Used under hood tool box [expensive and broken latch]

[1986F150Six]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/80-86-Ford-Truck-Bronco-Under-Hood-Tool-Storage-Box-OEM-1980-1986-RARE/173061177141?hash=item284b3fff35:g:pB0AAOSwY7taUrnX&vxp=mtr

[grumpin]

 Wouldn't mind having one of those, but for that price plus about $30 more for shipping, I'm good!

[Dyn Blin]

I would love to find one of these someday and use it in my truck, but at that price, my behind-the-seat military surplus ammo boxes will have to serve a while longer.

[Ford F834]

I tossed one of these in my 81 just before my trip. Sadly I had plenty of occasions to use it, and I will say it is extremely convenient. I just love it. I want to figure out something along those lines for my diesel but a second battery lives there at the moment. After having one I really want one in the other truck somehow...

[Gary Lewis]

I have a really good one for Dad's truck and another that I was hoping to put in Big Blue.  But, that 2nd battery sure causes a problem.  And then when I install the '96 power distribution box as well as the air box, there won't be any room on the driver's side.  I wonder about the passenger's side some place?

[fords4life]

Gary - If you decide not to use the second one, please let me know.  I might be interested if my budget allows for it at the time.

Thanks,
Nathan

[Gary Lewis]

Will do, Nathan.

By the way, you might consider coming to the Garagemahal All-Ford Truck Show & Swap Meet on September 15th this year.  It'll be here in Skiatook, OK.  

[Vic Roma]

What do you use your under hood tool boxes for?

And did the original come with white lettering on the lid, or this this an example of artistic license?

[Vic Roma]

Twenty Questions time...

Has anyone repaired or replaced the hinge? If yes, how?

Same with the aluminum plate inside. Anyone had to change this?

Is it better to rivet or bolt the support plate to the fender wall?

Is there one available to buy, plus attaching parts?

[Gary Lewis]

I haven't installed mine permanently but have done so for testing.  It bolts up nicely to the fender if you have the original brackets, so I don't see a need to rivet anything.

As for the aluminum plate, you are talking about the "floor" of the box?  IIRC that thing's bent like a wave and might not be easy to replicate.  But I can check mine later to see if you'd like.

[Vic Roma]

Yes for checking, thank you.

If it’s a single-plane piece of aluminum, surely it would be easy to replicate with the corresponding crests/troughs of the wave form?

I’m not blacksmith, just guessing...

[Gary Lewis]

Vic - Sorry, I forgot to check today.  But Siri will remind me at 10 tomorrow morning.  

[reamer]

I keep two more Duraspark II modules, Flashlight, small assorted tools, electrical tape..

[Gary Lewis]

Looks like it is a single piece of .1" thick aluminum 5 1/2" wide that sticks up 2" on the front end and 2 1/2" on the back end.  It is just bent to follow the two breaks in the bottom of the box, and is riveted in at one spot, with a hole for a drain in another.  Should be easily replicated.