Installed an underhood toolbox

[Pegtop]

Since there’s not a lot of storage space in our bumps, I’ve been wanting to build and install a toolbox under the hood for some time now. I came to the realization that simply bolting in a waterproof otterbox was probably the simplest way to go and would provide a weather tight seal. Bought a little vintage Ford sticker on eBay to cover up the Otterbox logo and it’s all done! Thought others might be interested and it took about 15 minutes to install.

[Busboy]

Nice!

[Cal2121]

Great idea. What is the part number on the Otterbox? Thank you

[Pegtop]

I actually purchased a Pelican brand case on eBay. It's called a Pelican Storm case iM2075-X0000. I chose a case with no foam inside to save space but if you want it with the foam the case # is iM2075-X0001. Dimensions are 11.80" x 9.80" x 7.70" (30 x 24.9 x 19.6 cm) on the exterior and 9.50" x 7.50" x 7.25" (24.1 x 19 x 18.4 cm) on the interior. This particular one has the latches on the side and not on the front. I suppose you could get a bigger case under the hood of your truck but I found it difficult to find deep cases that were weren't completely oversized. For the install, I already had holes on the driver's side fender well from presumably a battery that used to sit there. I drilled 4 holes through the case, popped in some washers and bolts, sprayed a bit of gravel guard inside the fender well over the protruding bolts and was all done.

[Cal2121]

Thanks a bunch for all of that info. It looks good and serves a good purpose!

[tsherry]

For a very on-the-cheap version, I used an old cordless drill case that I hollowed out, used some closed-cell foam weatherstripping for a seal, and then bolted it in on the LF fenderwell. Used it for pliers, vice grips, screwdrivers, a set of HF combo wrenches, spare fuses, electrical tape and a couple extra turn signal bulbs. Picked up the case at Goodwill for $0.50, no drill included.

[geradr4]

Nice mod. It's my first time to see a toolbox inside the engine bay.