Storage Draw/Fridge Slide Defender

[weeds]

Well three weeks after starting what was meant to be a quick, easy and simple storage draw and fridge slide for the defender to be completed in one day I am nearly finished. Its now installed and functional and nearly ready for easter.

See some photos in Gallery, page six, album 'weeds'. I have some 35mm film of the construction which is yet to be developed, will add to album.

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album237/Fridg...n.highlight.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/albums/album237/Fridge_Draw_In.highlight.jpg)

http://www.aulro.com/modules.php'set_album...=view_album.php (http://www.aulro.com/modules.php'set_albumName=weeds&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php)

- The base is constructed out of 50mm x 25mm RHS
- The fridge frame is made of 19mm angle and covered by 1.6mm sheet steel
- The storage draw (1000mm long) and fridge slide are made from 2mm zinc what ever they call it sheet metal
- The slides (700mm long/extended) I picked up from Universal Engineering Supplies in Brisbane for $24 per pair rated at 45kg
- 19mm ply on top of the draw
- All covered in carpet, have to source a bit more to finish off lining the draw.

As there was a lot of space behind the fridge (40L engle) this is where I have mounted the Aux batteries, 1 x 85amp and 1 x 130amp which sit on the floor and secured by tie down straps, above the batteries is another compartment for storing spares and maybe a permently wired in battery charger. Access to this area is via the back seat. I also have a 32L Engle which I may mount on top of the fridge compartment for the longer trips.

I did have tie down straps for the fridge but I have already got annoyed with them stretching and the fridge moving around. I am making up some metal tabs to place the handles so that i can use turn buckles.

The space between the fridge compartment and the driver side is now my next project. 'Water Storage' Got quoted from a friend of a friend $250 for a stainless water tank. Hopefully I will be able to manufacture a 60-70 litre stainless stell water tank for less. The tank will end up the same height as the fridge compartment.

All this preparation is for two trips this year, Lawn Hill and Birdsville Races which will hopefully include flinders ranges.

I seen a post for things one has got for a bargin, all the steel, sheet steel, wood, carpet and glue I pick up for free. Only had to pay for the slides, tie down points, latches, handles etc. $50-$60 + 3 million hours of my labour + countless beers + the favours I now owe to all that that have donated to the project.

Catch ya
Kelvin

[cols110]

Very nice mate, I like your gas strut mod as well, might have to do that to mine as well one day.

[Defender200Tdi]

All done for $50. 8O I can't compete with that, I believe your scrounging skills are now legendary!

I agree with Cols, love the gas strut! One of those for the bonnet too and you'd start to think you were in the 20th century. :wink:


Paul style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[weeds]

I have a spare wheel on the bonnet, a gas strut would be handy

[DEFENDERZOOK]

Originally posted by weeds
I have a spare wheel on the bonnet, a gas strut would be handy



block and tackle would be better......
no way a gas strut would hold that up.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

it would be a good idea to seal the battery from the cabin.
for safety and legality.
it may leak acid or gas so should be vented through the floor with a bit of fuel or vaccuum hose.


another reason is batteries can explode under the correct condidtions/situations, and splatter sulphuric acid everywhere....not fun.

however...fantastic setup....i hope you havent copyrighted the design as i may get around to copying it one day.

[CraigE]

A couple of cheap battery boxes at about $25 ea will help protect you from any acid. Most car accessory places like Super Crap, Auto Bahn etc should have them.

[weeds]

Good point re: batteries in the cabin, I will look into some battery boxes. Having just purchased the defender when I relocated the AUX battery from under the seat I was not convinced the battery cover was sealing the battery box from the cabin along with the battery box being completely sealed to stop dust and water finding its way in.

[Rosco]

Weeds

Tell me more about the gas strut to the back door, strut size, make etc etc.
Any special tricks. That little addition has got me all thick 'round the gristle. ... well, would you believe .. a large tad interested.

Cheers cob

[weeds]

No Prob

I will get the details off the strut, $30-35 from WW Shock Absorbers, could probably buy them elsewhere. The mounts;

Door frame - is fitted to the existing grab handles
Door - simple right ange bracketfixed by 3 tex srews, I would fit closer to the hindge so that the door open a little further, all the hard work of pivot points and length of strut is sorted.

I live in Brighton, happy for you to have a look, my only suggestion is for the strut to maybe have a little more gas in it.

I will see if I can borrow the digital camera and take some close ups of the brackets.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

supercrap sell struts brand new....prices start at $30 depending on size.

plenty of dumped cars around.....plenty more at wreckers.
they are easy to get hold of as long as you know the length you need.

with the spare wheel on the back door it will only open till the wheel hits the body, so you need to position the strut to stop it from hitting the body.


i will also end up making this mod

[sclarke]

There is potential to remove the check strap and have the door open near 180 degrees...

[weeds]

The spare wheel has been removed from the back door and now on the bonnet, it was intended for the strut to open the door all the way till just before the hinge stopped it however there was a little miss understanding.