To Drill or Not to Drill?

[Powermoon]

I just recently picked up a (over the rail) tool box from my father-in-law for free until he needs it back (which won't be anytime soon). I'm contemplating whether or not to use it because I'll have to drill four holes into the railing of my pickup which has the black platic railing cap. My delema is that, if and when he does want it back how I will fill the 3/8 drilled holes back up? Also, it is a Delta gull-wing styled box (probably around 10-12 years old) and it doesn't sit flush with the outside of the bed railing. Do most truck boxes sit like this or are they usually flush? And last, there is a quater inch padding that you put over the railing, and if I decide to use the box should I use this even though the railing is capped? I guess these question are more of "what would you do" and any replies would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Moon

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by Powermoon

I just recently picked up a (over the rail) tool box from my father-in-law for free until he needs it back (which won't be anytime soon). I'm contemplating whether or not to use it because I'll have to drill four holes into the railing of my pickup which has the black platic railing cap. My delema is that, if and when he does want it back how I will fill the 3/8 drilled holes back up? Also, it is a Delta gull-wing styled box (probably around 10-12 years old) and it doesn't sit flush with the outside of the bed railing. Do most truck boxes sit like this or are they usually flush? And last, there is a quater inch padding that you put over the railing, and if I decide to use the box should I use this even though the railing is capped? I guess these question are more of "what would you do" and any replies would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Moon

Ok our beds are wider then normal truck beds. You can actaully buy a tool box that fits flush like normal for your truck but your going to fork out money for it. As for to drill or not to. I prefer drilling the holes. If your worried about the holes when you remove the box. You can always replace those bed rail caps with diamond plate ones or new plastic ones from the dealer. That will cover the holes up. Only you will know they are there. If you want to do it that way.

[Banshee34]

I didn't hesitate drilling through my diamond plate! Honestly can't live without the tool box in the back!!!

[720Deere]

You can always drill new holes that fall just inside of the bedrail. Then you use a piece of flat steel and fab up a bracket that slips up under the bedrail. Most truck equipment dealers mount this way anymore.

Also, I would recommend the sealing tape between the box and rail. It will keep them both from rubbing and scarring each other up.

[Powermoon]

Hey guys, thanks for the quick response. I do have the box sitting in my bed right now and even though it's not flush it still looks pretty good. Also, I like the idea of re-capping it with diamond plate if he does want it back. I'm pretty sure I'll install it sometime this week when I get a hold of a more powerful drill then my little craftsmen. Here is my last question, what would you use to clean it up with so it has that new shiney look again? The sun has taken its toll on it so it looks a little dingy, do you think regular soap do the job?

Thanks,
Moon

[Banshee34]

Mothers and a powerball!!!

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by Powermoon

Hey guys, thanks for the quick response. I do have the box sitting in my bed right now and even though it's not flush it still looks pretty good. Also, I like the idea of re-capping it with diamond plate if he does want it back. I'm pretty sure I'll install it sometime this week when I get a hold of a more powerful drill then my little craftsmen. Here is my last question, what would you use to clean it up with so it has that new shiney look again? The sun has taken its toll on it so it looks a little dingy, do you think regular soap do the job?

Thanks,
Moon

Mothers metal polish and mothers polishing power ball that goes into the drill. That is the best thing to use I have not found anything else that works as good as that combo. It works great on rims and chrome bumpers too.

[Banshee34]

Originally Posted by Banshee34

Mothers and a powerball!!!

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Mothers metal polish and mothers polishing power ball that goes into the drill. That is the best thing to use I have not found anything else that works as good as that combo. It works great on rims and chrome bumpers too.

I beat ya to it Big!

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by Banshee34

I beat ya to it Big!

Yeah oh well only because your computer is faster.

[pipelayerjdh]

Like Matt said, drill the holes in the box to line up with the inside edge of the bed rails. I used some all-thread to make "j" hooks to hook under the side of the rail. Just another option.