Storage draws!

Joshd

New Member
I'm currently trying to design some storage draws for my vitara, having alot of blank ideas for it.
I've been looking at alot of designs on the net but still having trouble what i want.

I'm going to remove the back seats making it a 2 seater so i've got that room in the back to play with. I'm trying to decide do i need a draw for a fridge or not, currently don't have a fridge but I can borrow one whenever i want. Also I want at least 2 or more draws. One for Recovery gear, FIrst aid kit. Another for General tools and maybe one for spare parts for when something happens (but just spares like leads, filters, spark plugs that kind of junk.)

Also I'm Getting roof racks, so anything that can be in the weather will be on the roof.

Any ideas or solutions or just any input would be great guys.

thanks
Josh
 

rodw

New Member
Something like this I made up for my 1992 4 door Vitara?

895411_IMG_0438.jpg


The rack is held in by 8 bolts and can be quickly removed.

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I decided that drawers would waste too much space so I just used plastic tubs underneath for all my tools and recovery gear.

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Gas bottle at the rear:

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The fridge section was a bit longer and I could still fold one seat down to make a 3 seater.

576368_IMG_0441.jpg


Don't know if it would fit your car but I would be willing to sell it if it would work for you. I still have it all but you would have to remake the frame for the parcel shelf. I am still using this as it fits nicely into my Hilux and have plans to modify it in the new year so if somebody wanted this, I would remake it from scratch to suit my Hilux. Fridge runners are 100 kg drawer slides and the fridge is a 35 litre Waeco which is all I could fit into the Vitara.
 
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rodw

New Member
I forgot to add, I have a roofrack I made up too. designed to carry a Spare tyre, 20 litre Jerry can, axe and a gas bottle. If you took the rack, you could have it but I might keep some the fittings

IMG_1039lowres.jpg
 

thrower78

New Member
Draw construction

Hi Rodw, the frame in the pics that you have made your draws out of. Is it aluminium? Do the lengths just push together with joiners with ply on the outside? I just can't see any welding?

Thanks Andrew
 

rodw

New Member
The product I used is Capral Qubelok (if I spelt that right). I clips together using plastic connectors and I cut it with a wood drop saw. The pics above was my first attempt. With a different car, here is my second attempt:

DSC_4174.jpg


I have gone to a lot of trouble in this one to make sure there is no weight held by the plastic connectors. Been in 4 months and it hasn't moved! Drawers I reckon are rated for 200 kg each

Few more pics.

DSC_3943.jpg


DSC_3937.jpg


I still use the Vitara storage rack in my Hilux shown here in a partially finished form
DSC_3967.jpg


The darn thing is about 3mm too wide and stops me from opening the hatches over the wheel arches so I have to modify it or start from scratch.


DSC_3960.jpg


Here's what I cut it with but I did spring for an aluminium blade on my second attempt!

DSC_3938.jpg


And here's the original plan. You got to draw a 3D plan to work out the number of each type of connector you need (6 kinds). I didin't follow it exactly though!
 

rodw

New Member
Thats looks like a great setup, gives me some ideas for my Paj.

Yeh Thanks, the ute is packed to the rafters tonight ready for an early Boxing Day departure to Moreton Island, so I will try and take some up to date pics tomorrow.
 

Davidman

5th Annual Victorian Gathering member
Great set up RodW, the pics are probably enough to inspire me to get to work on mine.

Thanks
 

rodw

New Member
No worries guys. Get the ally from a specialist supplier. Bunnings sell the fittings at a good price but they are too dear on the aluminium SHS.
 

Big_Col

New Member
Rodw - that is exactly what I've been looking for to use in the back of my ute. It looks like a top job. U have inspired me to go to bunnings today! (Like I need an excuse).

PS - is that a water tank at the end? How did you go about doing that?
 
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rodw

New Member
Rodw - that is exactly what I've been looking for to use in the back of my ute. It looks like a top job. U have inspired me to go to bunnings today! (Like I need an excuse).

PS - is that a water tank at the end? How did you go about doing that?

Col, Sorry I have been busy giving a mate a hand to fit a body lift today. Don't get the SHS from Bunnings but All the aluminium shops I rang were closed until 11th Jan. The plastic bits are well priced at Bunnings though.

Yes I have a 110 litre stainless steel water tank a friend made for me. It is connected to a pressure pump and shower system
 

Big_Col

New Member
Great Idea for the tank. Thanks for the advice on the ally. I dropped into Bunnings and I couldn't find the fittings but I didn't have a good look - I was being rushed by the powers that be. This type of drawer system seems much easier than others I have been looking at in the way of putting together. I will be looking into this more.
 

rodw

New Member
Great Idea for the tank. Thanks for the advice on the ally. I dropped into Bunnings and I couldn't find the fittings but I didn't have a good look - I was being rushed by the powers that be. This type of drawer system seems much easier than others I have been looking at in the way of putting together. I will be looking into this more.

Just make sure you build it in such a way that there is no weight on any of the plastic bits.
 

The Roadrunner

New Member
Gday i have not long brought a 5 door vitara and was looking at an idea like this for mine did it add much wait to the vit or power loss
 
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