opening under bed tool box

[pasty63]

I never received a key to the underbed toolbox on my truck from the PO. What's the best way to "break in" to these and replace the latch. I've whacked the bottom a couple times to see if I could tell if anything was in there - sounds like tire chains - could be gold dubloons though!

Thanks

[foghorn]

Might try drilling the lock out.




Foggy

[kaptnkaos]

Hey pasty63,

I second the drill... I just did it this evening on the bump trailer.

I used about a 1/8 or 3/16 bit to drill out the center...
I kinda went around the inside, to remove the tumblers.
Then I was able to use a tack remover to pop the lockset out ...
now the box latches closed and I can open it.
I only found some tranny fluid and a couple short 4x4's ...
No weed or gold dabloons or nothin' cool like that...
The 4x4's will probably come in handy since it ain't got no brakes...

KaptnKA S

[pasty63]

Thanks guys. I was hoping there was a super secret fordification method involving the sacrifice of a chevy flexplate or radiator mounts (I have extras). I'll fetch the drill.

[fordman]

well what did you find? gold silver or iron oxide?

[pasty63]

Well, it was my first guess - a set of chains for 235/85-16's or 7.50 x 16's. Not bad shape - one link needs repair. I have another set of 4 in the same size. Too bad the truck has 265/75 -16's. Anyway, thanks to Kap'n Kaos. The drill around the key hole trick worked great - I can still use the latch. The box is in great shape - definitely worthy of a new latch lock.

Thanks again.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Pasty...

Glad it worked for ya...
I would have been happy to have found chains in mine...
I just found a couple bottles of ATF and two pieces of 4x4...
I don't have a vehicle that uses the that type of ATF.
Maybe, I should post it on ebay as "rare" vintage ATF and put a reserve of $1000 on it ...

Got this link from Tim P. for a new latch. not a bad price either.
They actually list a couple sizes so I'm not sure if this is the right one or not...
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... _200326962

KaptnKA S

[Tim P.]

Hey Pasty...

Glad it worked for ya...
I would have been happy to have found chains in mine...
I just found a couple bottles of ATF and two pieces of 4x4...
I don't have a vehicle that uses the that type of ATF.
Maybe, I should post it on ebay as "rare" vintage ATF and put a reserve of $1000 on it ...

Got this link from Tim P. for a new latch. not a bad price either.
They actually list a couple sizes so I'm not sure if this is the right one or not...
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... _200326962


KaptnKA S

take a measurement of yours one of the two will work I never had to replace mine but was curious if they were available when I stumbled upon them in northern tools. the locks are available thru a lock shop take your old one in and have them set you up.

[Pipes71]

Now that you are all adept at drilling through locks..I know a few places with safes ..or a um..err.locks that need to be drilled..

[Tim P.]

Get your own bits we want to keep ours sharp

[Wotan]

On a related note - I have an underbed tool box on my 69 F350, but the door is missing. The door opening is 27" wide, by 14" tall. Any chance of finding one of these around anywhere, or does anybody know a good source for an aftermarket replacement?

Thanks,
Andy

1969 Ford F-350 - "Wotan"

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Andy...

Probably your best bet for finding a complete door is on e-bay...
I'm pretty sure there is one on there now...

KaptnKA S

[Tim P.]

I have an extra one