Thread: military-type access doors

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I want to use hinged access doors in the bed floor of my f100 to cover my battery and fuel filler.

I checked surplus places and no dice.

They have a 1/4 turn "bail" type latch and the outside edge is attached to the body with rivets.

The only other thing like it I've seen is the batt cover for an early 50's Chevy pickup.

I need one 10" x 14", and one 6" x 6".

Grinder,are you using a standard or stock wood plank floor?Or,are you using a plywood or metal sheet?A company called Legens Hot Rod Shop has a kit(expensive) for your fuel door.Personally,I just made a battery box for my '56 F100 out of wood and have it in my bed.You could do something like that.If you aren't good with wood,try a cabinet shop.Or you could use the piano hinge method and cut it to length.You'll have to fabricate some way of mounting it,too.Your latch can come from a boat company.Any help?

I have hated wood since shop class.

When we finally got to play with some metal, I could out-fab my teacher.

I will probably make it out of steel and paint it, all you will see is the lid. The battery will be stashed below the bed.

I just wanted the all-business "look" of some surplus military hardware.

BTW, the truck is chopped, channeled, nosed, decked, frenched, shaved, slammed, and...coming soon...AIR RIDE!!!

I did the paint in Dupont black basecoat/clearcoat with a 15% flattening in the clear to give that "suede" look.

Scallops a-la-Larry Watson in Ditzler Voodoo green, striped with one-shot metallic silver.

Rims are also voodoo green with wide whites and baby moons.

...and why are there no pictures?

If you're that good in metal,it should be a cake walk.I would still try a boat company for the latch,and even get the hinge there.Boats,being on the water so much,most of the accessories will be stainless,I'm sure.Sounds like you have a nice ride,I love suede!If you really want to lay it on the pavement,bags are the way to go,for sure.Ever go to the F100 Supernationals in Tenn?Pulled over 1650 trucks this year!