My latest bus project...

[gumpy]

I've been planning this project for several years, and finally, I got motivated last week and here's a few photos of the results. It's not much, but I'm pretty happy with it so far. The slide uses bearings from roller skate wheels. I found them at a surplus store for about .50 each. I used 6 bearings total. The rest is made out of 1" angle iron and some 1 1/4" angle and strap. It's bolted through the floor and provides about 90% full extension and supports the weight of the toolbox and tools well. The toolbox fits in the tray angle iron, and the tray can be removed without any disassembly, though I don't see any reason to.

Over the last several years, when I'd find a good deal on hand tools, I'd buy two - one for the garage tool box, and one for the bus. They've been sitting on the shelf waiting for this project to get done. Last year, I bought a large rollaround toolbox for the garage, and moved from this trusty old craftsman box, and realized it was the perfect size for the bus bay. I can't get all my large wrenches and sockets in it, but I now have a collection of smaller hand tools in it that don't have to be packed and unpacked for every trip, as I've been doing. They live in the bus full time now.

The storage bins on the back wall were planned for another location, but because I had to set the toolbox out about 6 inches to clear the bay door hinge arms and latches, I realized this would be a great location for the storage bins.

The only down side to this project is I've lost the location where I carried a case of engine oil. Will have to find someplace else for that.


craig

[gumpy]

Another photo...

[gumpy]

Another photo...

[gumpy]

And yet another...

[Moof]

Very nice!

[Busted Knuckle]

Nice, very nice! But save some thing to demonstrate at the bus bash!

[Dreamscape]

Wow, nice job Gumpy! Looks sweet.

Can I copy your idea!!!


Paul

[gumpy]

Can I copy your idea!!!

Absolutely. And if you want more details, just ask. It actually turned out to be very easy to build and
seems to work quite well. I was a bit concerned about hanging a lot of weight on it wien it's extended, but it seems to be holding it well. I suppose I've only got about 200 lbs on it, though, even with the hand tools in the chest.

craig

[Dreamscape]

Craig,

As soon as I finish with the breastplate, dashboard, rear wheel seals and everything else I want to do before the Sep Texas Bus Roundup I might have the time. By then I might forget what to do with my toolbox slide thingy!
None the less I will contact you and pick your brain a bit.

Paul

[Devin & Amy]

Hey Craig,
I'll be by to pick mine up before the trip west!!
No really, it looks nice. Great use of the space.
How did you mount those storage bins on the bay wall? Will they stay during travel? I probably will use that idea for sure.

Devin

[gumpy]

How did you mount those storage bins on the bay wall? Will they stay during travel? I probably will use that idea for sure.

They have a plastic track that is bolted through the aluminum wall. The bins hang on the top lip of the track with a hook that's molded to the top of the bin. I don't think they'll go anywhere. There's not much weight in any of them, and the ride of the bus is so smooth they probably won't even wiggle. It's possible they might slide a bit and work their way off the end of the track, but if it becomes a problem, I'll attach something to make a stop to keep them from sliding off.

I bought these from either Menards, Northern, or Harbor Freight (doin't recall where, it's was several years ago) when they were on sale for next to nothing. They have about 24 inches of track, and 5 bins in a package.

[grantgoold]

I can always count on Craig to come up with some great idea for the 9. I too am trying to gather a good bunch of tools for the bus. For some reason I cannot get the wife to agree to a whole new set for the shop What is up with that?


Thanks Craig for all your efforts to document your projects. Really helps me!

Grant
Sacramento

[RJ]

Craig -

Is your coach by chance an ex-hound?

Reason I ask is that they're the only one's I've seen with that quarter-circle storage rack in the front bay next to the aux fuel tank. 

Guess what they used to store there. . .

Nice job on the toolbox slider, too.

[Busted Knuckle]

Craig -

Is your coach by chance an ex-hound?

Reason I ask is that they're the only one's I've seen with that quarter-circle storage rack in the front bay next to the aux fuel tank. 

Guess what they used to store there. . .

Nice job on the toolbox slider, too.

I Know, I know! Uh pick me I lnow! Uh I know, pick me pllleeeasse pick me! I know! Oh please! I know!


Tire Chains!

[gumpy]

I too am trying to gather a good bunch of tools for the bus. For some reason I cannot get the wife to agree to a whole new set for the shop What is up with that?

Well, my first question would be, "Why are you asking her?"    Just tell her you need such-and-such for the bus. 

The bus project is the best excuse I've ever found for buying new tools.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but my wife is very good about supporting my hobbies.