesn't draw attention.BTW, what do you carry?  My new ccw is a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm.
Reply:looks good, but how will the top be hinged?if you haven't already, look up the console vault.i've got the console vault one and lock up my valuables in it.
Reply:Stopped by the metal shop today and picked up this 3/16 plate. I went with 3/16 because of my lack of welding skill I seem to burn thru anything thinner. Should I hit it with 6013 or 7018? It's about to get crazy up in hurr!Century AC 100 stick (dead but trying to fix it)Everlast PA 160 STHhttp://www.riograndehatters.comhttp://www.texashatcleaners.com
Reply:I hope they didnt charge for that cut
Reply:I've been building some boxes for under the bed of my truck.  I think 6013 or 7018 either would be fine, I prefer 7018,  I migged mine lot faster and easier.  Just weld a few inches at a top and skip side to side to avoid heat buildup and warping.  I done 1/8" on mine had to go slow and skip around a lot to avoid warping on it yours will be a little easier with 3/16
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmanjayStopped by the metal shop today and picked up this 3/16 plate. I went with 3/16 because of my lack of welding skill I seem to burn thru anything thinner. Should I hit it with 6013 or 7018? It's about to get crazy up in hurr!
Reply:Originally Posted by blackwaterstoutHow much did you end up paying for that piece?
Reply:I started cutting my pattern today. I am using a 4.5 inch angle grinder so it is going slow but I'm on my way.Century AC 100 stick (dead but trying to fix it)Everlast PA 160 STHhttp://www.riograndehatters.comhttp://www.texashatcleaners.com
Reply:Here is the fit up. I cleaned up the edges and tried to grind them to fit perfectly. I still have some grinding to go but it is looking better. I figure I weld it together then grind it more to slightly round the edges.Century AC 100 stick (dead but trying to fix it)Everlast PA 160 STHhttp://www.riograndehatters.comhttp://www.texashatcleaners.com
Reply:Looks good. If it is not too late, you really should try and fit the corner joints so they meet like this (taking from ZT's cart build thread I just go done reading..  It makes welding and grindind sooo much easier and the end result is always better than a standard butt joint.http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc1038d61.jpg
Reply:So I got some of the welding done today. I am using my Everlast inverter 160 STH running DC on 220 power. I started using some Lincoln 3/32 7018ac sticks and I was getting a lot of worm holes in my welds so I switched to some Lincoln 3/32 6013 rods and the welds got a little better. My 6013 bead:I figured that if I can grind down the welds and it looks like one peice of metal and still holds together after I try to hit it with a 3lbs hammer then it must be a good weld.So here it is coming together. I still have a little more to do but it is looking good.Last edited by ironmanjay; 12-08-2013 at 09:44 PM.Century AC 100 stick (dead but trying to fix it)Everlast PA 160 STHhttp://www.riograndehatters.comhttp://www.texashatcleaners.com
Reply:You could upholster it after completion so it blends with the rest of the interior if the console doesn't fully conceal it.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallYou could upholster it after completion so it blends with the rest of the interior if the console doesn't fully conceal it.