I was planning to make drawers for parts and tools for the cargo area of my classic. Then i was looking at other people's ideas and saw that a lot of Jeep owners use military surplus ammo cans. I liked the idea, and for a lot less than I would of spent on the metal to build drawers, and much less time, here is what i came up with.
I bought 2 large ammo cans that are roughly twice the capacity of .50 cal ammo cans. I think these held 40mm grenade rounds. One of these is for storing my Warn recovery bag and other recovery gear, the other is for miscellaneous fluids: radiator, oil, Power steering, brake etc. I got two enormous containers that held 81 MM explosive rounds (for tanks?). These will be for storing tool boxes, air tools, socket sets, etc. I got a 120 MM rocket can, which is a nice size for storing things like axles. 2 small plastic cases - one for storig my CB radio, the other for storing small parts (emergecy screws, nuts, bolts, bulbs etc) and smaller tools. I also got a British Army water can, a German army gasoline can, and a British Army first aid tin that was allegedly issued with Land Rovers.
All of the metal containers were in state of slow decay but none was rusted badly. Sanded off surface rust, lime scale, and funny military decals warning of dire consequences. Generous coatings of primer followed by black rubberized paint. Then I made stencils by printing out the words I wanted on large military stencil fonts. Cut out the stencils, taped em on, and painted with signal yellow paint. Made a cool 'flammable' stencil for the gas can, and I preserved the neat German labeling of the fuel type. Ja, Benzin, alles in Ordnung. Danke.
Anyway I think this is a practical, cheap alternative that is flexible, stackable, cheaper than pelican cases. If a box gets scratched up it adds character. If it gets really scratched, I'll paint it again. And if one gets crushed, I only paid 10 - 15 per box so who cares. I'll need to go out and get some foam inserts for some of these and I might add padlocks to some of them too. Still - heck of a lot cheaper and much less time than building a set of metal cargo drawers.
Shot of the interior of Recovery box, which accomodates warn winch bag and still has room for high lift recovery base, and room to spare.
Shot of all the boxes after stenciling
The radio box and first aid kit
All boxes in place
