Defender Cubby Box design

[austastar]

Hi,
I lifted the box out a few years ago and hid some wiring under it for some extra 12V power outlets as a quick and dirty fix.

I've never been happy with the box, bangs my elbow every time the navigator wants something that is in there. The shape is a restrictive entrance and awkward.

I raised it about 100mm and slid it back to the cab rear wall (ute). This gives a bit more room under for a fuse box and won't crush the wiring, and I have a bit of extra storage at the front, a place to hold (and charge) a few phones, gps and other usb battery stuff.
Yet to wire it in, but very pleased with it so far.

Now I'm thinking of chucking the box altogether and building a similar profile, but with purpose built storage and easier individual access for map books, camera stuff, binoculars, thermos etc.

Any one else done similar and have photos to share???

Cheers

[Bearman]

Any ideas on what you want to build? I have to design something similar for between the 2 seats on the 6X6 in the near future. I want to include a double din CD/radio player and extra power sockets for the Engel fridge as well as a Codan 9323 setup into it. Lots of thoughts but nothing concrete as yet!!!

[Phil B]

I built one for my 4X4 Perentie and think it came out quite well.
The basic dimensions are attached (thanks to somebody on here) but they could be modified to suit anything.
I built mine out of 12mm marine ply and covered it in vinyl.


Regards,

[austastar]

Hi,
Some photos of the sub-cubby box.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/395.jpg

It is made of rough pine and plywood, but covered with boot liner carpet. Its main purpose was to get the cubby back a bit so I don't get my left elbow whacked when the lid is opened, and to make more space under it for some wiring.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/396.jpg

The switch at the front will control all the 12V outlets that come off the back of a Traxide SC80. This power is either from the camper battery when the slide-on is attached, or power from the cranking battery until it gets down to the SC80's switch off point.

The phones etc are held in place by two lengths of plastic garden edge on either side. I'm pleased with how they keep stuff in place. There may be other places I can use that idea.

The carpet stops abrasion, and hides a multitude of ugliness.

I will put the USB plugs back under the overhang, and just leave the cables accessible to charge stuff.

I'm still sorting what and how I want it, no doubt it will get modified.

cheers

[stealth]

I found the cubby box next to useless in a single cab and junked it. I made a small storage tray similar to the old series and replaced the cubby with a centre seat/arm rest.

[stealth]

Stupid iPads can only load one photo at a time

[stealth]

One more

[austastar]

Hi,
Hmm!
Hadn't thought about the sub - floor area. Is that standard on yours or fabricated for the seat modification?

Cheers

[stealth]

I fabricated it. Just take the seat panel out and you can see how much space there is to use