Aluminum glove box

[mnkeeking]

So I bought a glove box for my truck with the express intention of using it to bend a custom glove box out of aluminum so it'll actually be secure and able to hold more than a map or two without breaking. Anyone done this before, and if so, what problems or suggestions would you be willing to share with me? Looking at the laid-out cardboard one I got from LMC, I can see my aluminum one will probably have to be at least two pieces held with pop rivets. I don't have a welding machine, but I may look at a cheap one from Harbor Freight. If it turns out well I'd certainly be willing to bend a few for anyone interested. Please advise. Back before dinosaurs, light bulbs and toilet paper when I took a drafting course in high school I was decent at pattern-making, but it's been awhile. I'm also thinking I can use some Plasti-Dip paint on the inside to keep noise levels down.
Take care,
Joe

[Calfdemon]

It has been done before right here on this very website several times. I cannot remember who it was but it is here somewhere. He unfolded a stock box and used it as a template to cut the metal, which he then reassembled into a sturdy metal box. I know it is documented in a thread here with photos somewhere. I don't have time to search right now but maybe someone else will link it or you might find it yourself. It is a great idea and modification though!

Another version that has been done here is taking the cardboard liner and reinforcing it by covering it with fiberglass which once dry, makes it just as solid.

EDIT: found several threads, but here is one with some pictures: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 6&p=444055

[HIO Silver]

I don't have a welding machine, but I may look at a cheap one from Harbor Freight.

Save your money. Them HF welders are garbage. Save up for a quality machine like one from Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln.

[jthulan]

My original cardboard one was falling apart, so I used it as a template to make my own out of aluminum. I used rivets to hold it together. I had to work with the front lip as the glove box door did not want to close at first. I worked it out though and it works fine now. Not rocket science, you should have no problem. Just remember to measure twice and cut once.

[sargentrs]

Here's a thread where it's been discussed and shows a couple. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... &sk=t&sd=a

[BrockGrimes]

I did an aluminum one using rivets and also the fiberglass reinforced version once.
It's kind a toss up as to which was easier or better.

Couldn't find the one I did for the truck but here's the one I did for my jeep. It's bent up and riveted and then just bolted in on those 6 tabs at the front.

[ToughOldFord]

I don't have a welding machine, but I may look at a cheap one from Harbor Freight.

Save your money. Them HF welders are garbage. Save up for a quality machine like one from Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln.

Harbor Freight has come a long ways on their welders, I bought on of their blue ones many years ago and while it works, was not impressive. Most of the issue with it was trying to get a steady wire feed out of it. We didn't have a welder at work so whenever a small job would pop up I'd throw it in the truck and bring it to work. Lately the need for it started becoming more regular so late last year I bought the newer equivalent of the same welder at HF for work. HF has updated their welders and the options are slightly different and they are painted black now. Got it unpacked and I could see be inspection it was heavier duty than the old blue ones and once I had it set up and going I was impressed, wire feed issue is gone and the thing welds great! There's quote a lot of good reviews out on them too. I won't hesitate to get another one.

[BrockGrimes]

Harbor Freight has come a long ways on their welders, I bought on of their blue ones many years ago and while it works, was not impressive. Most of the issue with it was trying to get a steady wire feed out of it. We didn't have a welder at work so whenever a small job would pop up I'd throw it in the truck and bring it to work. Lately the need for it started becoming more regular so late last year I bought the newer equivalent of the same welder at HF for work. HF has updated their welders and the options are slightly different and they are painted black now. Got it unpacked and I could see be inspection it was heavier duty than the old blue ones and once I had it set up and going I was impressed, wire feed issue is gone and the thing welds great! There's quote a lot of good reviews out on them too. I won't hesitate to get another one.

Model and cost?
Also on your old one you can replace the wire feed selector with one that give smooth adjustment instead of clicks.

[ToughOldFord]

Model and cost?
Also on your old one you can replace the wire feed selector with one that give smooth adjustment instead of clicks.

The one I bought for work is this 90 amp one, it's just a little 110V flux core, I don't have access to 220 @ work:

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mi ... -8494.html

I had one of their coupons that put the price @ $89.

My old blue one is a 100 amp, when they did the updates they lost 10 amps. I think the feed problem with the old one is in the rollers that grip the wire and pull/push it through, it'll stop feeding and just spin and I'll have to use pliers to tug the wire and it'll start going again. Adjusting the tension doesn't help it much. I'm sure it could be fixed with a little ingenuity, but it's a non-issue for me now.

Because I've been wanting an actual MIG for a while and after the success with the HF 90 up there I waited until they had a coupon for this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mi ... 68885.html

I got it for $160. It's a 170 amp, 220volt mig/flux. I've only used the flux so far, been paying taxes and insurance, etc lately so no funds for a Argon/Co2 tank yet.

Don't mean to thread hijack, but maybe it will help the OP make a welder decision if he decides to go that route.