MTFCA Forum

I have this old Craftsman toolbox and I plan on drilling four holes in the bottom of it to bolt down onto the running boards on the same 4 bolts near the front on the driver side. Should I put something under the box so it doesn't mess up the running boards or would it be fine metal on metal? Amd any other tips for mounting this tool box to the running board? Or potentially a better spot than that, though I can't think of any better spot.

There are some old threads on this.
On one application, I used a sheet of adhesive cork. However, any material that traps moisture underneath may cause rust. It needs to keep dry.
On my present toolbox, I just left it in the trunk, under the deck lid, not bolted down. Also, the bottom of my toolbox was rusted out. So, I welded in a new stainless steel bottom.

I would install 4 spacers to leave an air gap underneath.

Here is what I had to do...

I should mention I leave the car outside for lack of a garage with a top from one of those cheap 10x10 tents the cover does cover the area in question though. I think I'd need longer bolts if I use a spacer, well so be it. Should I use some rubber to make a gasket for the lid of the box then?

I have another question too, the tool box is much longer than the 4 bolts, should I make some sort of offset bracket or would it just be fine with the 4 holes offset in the box

You don't have to drill any running board holes if you make clamp-on mounting brackets.

You don't have to make clamp-on brackets if you rob them from a pantograph luggage rack.

There is no need to drill any holes in the running boards. Simply make a wooden base board for the toolbox to sit on. remove the two running board bolts and the two nearest fender bolts, either at the front or rear, and use longer bolts to fix the base board in place, It will sit on top of the dimples so moisture will not be held. Then screw the box onto the spacer board. Robust permanent style fix, easily reversed if needed.

Allan from down under.