Hinges, Latches to Use Drawer/Cabinet System as a Floor

greentruck

Adventurer
This is a rather general question, but I'm looking for some specific suggestions. I will be building a storage system for our '97 80 series LandCruiser soon. I've got some carpentry skills and a decent wood shop, so that's covered.

The top of the storage system will be 10" above the floor of the cargo area. The rear part will work with the 2nd row seats installed. A front part will be built to go in in place of the 2nd row seats. When both are in, a space big enough for two to sleep will exist.

The drawer part of the rear is straightforward, too. There will be two drawers, plus a crosswise compartment under the floor of the system between the wheel wells the front of which will sit directly behind the 2nd row seats when they are installed.

On either side of the center-rear drawers will be space a space about 8" wide behind the wheel well intrusions. I want to make up a couple of leafs that will be hinged on the inside edge that will flip up for access to these irregular spaces or fold flat to give a flat floor across the width of the truck.

Similarly, the crosswise compartment in front of the drawers and behind the 2nd row seat will also have a hinged lid for access. This is where the heaviest and most unlikely to be used recovery equipment will be stored, like pulley blocks, etc.

The front part of this that can be installed when the 2nd row seats are out will have similar lids to access the compartments under it. Plus there will be flip lids on either side by the rear door entry that can be flipped up and flat on the top of it to aid access into the truck in this configuration. Then you can stick your shoes down there with the door closed, then flip the lid closed to again make a flat floor across the width of the truck to sleep.

What I've described leads to my need for recommendations about at least two different pieces of hardware to build this project. First, I need a hinge that will not stick up above floor level, but which will allow that portion of the floor to fold up for access. Second, I need a latch that can be installed in the floor to keep these lids closed when the truck gets on a rough trail.

Both must sit flush with the floor so they don't snag sleeping gear or, worse, one of us sliding on our butt while sitting on top. It would be nice to have the option of a locking latch, but not absolutely necessary. None of this applies specifically to a LandCruiser, but I'm hoping someone here has had similar requirements and can tip me to the hinge and latch that will work for this project.

Edit: One more bit of info helpful is that I plan to use a high quality furniture grade plywood in the 3/4" range of thickness.
 
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arktrekker

Adventurer
For the hinge, I have used piano hinges in similar situations. I just flip them over with the raised side down and use a router to create a recess on the edge of the two pieces to accept it.
 

greentruck

Adventurer
arktrekker,
Yes, that was my first idea and I do have a router table, so would be easy and cheap compared to any alternatives.

southpier,
Thanks for the link. Lots of ideas there.

More suggestions are welcome.
 

Desert Dan

Explorer
3/4" would be plenty soild but heavy.

Make it easy to remove if you are going to need the vehicle to haul stuff.

I'd make a prototype before going all out with good lumber, hardware, paint and carpet etc.


Post up some pictures when you are done.
 

regunner

New member
For the hinge, I have used piano hinges in similar situations. I just flip them over with the raised side down and use a router to create a recess on the edge of the two pieces to accept it.

thats what i was thinking except not piano hinges but what they call barn door hinges
 

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