DIY Top Box

[zbillster_imp]

Here's my install of the Harbor Freight "Tactical Ammo Box" item number 64113. I bought it with 25% off coupon for $7.49 + tax. I've seen them advertised recently on sale for $6.99.

Harbor Freight has a variety of box options in different sizes, materials and prices. I'm waiting for my Hepco & Becker 42-quart monster to arrive from Germany via ebay -- meanwhile I wanted something just to carry essentials for day trips without the previous hassle of cargo-netting a little backpack on and off every time I stop to use the bathroom, grab a drink from a gas station, etc.

The install on a Hepco & Becker rack:
1. Get the box using a coupon (pretty easy to get their coupons ... they email them to me, so I had several the cashier was able to scan off my phone).
2. Go to Home Depot and get #308 3/4" pipe U-bolt clamps for $0.98 each. I used two -- four is also an option. These are zinc but they also have stainless steel ones for three times the price.



3. I centered the box on the rack, used a bungie cord to hold it in place while I positioned the clamps at the bottom and marked where the holes go with a silver Sharpie.
4. I rechecked the hole positions, used a drill (small starter bit, then larger) to drill the holes, then smoothed them out with a round file. My largest drill bit was the correct snug size for the clamps.
5. Insert clamps from the bottom and tighten then up using a 7/16" wrench. A long socket will be the next investment for popping it on and off quickly. These will be "snug" tight as the plastic and clamp long washer will deform as you tighten it down.



Here's a view from the bottom ... a bit of a camber to the clamps.



Here's what it looks like on the bike. The padlock is left over from my high school years in the 1970s.





So what's in the box? Here's my typical day trip carry gear:



And here's everything loaded up, with room to spare:



Note the cargo net I can use on the back seat in case I pick up some irresistible larger item at a antique mall.

There's also a little top compartment for not-so-valuables, like these earplugs: