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DIY: Ammo Can Storage

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by csuviper, Apr 28, 2015.

  1. Apr 28, 2015 at 1:58 PM
    #1
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    IMG_5019.jpg
    IMG_4594.jpg



    I got this idea from several posts on Tacoma World. The credit lies with those members. I purchased the ammo cans a while back to be installed on my Tacoma but procrastination led to installing them on my Tundra after upgrading.


    THE RAIL

    OEM Tundra bed rails or unistrut.
    I purchased some OEM side rails from craigslist and used some unistrut from Home Depot for the front.

    ~20’ of Unistrut: Link to website

    Install the bed rails or unistrut with (12) M6x1, and (12) 1/4" fender washers.

    OEM bed rail
    [​IMG]

    Unistrut
    DSC01519_41daf12435fa114751d59098dd61b9ad6e595759.jpg

    THE CAN

    (1) Ammo Can, any size (or multiple if desired)
    (1) Primer Spray Paint Can
    (1) Spray Paint Can, of desired color and texture

    The Ammo Can can be found at most army surplus stores if not all of them. You can also check craigslist and online army surplus sites. There are also fake plastic ones that will work the same.

    1. Clean up the can and pull off the lid off and gasket out. You can rough up the exiting paint or strip it if desired. I did not mess with the existing paint except to clean off the rust that was showing.
    2. Prime and paint the ammo can. I used automotive primer and Rust-oleum flat black. You might want to wait to paint until you are completed with all of the drilling to avoid touching up the paint later.

    IMG_0287.jpg
    IMG_0303.jpg


    THE LOCK

    (1) 1/4'' Eye Bolt, 3/4" long
    (1) 1/4'' Lock Nut (or nut and lock washer)
    (1) 1/4" Washer (or fender washer)
    (1) Padlock

    1. Drill a ¼” hole in the center of the front of the ammo can.
    2. Use a file or grinder to oblong the hole in the lid clamp to allow clearance for the eye bolt.
    3. Insert eye bolt through the hole and attach with washers and nuts.

    IMG_7851.jpg
    IMG_5102.jpg
    IMG_5101.jpg

    THE MOUNT

    OEM Tundra bed rails
    (3) 1/2'' Carriage Bolts, 1" long
    (3) 1/2'' Lock Nuts (or nuts and lock washers)
    (12) 1/2'' Fender Washers

    Unistrut bed rails
    (3) 3/8” Unistrut channel nuts: Link to website
    (3) 3/8” Hex Head Bolts, 1" long
    (3) 3/8” Lock Washers
    (12) 3/8” Fender Washers

    1. Place the ammo can next to the rail in the desired location and mark where the center of the rail is on the side of the can. Draw a line on the side and back of the ammo can at this same level.
    2. Drill 2 holes on the side and one on the back for the mounting hardware.
    3. Slide the carriage bolts or channel nuts through rail system to approximate location of the holes.
    4. Add 2-3 fender washers between the ammo can and the rail to desired spacing.
    5. Attach the carriage bolts to a fender washer or channel nuts to the bolts inside the ammo can.

    IMG_5105.jpg IMG_5104.jpg IMG_5103.jpg IMG_5107.jpg IMG_5103.jpg IMG_4821.jpg

    IMG_5022.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2016
    MAX Burner, WVI, mav7021234 and 21 others like this.
  2. Apr 28, 2015 at 3:26 PM
    #2
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I have some large Korean war era ammo cans in pristene condition that my dad brought back. USMC chopper pilot. Now I have a good use for them. Storing gun powder in them now.
     
    nk1794 and Yotalover88 like this.
  3. Apr 29, 2015 at 12:55 PM
    #3
    FunkinTundra

    FunkinTundra New Member

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    Thanks @csuviper ! That is a sweet mod:D I may have a weekend project....
     
  4. May 2, 2015 at 6:53 AM
    #4
    MT Madman

    MT Madman Just an ordinary guy

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    Now it's decision time, ammo box with ammo or ammo box with truck stuff in it. I need more ammo cans!
     
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  5. May 2, 2015 at 7:42 AM
    #5
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I have both. :)
     
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  6. May 10, 2015 at 4:26 PM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Picked up the parts today...there were quite a few 1/4 eye bolts to choose from in regards to actual length. I had to guess which ones would work:duel:
     
  7. May 10, 2015 at 6:54 PM
    #7
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    The eye bolt I have is ~1.25 - 1.5" and it's a little long. I will need to cut it.
     
  8. May 10, 2015 at 6:57 PM
    #8
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    Bolts at 1" and eye bolt at 3/4" long should be perfect. Updated OP.
    You can always go a little long and chop them like I will.
     
  9. May 17, 2015 at 6:15 PM
    #9
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Gah.
    Used around 3 layers of black paint inside and out.

    Got it all setup...except when I tried to close the lid, the rails got in the way. I tried adding 1-2 washers each side, but no luck :(
     
  10. May 17, 2015 at 7:38 PM
    #10
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    I added 3 fender washers per side I believe. Fits perfect with minimal rubbing. Maybe something is slightly different with 3rd gen??
     
  11. May 17, 2015 at 7:40 PM
    #11
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I added 2 behind it, and one inside. I'll try adding a 3rd behind to it and see if that helps.
     
  12. May 25, 2015 at 3:45 PM
    #12
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Tried again...anywhere from 1-3 washers a side- no bueno. The lid contacts the washer when trying to close. My next guess is OEM requires longer carriage bolts...
     
  13. May 25, 2015 at 9:39 PM
    #13
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    Has to be a difference between 2nd and 3rd gen rails or bedsides???
     
  14. May 26, 2015 at 5:28 AM
    #14
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I'ts possible, but I think it's because it's OEM.
     
  15. May 26, 2015 at 8:03 AM
    #15
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    I have the OEM side rails. Just not the front
     
  16. May 26, 2015 at 8:04 AM
    #16
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    Swing by sometime with the headlights and I will get your ammo can installed.
     
    T-Rex266 likes this.
  17. May 26, 2015 at 9:06 AM
    #17
    ausei

    ausei New Member

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  18. May 26, 2015 at 12:51 PM
    #18
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    word. We have to do my anytime fog light mod too..Maybe I can swing by Saturday?
     
  19. Feb 21, 2016 at 9:28 PM
    #19
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    Updated OP with correct bolt size to attach the bed rails. M6 x 1
     
  20. Mar 24, 2016 at 6:05 PM
    #20
    rpracing1

    rpracing1 New Member

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    anyone know how water tight these are? just curious how much i'll have to worry about rust
     
  21. Mar 24, 2016 at 6:15 PM
    #21
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    They are completely water tight. They are made to protect ammo
     
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  22. Mar 24, 2016 at 6:20 PM
    #22
    rpracing1

    rpracing1 New Member

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    yeah, but not in the elements. I'm a Marine and corrosion is a concern once you break the seal of a crate.
     
  23. Jul 29, 2016 at 9:39 PM
    #23
    FumundaTundra

    FumundaTundra Director of civil unrest

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    I'd maybe dab some RTV silicone around where you're putting the bolts through the boxes just to make sure they're sealed up well.
     
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  24. Aug 2, 2017 at 9:27 AM
    #24
    MacGyverPC

    MacGyverPC New Member

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    Love it. I think I'll add a couple to carry my ropes, ratchet straps, and to strap in. I'm not too concerned about the elements on those, just quick access.
     
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  25. Aug 2, 2017 at 9:14 PM
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    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    that's what I was thinking ... plus few small tools etc. the cans are waterproof I think! no?
     
  26. Aug 2, 2017 at 9:38 PM
    #26
    csuviper

    csuviper [OP] Moderator Staff Member

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    They were made to keep bullets in functional condition
     
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  27. Aug 3, 2017 at 4:51 PM
    #27
    MacGyverPC

    MacGyverPC New Member

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    Yeah they were designed to initially be waterproof, but once opened, it wouldn't hurt to keep a fresh layer of petroleum jelly or grease on the seal to keep it soft as well as drop a silicon packet in it to keep the moisture out.
     
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  28. Sep 4, 2017 at 8:26 AM
    #28
    KenpoFish

    KenpoFish New Member

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    Great Job.

    Don't mean to step on any toes here but one thing.....DO NOT use Vaseline on the ammo can seals/gaskets. Vaseline is petroleum based and will break down the rubber seal/gasket. This is why they also say not use Vaseline for lubricant on condoms.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  29. Sep 4, 2017 at 2:16 PM
    #29
    MacGyverPC

    MacGyverPC New Member

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    Thanks for the heads up. What do you advise using in place of Vaseline?
     
  30. Sep 4, 2017 at 5:01 PM
    #30
    KenpoFish

    KenpoFish New Member

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    There are numerous non-petroleum based gels available. A lot of guys that refurb ammo cans use a spray on product called Ballistol, also comes in pour out bottle style. Just a light coat around the seal, let it set for a couple of minutes then wipe. Cleans, lubricates, and rejuvenates the seal.

    It can also be used to clean the entire ammo can. Helps rust prevention.
     

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