Anyone ever swapped the rear side panels inside the truck and replaced with plywood or something? Reason I ask, is that I have been debating this for a while, and my truck got busted into last Sun. night. They took my stereo, tools (including the 54mm socket) FRS radios, GPS, and the rear plastic panels were completely ripped apart/broken to get the cheap speakers out. So now is a good time to move forward on the idea. My steering wheel was in the house, so the truck was still there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />. Any advice/pics would be greatly appreciated. Staceman

I'm planning to make some out of aluminum once I have a garage and some room to work. Aluminum sheet is pretty cheap and easy to work with and it wouldn't rust. You could also make some locking compartments and seal it from the elements pretty easily.

Yeah, I have some thick rubber flaps over my rear ones now but have been planning to make some out of aluminum or plastic (whatever I end up doing the door panels in) and making it look less obvious. Seems like there's a fair amount of storage space there. I'd want to seal any leaks from the exterior first. I was thinking the space next to the seats would be a good "hidden" compartment space.

I'd also like to see anyone else's approach to this.

Sort of where I was going. With some matching brown indoor/outdoor carpeting over the stock, you could hide speakers from behind, tuck an amp in there, etc. If the roll bar wasn't in the way, you could do one long hinged door, and lock it securely. I may also need to consider protecting the body from item tossing around and leaving reverse indents along the body.

All the rear panels were missing from my truck, so I use it all for storage, you can fit a lot of crap in there. I also am planning on aluminum panels for security. A nice winter project, along with the half-doors, etc, etc, etc.

I fabbed some replacements out of thick sheets of
plastic (don't remember what kind, just don't use
the brittle stuff).
I used what was left of the factory ones as a template.

I built new panels out of 1/2" plywood, and put hinged panels with locks on them where the existing panels are. I ordered the locks all keyed the same, since I put an extra door in the driver's side between the roll bar frame bars. This allows easier access to the storage space. Covered it all with outdoor carpet. It looks good, and has plenty of storage space. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably go carpeted aluminum or 14 gauge steel, just for the extra security.

I also built replacement front quarter panels from 1/8" melamene (same carpet), and added speakers and two storage bins. I put two amps in the front quarter panel area behind the driver's seat, where the rear window relay is. All the amps are out of sight and don't take up any interior room.

I can see that you fellas are all married too huh? I have to admit that while single my wrenching time was about half what it is now. Of course if its fun tinkering Im in alot of trouble, but as lond as she thinks its beneficial to her than its considered Honey-do. Little does she know.....LOL

~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Yep, I'm married. My wife actually likes it when I work on my truck, because she knows that I constantly need 'a project' to work on. She knows that as long as I'm working on the truck I'm not down in the basement building a molecular transporter, trebuchet, or any number of other things my demented mind might come up with.... I've still got the Ghillie suit in my closet.

She figures that the truck is harmless....As long as I don't ask for too much money!

Ah... yes... there is *that*...

Think I'm gonna hafta get off the dime and build me some side panels. The Delta plastic toolbox is kinda nice, but sure makes quick sleeping quarters setup less quick.

Besides, gotta make room for a big elk...

But I gotta tell ya: