Glove box alternatives

[SteveW]

Frugal Willys didn't mess around with items that cost money. Dropping a glove box was one thing. What have some of you folks done to keep papers and small items together and dry? I took an old school bus first aid kit and mounted it inside front passenger side of tub. It is out of the way and used 1 existing bolt on door channel piece and only added 1 nut and bolt so it's not even noticeable from outside. These boxes are about 2 bucks and double latches keep it from rattling around or popping open.

[bretto]

I never understood why Willys didn't put one there in that wasted space.  They managed, in the M38, to put a box and a battery in that spot.  The MB/GPW even had one.  Maybe they figured civilians didn't need to carry anything but only in the toolbox.

[SteveW]

They sure didn't worry about stuff like that. A hole and a box and a lid cost money. Look at tool boxes gone and they even made sure floor was smooth so sump for gas tank was gone and tank set on floor. Pretty sure 1 piece windshield was a cost cutting move also.But you did get pinstriped wheels!

[Jesse]

Couldn't put much of a glovebox in the dash with a heater installed.

-Jesse

[Quebec Jeep]

On my 1965 CJ-6, there is a glove box but it is made from cardboard....! They did'nt get it right away! It took times

[duffer]

On my 1965 CJ-6, there is a glove box but it is made from cardboard....! They did'nt get it right away! It took times

Willys wasn't alone installing cardboard glove boxes.  You will find them also in the 40's to 50's pickups and trucks.  If you manage to keep them dry, they actually will last quite awhile.  For a CJ 5/6, Quality Craft makes a nice ABS replacement.

As for Steve's box, one probably could mount something like that off the cowel seam and brace so you didn't have to drill through the exterior of the tub.  Even a snap-lid kitchen storage container would work for the registration and proof of insurance.

If one isn't doing a factory restoration, the best solution is just to build a door similar to the MB/GPW version and box off the entire area to the firewall for the actual box.  Something that will actually provide a lot of useable volume.

[Matto]

I went for the ammo box between the seats, simple and holds a lot of stuff.

[Gunslinger]

Yup, that was my answer as well, I used a .30 cal box as my seats seem a bit wider.  Painted to match the jeep.

[corpsman]

I like the first aid storage box idea.  I've got several of those things lying around.  I think I might do something like that.  I already had it in mind to employ the ammo box thing.

[Ryan_M]

I'm glad this thread was revived. This old wooden box came with my 3A and had been there for who knows how long. You can tell it was purpose built as it fits perfectly. While not secure or dry, it sure is handy. It's a great place to keep the garage door opener, a water bottle, and maybe a pair of gloves that you may or may not need on a chilly ride. My phone and wallet almost always ride there too while I'm driving. I installed a small piece of my floor mat material in the bottom of it for a little added creature comfort. Simple but convenient.

[Jeff_M]

I'm glad this thread was revived. This old wooden box came with my 3A and had been there for who knows how long. You can tell it was purpose built as it fits perfectly.

Not only that, but you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was fabbed by the original owner, probably not long after it was purchased.  Pretty cool. 

[Quebec Jeep]

I found an ammo box like Matto.

It does the job perfectly.

[Mark W.]

My 66 and 67 Chevelles both have cardboard glove boxes As did my 66 F-250

[johnnybravo]

There was a 2A US Forestry Jeep at Hueston Woods that had a nice OEM glove box.  It was more inward toward gauges which I believe left ample room for a heater.  You can get on 2a page and scan thru the show pics and find.  It was very much discussed.