Sleeping Platform/Storage

Wooden Payload said:
My coworker has been working with 80/20 a lot lately on a project. A couple weeks ago I had started toying with the idea of making a storage system with it. Funny that we were working on it at the same time! I hadn't seen your thread until today.

Didn't get too far with it yet, but I think it is a great application of the stuff, even if it is pricey. I think a lot of guys would appreciate a sort of "kit" list of parts to build one if they don't have access to a welder and fab tools.

I got as far as making a rough model of the cargo area, throwing in the bottom rails, and some slides for scale to see what would fit.

Excited to see what you make with the steel tube!
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The thing that makes it pricey, for you at least. With the 8020 you're modeling you have to machine the pieces to be able to connect them together, or buy expensive brackets to connect them. I was pricing out the Quick Frame option, but the plastic fitting really add of quick. If you like the quick frame idea, there are other options. You can use any 1x1x.065 aluminum square tubing, and order your connectors from Esto Connectors. The 8020 Quick Frame is special, and requires 1x1x.060 tube. Pretty sure the 1x1x.060 tubing is something made for 8020. While standard 1x1x.065 tubing can be found at any metal supply house.
 
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Should have my steel in hand tomorrow, latches are on the way, and so are the hinges. I'm also waiting for some carpet samples from Stock Interiors.

I was tossing around the idea over the weekend about building these as a DIY kit. Would anybody be interested in seeing something like this happen? This would be a weld together kit, and some welding skills would be required.
 
what latches and slides did you go with? I'm hunting some compression latches and heavy duty slides right now to finish my build.
 
1blink said:
what latches and slides did you go with? I'm hunting some compression latches and heavy duty slides right now to finish my build.
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I picked up one 18" and one 12" drawer slide off eBay. I'm also using Southco latchs and hinges. If you have a UPS account # you can order free samples from Southco. I'll have the draw slides and latches today, and I'll post a couple pictures of them. These are the latches that will be on the front of the drawers. These latches will be on the lids that are on top of the platform. I picked up some hinges from them as well, but I'm not sure if these are going to working like I hope. I've also got a couple samples of carpet coming from Stock Interiors so I can match the carper perfectly.

You can also get latches from McMaster Carr. The drawer slides that I'm using are rated for a 100lbs. I have found a rear to go any heavier then that. The drawers in mine are only housing a 2 burner Coleman stove, and some random supplies for camping. I have tools and spare parts behind the drawers under a lid that can be removed.
 
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MStudt said:
Should have my steel in hand tomorrow, latches are on the way, and so are the hinges. I'm also waiting for some carpet samples from Stock Interiors.

I was tossing around the idea over the weekend about building these as a DIY kit. Would anybody be interested in seeing something like this happen? This would be a weld together kit, and some welding skills would be required.
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I'd be interested if i had any welding skills. I might hit you up once i have some spending money, maybe have you make a complete one for me and i make a trip to STL. But that's looking like 2 years out, so...
 
1blink said:
How does that work, they send you samples, and you pay for the ones you like and ship the rest back?
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I have a UPS account already for my business. I found the ones I wanted and filled out the sample request form.

Here's the drawer slides, handles, and carpet sample.
 
So I'd have to pretend to want greater quantities, pending how I like the samples. It's an ethical dilemma I'll be struggling with for the next 20 minutes...hrmm.
 
1blink said:
So I'd have to pretend to want greater quantities, pending how I like the samples. It's an ethical dilemma I'll be struggling with for the next 20 minutes...hrmm.
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Correct. With me I'm actually going to use a couple hundred a year though.
 
Got the first section all welded up. Need to order a couple more sticks to finish the back section, and a few more for the front section.


 
Getting close. I'll have some updates this weekend on the platform. As of right now the entire frame is finished and painted. I need to build a couple boxes, put on the wood deck, and finish the drawers.
 
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Everything I need I now have with the exception of the carpet. Which I'll be ordering this week sometime. I also have my handles, drawer slides, and hinges.

Put the frame in for a test fit.



Small section only accessable by folding down the seats.


All the hardware.
 
Some forward progress on the platform. I've got the removable boxes built, cut out the openings for the boxes on the deck, and found out my hinges aren't going to work.

Removable boxes.


Sleeping deck pre cut outs.


With the cut outs done, and the boxes fit.
 
Getting closer.

Top is on and the openings are sanded.


Boxes in place.



The three boxes are completely removable. They can be used for seats, stools, and storage. Just need to add the hinges.


I plan on picking up the rest of the metal on Friday to finish the front section. Just need to get carpet, Kakuto style clamps, screws, and some spray adhesive.
 
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Today I ordered the rest of the metal, piano hinges, carpet, and clamps. Hoping to finish this up by the end of the month.
 
Second section is finished. I need to carpet everything and finish the drawers still.

The legs on this section are hinged to say. I used some 3/8" heim joints that I had laying around for the hinging part. I have some 3/4" round DOM that's welded into some 1" box tubing. I also welded some threaded rod into the 1" box tube that the heims bolt onto.
1 leg is and 1 leg is down.
20141014_173341_zps7ezvt9o5.jpg~original


Both legs are down.
20141014_173359_zpszm6kh2jy.jpg~original

20141014_173409_zpsdq9nl9qq.jpg~original


Deck is on it.
20141014_173517_zps0ixsvzzs.jpg~original
 
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