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Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #662775 June 03rd 2014 10:26 am
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,855
Likes: 234
carpal tunnel
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carpal tunnel
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If you visit a Pull-a-Part or other such PIY junkyard for some research take along a few hand tools, long pants, good gloves AND insect repellent. Junkyards have a million places for mosquitoes to breed and, believe me on this, they will eat you alive!

My 2%

Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #665378 July 04th 2014 2:03 pm
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
stranger
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I found a fire-breathing dragon in mine. Be careful when you open it up back there. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.


V/r,
Primus

1985 Chevy G10 Shorty
Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #665435 July 05th 2014 9:34 pm
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 18,535
Likes: 135
Supreme Master
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If its closed up there must be a reason.I would AC parts.


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Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #665447 July 06th 2014 3:06 am
Joined: Mar 2007
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pooh-bah
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pooh-bah
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I've seen aircon vents, stereo speakers, lights, wires for various switches and lights, and some extra bracing inside those blank looking rear center consoles.

The manufacturers usually would run small flexible cold air distribution duct-type hoses up from a heat exchanger and fan unit near the floor to such an overhead console, rather than (expensive) coolant and condensate hoses all the way up and down...

If there are no speakers in it, no vents in it, or not even a rear aircon for that matter, it's likely totally empty space.

Even if it's got something in it, you'll probably find that it's at least 70% empty space.

If you look carefully there are probably mounting screws hidden along the edges somewhere when you flex some of the side paneling a bit. The rear mounting screws may be especially tricky; I've seen them installed through metal angle brackets from the inside of the console, as the very first screws installed, while the front of that center console was still hanging down, then the front was swiveled up into it's final position and screwed in place. Then the side panels were mounted which hid the console mounting screws.

If you want to install another cabinet back there, if you visit a salvage yard who has a van with a high top, you may find you can get the wooden cabinetry parts for cheap; since they're not metal and don't add much to the vehicle's weight, they're considered soft trim parts, which don't usually command much on the market, especially since folks aren't exactly clamoring to get them...


-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van


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It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts...

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Re: What's behind these things anyway?
Ram4ever #665475 July 06th 2014 8:47 am
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 233
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enthusiast
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Hiding spots in converted vans are plentiful. On my Mark III conversion there are upholstered pieces that run over the rear wheel wells with cupholders in them. Pop the cupholder out and there is enough room for some cash or a Faberge egg. Mine also has some boards that run along the edge of the upper walls/ceiling that cover up the upper seat belt bolts and have lights behind them. These could easily be modified to have a "secret" compartment. Under the front seats can usually be closed in and is a substantial space. In The Fast and the Furious film, Dom had his passenger front lower seat upholstery hinge up and had his NOS bottles and controls under it. Realistically, most people consider us that drive old conversion vans to be rather poor and would not spend much time searching for valuables. My wife was worried about leaving our keys in the van at the drive in while going to the snack bar. But I assured her that thieves would probably target the brand new Hummer parked next to us. I am sure that bulkhead has screws somewhere along one of the edges. These are easily hidden in carpet pile or so close to the other pieces that you might need a clean paint stir stick to push the upholstery away to see them. Feel with your finger edges. Mark III uses a lot of torx head screws, so you may see those. The best way to hide extra/spare keys for your vehicle is to put them in a small Ziploc bag, then use electrical tape to tape bag and all to the wiring for rear brake or license plate lights. Fold the end of the tape over so form a tab so you can find the end. You will get dirty recovering your spare keys, but a potential thief would have to be very dedicated to search that thoroughly. Most people would just think the wiring had been repaired there. Valuables could also be hidden in this fashion.



1992 Chevy G20, 110" wheelbase, Mark III conversion, L31/4L80e swap, Express wiring harness.
Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #666117 July 12th 2014 9:59 pm
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 20
stranger
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 20
Thanks for all of this info! I forgot to check back on this post until now. Its true that likely no one would expect to find much of value in our vans. I guess it's more peace of mind!


Tell Me, What Is It You Plan To Do With Your One Wild And Precious Life?
Re: What's behind these things anyway?
AimeeNMike #667608 August 02nd 2014 1:14 pm
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 9,854
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Festerus Vannimus
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Festerus Vannimus
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The driver / passenger seat in JYD have these box like seat pedestals that are open to the front and rear, I am sealing mine up with steel plates and turning them into safes, for lack of better terms.

The seat skirts hide the pedestals pretty good, so should work out real nice. This may give you a few ideas.

You can also make a "door" in the door panels of the side and rear doors to hide stuff in too.

just a few ideas for you. . .


My van : 1989 Ford E-150 Econoline, currently named “WOLF-DEN II”


Founder & President of Sooner or Later United Truckers and PROUD TO BE A S.L.U.T. ! !
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