On Board Tool Box

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Just want to give some specs on my toolbox. It is 48" long, 48" wide and about 14" high. The drawers are just about 46" inside. The slides are 36" full length heavy duty units rated at 300# each set! The slides cost $150 a set through McMaster-Carr. If you guys are doing full-length slides, don't skimp on some cheapies from Lowes or Home Depot as you will be very disappointed in the longevity. I spent all total $600 in that toolbox and it is worth every penny! With the 90# winch in the drawer and it is slid out all the way, it slides in with very little effort!

[Astrophysics]

I like the back up lights in the rear bumper. Did you use a large hole saw to cut a round hole in the bumper or just a starter hole and a jig saw?

thanks,

Astrophysics
2003 AWD

[dunedog]

Hole saw
Yes it was a throw away when I was done

[T.Low]

Thanks for the excellent responses.

Some basic hand tool questions.

Is the Astro a combination of metric and standard? Do you guys carry a size run of standard combo wrenches, too?

Sockets: Which sizes would be most important and are there any that would be considered a waste of space and weight? A long extensions needed?

I haven't hid a spare key any where yet, either.

[T.Low]

I like the back up lights in the rear bumper. Did you use a large hole saw to cut a round hole in the bumper or just a starter hole and a jig saw?

thanks,

Astrophysics
2003 AWD

Yeah, Dunedog, may I formally request a new thread with pics and light specs about your factory looking bumper inserted back up lights. Thats an awesome idea to steal... a borrow... a share with your fellow Astro enthusiasts! =D>

[astrozam]

Thanks for the excellent responses.

Some basic hand tool questions.

Is the Astro a combination of metric and standard? Do you guys carry a size run of standard combo wrenches, too?

Sockets: Which sizes would be most important and are there any that would be considered a waste of space and weight? A long extensions needed?

I haven't hid a spare key any where yet, either.

1. Yes, and yes...many guys I know including myself carry something somiliar to the Channellock tool set that Justice did a review on http://www.astrosafarivans.com/review/T ... oolset.htm although you would probably never use all the different sizes,it packs nicely and doesn't really take up much room.Along with a quality set of screwdrivers,Vice-grips,pliers ( linesman & needlenose ) also, a small digital voltage metre can be handy at times as well.Better to have too much and never need it ,than too little and be stuck miles from nowhere especially considering your penchant for travelling off the beaten path

2. I usually keep a spare key on me.

[ihatemybike]

Those bumper lights would get destroyed in Chicago. Case in point, I once parallel parked my 94 Astro in a spot only 2" longer than the van. Sometimes you just have to rock the other cars on their suspension.

[9dawgs]

Hey Jim,
This is a simple set up I did a few years back. Just a couple of cement tubs ($11.00ea. @HD) 48x36x11 This keeps my basic tools of the trade with me,yet I can empty the van in a few seconds when I need to. The cement tubs come in handy as ice bins too...
Just one more idea for you. also noted in the pic for those interested are my embedded back up lights. Relatively safe in the confines of the bumper

Very nice Dunedog. Now that's something I can do =D> I like the simpleness of the sliding tubs vs the complexity of building drawers... That's about my skill level at finish carpentry

I also like your embedded backup lights, you got a parts source for those things? Maybe a couple of pics of the install??

[9dawgs]

I was also thinking along these same lines. Maybe 2 small sliders or 1 big one at the side slider,and 2 long sliders from the back.I like to camp with just my van,but it gets to cluttered in a hurry with 2 people.But,like yourself.Time & money,plus a bit farther down on the to do list!
BTW,nice van!
Hope to have my lift in by late spring!

I hear ya about the clutter... It fills up fast with stuff doesn't it Anyhow, thanks for the comment on my van. We really enjoy it camping and hauling stuff. It's trully a Sport Utility Van